Did you know that there is a National Park in the Twin Cities? Prior to applying to be a Transportation Scholar, I certainly did not. I now know that the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area runs from Dayton and Ramsey 72 miles south to Hastings. Since I live in Minneapolis I did not have to move to the park, unlike the three other transportation scholars. In this post I will summarize the Transportation Scholar Program, the project scope, my assignment and the goals.
The Transportation Scholar program is designed to provide expert technical assistance from transportation professionals on a wide range of transportation issues: including transportation planning, analysis, coordination with local communities, and environmental and traffic studies. It was developed to support and promote sustainable transportation solutions that help preserve park resources and enhance visotors' experience.
The project scope is to Develop a Multi-Modal Alternative Transportation Plan (Plan) for the MISS to determine how best to provide a more unified and interconnected multi-modal transportation system specific to the 72-mile, multi-jurisdictional, national river corridor. The NPS will work with the Minnesota Department of Transportation (Mn DOT), the Metropolitan Council, and local partners to develop the Plan. The plan will focus on how best to improve circulation and connect non-motorized, transit opportunities in the MISS with existing and proposed facilities on both sides of the river and via a continuous, 72-mile stretch of the Mississippi River Trail (MRT), a national millennium trail and the State's first Scenic Byway to be recommended as a transportation improvement. The MRT has the greatest potential for providing a safe, non-motorized experience along the river and for connecting to existing and proposed facilities, including the Great River Road National Scenic Byway. Recommendations for how to develop the areas alternative transportation system to improve circulation and visitation without increasing congestion will be a major focus of the Plan.
The Transportation Scholar program is designed to provide expert technical assistance from transportation professionals on a wide range of transportation issues: including transportation planning, analysis, coordination with local communities, and environmental and traffic studies. It was developed to support and promote sustainable transportation solutions that help preserve park resources and enhance visotors' experience.
The project scope is to Develop a Multi-Modal Alternative Transportation Plan (Plan) for the MISS to determine how best to provide a more unified and interconnected multi-modal transportation system specific to the 72-mile, multi-jurisdictional, national river corridor. The NPS will work with the Minnesota Department of Transportation (Mn DOT), the Metropolitan Council, and local partners to develop the Plan. The plan will focus on how best to improve circulation and connect non-motorized, transit opportunities in the MISS with existing and proposed facilities on both sides of the river and via a continuous, 72-mile stretch of the Mississippi River Trail (MRT), a national millennium trail and the State's first Scenic Byway to be recommended as a transportation improvement. The MRT has the greatest potential for providing a safe, non-motorized experience along the river and for connecting to existing and proposed facilities, including the Great River Road National Scenic Byway. Recommendations for how to develop the areas alternative transportation system to improve circulation and visitation without increasing congestion will be a major focus of the Plan.
Transportation options in the MISS that can be interconnected include:
- International air travel
- Amtrak
- Light and Commuter Rail
- Bus and Trolley Routes
- Bicycle and Pedestrian Trails
Some of the project goals include:
- identifying gaps and potential improvements to the transportation systems to achieve full connectivity
- maximize the number of bicycle commuters in the area.
- reduce congestion
- improve safety and accessibility
- reduce stormwater runoff
- improve scenic quality
The plan will also address marketing strategies that encourage the use of alternative transportation.
My assignment includes helping to develop recommendations and implementation strategies for how to cost-effectively maximize and promote an interconnected, non-motorized transit-friendly system and maximize transportation system investments in the river corridor. I will also help facilitate public outreach and intergovernmental collaboration during the Plan's development. Finally, I will serve as the single point of contact with the Plan's consultant and partners. All of this will certainly will keep me busy!
