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Home My WebLink About06-05-26 - Transportation Coordinating Committee - Agendas & Packet MaterialsA. Call to Order - 10:30 a.m. B. Roll Call C. Approval of Minutes C.1 Approval of the March 11, 2026 Gallatin Valley Metropolitan Planning Organization TTAC Meeting Minutes(Ross) D. Public Comments E. New Business E.1 Long Range Transportation Plan Project List Update (Butts) THE GALLATIN VALLEY MPO - TRANSPORTATION TECHNICAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE OF BOZEMAN, MONTANA TTAC AGENDA Wednesday, June 10, 2026 General information about the Transportation Technical Advisory Committee can be found in our Laserfiche repository. If you are interested in commenting in writing on items on the agenda please send an email to comments@bozeman.net or by visiting the Public Comment Page prior to 12:00pm on the day before the meeting. Public comments will also be accepted through Video Conference during the appropriate agenda items. Recordings of the meeting will be available through the Commission's video page. For more information please contact Jeff Butts, jbutts@bozeman.net This meeting will be held using an online videoconferencing system. You can join this meeting: Via Video Conference: Click the Register link, enter the required information, and click submit. Click Join Now to enter the meeting. Via Phone: This is for listening only +1 719 359 4580 Access code: 950 6233 3811 This is the time to comment on any non-agenda matter falling within the scope of the Metropolitan Planning Organization. There will also be time in conjunction with each agenda item for public comment relating to that item but you may only speak once per topic. Please note, the Committee cannot take action on any item which does not appear on the agenda. All persons addressing the Committee shall speak in a civil and courteous manner and members of the audience shall be respectful of others. Please state your name and place of residence in an audible tone of voice for the record and limit your comments to three minutes. General public comments to the Committee can be found on their Laserfiche repository page. 1 E.2 Valley Center Spur Background Report (Butts) E.3 Recommendation for Approval of Amendment No. 1 to the FFY2026 Unified Planning Work Program(Butts) E.4 FFY 2027 Unified Planning Work Program First Review (Butts) F. General Discussion G. Adjournment This Committee generally meets the second Wednesday of every month from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. All meetings are open to all members of the public. If you have a disability that requires assistance, please contact our ADA Coordinator at 406.582.3232. 2 Memorandum REPORT TO:Gallatin Valley MPO - Transportation Technical Advisory Committee FROM:Nicholas Ross - Director of Transportation and Engineering SUBJECT: Approval of the March 11, 2026 Gallatin Valley Metropolitan Planning Organization TTAC Meeting Minutes MEETING DATE:June 10, 2026 AGENDA ITEM TYPE:Citizen Advisory Board/Commission RECOMMENDATION:Suggested Motion: I move to approve the March 11, 2026 Gallatin Valley Metropolitan Planning Organization TTAC Meeting Minutes. STRATEGIC PLAN:1.1 Outreach: Continue to strengthen and innovate in how we deliver information to the community and our partners. BACKGROUND:Minutes from the March 11, 2026 Gallatin Valley Metropolitan Planning Organization TTAC Meeting. UNRESOLVED ISSUES:None ALTERNATIVES:As recommended by the Committee. FISCAL EFFECTS:None Attachments: 031126 GVMPO TTAC Meeting Minutes Report compiled on: March 16, 2026 3 Gallatin Valley MPO TTAC Meeting Minutes, March 11, 2026 Page 1 of 3 THE GALLATIN VALLEY MPO TTAC MEETING OF BOZEMAN, MONTANA MINUTES March 11, 2026 A. 00:00:11 Call to Order -10:30 a.m. B. 00:02:16 Roll Call Present: Chris Saunders, Nicholas Ross, Camaree Uljua, Sean O'Callaghan, Levi Ewan, Geoff Streeter, Brandon Jones, Sunshine Ross, John How Absent: Katharine King, Todd Wilson Excused: None Katharine King joined the meeting after the roll call and vote of the approval of minutes. Others present at the meeting; Jeff Butts, Marcy Yeykal, Seth Gardner, Kristin Blackler, Darren Brugmann, Joe Hauck, Marilee Brown. C. 00:02:53 Approval of Minutes C.1 Approval of the February 11, 2026, Gallatin Valley Metropolitan Planning Organization TTAC Meeting Minutes (Ross) 00:03:07 Motion to approve C. Approval of Minutes Levi Ewan: Motion John How: 2nd 00:03:37 Vote on the Motion to approve C. Approval of Minutes the Motion carried 9 - 0. Approve: Chris Saunders Nicholas Ross Camaree Uljua 4 Gallatin Valley MPO TTAC Meeting Minutes, March 11, 2026 Page 2 of 3 Sean O'Callaghan Levi Ewan Geoff Streeter Brandon Jones Sunshine Ross John How Disapprove: None D. 00:03:52 Public Comments 00:04:14 Marilee Brown, Public Comment Marilee Brown commented on not being able to see who is speaking online and that the agenda did not say that the meeting was being held in person at the Belgrade Library. 00:04:58 Darren Brugmann, Public Comment Darren commented from the Big Sky Transportation District (aka - Skyline Transit Service) he asked for consideration for a formal membership into the MPO as a non-voting member. E. 00:08:27 New Business E.1 Regional Partner Planning and Construction Updates (Butts) 00:09:20 Updates from Streamline Sunshine Ross gave updates to the committee. 00:12:03 Updates from the City of Belgrade Camaree gave the first updates from the City of Belgrade. 00:15:54 Katharine King gave some updates from the City of Belgrade. 00:21:13 Updates from MDT Brandon Jones gave updates from MDT. 00:30:49 Updates from Gallatin County Levi Ewan gave updates for Gallatin County. 00:32:37 Chris Saunders gave updates for the City of Bozeman 00:34:00 Sean O'Callaghan gave more updates from the County. 00:36:11 Updates from the City of Bozeman 5 Gallatin Valley MPO TTAC Meeting Minutes, March 11, 2026 Page 3 of 3 Nicholas Ross gave updates for the City of Bozeman. 00:53:13 Updates from Montana State University. John How gave updates for MSU. 00:56:04 Updates from Geoff Streeter with MDT. 01:00:10 Public Comment There was no public comment. 01:01:01 Jeff Butts gave updates on the MPO. F. General Discussion G. 01:01:49 Adjournment 6 Memorandum REPORT TO:Gallatin Valley MPO - Transportation Technical Advisory Committee FROM:Jeff Butts, MPO Manager SUBJECT:Long Range Transportation Plan Project List Update MEETING DATE:June 10, 2026 AGENDA ITEM TYPE:Plan/Report/Study RECOMMENDATION:Participate in the Long Range Transportation Plan list update discussion. STRATEGIC PLAN:1.3 Public Agencies Collaboration: Foster successful collaboration with other public agencies and build on these successes. BACKGROUND:The purpose of this item is to provide an update on development of the fiscally constrained project list for the Gallatin Valley Metropolitan Planning Organization’s first Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP). This item is for discussion, with no action requested. The Gallatin Valley Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) is currently advancing development of the LRTP. The plan must be adopted by December 26, 2026, to maintain uninterrupted eligibility for federal surface transportation funding. Nelson\Nygaard Consulting Associates is assisting the MPO with preparation of the LRTP. Work completed to date includes the Transit Strategic Plan, which was funded by the Gallatin Valley Urban Transportation District (UTD), as well as drafting the Existing and Projected Conditions Report. The Transportation Policy Coordinating Committee (TPCC) also adopted the LRTP goals and objectives earlier this year. The MPO and consultant team have collated potential transportation projects for consideration in the plan. In addition to incorporating projects from previous plans, this included a Call for Project Concepts issued in April, three community workshops held that same month, with one workshop conducted in each community, and an online interactive mapping tool. The consultant team is currently reviewing transportation modeling results, evaluating project concepts, and developing a draft project list for further review. While that technical review is ongoing, the consultant team has prepared an initial unconstrained project list and preliminary ranking approach. The list includes projects located within the Metropolitan Planning Area (MPA), is not fiscally nor jurisdictionally constrained, and should be 7 understood as a preliminary and directional project list for the LRTP. This update will present the initial project list, summarize the general approach used to organize and review projects, and describe the next steps for incorporating feedback and refining the it into a fiscally constrained project list. The discussion is intended to help determine whether the preliminary list generally reflects the projects that best advance the region’s transportation priorities before fiscal constraint is applied. The fiscally constrained project list will guide future programming through the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) and the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) for projects seeking federal funding. UNRESOLVED ISSUES:None. ALTERNATIVES:As suggested by the committee. FISCAL EFFECTS:None. Report compiled on: June 1, 2026 8 Memorandum REPORT TO:Gallatin Valley MPO - Transportation Technical Advisory Committee FROM:Jeff Butts, MPO Manager SUBJECT:Valley Center Spur Background Report MEETING DATE:June 10, 2026 AGENDA ITEM TYPE:Plan/Report/Study RECOMMENDATION:Review and participate in Valley Center Spur Background Report discussion. STRATEGIC PLAN:1.3 Public Agencies Collaboration: Foster successful collaboration with other public agencies and build on these successes. BACKGROUND:The purpose of this item is to present the Valley Center Spur Background Report completed by GVMPO staff. No action is requested. The Valley Center Spur corridor is located within Gallatin County between the City of Bozeman’s jurisdictional boundaries. The corridor connects East Valley Center Road with Frontage Road and passes beneath Interstate 90. The corridor involves multiple jurisdictional and operational interests including Gallatin County, the Montana Department of Transportation, BNSF Railway, the Federal Highway Administration, and the City of Bozeman. The report was prepared to establish a shared understanding of the corridor including its history, current conditions, jurisdictional context, constraints, and potential next steps. It is intended to support informed discussion among partner agencies and help ensure stakeholders are working from the same factual foundation. The report identifies several key considerations including pedestrian and bicycle connectivity gaps, constraints associated with the Interstate 90 underpass, railroad coordination requirements, Frontage Road intersection operations, and the need for continued interagency coordination. MPO staff will present a brief overview of the report and facilitate discussion among partner agencies. This discussion is intended to provide a brief overview of the report and allow partner agencies to discuss the corridor, clarify shared understanding, and identify whether future planning work would support continued collaboration. The report also outlines potential next steps for consideration based on corridor constraints and partner feedback received to date, including a pedestrian signal crossing at Frontage Road, a bicycle-pedestrian feasibility study, review of lighting and nighttime visibility, and continued interagency dialogue. 9 UNRESOLVED ISSUES:None. ALTERNATIVES:As suggested by the committee. FISCAL EFFECTS:None. Attachments: ValleyCenter_BackgroundReport_Final.pdf Report compiled on: June 2, 2026 10 VALLEY CENTER SPUR BACKGROUND REPORT April 2026 11 Valley Center Spur Background Report | Gallatin Valley MPO Page 2 Introduction The Valley Center Spur corridor is located within Gallatin County, between the City of Bozeman’s jurisdictional boundaries. It passes under Interstate 90 (I-90) and connects East Valley Center Road (MDT Secondary Route S-2057) with Frontage Road (MDT Primary Route P-205), which is in a Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) easement on Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BSNF) Railway property. Following multiple severe crashes between 2010 and 2015, the area became a significant community concern. In 2019, traffic signals were installed at both ends of the corridor, along with an eastbound right- turn lane on Frontage Road at the Valley Center Spur intersection. A new development north of the Spur added approximately one-half mile of pathway; however, no pedestrian or bicycle facilities exist along the Spur segment nor at the intersections. In March 2026, MDT indicated it is open to reviewing a potential multimodal facility along Valley Spur Road through the underpass under specific conditions, including completion of a feasibility analysis, coordination with affected agencies, and MDT concurrence with the findings. Figure 1. Aerial of site, including the multiple jurisdictions. 12 Valley Center Spur Background Report | Gallatin Valley MPO Page 3 Purpose This report is intended to establish a shared understanding of the corridor, its history, its constraints, and a potential path forward. By clarifying the setting and history, it supports informed discussion among agencies, elected officials, advocacy groups, residents, and other interested parties regarding feasible next steps. Report Methodology and Context This report compiles information from public records, meeting minutes, media coverage, legal filings, correspondence, and interagency communications to create a clear, organized narrative that supports consensus building before identifying next steps or proposing design solutions. As part of this effort, the review will include discussion of the corridor’s fatal crashes. While the analysis focuses on data and contributing factors, it is important to remember that each represents a profound human loss felt by families, first responders, and the broader community. Summary Details Pedestrian Connectivity Constraints (Valley Spur Underpass) • MDT is open to a multimodal facility concept along Valley Spur Road under specific conditions; a feasibility analysis would be required to determine how a path could be accommodated within existing bridge structure constraints, and MDT would need to review and concur with the findings. • Planning, funding, and completion of any feasibility analysis would be the responsibility of local agencies; MDT does not anticipate leading or managing this work. • Railroad coordination, including agreements with BNSF and any associated costs, would be the responsibility of local agencies. • Any encroachment within MDT right-of-way would require coordination with MDT Maintenance and development of a maintenance agreement assigning long-term responsibilities. • Installing a sidewalk or shared-use path along the Valley Center Spur may require coordination with MDT, BNSF, Gallatin County, the City of Bozeman, and possibly the Federal Highways Administration (FHWA) due to the I-90 underpass. • Under BNSF guidelines, an at-grade crossing may be considered only with a new compliant crossing surface and appropriate warning devices, with all associated costs borne by the applicant. It must conform to railroad requirements and the Manual for Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) requirements. • Geometric or structural work is constrained by the railroad corridor, preemption requirements, and the limited width between the I-90 bridge piers on either side of the Valley Center Spur. • MDT has indicated willingness to allow the installation of pedestrian signal at the Frontage Road / Valley Center Spur intersection, pending project development. 13 Valley Center Spur Background Report | Gallatin Valley MPO Page 4 Intersection Configuration and Fourth-Leg Considerations • The City of Bozeman conditioned approval of the Nelson Meadows subdivision, located immediately north of Valley Spur Road and Frontage Road, on a direct fourth leg connection between Valley Center Road and Prince Lane. The proposed connection was not approved by MDT due to added operational complexity within an active railroad preemption zone. The City has continued to express interest in establishing a direct fourth leg connection. • In March 2026, MDT reiterated that it does not support adding a fourth leg at the Valley Spur Road and Frontage Road intersection due to operational challenges, the potential for queue spillback, and safety concerns with closely spaced signals and railroad preemption. • MDT shared that the intersection functions acceptably as a T-intersection and that offset T- intersections have fewer conflict points than traditional four-legged intersections. • MDT also noted that Nelson Road, approximately 2,100 feet from the intersection, is planned to be signalized through the System Impact Action Process and is intended to serve the parcels north of Valley Spur Road. Frontage Road Path • MDT has indicated openness to a shared-use path along Frontage Road; however, it will not consider incorporating such elements into the broader corridor until a feasibility study is completed, similar to the City of Billings’ Rims to Valley Bicycle and Pedestrian Feasibility Study completed by their Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) in 2016. • For any trails extending from the Valley Center Spur, BNSF requires fences or barriers such as vegetation, ditches, and/or berms to separate shared-use paths that are outside Railroad right-of-way and running parallel to the track to prevent trespassing. • In 2015, MDT and the City of Bozeman signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) stating that once the City’s trail system connects to MDT’s property at Nelson Road and Frontage Road, MDT will either fund its share or construct its segment of the shared-use path. The site lies within one-half mile of the Valley Center Spur. Figure 2. Image of the Valley Center Spur looking south from north of Frontage Road. 14 Valley Center Spur Background Report | Gallatin Valley MPO Page 5 GEOGRAPHY AND JURISDICTION Corridor Definition Valley Center Spur The Valley Center Spur is a north–south local county road that passes beneath I-90, connecting Frontage Road and East Valley Center Road near the northwestern boundary of the City of Bozeman. It is one of ten I-90 crossings within the Metropolitan Planning Area (MPA) and one of four that cross the Interstate without providing direct access to it. Situated between Bozeman and Belgrade, the Spur functions as a low-speed connector with typical operating speeds around 25 miles per hour and an average daily traffic volume of approximately 6,700 vehicles. The corridor extends about 560 feet, from an at-grade railroad crossing at its northern terminus with Frontage Road to a signalized intersection with East Valley Center Road at its southern end. It serves as a connection between the regional east–west Frontage Road corridor and the roadway network serving Bozeman and Gallatin County south of the Interstate. Frontage Road Frontage Road functions as a regionally significant east–west corridor parallel to I-90, providing access between the City of Belgrade, the Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN), industrial and commercial areas, and the western edge of Bozeman. The corridor accommodates higher operating speeds and traffic volumes than the Valley Center Spur and operates in close proximity to the BNSF railway. Intersection Immediately north of the Frontage Road intersection is the Nelson Meadows subdivision. Different approaches have been considered regarding how to connect the Valley Center Spur to this subdivision. The City of Bozeman has historically supported a direct connection, while MDT expressed a preference for a less direct configuration. Permitting authority for the proposed connection rested with MDT, acting on behalf of the railroad, and the required approvals were not issued. MDT has indicated that adding a fourth leg is not supported due to operational and safety considerations, including closely spaced signals, queue spillback risk, and the constraints of railroad preemption, and that the existing offset T-intersection configuration reduces conflict points relative to a four-legged intersection. Future consideration of connectivity in this area would require coordination among MDT, BNSF, and local agencies. It would need to address operational constraints identified above. Ownership and Right-of-Way Interests • The Valley Center Spur is a local road within Gallatin County jurisdiction. • BNSF Railway owns the underlying property at the northern end of the corridor, where an easement allows public use. BNSF ownership extends to the southern edge of the bridge. 15 Valley Center Spur Background Report | Gallatin Valley MPO Page 6 • MDT maintains Frontage Road, including the easement and coordinating with the railroad. East Valley Center Road is designated as a State Secondary Route. • FHWA exercises oversight authority over the I-90 bridges and associated federal right-of- way and access control. • The City of Bozeman’s municipal boundaries extend to both ends of the corridor. Although outside city limits, it is adjacent to urban services, and surrounding development continues to expand toward the area, including the emerging Nelson Meadows Subdivision. • Historically, an unpaved connection existed north of the Frontage Road intersection. During the Nelson Meadows subdivision review, the City of Bozeman conditioned approval on formalizing this connection through construction of a roadway to Prince Lane, unless they could demonstrate a formal denial from the Railroad and/or MDT. The proposed connection did not receive the required approval. • The corridor functions as part of the Bozeman–Belgrade travel shed. Operational Considerations • The railroad crossing requires signal preemption. Signal logic, interconnection timing, and clearance intervals must be coordinated with the railroad to ensure vehicles are not caught on the tracks. The current configuration provides minimal buffer and limited flexibility. • The I-90 bridge piers and related structures constrain the underpass cross-section, limiting space available for sidewalks, paths, or wider shoulders. • The combination of high approach speeds on Frontage Road, turning movements to and from the Spur, and limited sight distance historically contributed to the pattern of collisions. Following MDT’s installation of traffic signals, geometric modifications, and slope flattening, these issues were mitigated; however, space remains constrained, and bicycle-pedestrian connectivity has not been addressed • MDT had indicated that the short distance between adjacent signals contributes to operational challenges. • MDT has also noted that planned signalization at Nelson Road, approximately 2,100 feet east of Valley Spur Road, contributes to spacing and operational considerations within the corridor. Railroad Signal Preemption The Valley Center Spur intersection at Frontage Road operates within an active railroad preemption zone due to the railroad crossing. Under preemption conditions, the traffic signal must switch from normal operation to a railroad preemption sequence that clears queued vehicles from the track area prior to train arrival and prohibits conflicting movements during train passage. Preemption requirements constrain available green time, limit queue storage between the intersection stop bars and the railroad crossing, and reduce operational flexibility. These constraints included signal phasing, clearance intervals, and allowable turning movements. Additional intersection complexity, including new access points or crossing movements, would require careful coordination with railroad preemption to ensure vehicles and pedestrians can reliably clear the area during preemption activation. 16 Valley Center Spur Background Report | Gallatin Valley MPO Page 7 BRIEF HISTORICAL OVERVIEW Safety Issues For nearly two decades, the corridor has faced challenges, including several severe and fatal crashes near the Frontage Road and East Valley Center Road intersections with the Spur. Records and public testimony frequently reference three factors: limited sight distance during turning movements, driver expectancy on a high-speed roadway, and the operational complexity of the nearby railroad crossing and preemptive train crossing requirements. Collaborative Response Efforts Agency and public responses have included speed studies, interim operational adjustments, discussions of full or partial closure of the Spur, and ultimately the installation and activation of traffic signals at both the Frontage Road and East Valley Center Road intersections. Each step involved strong community participation, including petitions, organized advocacy, input from emergency services, and technical reviews by transportation professionals in the community. Current Standing After signal installation, severe crashes declined, and motorist operations stabilized. The corridor remains incomplete for pedestrians and bicyclists, lacking paths, crosswalks, accessible ramps, and lighting near the underpass. MDT has indicated pedestrian signals for the Frontage Road crossing may be permitted; a shared-use path along Frontage Road would require a feasibility study similar to the 2016 Rims to Valley Bicycle and Pedestrian Feasibility Study in Billings. In March 2026, MDT indicated it would be open to the concept of a shared-use path along Valley Spur Road under specific conditions. In this same communication, MDT reiterated they will not permit a four-way connection. DETAILED HISTORY Early 2000s: Awareness and Initial Actions In the early 2000s, Frontage Road between Bozeman and Belgrade drew sustained attention due to crashes and growth in traffic volumes. Grassroots petitions sought speed reductions and roadway improvements. The Montana Transportation Commission reduced posted speeds from 70 to 60 MPH. Long-range discussions referenced the need for widened shoulders, turn lanes, and access management along the corridor. 2012-2014: Severe Crashes and Renewed Focus • In early June 2012, a fatal crash occurred at the Frontage Road and Valley Center Spur intersection involving a motorcycle traveling eastbound and a minivan turning left from the Spur to westbound Frontage Road. The turning driver of the van later reported sight limitations due to another vehicle. • In June 2013, a separate fatal crash occurred near the Spur when a passenger vehicle crossed the center line on East Valley Center Road and struck a pickup truck head-on. 17 Valley Center Spur Background Report | Gallatin Valley MPO Page 8 • In September 2013, MDT conducted seismic retrofit work on the I-90 bridge piers at the Valley Center Spur underpass. This work addressed statewide bridge safety standards and was independent of the intersection’s crash issues. • In April 2014, a graduate student was killed while turning from the Spur to westbound Frontage Road when struck by an eastbound pickup truck. Subsequent accounts focused attention on sight line issues, particularly when queues formed in the eastbound turn lane on Frontage Road. These events galvanized public involvement. Community members, advocacy groups, and the parents of the young woman who died in April 2014 called for immediate safety improvements. 2014: Study, Proposals, and Public Reaction In late 2014, MDT conducted a speed study and intersection safety review, presenting two main options: closing the Spur or installing traffic signals. The closure would reduce crashes and eliminate railroad conflicts, but was met with strong opposition from residents, businesses, and emergency responders. The Montana Transportation Commission reduced the Frontage Road speed to 50 MPH, on an interim basis, while directing further analysis and allowing limited interim striping and signing changes to improve sight distance and clarity. Community advocacy coalesced, petitions were organized, and interagency committees within the City of Bozeman discussed the need to include multimodal accommodations in any long-term solution. 2015 to 2018: Transition Toward Signalization By mid-2015, discussions advanced toward installing traffic signals at both ends of the Spur, understanding that railroad preemption was the primary constraint. MDT advanced the design to near completion by 2017. Slope flattening and grading along Frontage Road was completed to improve sight distance and roadside recovery. During plan-in-hand and coordination meetings, the City of Bozeman emphasized incorporating bicycle and pedestrian facilities. MDT confirmed the signal design would accommodate future pedestrian features, such as push buttons and accessible ramps, though these were deferred due to funding and scope limitations. 2019: Signal Activation and Immediate Outcomes In February and March of 2019, MDT installed and activated the new traffic signals at the intersections of East Valley Center Road and Frontage Road. The activation was acknowledged by advocates and families as a meaningful step. The public reaction combined relief with concern that no sidewalks, crosswalks, or trails had been installed with the signals. Early performance observations indicated reduced severe crash risk. “Pedestrians and bicyclists are already using the Spur… they will need a painted crosswalk and functioning pedestrian buttons stopping Frontage Road traffic.” - Ralph Zimmer (2019), Bozeman Pedestrian and Traffic Safety Committee 18 Valley Center Spur Background Report | Gallatin Valley MPO Page 9 2019 to 2020: Stabilization and Multimodal Gap After signal activation, MDT considered the Spur project functionally complete from a motor vehicle safety standpoint. However, interagency committees and advocates continued to identify the corridor as incomplete for pedestrians and bicyclists, recommending shared-use paths, crosswalks, and accessible ramps as funding allowed. BNSF’s trail restrictions within its right-of- way further complicated potential shared-use path alignments. During this same period, a development-related action brought forward an access consideration tied to an existing condition. As part of the Nelson Meadows subdivision review, the City of Bozeman conditioned approval on construction of the northern intersection leg connecting the Valley Center Spur to Prince Lane. This was intended to formalize a historically unpaved connection north of the Frontage Road intersection, subject to obtaining approval from MDT and the railroad. The proposed connection did not receive the required approvals, and a permit was not issued. MDT’s prior safety and operational analyses were conducted to address documented crash conditions and evaluate signalization and speed management at the existing intersections. These analyses did not evaluate the addition of a new access connection north of Frontage Road. The proposed fourth-leg connection was reviewed separately, and the required approvals from MDT and the railroad were not issued. 2021 to Present: Funding Attempts and Feasibility Emphasis Beginning in 2021, advocates pursued Transportation Alternatives funding for pedestrian and bicycle improvements, including signals, crosswalks, and a shared-use path connecting Prince Lane, Frontage Road, and Nelson Meadows. The application was unsuccessful, and MDT reiterated that it would not support design or construction until a feasibility study identified a viable alignment and coordinated with railroad and federal partners. Advocacy efforts have continued through engagement with city, county, and MPO officials, emphasizing safety for all users. CORRIDOR CONDITIONS AND OUTLOOK Present Context and Opportunities 1. Traffic Operations The signal at Frontage Road and Valley Center Spur is in operation and includes railroad preemption interconnection. From a motor vehicle perspective, severe conflicts have been reduced relative to the pre-signal era. The City of Bozeman has continued to express interest in a fourth-leg connection at the Frontage Road intersection. MDT has not approved this connection, citing operational constraints and a preference for a T-intersection. Pedestrian activity is present within the corridor. A connection to the north would improve continuity with observed desire lines, subject to coordination with MDT, BNSF, and signal preemption requirements. 19 Valley Center Spur Background Report | Gallatin Valley MPO Page 10 2. Pedestrian and Bicycle Accommodation There are no sidewalks or shared-use paths within the underpass, and the intersection approaches do not include marked crosswalks, pedestrian signals, or ADA-compliant curb ramps. Lighting is limited, and no bicycle facilities are present within the Spur corridor. There are no direct connections to the subdivision to the north. As a result, pedestrians must either traverse approximately 100 feet of unimproved roadside embankment or travel approximately one-half mile via Valley Spur Road to access the Nelson Meadows area. The constrained cross-section beneath I-90, combined with the proximity of the railroad crossing, presents challenges for accommodating at-grade facilities that meet current design standards for width and separation. Grade-separated improvements would require substantial investment. 3. Railroad Coordination Any addition of signal features or crossing facilities that influence preemption timing or cross the railroad tracks require coordinated review by BNSF. Concepts that contemplate a shared-use path within railroad right-of-way require adherence to the Manual for Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), as well as BNSF Railway Guidelines. 4. Jurisdiction and Funding The corridor involves Gallatin County, MDT, and BNSF, with possible FHWA oversight and the City of Bozeman directly adjacent. Advancing improvements will require a lead agency, clear scope, interagency coordination, and funding. Recommended Next Steps 1. Advance a Pedestrian Signal Crossing at Frontage Road The MPO could assist in advancing a limited pedestrian signal crossing improvement at the Frontage Road intersection to address non-motorized safety gaps. Elements could include: • Development of a concise concept incorporating pedestrian signal heads, pedestrian push buttons, countdown indicators, and crosswalk markings. • Coordination of signal timing, phasing, and railroad preemption to maintain adequate clearance intervals and ensure compliance with applicable standards. • Explore the inclusion of ADA-compliant curb ramps and detectable warning surfaces where feasible. 2. Conduct a Bicycle-Pedestrian Feasibility Study The MPO could consider advancing a bicycle and pedestrian feasibility study focused on the Valley Center Spur corridor to better define multimodal connectivity opportunities and constraints. Key parameters of the study could include: • Evaluation of pedestrian and bicycle connectivity along the Valley Center Spur corridor, including access to adjacent neighborhoods and activity centers. • Assessment of intersection connectivity at Frontage Road to the north. • Review of potential shared-use path alignments along or adjacent to the roadway, including constraints associated with railroad requirements. • Development and evaluation of conceptual alternatives for separated bicycle and pedestrian accommodations. 20 Valley Center Spur Background Report | Gallatin Valley MPO Page 11 • Identification of planning-level cost estimates, implementation considerations, and potential funding strategies. • Coordination among partners to identify opportunities, constraints, and requirements. Such a study could be considered for inclusion in the Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) and explored for coordination with the upcoming MPO Valley Trail Loop Study, recognizing that the Loop Study may not serve as a substitute for a dedicated analysis. The effort could be scoped to focus on the underpass specifically or incorporated into a broader study evaluating a Frontage Road trail alignment. 3. Review Lighting and Nighttime Visibility The MPO could consider evaluating lighting conditions along the corridor to improve nighttime visibility and safety for non-motorized users. Potential actions could include: • Assessment of intersection and underpass lighting conditions to enhance safety, comfort, and personal security for people walking and bicycling. • Evaluation of opportunities to implement lighting improvements as part of the pedestrian crossing project, or a stand-along improvement, as appropriate. • This could be included in the Bicycle-Pedestrian Feasibility Study 4. Maintain Interagency Dialogue The MPO could continue to support coordination and transparency through ongoing interagency and community engagement. Potential actions could include: • Use of this report as a shared factual foundation for future discussions. • Periodic coordination meetings among partner agencies to maintain alignment, address emerging issues, and sustain momentum. Looking Ahead The Valley Center Spur corridor has progressed from a location with a history of severe crashes to a signalized corridor that improves motorist safety. The next phase should address pedestrian and bicycle needs by delivering a practical crossing of Frontage Road and conducting a feasibility study, in coordination with MDT and local partners, to define a responsible path to comprehensive multimodal access. With a clear record of past actions and a pragmatic plan for what comes next, the community can move deliberately from planning to implementation. 21 Memorandum REPORT TO:Gallatin Valley MPO - Transportation Technical Advisory Committee FROM:Jeff Butts, MPO Manager SUBJECT:Recommendation for Approval of Amendment No. 1 to the FFY2026 Unified Planning Work Program MEETING DATE:June 10, 2026 AGENDA ITEM TYPE:Administration RECOMMENDATION:Consider the motion: I move to recommend approval of Amendment No. 1 to the FFY2026 UPWP. STRATEGIC PLAN:1.3 Public Agencies Collaboration: Foster successful collaboration with other public agencies and build on these successes. BACKGROUND:The purpose of this item is to consider a recommendation of approval for an amendment to the Federal Fiscal Year 2026 Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP). The amendment would add funding to the Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) consultant task to support additional work completed outside the original scope of work. The Gallatin Valley Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) is currently advancing development of its first LRTP. As the work progressed, several items required additional consultant support beyond the original scope. This included additional Geographic Information Systems (GIS) support following an MPO staffing change, additional time for transportation modeling review and verification of Traffic Analysis Zone (TAZ) projections, and expanded spring engagement activities requested by MPO staff. The proposed amendment would add $58,505 to the LRTP consultant task. This includes $22,400 for additional prime consultant work related to modeling and projected conditions, $27,600 for subconsultant work related to modeling and projected conditions, and $8,505 for expanded spring engagement activities. The amendment would be funded through available UPWP resources including the use of $20,800 in reserves, salary savings resulting from the prior staff vacancy, and minor adjustments to planned expenditures. These adjustments may include reduced travel costs, such as one MPO staff not attending the planned national planning conference. Staff requests TTAC provide a recommendation for TPCC approval of 22 Amendment No. 1 of the FY2026 UPWP. UNRESOLVED ISSUES:None. ALTERNATIVES:As suggested by the Committee. FISCAL EFFECTS:The requested revisions in Amendment No. 1 are within the MPO's annual PL Fund Allocation and do not require supplemental funding. Attachments: FFY2026_UPWP_Amendment1_TTAC.pdf Report compiled on: June 2, 2026 23 Amendment No. 1 Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP) Federal Fiscal Year 2026 (October 1, 2025 – September 30, 2026) Prepared by: Gallatin Valley Metropolitan Planning Organization And Gallatin Valley Urban Transportation District In cooperation with City of Bozeman, Montana City of Belgrade, Montana County of Gallatin, Montana Montana Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration Federal Transit Administration Approved by: TTAC: August 13, 2025, Amendment No 1. June 10, 2025 TPCC: August 27, 2025 MDT: September 5, 2025 FHWA/FTA: September 5, 2025 24 The preparation of this report has been financed in part through grant[s] from the Federal Highway Administration and Federal Transit Administration, U.S. Department of Transportation, under the State Planning and Research Program, Section 505 [or Metropolitan Planning Program, Section 104(d)] of Title 23, U.S. Code. The format for this work program conforms to Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Chapter 2 Part 4 of FTA Circular 8100.1D. The contents of this report do not necessarily reflect the official views or policy of the U.S. Department of Transportation. 25 Table of Contents List of Tables................................................................................................................................ 5 SECTION 1 – INTRODUCTION ....................................................................................................... 1 The Work Program and Its Purpose .................................................................................. 3 Federal Guidance ........................................................................................................... 3 Performance Measures .................................................................................................. 4 Safety ................................................................................................................................... 4 Pavement and Bridge Condition ............................................................................................ 4 Safe and Accessible Transportation Options (SATO) ............................................................... 5 Public Involvement ............................................................................................................... 5 SECTION 2 – WORK PROGRAM ..................................................................................................... 7 Program Support and Administration .............................................................................. 7 100 Program Administration ............................................................................................ 7 101 Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP) ................................................................... 10 102 Public Involvement and Service ............................................................................... 12 Long Range Planning – System Level ............................................................................... 15 300 Long Range Transportation Plan .............................................................................. 15 301 Sub-Area Transportation Plans ................................................................................ 19 302 Transportation Data ................................................................................................ 21 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP)..................................................................... 23 600 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) .............................................................. 23 Clean Air Planning ......................................................................................................... 25 700 Air Quality and Environmental Planning ................................................................... 25 Other Activities ............................................................................................................. 26 900 Reserve .................................................................................................................. 27 SECTION 3 – FUNDING ............................................................................................................... 28 SECTION 4 – INDIRECT COST PLAN ............................................................................................ 30 Introduction ................................................................................................................. 30 Identification of Costs ................................................................................................... 30 Allocation of Costs ........................................................................................................ 30 Funding Sources ........................................................................................................... 31 Indirect Rate ................................................................................................................. 31 26 SECTION 5 – TRANSIT ................................................................................................................. 32 44.21.00 PROGRAM SUPPORT & ADMINISTRATION .......................................................... 32 01 Transit Systems Management (TSM) ........................................................................ 32 44.24.00 SHORT RANGE TRANSPORTATION PLANNING .................................................... 34 01 Transit Development Plan (TDP) .............................................................................. 34 02 Future Service Analysis and Enhancement .............................................................. 35 03 Current Service Analysis and Enhancement ............................................................. 37 44.25.00 TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM .................................................... 39 01 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) .............................................................. 39 44.27.00 OTHER ACTIVITIES ........................................................................................... 40 01 Implementation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) ................................... 40 TRANSIT FUNDING ........................................................................................................ 42 27 List of Tables Table 1. Abbreviations & Acronyms Used in the Work Program ....................................................... 1 Table 2. Staffing Hours for Work Activity 100 ................................................................................ 10 Table 3. Non-personnel Costs for Work Activity 100 ..................................................................... 10 Table 4. Funding for Work Activity 100 – Program Administration FFY2026 ..................................... 10 Table 5. Staffing Hours for Work Activity 101 ................................................................................ 12 Table 6. Non-personnel Costs for Work Activity 101 ..................................................................... 12 Table 7. Funding for Work Activity 101 – Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP) FFY2026 ............. 12 Table 8. Staffing Hours for Work Activity 102 ................................................................................ 15 Table 9. Non-personnel Costs for Work Activity 102 ..................................................................... 15 Table 10. Funding for Work Activity 102 – Public Involvement and Service FFY2026 ....................... 15 Table 11. Staffing Hours for Work Activity 300 .............................................................................. 18 Table 12. Non-personnel Costs for Work Activity 300 ................................................................... 18 Table 13. Funding for Work Activity 300 – Long Range Transportation Plan FFY2026 ....................... 18 Table 14. Staffing ........................................................................................................................ 20 Table 15. Non-personnel Costs for Work Activity 301 ................................................................... 20 Table 16. Funding for Work Activity 301 – Area Plans FFY2026 ...................................................... 20 Table 17. Staffing Hours for Work Activity 302 .............................................................................. 22 Table 18. Non-personnel Costs for Work Activity 302 ................................................................... 23 Table 19. Funding for Work Activity 302 – Transportation Data FFY2026 ........................................ 23 Table 20. Staffing Hours for Work Activity 600 .............................................................................. 25 Table 21. Non-personnel Costs for Work Activity 600 ................................................................... 25 Table 22. Funding for Work Activity 600 – TIP FFY2026 .................................................................. 25 Table 23. Staffing Hours for Work Activity 700 .............................................................................. 26 Table 24. Funding for Work Activity 700 – Air Quality & Environmental Planning FFY2026 ............... 26 Table 25. Funding Summary FFY 2026 ......................................................................................... 28 Table 26. Funding Comparison ................................................................................................... 28 Table 27. Funding Percentages FFY 2026 ..................................................................................... 28 Table 28. Staff Months by Work Element Fiscal Year 2026 ............................................................ 29 Table 29. Eligible Safe and Accessible Transportation Options (SATO) Planning Activity by Work Element Fiscal Year 2026 ............................................................................................................ 29 Table 30. Costs Encountered ...................................................................................................... 30 Table 31. Funding Sources and Amounts Contained in the UPWP ................................................. 31 Table 32. Staffing Hours for Work Activity - TSM ........................................................................... 33 Table 33. Non-personnel Costs for Work Activity - TSM ................................................................ 34 Table 34. Funding for Work Activity – TSM FFY 2026 ...................................................................... 34 Table 35. HRDC and/or GVUTD costs .......................................................................................... 35 Table 36. Staffing Hours - TDP ..................................................................................................... 35 Table 37. Funding Work Activity TDP – FFY 2025 ........................................................................... 35 Table 38. Staffing Hours – Future Service Evaluation & Analysis .................................................... 36 Table 39. Non-personnel Costs for Activity Future Service Evaluation & Analysis .......................... 37 Table 40. Funding – Future Service Evaluation & Analysis FFY 2026 .............................................. 37 Table 41. Staffing Hours – Current Service Evaluation & Analysis .................................................. 38 28 Table 42. Non-personnel Costs for Activity Current Service Evaluation & Analysis ......................... 38 Table 43. Funding – Current Service Evaluation & Analysis FFY 2026 ............................................. 39 Table 44. Staffing Hours - TIP ...................................................................................................... 40 Table 45. Funding – TIP FFY 2026 ................................................................................................. 40 Table 46. Staffing Hours – Implementation of ADA ....................................................................... 41 Table 47. Funding – Implementation of ADA FFY 2026 .................................................................. 42 Table 48. Transit Funding Summary FFY 2026 .............................................................................. 42 Table 49. Transit Estimated Costs FFY 2025/2026 ........................................................................ 42 Table 50. Transit Funding Percentages Federal Fiscal Year 2025 ................................................... 43 Table 51. Transit Staff Months by Work Element Fiscal Year 2025 .................................................. 43 29 Metropolitan Planning Area Boundary Map Figure 1. Metropolitan Planning Area Boundary 30 Page | 1 Section 1 – INTRODUCTION Table 1. Abbreviations & Acronyms Used in the Work Program ADA Americans with Disabilities Act CM Certification Maintenance CMAQ CTSP Congestion Mitigation Air Quality Community Transportation Safety Plan FHWA Federal Highway Administration FTA Federal Transit Administration FY/FFY Fiscal Year/Federal Fiscal Year. The local and state government fiscal year runs from July 1 - June 30. The Federal fiscal year runs from October 1 - September 30. FAST Act Fixing America's Surface Transportation Act or FAST Act. The five-year surface transportation bill signed by President Obama on December 4, 2015. The new law replaces the previous act known as Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century, or MAP-21. GIS IIJA Geographic Information System Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) was Passed by Congress on November 15, 2021, authorizing funding for Federal transportation programs for the five-year period from 2022-2026. LRTP The Long-Range Transportation Plan is the 20-year planning document for the Gallatin Valley Metropolitan Planning Area. The MPO updates the LRTP every five years through an extensive consultation process to address multimodal transportation needs and investments. MDT MPO Montana Department of Transportation Metropolitan Planning Organization is the agency designated by Federal law to administer the federally required transportation planning process in a metropolitan area. An MPO must be in place in every urbanized area with a population of 50,000 or greater. The MPO is responsible for the LRTP and the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). The MPO is the coordinating agency for grants, billings, and policy- making for transportation. NTD PL National Transit Database PL funds are those available for MPOs to carry out the metropolitan transportation planning process required by 23 USC §134, including the development of metropolitan area transportation plans and transportation improvement programs. Apportionments of PL funds are addressed in 23 USC §104(f). PPP Public Participation Plan RFP Request for Proposals SATO Safe and Accessible Transportation Options SOW Scope of Work TAM TAZ TDP TIP Transit Asset Management Transportation Analysis Zone. Geographic units used in transportation planning to model and analyze travel behavior. Transit Development Plan Transportation Improvement Program. Updated regularly, the TIP lists priority projects and project segments scheduled for implementation over a five-year period. 31 Page | 2 The TIP describes the cost, funding source, project location and scope of each project. TPCC Transportation Policy Coordinating Committee. The policy body for the MPO, TPCC, is responsible for prioritizing Federal aid projects in the Gallatin Valley Metropolitan Planning Area. Composed of local elected officials and appointed regional and state officials, the TPCC approves the LRTP, TIP and UPWP. TTAC Transportation Technical Advisory Committee. Provides technical expertise to TPCC by reviewing and recommending revisions to the planning process, data collection, and forecasts, and federally mandated documents such as the LRTP. The MPO staff provides support to TTAC and TPCC. UPWP UTD Unified Planning Work Program. A document prepared annually by the Metropolitan Planning Organization describing transportation planning activities to be conducted during the Federal fiscal year (10/1 - 9/30). Urban Transportation District. 32 Page | 3 The Work Program and Its Purpose The Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP) describes transportation planning activities that will occur in the metropolitan area during the Federal Fiscal Year (FFY) that runs from October 1 through September 30. The Gallatin Valley Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) develops the UPWP annually for review and approval by local, state, and federal transportation officials. The Gallatin Valley Transportation Technical Advisory Committee (TTAC) and Transportation Policy Coordinating Committee (TPCC) approve the final UPWP locally and then forward it to the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT), the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and Federal Transit Administration (FTA) for final approval. The UPWP contains work elements such as administration, public involvement and long and short- range planning. Each element describes objectives, accomplishments for the past fiscal year and planned activities for the next year. Each element identifies the agency responsible for proposed activities and resources needed, including staff hours, dollar amounts and funding sources. The Gallatin Valley MPO is newly formed following the results of the 2020 Census which announced the Bozeman Urban Area population to be 59,080 meeting the population threshold of 50,000 requiring the designation and formation of an MPO per 23 U.S.C. §134. Therefore, this UPWP is intended to describe the transportation planning activities that will occur in the metropolitan planning area for October 1, 2025 – September 30, 2026. Federal Guidance The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) was passed by Congress on November 15, 2021, authorizing funding for Federal transportation programs for federal fiscal years 2022-2026. The IIJA effectively replaced the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act and the prior infrastructure act Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century (MAP-21) Act. The IIJA retains FAST Act’s ten planning factors. The MPO is required, per 23 USC 134(h)(1), to consider these factors when developing transportation plans, programs, and projects: 1. Support the economic vitality of the metropolitan area, especially by enabling global competitiveness, productivity, and efficiency. 2. Increase the safety of the transportation system for motorized and non-motorized users. 3. Increase the security of the transportation system for motorized and non-motorized users. 4. Increase the accessibility and mobility of people and for freight. 5. Protect and enhance the environment, promote energy conservation, improve the quality of life, and promote consistency between transportation improvements and State and local planned growth, housing, and economic development patterns. 6. Enhance the integration and connectivity of the transportation system, across and between modes, people, and freight. 7. Promote efficient system management and operation. 8. Emphasize the preservation of the existing transportation system. 33 Page | 4 9. Improve resiliency and reliability of the transportation system and reduce or mitigate stormwater impacts of surface transportation. 10. Enhance travel and tourism. Performance Measures Passage by Congress of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act continues MAP-21 and FAST Act’s focus on performance-based planning and project selection. Establishment of a performance- and outcome-based program was a key feature of MAP-21 and FAST Act and continues under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The MPO will track performance measures and report to committees, agencies, and the public on progress toward meeting the measures. The national goal areas that the performance measures address include safety, infrastructure condition, congestion reduction, system reliability, freight movement, environmental sustainability, and reduced delays in project delivery. Rather than establish independent performance measure targets for the Gallatin Valley Metropolitan Planning Area, the Transportation Policy Coordinating Committee signed a Performance-Based Planning Agreement supporting state performance targets established by MDT, in coordination with Montana MPOs, on September 10, 2024. The MPO supports the state targets for applicable performance measures under federal regulation 23 CFR §490 and will support the Gallatin Valley Urban Transportation District (UTD) for associated transit performance measures under federal code 49 USC 5326(c) and 49 USC 5329(d). Thus, the MPO will plan and program projects that contribute toward relevant targets for each performance measure. Safety Within this work program, staff hours and planning funds will contribute to continued implementation of the Bozeman SAFE Plan recommendations (Physical Improvements, Policy Enhancements, the 2013 Bozeman Community Transportation Safety Plan (CTSP) recommendations (Inattentive Driving Crashes, Seat Belts/ Occupant Protection Use, Bicycle and Pedestrian Crashes), as well as continued data collection and analysis. These efforts will work to address actions within the three emphasis areas identified in the CTSP (Alcohol and Impaired Driving Crashes, Occupant Protection/Seatbelt Use, and Bicycle and Pedestrian Crashes), as well as track progress on current measures to eliminate traffic fatalities and severe injuries. Pavement and Bridge Condition Efforts included in this work program, such as the Long-Range Transportation Plan and data collection, will track pavement and bridge condition as well as prioritize improvement of existing facilities. The plans and data will help identify the most critical needs, bringing overall system condition up to meet performance targets set for the state. 34 Page | 5 Freight Ongoing data collection and analysis will support efforts at the state level to improve system performance for freight and the movement of goods and services. Air Quality The Gallatin Valley is an air quality attainment area and is therefore not subject to conformity requirements under the Clean Air Act or the on-road mobile source emissions performance measures under 23 CFR §490 for the criteria pollutants (PM2.5, PM10, CO, VOC, or NOx). Therefore, there are no air quality requirements for the Gallatin Valley MPO per 23 CFR §450. However, the Gallatin Valley MPO will support the statewide CMAQ total emissions reduction performance measures, under 23 CFR §490, in its planning and programming processes as detailed in a separate Performance-Based Planning Agreement. Additionally, the GVMPO will support criteria pollutant reduction efforts to prevent the Gallatin Valley from exceedances and non-attainment designation. The GVMPO will monitor local air quality and adjust future work as needed. Safe and Accessible Transportation Options (SATO) The IIJA includes federal requirements to dedicate at least 2.5 percent of the annual PL allocation to safe and accessible transportation options and complete streets planning activities. Section 11206 of the IIJA defines complete streets activities as “standards or policies that ensure the safe and adequate accommodation of all users of the transportation system, including pedestrians, bicyclists, public transportation users, children, older individuals, individuals with disabilities, motorists, and freight vehicles.” The IIJA does allow for flexibility for states or MPOs to opt out of SATO requirements if they can demonstrate adopted Complete Streets standards and policies and has developed an up-to-date Complete Streets prioritization plan. Currently, the Gallatin Valley MPO does not have an officially adopted Complete Streets policy, and the Long-Range Transportation Plan will include prioritized SATO projects. Opting out of SATO requirements must be submitted and approved by the U.S. Secretary of Transportation no later than 30 days before funds are apportioned. To meet the SATO requirements of IIJA, this UPWP details eligible activities under each work element, along with estimated cost for each of those activities within the existing work plan. These dedicated funds and activities are summarized in Table 5. Based on the PL allocation for FY2026, a minimum of $11,074.55 must be dedicated to SATO activities with $17,385.86 in FFY 2025 based on allocated funds. Public Involvement Development of the UPWP included discussion at the July and August 2025 TTAC and TPCC meetings and included opportunities for public review and comment on the draft up to and 35 Page | 6 including the date of adoption by the TPCC. The MPO provided opportunity for public input, included drafts in the publicly available committee agendas and informed the public on the MPO’s website. These outreach efforts listed the meetings where the public could comment on the draft UPWP: • Transportation Technical Advisory Committee, 7/9/25, 6/10/25 • Transportation Policy Coordinating Committee, 7/23/25 Final approval of the FFY 2026 UPWP was completed at the TPCC meeting on August 27, 2025. The MPO will also accept comments and answer questions in person, by mail, e-mail and telephone following posting of the draft UPWP. The MPO has updated the document based on comments received from MDT and the public on the UPWP. 36 Page | 7 SECTION 2 – WORK PROGRAM Program Support and Administration 100 Program Administration Objectives Administer the transportation planning process as staff to the Gallatin Valley Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), as well as support the transportation planning activities of local, state, and federal agencies. Provide staff support to the Transportation Policy Coordinating Committee and assist other boards, commissions, and committees in the planning process. Inform local governments and the public regarding transportation planning activities. Keep transportation staff skills current and maintain staff exposure to current best practices and technologies related to multimodal transportation planning, safety, transportation demand management and other related activities. Staff will maintain Certification Maintenance (CM) credits with professional associations. Staff will attend trainings virtually and in-person; each staff will attend one in-state conference and one national conference. Maintain contact with, provide input to and receive feedback from various local, regional, state, and federal agencies, committees, and groups. Accomplishments in FFY 2025 • Began the process necessary to carry out all federally required transportation planning activities in all portions of the Metropolitan Planning Area. • Performed all administrative functions of the transportation planning work program. Program management activities included, correspondence, public relations, employee guidance, program organization, consultant liaison, staff meeting attendance, employee supervision, Title VI and non-discrimination conformance, and preparation of contracts and various office tasks. Activities included the preparation of quarterly progress and expenditure reports and transmission of reports to MDT to maintain federal and state funding support. • Conducted a self-certification to assure compliance with federal regulations outlined in 23 CFR §420, §450.306, and §450.336. The self-certification included a review of the basic items required by law, including the Governor’s Designation (§450.310), Agreements (§450.314) and Public Involvement Policies (§450.316). This review confirmed the basic documents are current and on file and that the MPO, TTAC and TPCC are fulfilling the roles and responsibilities as required. The draft Public Participation Plan is anticipated to be completed by September 2025. • MPO staff: o Participated in recognized and approved training programs and webinars to improve staff skills and capabilities. Staff attended MPO training with MDT, Montana 37 Page | 8 Association of Planners, Association of Metropolitan Planning Organizations, Association of Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals, and others. o Maintained planning expertise through enrollment in transportation planning courses, completing 24 AICP-approved continuing education credits. o Completed training on safe and accessible transportation, including an accessibility tour and sessions on sidewalk data, bikeway design, and pedestrian counting. Obtained prior approval from MDT before attending any conferences or training that require out-of-state travel per 2 CFR §200.475. o Attended one local conference (Montana Association of Planners Conference) and one national conference (Association of Metropolitan Planning Organizations). o Obtained and maintain relevant professional memberships: American Planning Association (APA), Association of Metropolitan Planning Organizations (AMPO), and Association of Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals (APBP). • Helped foster state–local collaboration by coordinating TTAC small-group sessions and MDT meetings with Bozeman and Belgrade staff, while preparing agendas and facilitating TPCC meetings with elected officials and TTAC meetings with valley-wide staff. • Engaged with other MPOs and partner agencies to explore IIJA grant opportunities and understand new mandates, including SATO planning activities. • Ensured MPO participation with other agencies and groups, as required by the IIJA. • Incorporated IIJA performance measures into the MPO LRTP scope and began obtaining data; the MPO will monitor and report results to TTAC, TPCC, and the public. • Tracked and reviewed grant notices, coordinated with the Cities, County, and MDT on grant application activities including Bozeman and Gallatin County SS4A applications. • Staff reviewed the current logo and branding, determining it is not a priority at this time but may be revisited in the future. • Administered the Transportation Alternatives program, managing the Call for Projects, application forms, scoring committee, and project selection. • Advanced FTA Section 5303 funding agreements between the City of Bozeman and the UTD; facilitated execution of the 5303 contract between the City of Bozeman and MDT. • Hired a second staff member to support MPO data, public outreach, and planning activities; the staff member began work on July 9, later than originally anticipated. Proposed Activities in FFY 2026 • Continue the process necessary to carry out all federally required transportation planning activities in all portions of the Metropolitan Planning Area. This will be an ongoing activity. • Perform all administrative functions of the transportation planning work program. Program management activities may include, but will not be limited to, correspondence, public relations, employee guidance, program organization, consultant liaison, staff meeting attendance, employee supervision, Title VI and non-discrimination conformance, and preparation of contracts and various office tasks. Activities will also include the preparation of quarterly progress and expenditure reports and transmission of reports to MDT to maintain federal and state funding support. This will be ongoing with reimbursement activity reports submitted around January, April, July, and October. • Continue to confirm that the TTAC and TPCC are fulfilling the roles and responsibilities as required. This is an ongoing activity. • MPO staff will, on a continual basis: 38 Page | 9 o Participate in recognized and approved training programs and webinars to improve staff skills and capabilities. Staff will attend MPO training with MDT and others. o Maintain planning expertise through enrollment in transportation planning courses. o Pursue training and innovative practices related to safe and accessible transportation options planning activities. o Obtain prior approval from MDT before attending any conferences or training that require out-of-state travel per 2 CFR §200.475. o Each staff is expected to attend one local conference (such as the Montana Association of Planners Conference) and one national conference (such as AMPO, APA, NACTO, or similar) within the Federal Fiscal Year. o Obtain and/or maintain relevant professional memberships. • Participate in and encourage increased cooperation between state and local agencies, departments, and governing bodies. Serve as both coordinator and participant in many of these meetings and committee gatherings. This is on a continual basis. • Work with other MPOs and agencies to assess IIJA opportunities and challenges, including grant applications and implementation of new rules, such as the required SATO planning activities. • Regularly, ensure MPO participation with other agencies and groups, as required by the IIJA. • Work to incorporate IIJA performance measures into MPO transportation plans and programs. The MPO will track performance measures and provide regular reporting to the TTAC and TPCC and the public, subject to the availability of related data. This work is ongoing and will take place from March through July 2026 to align with the LRTP. • Sustain tracking and reviewing grant notices, coordinating with the Cities, County, and MDT on grant application activities. • Staff will occasionally evaluate the effectiveness of current logo and branding, potentially exploring adjustments as needed. • On an ongoing basis, monitor existing agreements with partners and administer any new agreements that may arise through MPO activities. • Continually, provide staff oversight and development opportunities. • This activity includes holiday, vacation, and other benefits. • Office furniture and setup includes an office table, chairs, bookshelf, light-filtering film, partial cubicle, and related items needed to support a productive workspace. There purchase and installation is expected in October-November 2025. Product The proposed activities will continue implementation of an ongoing administrative program, help to ensure a well-informed and competent staff, and foster a continuing, cooperative, and comprehensive (3-C’s) planning processes. Products include agreements, updated policies, quarterly reports and invoices, as well as annual maintenance agreements for software. • Keep relevant governing bodies informed of staff activities and work plan progress. • Each staff member will attend one in-state and one national conference annually, accrediting any continuing education credits earned. Staffing 1,120 hours – GVMPO 39 Page | 10 Table 2. Staffing Hours for Work Activity 100 GVMPO POSITIONS HOURS MPO Manager 920 Planner I 200 Total GVMPO 1,120 Total 1,120 Table 3. Non-personnel Costs for Work Activity 100 Item Cost Productivity Software $2,400.00 Publications $250.00 Office Furniture and Setup $7,000.00 Civil Rights Accommodation Services $1,000.00 Office Supplies and Management $1000.00 In-State Conferences with travel and lodging $2,500.00 Out-of-State Conferences with travel and lodging $5,500.00 APBP, AMPO, APA/MAP Associations and Certifications $5,000.00 Misc. Travel $2,000.00 Cell phone + service for two $2,000.00 Rent $31,250.00 Utilities $7,000.00 Indirect Costs (10 percent) $7,294.58 Total $74,194.58 Table 4. Funding for Work Activity 100 – Program Administration FFY2026 Agency PL** State Local* Totals GVMPO $127,394.12 $19,746.24 $147,140.36 TOTALS $127,394.12 $19,746.24 $147,140.36 * Local funds provided by the City of Bozeman (50%), City of Belgrade (25%), and Gallatin County (25%). **PL Funds: 86.58% federal share, 13.42% state share. Functional Agency Responsibility The MPO will be responsible for administering the planning process. 101 Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP) Objective Define transportation and transportation-related planning activities anticipated within the MPA during the coming year. 40 Page | 11 Accomplishments in FFY 2025 • Developed a UPWP with task-by-task project details, funding, staffing, and schedules. The schedule deviated from the original estimate due to an unforeseen medical issue that temporarily affected staff availability: o May-June 2025 – Solicited input from TTAC, TPCC, stakeholders and public. o June 2025 – Presented on budget and potential planning activities at TTAC and TPCC o July 2025 – Review of draft plan; revisions o August 2025 – Finalization of UPWP; local approval o August - September 2025 – MDT and FHWA reviews. o October 1, 2025 – DOT Final UPWP Approval attained. • Developed and submitted a UPWP amendment to adjust the LRTP funding, reducing it • Reviewed the UPWP at the local, state, and federal levels. • Solicited public comments on proposed UPWP activities through TTAC and TPCC meetings and a public comment period aligned with the draft PPP; incorporated feedback into UPWP. • Included SATO reporting as required by IIJA Section 11206. • Quarterly reports and invoices submitted on eligible PL activities. • Signed 5303 Contract with MDT, drafted and signed 5303 agreements between the City of Bozeman and the Urban Transportation District. Reports and 5303 reimbursement requests submitted regularly. • Drafted FFY 2026 UPWP with public and stakeholder input from TTAC and TPCC meetings. Proposed Activities in FFY 2026 • Develop a UPWP that contains a task-by-task discussion of projects that are to be undertaken during the program year, funding and staffing information and a schedule for each project. This is estimated to occur on the following schedule: o March, April 2026 – Solicit input from TTAC, TPCC, stakeholders and public. o May 2026 – Present draft concepts at TTAC and TPCC o June 2026 – Review of draft plan; revisions o July 2026 – Finalization of UPWP; local approval o August, September 2026 – MDT and DOT reviews. o October 2026 – DOT UPWP Approval • Review the UPWP at the local, state, and federal levels. • Solicit public comments through TTAC and TPCC meetings regarding any proposed UPWP activity and incorporate such comments in the UPWP. • Include SATO reporting as required by IIJA Section 11206. • Submit quarterly reports and invoices on eligible PL and 5303 activities during FFY 2026. Product The proposed activities will contribute to a well-defined work program that documents MPO and Transit transportation planning activities. • Quarterly reports submitted. • UPWP for FFY 2026 that has solicited public and stakeholder input through the TTAC and TPCC meetings. 41 Page | 12 Staffing 140 hours – GVMPO Table 5. Staffing Hours for Work Activity 101 GVMPO POSITIONS HOURS MPO Manager 120 Planner I 20 Total GVMPO 140 Total 140 Table 6. Non-personnel Costs for Work Activity 101 Item Cost Indirect Costs (10 percent) $1,172.62 Total $1,172.62 Table 7. Funding for Work Activity 101 – Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP) FFY2026 Agency PL ** State Local* Totals GVMPO $11,167.80 $1,731.02 $12,898.83 TOTALS $11,167.80 $1,731.02 $12,898.83 * Local funds provided by the City of Bozeman (50%), City of Belgrade (25%), and Gallatin County (25%). **PL Funds: 86.58% federal share, 13.42% state share. Functional Agency Responsibility The MPO will coordinate with MDT and Gallatin Valley UTD to develop the UPWP. 102 Public Involvement and Service Objective Prepare and disseminate transportation-related information to the community. Accomplishments in FFY 2025 • MPO staff facilitated development of an MPO Public Participation Plan as required under 23 CFR 450.316: • Drafted Public Participation Plan; recommended for adoption by TTAC in March 2025. Public comment request for clearer timelines and clarification of TPCC versus administrative approvals. Adoption of the PPP is anticipated by September 2025. • Insights from the LRTP will likely refine participation strategies, and the plan will be assessed post-LRTP to ensure effective community involvement. 42 Page | 13 • The MPO supplied transportation information to City and County agencies, and outside parties, by assisting in the development of information for: o Private individuals or groups to aid in their decisions. • Legislative purposes at the local, state, and federal level. • Assisted public events for SS4A planning activities in Belgrade and Gallatin County, Black Ave Bikeway in Bozeman. • Development and maintenance of the Gallatin Valley MPO web pages to share with the public information about transportation planning activities. • Through use of its web page, and other means, the MPO prepared and distributed information to encourage public understanding and make transportation information available to the public. This includes the public information on the MPO programs and Transportation Alternatives grant. • The MPO prepared transportation information for use in coordinating other urban development programs, including sharing information on a Transportation Alternatives, Public Participation Plan and others through the website. • The MPO solicited community involvement and communicated information related to the implementation of the Long-Range Transportation Plan and formed of a Community Advisory Panel for public feedback during the process. • The MPO initiated outreach efforts designed to adapt to evolving engagement strategies. While hiring delays and a longer-than-expected consultant procurement slowed progress, MPO staff remain committed to exploring and applying innovative community engagement methods. These include virtual meeting platforms, online tools, and leveraging stakeholder networks to connect with underserved populations through culturally appropriate approaches • Gallatin Valley MPO confirmed with the MDT program manager that it operates under the state’s Title VI documents and does not require a separate plan. • Made improvements to Gallatin Valley MPO website, www.gvmpo.com, that includes making it more accessible with the URL www.gvmpo.org. Additional base aspects have been added to the website’s back-end, include categories for plans and programs. It has a solid base for building it out as we develop transportation planning products. • Monthly updates posted to website were delayed due to the delay in hiring staff – anticipated to start in April 2025, the position started well into July. • Staff anticipates attending one LRTP public meeting, three community meetings and one special event associated with community engage and the LRTP in August/September 2025. • Staff integrated community engagement materials into the MPO website, ensuring accessibility in accordance with WCAG 2.0 best practices. Key documents – including the Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP), Public Participation Plan (PPP), and Transportation Alternatives (TA) call for projects – were uploaded to facilitate public comment. The website provides multilingual access via the City of Bozeman’s translator tool. MPO staff offer Spanish interpretation, which have been utilized on two occasions. Proposed Activities in FFY 2026 • MPO staff will continually utilize and monitor use of the MPO Public Participation Plan, required under 23 CFR 450.316. o Follow as a guide for outreach, information sharing, and public comment periods. o Remain open to modifications based on operational or feedback considerations. 43 Page | 14 • The MPO will supply transportation information to City and County agencies, and outside parties, by assisting in the development of information for: o Private individuals or groups to aid in their decisions. o Legislative purposes at the local, state, and federal level. o Ensure consistency between the transportation planning goals of the LRTP and other applicable local plans and policies. o Many of these efforts will be responsive to public and partner requests or will support the ongoing development of plans and activities. • Maintain and update the Gallatin Valley MPO website to share transportation planning information with the public. Staff will continue to evaluate and implement effective outreach strategies, including leveraging partner channels and enhancing website content. Updates will occur in line with requirements of the PPP. Data development for the website will be ongoing. If public-facing content is published, it will be during the final three months of the FFY – though this will depend on readiness. Educational articles, written in an engaging and aspirational tone, are expected to begin between October and December 2025 and continue on a quarterly basis. • Through use of its web page, and other means, the MPO will prepare and distribute information to encourage public understanding and support and make plans and other transportation information available to the public on an ongoing basis with quarterly reviews. • The MPO will prepare transportation information on an ongoing basis for use in coordinating other urban development programs, focusing on data access. • The MPO will solicit community involvement, disseminate, and communicate information related to the implementation of the Long Range Transportation Plan, Regional Trail Study, committees, providing customer service, and through the website. • The MPO will expand outreach opportunities & tools to be resilient to changes in engagement strategy. MPO staff will continue to research and implement innovative methods to engage the community, including at conferences and webinars throughout the year. Examples include virtual meeting tools, online engagement, and use of other stakeholder networks. Product The proposed activities will support a public involvement process that emphasizes community education regarding transportation concerns, needs and issues. Other products include: • Additional improvements to Gallatin Valley MPO website, www.gvmpo.org, that expands a solid base for building it out as we develop transportation planning products. This includes the layouts, integrations and information to the public. • Regular updates posted to website – starting around fall 2025 – related the program to support education, encouragement, participation, and partnership. • Staff anticipates facilitating two LRTP public meetings, attending six existing community meetings and two special events associated with community engage and the LRTP. This may change as projects develop. • Staff will incorporate new tools for community engagement into the website and stay up-to- date on the most recent information on best practices, providing multiple language access on the website; staff is available for Spanish interpretation. 44 Page | 15 Staffing 650 hours – GVMPO Table 8. Staffing Hours for Work Activity 102 GVMPO POSITIONS HOURS MPO Manager 150 Planner I 500 Total GVMPO 650 Total 650 Table 9. Non-personnel Costs for Work Activity 102 Item Cost Indirect Costs (10 percent) $3,953.76 Total $3,953.76 Table 10. Funding for Work Activity 102 – Public Involvement and Service FFY2026 Agency PL** State Local* Totals GVMPO $37,654.79 $5,836.54 $43,491.32 TOTALS $37,654.79 $5,836.54 $43,491.32 * Local funds provided by the City of Bozeman (50%), City of Belgrade (25%), and Gallatin County (25%). **PL Funds: 86.58% federal share, 13.42% state share. Functional Agency Responsibility The MPO, MDT, and Gallatin Valley UTD will be responsible for public involvement with their respective plans and responding to information requests. Safe and Accessible Transportation Options (SATO) The public involvement supporting the eligible SATO planning activities identified in work elements 300 and 301 account for an estimated 3 percent of total MPO staff time in this work element. Long Range Planning – System Level 300 Long Range Transportation Plan Objective Oversee the development, preparation, and adoption of a Gallatin Valley MPO LRTP that addresses the long and short-range transportation needs of the metropolitan planning area and identifies new transportation policies and facilities. 45 Page | 16 Accomplishments in FFY 2025 • Evaluated progress on goals and objectives outlined in the adopted planning documents from City of Belgrade, City of Bozeman, and Gallatin County, including and not limited to: o 2017 Belgrade Long Range Transportation Plan o 2017 Bozeman Transportation Master Plan o 2021 Greater Triangle Area Transportation Plan o 2021 Triangle Area Trails Plan o 2017 PRAT Plan – Parks, Recreation and Active Transportation Plan o 2022 Bozeman SAFE Plan o 2013 Bozeman Community Transportation Safety Plan • Participated in Belgrade and Gallatin County SS4A processes to understand current safety issues for incorporation into LRTP as appropriate. • Developed the Scope of Work (SOW), issued the Request for Proposals (RFP), and conducted consultant selection through a scoring committee following established procurement procedures. Contract was finalized in early May after extended negotiations. • The LRTP process used the following timeline foe development: o October 2025  Develop SOW, working in conjunction with partners in TTAC - including MDT -to shape the scope of work, ensuring it met all requirements. o November 2025:  Completion of SOW • Final internal approvals  Preparation of RFP, using City of Bozeman templates o December 2025:  Released RFP through the City of Bozeman Clerk’s office  Advertised on city website and local newspaper, following standard City procedures o January 2025:  Advertised through month, closed on next to final day of the month o February 2025:  Selection Committee reviewed and independently scored submissions – highest scoring submission was notified  As is customary with Bozeman City Commission, concurrence from TPCC gained through regular meeting o March 2025:  Contract negotiations with consultant team o April 2025:  Contract negotiations with consultant team o May 2025:  Contracted executed after formal Bozeman City Commission approval.  First project management meetings with consultant; review of project timelines, setup recurring meetings, and data needs o June 2025:  Begin collecting background data; GIS files  Laying out project timelines  Initial Review of model and assumptions 46 Page | 17 o July August 2025:  Community engagement plan  Develop community advisory structure  Review of existing plans, demographics, performance measures  Data collection and assembly of GIS files  Initial needs assessment  Begin draft existing conditions  Conduct transit analysis, meet with UTD Board o Aug - September 2025:  Kick off meetings  Frist round of Public Engagement  Meetings with UTD and completion of the supplemental transit focus work. Proposed Activities in FFY 2026 • Continue development of Long-Range Transportation Plan with the following estimated timeline of development: • Evaluate progress on goals and objectives outlined in the adopted planning documents from City of Belgrade, City of Bozeman, and Gallatin County, including and not limited to: o 2017 Belgrade Long Range Transportation Plan o 2017 Bozeman Transportation Master Plan o 2021 Greater Triangle Area Transportation Plan o 2021 Triangle Area Trails Plan o 2017 PRAT Plan – Parks, Recreation and Active Transportation Plan o 2022 Bozeman SAFE Plan o 2013 Bozeman Community Transportation Safety Plan • Staff is scheduling the development of the LRTP to be completed by September 2026, allowing three months for adoption in FFY 2027 and accommodating any necessary revisions. The consultant team shared the following timeline for development: o October - December 2025:  Finalize Vision, Goals, Objectives and project evaluation framework.  Project identification, screening, scoring, and financial planning.  Starting scenario development. o January – March 2026:  Completing scenario development and analysis.  Project prioritization and recommendations  Progress financial plan o April - June 2026:  Complete project prioritization and financial plan.  Draft LRTP document. o July – September 2026:  Public review of draft document  Completion of performance measures dashboards.  Completion of LRTP ready to begin adoption process in FFY2027 47 Page | 18 Product The proposed activities advance the MPO’s development of the Gallatin Valley MPO Long Range Transportation Plan and will result in detailed analysis of existing conditions, public input, and long- range transportation needs. The MPO will update needed projects, policies, and programs for the region, produce a fiscally constrained project list, and provide recommendations to guide transportation improvements and support the LRTP’s guiding principles, goals, and objectives. Each of these components will contribute to the draft Long Range Transportation Plan, which is expected to be completed in FFY2026 with adoption in early FFY2027. Staffing 770 hours – GVMPO Table 11. Staffing Hours for Work Activity 300 GVMPO POSITIONS HOURS MPO Manager 500 Planner I 270 Total GVMPO 770 Table 12. Non-personnel Costs for Work Activity 300 Item Cost Consultant Services $295,800.00 Indirect Costs (10 percent) $6,950.02 Total $302,750.02 Table 13. Funding for Work Activity 300 – Long Range Transportation Plan FFY2026 Agency PL** State Local* Totals GVMPO $322,294.26 $49,955.98 $372,250.24 TOTALS $322,294.26 $49,955.98 $372,250.24 * Local funds provided by the City of Bozeman (50%), City of Belgrade (25%), and Gallatin County (25%). **PL Funds: 86.58% federal share, 13.42% state share. Functional Agency Responsibility The MPO will be responsible for implementation of the Gallatin Valley MPO Long Range Transportation Plan with the assistance of consultant services. The MPO will responsible for managing the consultant and contract, development and implementation of the GVMPO LRTP. Safe and Accessible Transportation Options (SATO) A conservative estimated 2.5 percent of proposed cost in this work element will be supportive of eligible activities as outlined in IIJA throughout the LRTP development process. This figure was determined based on data collection, safety goal development, analysis, and recommended work 48 Page | 19 to specifically enhance safety, accessibility, and multimodal transportation options for vulnerable road users such as people walking or riding a bicycle, and individuals experiencing ADA mobility challenges. 301 Sub-Area Transportation Plans Objective Conduct a collaborative study to evaluate the feasibility of a regional trail system encircling the community. The study will explore potential alignments – whether a single loop or multiple interconnected routes – to improve bicycle-pedestrian connectivity between Bozeman, Belgrade, and Gallatin County. It will identify possible locations and recommend next steps. Accomplishments in FFY 2025 Began assessing community needs by focusing on a high-priority location under I-90. Completed a mini study on walking and biking gaps, providing insight for future planning and data collection. • Reviewed existing work conducted and providing options for next steps at the connection between East Valley Center Rd and Frontage Rd. • This internal effort will follow closely to the timeline below and work may not be completed in this FFY and may need to continue into the early part of the next FFY: o January – April: Develop scope, engagement plan, and timeline. Light review of existing conditions. o June 2025: Check in with TTAC and solicit input – literature review, alternatives, field visit and public survey and comments. o July 2025: Meet with members of TTAC for information and documents. Review documents. Public survey may go live o August 2025: Prepare alternative next steps, walking tour with TTAC. Public survey to wrap up. o September 2025: Complete document, discuss with Committees, and publish to website for public information. . Proposed Activities in FFY 2026 • This activity may also include some finalizing work on the previous year’s Valley Center Spur in the first few months of the federal fiscal year. • Study on potential regional trail routes to improve bike-ped connections between Bozeman, Belgrade, and Gallatin County that will include the assistance of consultant services. • This project is expected to follow the general timeline below; however, activities may extend into the following Federal Fiscal Year depending on scope and consultant availability. o Nov–Jan: Develop and finalize scope of work; prepare and publish RFP. o Feb–Apr: Conduct consultant selection and execute contract. o May – July: Begin data collection and existing conditions analysis; initiate development of alternatives and stakeholder / public engagement. o August – September: Finalize recommendations, engagement, and prepare draft report. 49 Page | 20 Product The end product will be a study showing the feasible routing for the regional trail loop(s). It will most likely involve consultants paid for with local funds, split between the jurisdictions within the MPA. Staffing 300 hours – GVMPO Table 14. Staffing Staffing Hours for Work Activity 301 GVMPO POSITIONS HOURS MPO Manager 200 Planner I 100 Total GVMPO 300 Table 15. Non-personnel Costs for Work Activity 301 Item Cost Indirect Costs $2,138.66 Total $2,138.66 Table 16. Funding for Work Activity 301 – Area Plans FFY2026 Agency PL** State Local* Totals GVMPO $20,368.19 $3,157.09 $23,525.29 TOTALS $20,368.19 $3,157.09 $23,525.29 * Local funds provided by the City of Bozeman (50%), City of Belgrade (25%), and Gallatin County (25%). **PL Funds: 86.58% federal share, 13.42% state share. Functional Agency Responsibility The MPO will be responsible for implementation of the Gallatin Valley MPO Long Range Transportation Plan with the assistance of consultant services. Safe and Accessible Transportation Options (SATO) A conservative estimated 21 percent of MPO staff time will be supportive of eligible activities as outlined in the IIJA. This percentage accounts for staff time working on this bicycle, pedestrian, ADA safety study that will be supportive of SATO activities. 50 Page | 21 302 Transportation Data Objective Collect and maintain data necessary to review various transportation plans and programs. Support efforts to implement GIS program in coordination with cartographers and GIS specialists. Accomplishments in FFY 2025 The Gallatin Valley MPO began to initiate our data and multimodal count program, which includes motorized and non-motorized traffic counts. This included assessing needs, designing a count and classification system, acquiring roadway an non-roadway hardware, and allocating staff resources. Additionally, we began developing systems for integrating the data with GIS, acknowledging that full integration is likely to extend over a longer period of time. • Began exploring and obtaining socio-economic and land use transportation data to supplement the metropolitan transportation planning process. • Hired new staff, who began on July 9, to support the MPO data program – including data collection, GIS coordination, and system integrations. • Procured five Diamond Count-Classifiers to collect, manage, and share traffic data in compliance with FHWA requirements, ensuring interoperability with MDT systems. • Acquired a MetroCount bikeway tube counter and a Miovision camera with integrated pedestrian counting capabilities to enhance the transportation planning. • Trained alongside MDT and provided support in August to collect, manage, and distribute traffic data in compliance with FHWA requirements. • Worked with MDT and TTAC on determining the location, programming, and installation of four Continuous Count Stations within the MPA • Collected and began to analyze data pertaining to performance measures developed for the regional transportation system, based on the guidelines of the LRTP. • Collected GIS data for the LRTP, coordinated with regional GIS staff, and assessed Bozeman’s GIS environment to support MPO data integration. • Gained insights into regional transportation modeling, and the trade-offs associated with locally hosting a regional model and working the MDT’s modeling team. Any changes would occur in the future. • Attended MDT trainings and conducted independent research into best practices for multimodal data collection, including discussions with vendors, webinars, and review of white papers – which informed the purchase of . • Produced relevant data graphics, infographics, and related visual communication techniques, including incorporation of data graphics in MPO committee presentations. Proposed Activities in FFY 2026 The Gallatin Valley MPO will initiate our data and multimodal count program, which includes motorized and non-motorized traffic counts. Additionally, this will include assessing needs, designing a count and classification system – to understand the number and types of vehicles, acquiring hardware, and allocating staff resources. Additionally, we will develop systems for integrating the data with GIS, acknowledging that full integration is likely to extend beyond one year. • Maintain socio-economic, land use, and transportation data to supplement the metropolitan transportation planning process 51 Page | 22 • Evaluate and develop strong base of GIS integration with the City of Bozeman’s platform for interoperable, MPO-branded access. • Increase the use of GIS programs in-house to monitor and make available transportation- related data through a data hub, dashboard, or similar. • Collect, maintain, and disseminate traffic data meeting FHWA requirements and multimodal needs to supplement the metropolitan transportation planning process. • Ongoing coordination with MDT to address remaining elements of CCS installation, connectivity, and administration. • Collect and analyze any remaining or related data pertaining to performance measures developed for the regional transportation system, based on the guidelines of the LRTP. • Attend relevant trainings and conduct research into best practices for multimodal data collection, analysis, and data management. • Produce and contribute to the production of relevant data graphics, infographics, and related visual communication techniques. • Continue working with federal, state, and local agencies to improve current performance tracking methods. The MPO will identify how to track performance measures and provide regular reporting to the TTAC and TPCC and the public. • For scheduling, much of the GIS work will be conducted in the fall and winter with the data collection starting in spring through the summer. Product The proposed activities will ensure updated records pertinent to all aspects of transportation planning and that the MPO has the foundational aspects of a traffic data collection program in place to collect, store and share the data. • Have the beginning operation to a transportation data collection system that will include motorized and non-motorized counts. • Utilize multimodal short-term count hardware and processes for deploying, collecting, and sharing transportation data. • Collect and utilize transportation data from existing sources for consideration of including on MPO microsite. • Continue to develop the integrations of the multimodal traffic data into GIS and the MPO microsite. This will be an ongoing process, but the MPO will have the beginnings of a sustainable process developed. • Collect short term count and classification data collection at existing locations that meet FHWA requirements and new multimodal counts that meet local needs. Staffing 1125 hours – GVMPO Table 17. Staffing Hours for Work Activity 302 GVMPO POSITIONS HOURS MPO Manager 150 Transportation Planner 975 Total GVMPO 1125 Total 1125 52 Page | 23 Table 18. Non-personnel Costs for Work Activity 302 Item Cost Software Maintenance for Data Collection Equipment $900.00 Pedestrian Counter Connectivity $500.00 CCS Maintenance (data + power) $1,000.00 CCS Electricity Installation $16,000.00 Indirect Costs (10 percent) $6,579.96 Total $24,979.96 Table 19. Funding for Work Activity 302 – Transportation Data FFY2026 Agency PL ** State Local* Totals GVMPO $78,596.93 $12,182.61 $90,779.54 TOTALS $78,596.93 $12,182.61 $90,779.54 * Local funds provided by the City of Bozeman (50%), City of Belgrade (25%), and Gallatin County (25%). **PL Funds: 86.58% federal share, 13.42% state share. Functional Agency Responsibility The MPO, MDT, City of Bozeman, City of Belgrade, County of Gallatin, and the Gallatin Valley UTD will cooperate to ensure the efficient acquisition and analysis of transportation data. Safe and Accessible Transportation Options (SATO) The transportation data collection and analysis supporting the eligible SATO planning activities identified in work elements 300 and 301 account for an estimated 1 percent of total MPO staff time in this work element. Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) 600 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) Objective Develop a viable five-year program of transportation projects with description, location, scope, cost, and funding source. TIP Development Process Project Selection: The MPO will identify and select projects for the TIP through an annual process. The process includes the TTAC, TPCC, agencies and interested persons. The intent of the process is to identify projects in the current LRTP that are suitable additions to the TIP for the upcoming five- year implementation period. 53 Page | 24 Project Phasing: For each project, the sponsoring agency or department establishes phases according to the project’s priority, the amount of available funds and estimated completion time. Project Information: Each project in the TIP includes the following information: 1. Sufficient information to identify the project (type of work, length, termini, etc.). 2. Estimated total cost and the amount of Federal funds to be obligated during the program year. 3. Proposed sources of Federal and non-Federal funds; and 4. Funding recipient and State and local agencies responsible for carrying out the project. State Review of Project Costs: MDT reviews the cost of projects listed in the Funding Tables in light of available funding. Final Review and Approval: The TTAC reviews the TIP and then forwards it to TPCC for review and approval. The MPO then submits the TIP to MDT for approval. MDT then submits to FHWA/FTA for review. The MPO submits the approved TIP to MDT for use in developing the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP). The STIP incorporates the MPO’s TIP by reference. The STIP is submitted for approval by FHWA and FTA. Gallatin Valley UTD will contribute to the development and maintenance (amendments/modifications) of the TIP annually and coordinate with MPO staff to ensure that the TIP accurately reflects transit projects. Accomplishments in FFY 2025 • No work was conducted on this activity. Proposed Activities in FFY 2026 • The MPO will begin to develop the first TIP likely for FFY 2027-2031 during the LRTP planning process while including the public in the process and ensuring congruency with other plans. • Potential TIP projects will surface through the development of prioritized projects and fiscally constrained projects within the LRTP. • Initiate TIP development in accordance with requirements as the LRTP concludes, with the goal of adopting both the LRTP and TIP in Q1 of FFY 2027. Product The proposed activities will ensure a current and viable list of multi-modal transportation improvements for the Gallatin Valley MPA within a determined timeline. • The MPO will progress in developing project lists during the LRTP process. • Anticipate being well into having a developed TIP by the end of the fiscal year, ready for adoption by December 2026. Staffing 55 hours – GVMPO 54 Page | 25 Table 20. Staffing Hours for Work Activity 600 GVMPO POSITIONS HOURS MPO Manager 40 Planner 15 Total GVMPO 55 Total 55 Table 21. Non-personnel Costs for Work Activity 600 Item Cost Indirect Costs (10 percent) $483.02 Total $483.02 Table 22. Funding for Work Activity 600 – TIP FFY2026 FFY 2026 Agency PL** State Local* Totals GVMPO $4,600.20 $713.04 $5,313.23 TOTALS $4,600.20 $713.04 $5,313.23 * Local funds provided by the City of Bozeman (50%), City of Belgrade (25%), and Gallatin County (25%). **PL Funds: 86.58% federal share, 13.42% state share. Functional Agency Responsibility The MPO, the City of Belgrade, City of Bozeman, and Gallatin County will be responsible for the development and maintenance of the TIP. Clean Air Planning 700 Air Quality and Environmental Planning Objective Proactively monitor air quality and consider methods for continued compliance with national standards. The coordination of air quality and transportation plans and programs will be implemented to the extent appropriate and in accordance with applicable requirements. Other environmental factors such as noise, water quality, aesthetics, etc., will be considered to the extent appropriate during major transportation planning decisions in accordance with applicable requirements. 55 Page | 26 Accomplishments in FFY 2025 • Staff verified that current air quality meets LRTP 5-year update requirements. • Relocated to building with Stormwater and Water Conservation – had conversations with staff about the work they conduct and learning about opportunities to cooperate. • No formal activities were undertaken; this element was included because first-year coordination needs were uncertain. • Began development of LRTP that will consider environmental needs. Proposed Activities in FFY 2026 • None. Product The proposed activities will produce: • None. Staffing 0 hours – GVMPO Table 23. Staffing Hours for Work Activity 700 GVMPO POSITIONS HOURS MPO Manager 0 Planner I 0 Total GVMPO 0 Table 24. Funding for Work Activity 700 – Air Quality & Environmental Planning FFY2026 Agency PL** State Local* Totals GVMPO $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 TOTALS $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 * Local funds provided by the City of Bozeman (50%), City of Belgrade (25%), and Gallatin County (25%). **PL Funds: 86.58% federal share, 13.42% state share. Functional Agency Responsibility The MPO will incorporate air and water quality planning into local transportation planning. Other Activities 56 Page | 27 900 Reserve Objective Provide for the accounting of available non-programmed funds in the current UPWP and provide funding toward additional transportation planning activities and/or studies as approved by the TTAC and TPCC. Accomplishments in FFY 2025 None. Proposed Activities in FFY 2026 This work element is utilized for accounting purposes only. No specific work activities may be charged to this work element. There will be an estimated $59.19 in reserve with additional reserve being available for the FFY 2027 UPWP from the LRTP and approximately three months of staff time from the second employee. Product None. 57 Page | 28 SECTION 3 – FUNDING Table 25. Funding Summary FFY 2026 WORK ELEMENT FUNDING SOURCES FY 2026 PL STATE LOCAL EST. COST 100 Administration $127,394.12 $19,746.24 $147,140.36 101 UPWP $11,167.80 $1,731.02 $12,898.83 102 Public Involvement $37,654.79 $5,836.54 $43,491.32 300 Long Range Plan $322,294.26 $49,955.98 $372,250.24 301 Area Plans $20,368.19 $3,157.09 $23,525.29 302 Data $78,596.93 $12,182.61 $90,779.54 600 TIP $4,600.20 $713.04 $5,313.23 700 Air Quality - - - 900 Reserve $51.25 $7.94 $59.19 TOTAL $602,127.54 $93,330.46 $695,458.00 *PL Funds: 86.58% federal share, 13.42% state share. Table 26. Funding Comparison WORK ELEMENT FY 2026 ESTIMATED COST FY 2025 ESTIMATED COST 100 Administration $147,140.36 $90,500 101 UPWP $12,898.83 $10,500 102 Public Involvement $43,491.32 $45,000 300 Long Range Plan $372,250.24 $348,000 301 Planning Area Transportation Plans $23,525.29 $15,000 302 Data $90,779.54 $127,500 600 TIP $5,313.23 $1,000 700 Air Quality $0 $4,000 900 Reserve $59.19 $218,576 TOTAL $695,458.00 $860,076.00 Table 27. Funding Percentages FFY 2026 WORK ELEMENT PL LOCAL TOTAL 100 Administration 100 0 100 101 UPWP 100 0 100 102 Public Involvement 100 0 100 300 Long Range Plan 100 0 100 301 Planning Area Transportation Plans 100 0 100 302 Data 100 0 100 600 TIP 100 0 100 700 Air Quality 100 0 100 900 Reserve 100 0 100 58 Page | 29 Table 28. Staff Months by Work Element Fiscal Year 2026 WORK ELEMENT MPO Manager Planner I TOTAL M.M. 100 5.5 1 6.5 101 0.7 0.1 0.8 102 0.7 3.0 3.7 300 3 1.3 4.3 301 1.0 0.5 1.5 302 0.9 6.0 6.9 600 0.2 0.1 0.3 700 900 TOTAL 12 12 24 *This table indicates approximately how many man months individual staff members work in each work element. Table 29. Eligible Safe and Accessible Transportation Options (SATO) Planning Activity by Work Element Fiscal Year 2026 WORK ELEMENT FY 2026 ELIGIBLE SATO PLANNING ACTIVITY ESTIMATED COST FY 2025 ELIGIBLE SATO PLANNING ACTIVITY ESTIMATED COST 100 Administration $0 $0 101 UPWP $0 $0 102 Public Involvement $0 $350 300 Long Range Plan $5,621.65 $750 301 Planning Area Transportation Plans $5,621.65 $10,000 302 Data $5,621.65 $14,629 600 TIP $0 $0 700 Air Quality $0 $0 900 Reserve $0 $0 TOTAL $16,864.95 $25,729 * PL Funding obligated after 8/13/2024 used for eligible SATO Planning activities have a 100% Federal Share. PL Funding obligated prior to 8/13/2024 used on eligible SATO Planning activities has a match rate of 86.58% federal share, 13.42% state share. 59 Page | 30 SECTION 4 – INDIRECT COST PLAN Introduction The following plan has been developed to provide a procedure to be followed in preparing reimbursement requisitions for 23 USC 104(d) and FTA Section 5303 funds received by the Gallatin Valley UTD on behalf of the MPO. Identification of Costs The costs encountered in carrying out this Unified Planning Work Program are delineated below by type: Table 30. Costs Encountered Salaries & Wages Benefits Supplies and Materials Regular Earnings PERS Office Supplies Additional Earnings Health/Dental Insurance Computer Supplies Vacation Life Insurance Computers & Services Sick Leave F.I.C.A. Gasoline and Oil Workers’ Comp Books & Reference Clothing and Uniforms Maintenance Utilities Contracted Services Office Equipment Telephone Consultants & Professional Svcs General Maintenance Contracts Travel/Training Other Other Personal Services Training / In-State Advertising Pension GASB68 Travel / Out-of-State Subscriptions Postage Dues & Certifications Insurance Rents & Leases General Allocation of Costs The MPO will charge direct costs to the work program line items to which they apply. The MPO will keep a record of staff time and expenditures to document expenses incurred against each line item. Benefits will be calculated at the actual rate the benefits cost for each line item, as recorded by the Human Resources Department. 60 Page | 31 The degree of participation by each funding agency is based on the prorations that have been determined for each line item. Each funding agency will be billed their share of the total charges made against each line item according to the percentages indicated in Table 3 above. Staff time from other departments that supports MPO activities but is not funded through the work program is covered by the indirect cost rate. This rate may also include clothing and uniform. Funding Sources The degree of participation by each funding agency is based on the prorations which have been determined for each line item. Each agency will be billed their share of the total charges made against each line item according to the approved prorations. Funding sources and amounts contained in the UPWP are as follows: Table 31. Funding Sources and Amounts Contained in the UPWP PL* $695,458 TOTAL $695,458 *The matching ratio is Federal PL – 86.58% and State Match – 13.42%. Indirect Rate The MPO will utilize a de minimis indirect cost rate of 10% as allowed for in 2 CFR 200.414(f) for the period October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026. 61 Page | 32 SECTION 5 – TRANSIT 44.21.00 PROGRAM SUPPORT & ADMINISTRATION 01 Transit Systems Management (TSM) Objectives To provide program support, general administration, and grant administration, and training in support of transit planning activities. Accomplishments in FFY 2025 Conformance with federal, state, and local administrative and regulatory requirements for maintenance of transit planning and development as well as execution of developed plans. Staff remained informed of federal and state requirements concerning all federal funding sources, including but not limited to, sections 5303, 5307, 5310, and 5339. Staff completed FTA’s New Grant Recipient Package and received confirmation that Gallatin Valley Urban Transit District (GVUTD, aka Streamline) successfully demonstrated it has the legal capacity, financial capacity, and technical capacity to be a direct recipient of FTA funds. Staff coordinated the transition of operations, assets, obligations, and responsibility for public transportation to the GVUTD. Staff attended and participated in a diverse range of transit-related and general community meetings including TTAC and TPCC, Bozeman Area TAC, Gallatin County Safe Streets for All, City of Belgrade Safety Plan, and the Montana Transit Association Spring Conference. Staff attended training opportunities to enhance knowledge and skills, including the FTA Comprehensive Review Workshop, and the Passenger Assistance Safety and Sensitivity (PASS) training. Staff provided bus rider training to several interested groups. Staff developed the Public Transit Agency Safety Plan for Streamline. Proposed Activities in FFY 2026 All administrative functions necessary in support of transit planning and development will be performed under this work element. • Continuing to assess data-keeping and gathering practices with focus on further technology utilization and process improvements. 62 Page | 33 • Quarterly progress and expenditure reports will be prepared and transmitted to the Montana Department of Transportation, Statewide and Urban Planning Section and Transit Section to maintain funding requirements. • Staff will execute grant administrative functions; staff will continue research and development regarding the utilization of FTA funding, including furthering innovative funding practices and partnerships. • Maintenance of coordination agreements with 5310 providers. • Research feasibility and make recommendations for capital grants. • Participation in recognized and approved training programs in order to improve skills and capabilities including further Grant Management programs as recommended. • Policy development including procedures, regulations, codes, and practices to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local requirements as they relate to the transit planning process. • Policy and procedure development necessary for the Gallatin Valley Urban Transportation District (GVUTD) to meet the requirements for eligibility of FTA funding. • Coordination for transition of operations, assets, obligations, and responsibility for public transportation to the GVUTD. • Participate with the TTAC, TPCC, citizen advisory boards, and other committees throughout the community as needed. • Staff will update and maintain the FTA required Transit Asset Management Plan (TAM). • Staff will develop and implement the required Public Transit Agency Safety Plan, including annual updates as well as further research and development of best practices. • Staff will provide bus rider training to interested groups. • Dissemination of information for public transportation to visitors (including tourists) to the area. Product • An ongoing administrative program to carry out the transit elements identified within this UPWP. • Administrative oversight and execution of transit planning and development functions including federally required plans. • Enhancement of transit staff skills and knowledge. • Proper maintenance and administration of grant related activities. Staffing 978 hours for GVUTD Table 32. Staffing Hours for Work Activity - TSM HRDC POSITIONS HOURS Director 630 Coordinator 348 Total 978 63 Page | 34 Table 33. Non-personnel Costs for Work Activity - TSM Attorney Costs $3,000 Total $3,000 Table 34. Funding for Work Activity – TSM FFY 2026 Agency Local* 5303** Totals GVUTD $10,199 $40,796 $50,994 TOTALS $10,199 $40,796 $50,994 *Local match provided by GVUTD. **5303 Funds: 80% federal share, 20% local match. Functional Agency Responsibility GVUTD will be responsible for administering the planning process. 44.24.00 SHORT RANGE TRANSPORTATION PLANNING 01 Transit Development Plan (TDP) Objectives The TDP describes existing facilities and projects needed for the next three to five years. Accomplishments in FFY 2025 Staff worked on updating the previously completed Transit Development Plan, including an Existing Conditions Report and a community-wide survey. Staff began assessment of consultants proposed long-term routes and service delivery options. Staff conducted a survey specific to paratransit riders and non-riders identified as eligible. Proposed Activities in FFY 2026 • Streamline will continue to update the TDP and long-range strategic plan. Product The proposed activity will produce a compliant and up to date TDP. Staffing 40 hours HRDC and/or GVUTD 64 Page | 35 Table 35. HRDC and/or GVUTD costs Non-Personnel Costs - TDP Planning Consultant to complete TDP update $15,000 Total $15,000 Table 36. Staffing Hours - TDP HRDC POSITIONS HOURS Director 20 Coordinator 20 Total 40 Table 37. Funding Work Activity TDP – FFY 2025 Agency Local* 5303** Totals HRDC** $ 3,365 $ 13,459 $ 16,824 TOTALS $ 3,365 $ 13,459 $ 16,824 * Local match provided by HRDC. ** 5303 Funds: 80% federal share, 20% local match Functional Agency Responsibility GVUTD will develop and maintain an up-to-date TDP. 02 Future Service Analysis and Enhancement Objectives To facilitate considerations of means to ensure citizens will have acceptable and improved public transportation alternatives in the future. Accomplishments in FFY 2025 Staff continued financial analysis and planning in support of modified frequency and service in conjunction with TDP implementation. Staff researched and made recommendations for additional technology conveniences for passengers. Staff facilitated public meetings to support system improvements as well as specialized services for seniors and individuals with disabilities, including attending and participating in the Bozeman Chapter Montana Association of the Blind meeting. Staff collaborated regularly with MPO through monthly meetings, joint presentation opportunities, and through the Bozeman Area TAC. 65 Page | 36 Proposed Activities in FFY 2026 Functions necessary in support of future transit planning and development will be performed under this work element. These activities necessitate the ongoing needs for route development and planning, which is split between this element and current service enhancements. Activities are as follows: • Continue investigating feasibility of expanding service beyond existing limits and engage county stakeholders in discussion regarding potential for service to outlying areas. • Continue to analyze and evaluate current area government practices for right of way requirements. • Continue financial analysis and planning in support of further modified frequency and service in conjunction with TDP implementation. • Continue research on feasibility of, and make recommendations for, additional technology conveniences for passengers. • Bus stop audit, analysis, and preparation for design standards guidebook to inform future improvements. • Continuation of planning efforts regarding public and stakeholder involvement and input opportunities. • Facilitation of public meetings to support system improvements as well as specialized services for seniors and individuals with a disability. • Perform additional analysis of advertising revenue structure including comparisons to similar systems and populations to ensure equitable and sustainable advertising revenue generation. • Analyze, develop, and recommend opportunities for MPO and Transit collaboration on projects eligible for multiple funding sources to support integration of transit and overall surface transportation structure. • Plan and develop long range priorities for future transit enhancements through a strategic planning process. • Coordination with cities and county on the MPO Long Range Transportation Plan. Product • Identification of and plans for efficient and effective transit service into the future. • Financial and capital analyses for future transit enhancements. • Identification and assistance in implementation of future system modifications. Staffing 520 hours GVUTD Table 38. Staffing Hours – Future Service Evaluation & Analysis GVUTD POSITIONS HOURS Director 220 Coordinator 300 Total 520 66 Page | 37 Table 39. Non-personnel Costs for Activity Future Service Evaluation & Analysis Total $0 Table 40. Funding – Future Service Evaluation & Analysis FFY 2026 Agency Local* 5303** Totals GVUTD $3,335 $13,339 $16,674 TOTALS $3,335 $13,339 $16,674 * Local match provided by HRDC. **5303 Funds: 80% Federal share, 20% local match. Functional Agency Responsibility The GVUTD will be responsible for supporting future transit planning and development. 03 Current Service Analysis and Enhancement Objectives To improve service, ridership, and effectiveness of the existing transit system. Accomplishments in FFY 2025 Staff continued to develop and implement education and outreach strategies to promote public awareness of transit and further education and outreach programs to increase ridership. Staff procured technological enhancements to gather data, improve efficiency, provide customer conveniences, and enhance safety. Staff maintained monthly ridership figures and summary figures for effective decision making and completion of annual National Transit Database (NTD) reports. Staff assessed upcoming and immediate operational needs and made recommendations on capital and operational projects. Staff regularly participated in group and committee meetings and/or community events to solicit partner and public feedback on current system usage, demands, successes and shortfalls. Proposed Activities in FFY 2026 Functions necessary in support of planning and development of enhancements to the current systems will be performed under this work element. These activities necessitate the needs for route development and planning, which is split between this element and future service enhancements. Activities are as follows: 67 Page | 38 • Continue to develop and implement criteria for required items and make changes to amenities as needed; make recommendations on funding priorities. • Continue development and implementation of education and outreach strategies to guide market research, promote public awareness, and engagement to increase ridership. • Develop and implement further education and outreach programs to increase partnerships and other forms of participation. • Develop, prepare, and update data for publishing. • Continue implementation of further technology enhancements to the existing technology solutions system to gather data, improve efficiency, provide further customer conveniences, and enhance safety. • Assess automated passenger counter implementation and audit plan for approval of data reporting with the National Transit Database (NTD). • Research, develop, and implement service goals to achieve metrics related to FTA’s Small Transit Intensive Cities (STIC) funding. • Assessment of current personnel usage for areas of improvement in utilization of resources and effectiveness; evaluate effectiveness of current operator staffing levels in support of Transit Development Plan recommended service implementation. • Maintain monthly ridership figures and summary figures for effective decision-making, complete related National Transit Database reports. • Solicit and record public reaction to any modified routes, schedules, education efforts, and technology enhancements. • Assessment of current budgetary impact of recommended improvements. Product • Information relating to potential enhancements to existing service and system. • Recommendations for immediate improvements. • Information and recommendations on passenger education and outreach • Analysis of current system functions. • Budget alternatives. Staffing 568 hours HRDC and/or GVUTD Table 41. Staffing Hours – Current Service Evaluation & Analysis GVUTD POSITIONS HOURS Director 324 Coordinator 244 Total 568 Table 42. Non-personnel Costs for Activity Current Service Evaluation & Analysis Staff training $3,000 Total $3,000 68 Page | 39 Table 43. Funding – Current Service Evaluation & Analysis FFY 2026 Agency Local* 5303** Totals GVUTD $5,973 $23,894 $29,867 TOTALS $5,973 $23,894 $29,867 * Local match provided by GVUTD. **5303 Funds: 80% Federal share, 20% local match. Functional Agency Responsibility The HRDC will be responsible for support of planning and development of enhancements to the current system. 44.25.00 TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM 01 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) Objectives To maintain a viable five-year program of transit improvements for the Gallatin Valley MPO. Accomplishments in FFY 2025 Staff updated Streamline’s Coordination Plan. Staff monitored inclusion in the TIP and STIP to ensure ability to obtain federal sections 5307, 5310, and 5339. Staff attended and participated in MPO meetings. Proposed Activities in FFY 2026 Functions necessary in support of transit related project inclusion in the Transportation Improvement Program will be performed under this work element. Activities are as follows: • Streamline will develop and compile information on operating and capital projects for which Streamline plans to utilize grant assistance for inclusion in the TIP; this includes utilizing and updating the Streamline’s Coordination Plan, and other plans as required. • All applicable projects will be provided to the MPO for inclusion in the program. • Staff will monitor inclusion in the TIP and STIP to ensure ability to obtain federal Sections 5307, 5310 & 5339 and other applicable grants are not affected. Product • Monitoring of plans including Transit Asset Management, the Capital Improvement Program, and other relevant plans for related projects. 69 Page | 40 • Annual inclusion of projects in TIP as necessary per FTA regulations. • Amendments to TIP as necessary to include new projects. Staffing 41 hours GVUTD Table 44. Staffing Hours - TIP HRDC POSITIONS HOURS Director 30 Coordinator 11 Total 41 Table 45. Funding – TIP FFY 2026 Agency Local* 5303** Totals GVUTD $420 $1,679 $2,099 TOTALS $420 $1,679 $2,099 * Local match provided by GVUTD. **5303 Funds: 80% Federal share, 20% local match. Functional Agency Responsibility GVUTD will provide transit-related information to the City of Bozeman for the MPO's inclusion in the TIP document. 44.27.00 OTHER ACTIVITIES 01 Implementation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Objectives Work jointly with City of Bozeman, City of Belgrade, County of Gallatin, MDT and interested social service agencies to continue development of a coordinated transportation system for older adults and persons with disabilities. Provide technical assistance to the above agencies to encourage the most efficient use of community resources for specialized transportation and analyze criteria and orchestrate community participation in the development of a system ADA plan to include both accessible fixed-route service and comparable paratransit service, in a timely manner. Accomplishments in FFY 2025 Staff continued to review potential updates of the ADA Paratransit Plan and monitored procedures and policies involving ADA accessible fixed route services. Staff continued to implement accessibility features on the website. 70 Page | 41 Staff continued evaluating dispatch and customer service practices for potential modifications to dispatching software, as well as other technology improvements. Staff familiarized passengers, as appropriate, with the fixed route system through the travel training program. Staff continued to coordinate transportation services among 5310 providers, social service agencies, and the public to provide an overall strategy to enhance transportation access. Increased participation with disability agencies, including Ability Montana and Bozeman Chapter Montana Association of the Blind. Coordinated transportation needs to medical facilities and invited medical healthcare professionals to join the Bozeman Area TAC meetings. Proposed Activities in FFY 2026 • Continue to research and develop the use of FTA funding as provided in the IIJA Act. • Increase efforts to provide outreach and education for social service professionals in the community and with senior groups. • Continue to evaluate and update the ADA Paratransit Plan as needed. • Review transportation projects including both new construction and retrofits with special consideration of provisions to meet planning goals related to older adults and persons with disabilities such as connectivity and accessibility in the public right of way. • Support continued implementation of the Bozeman Health Public Health Community Plan. • Provide accessibility accommodation at public meetings, walk audits, and other meetings as necessary. Product The proposed activities will ensure continued coordination of all specialized transportation activities. • Monitoring of plans including the agency ADA Paratransit Plan • Inclusion in community needs assessment evaluation • Coordination with groups and/or governments for accessibility Staffing 100 hours GVUTD Table 46. Staffing Hours – Implementation of ADA GVUTD POSITIONS HOURS Director 65 Coordinator 35 Total 100 71 Page | 42 Table 47. Funding – Implementation of ADA FFY 2026 Agency Local* 5303 Totals GVUTD $985 $3,938 $4,923 TOTALS $985 $3,938 $4,923 * Local match provided by HRDC and/or GVUTD. **5303 Funds: 80% Federal share, 20% local match. Functional Agency Responsibility HRDC will continue to coordinate the development of a coordinated transportation system and community participation. TRANSIT FUNDING Table 48. Transit Funding Summary FFY 2026 WORK ELEMENT FUNDING SOURCES FY 2026 STAFF HOURS 5303* LOCAL EST. COST 44.21.00 Program Support & Administration 01-Transit System Management (TSM) $40,796 $10,198 $50,994 978 44.24.00 Short Range Transp. Planning 01-Transit Development Plan (TDP) $13,459 $3,365 $16,824 40 02-Future Service Analysis and Enhanc. $13,339 $3,335 $16,674 520 03-Current Service Analysis and Enhanc. $23,894 $5,973 $29,867 568 44.25.00 Transportation Improvement Prog. 01-TIP $1,679 $420 $2,099 41 44.27.00 Other Activities 01-Implementation of the ADA $3,938 $985 $4,923 100 TOTAL $97,105 $24,276 $121,381 2,247 *5303 Funds: 80% federal share, 20% state share. Table 49. Transit Estimated Costs FFY 2025/2026 WORK ELEMENT FY 2026 ESTIMATED COST FY2025 ESTIMATED COST 44.21.00 Program Support & Administration 01-Transit System Management (TSM) $50,994 $21,496 44.24.00 Short Range Transp. Planning 01-Transit Development Plan (TDP) $16,824 $2,600 02-Future Service Analysis and Enhanc. $16,674 $70,205 03-Current Service Analysis and Enhanc. $29,867 $22,738 44.25.00 Transportation Improvement Prog. 01-TIP $2,099 $177 44.27.00 Other Activities 01-Implementation of the ADA $4,923 $1,708 TOTAL $121,381 $118,925 72 Page | 43 Table 50. Transit Funding Percentages Federal Fiscal Year 2025 WORK ELEMENT 5303 LOCAL TOTAL 44.21.00 Program Support & Administration 01-Transit System Management (TSM) 80 20 100 44.24.00 Short Range Transp. Planning 01-Transit Development Plan (TDP) 80 20 100 02-Future Service Analysis and Enhanc. 80 20 100 03-Current Service Analysis and Enhanc. 80 20 100 44.25.00 Transportation Improvement Prog. 01-TIP 80 20 100 44.27.00 Other Activities 100 01-Implementation of the ADA 80 20 100 Table 51. Transit Staff Months by Work Element Fiscal Year 2025 WORK ELEMENT Director Operations Coordinator Comms & Outreach Coordinator TOTAL M.M. 44.21.00 01 3.50 1.00 0.25 4.75 44.24.00 01 1.00 0.50 0.25 1.75 02 0.75 0.50 0.25 1.50 03 1.50 0.75 0.50 2.75 44.25.00 01 0.50 0 0 0.50 44.27.00 01 0.50 0.25 0 0.75 TOTAL 7.75 3.0 1.25 12 Allocation of Costs Expenditures identified include direct costs, benefits at the rate of 20% of direct salary or wages, and indirect costs at the rate of 0% of direct salary or wages. GVUTD does not have any indirect costs. Federal Transit Administration Section 5303 funding is available at an 80% reimbursement rate, meaning the local to FTA funding ratio for all categories is 20% local, 80% federal. 73 Memorandum REPORT TO:Gallatin Valley MPO - Transportation Technical Advisory Committee FROM:Jeff Butts, MPO Manager SUBJECT:FFY 2027 Unified Planning Work Program First Review MEETING DATE:June 10, 2026 AGENDA ITEM TYPE:Grant RECOMMENDATION:Participate in the FFY 2027 Unified Planning Work Program first review. STRATEGIC PLAN:1.3 Public Agencies Collaboration: Foster successful collaboration with other public agencies and build on these successes. BACKGROUND:The Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP) is the Gallatin Valley Metropolitan Planning Organization’s annual scope of work and budget for federally funded transportation planning. The UPWP includes Federal Highway Administration Planning (PL) funds for MPO activities and Federal Transit Administration Section 5303 funds for transit planning activities programmed by the Gallatin Valley Urban Transportation District (GVUTD). Adoption of the Federal Fiscal Year (FFY) 2027 UPWP by October 1, 2026 is required to ensure uninterrupted federal reimbursement. Preliminary MPO funding assumptions identify approximately $442,982 in Federal Highway Administration Planning (PL) funds. After the required $50,461 State allocation, approximately $392,521 in FFY 2027 PL funds remains available for the MPO work program. The draft UPWP also includes approximately $210,114 in carry-forward funding from the previous year, following a $20,800 amendment to the FFY 2026 UPWP. For FFY 2027, the transit section identifies approximately $115,283 in Federal Transit Administration Section 5303 funds, $28,821 in local match, and a total transit planning program of approximately $144,104. The draft FFY 2027 UPWP programs the MPO’s core responsibilities, including administration, public involvement, completion of the Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP), development of the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), staff time for the Valley Trail Loop Feasibility Study, transportation data collection, and continued coordination with local, state, federal, and transit partners. Transit planning activities include program administration, Transit Development Plan implementation, future and current service analysis, TIP coordination, and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) planning and coordination. 74 As part of this year’s UPWP development, staff prepared updated five-year funding projections for the MPO work program. The projections show that the State allocation deduction and office-related operating costs each reduce available planning funds by more than $50,000 annually. Together, these recurring costs create a projected five-year deficit. While this does not create an immediate issue for the current year’s budget, it identifies a structural concern that will require future consideration to preserve the MPO’s planning capacity. In response to the updated financial projections, staff is evaluating the return of the two continuous count stations for a refund. This would increase available reserve funding and reduce future operating costs associated with the equipment. Staff will present the draft FFY 2027 UPWP, review updated funding assumptions, summarize the transit planning section, and discuss the five- year cost projection with TTAC. This item is intended as a first review of the draft UPWP, with TPCC review anticipated next, followed by staff revisions and final consideration next month. No action is requested at this meeting. MPO staff will continue evaluating options over the next six months to one year to preserve planning capacity within the MPO’s available funding. UNRESOLVED ISSUES:None. ALTERNATIVES:As suggested by the committee. FISCAL EFFECTS:The UPWP identifies $400,200 in MPO expenses eligible for federal reimbursement. Attachments: FFY2027_UPWP_TTAC-draft.pdf Report compiled on: June 3, 2026 75 Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP) Federal Fiscal Year 2027 (October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027) Prepared by: Gallatin Valley Metropolitan Planning Organization And Gallatin Valley Urban Transportation District In cooperation with City of Bozeman, Montana City of Belgrade, Montana County of Gallatin, Montana Montana Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration Federal Transit Administration Approved by: TTAC: TPCC: MDT: FHWA/FTA: 76 The preparation of this report has been financed in part through grant[s] from the Federal Highway Administration and Federal Transit Administration, U.S. Department of Transportation, under the State Planning and Research Program, Section 505 [or Metropolitan Planning Program, Section 104(d)] of Title 23, U.S. Code. The format for this work program conforms to Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Chapter 2 Part 4 of FTA Circular 8100.1D. The contents of this report do not necessarily reflect the official views or policy of the U.S. Department of Transportation. 77 Table of Contents List of Tables................................................................................................................................ 5 Section 1 – INTRODUCTION ......................................................................................................... 1 The Work Program and Its Purpose .................................................................................. 3 Federal Guidance ........................................................................................................... 3 Performance Measures .................................................................................................. 4 Safety ................................................................................................................................... 4 Pavement and Bridge Condition ............................................................................................ 4 Safe and Accessible Transportation Options (SATO) ............................................................... 5 Public Involvement ............................................................................................................... 6 SECTION 2 – WORK PROGRAM ..................................................................................................... 7 Program Support and Administration .............................................................................. 7 100 Program Administration ............................................................................................ 7 101 Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP) ................................................................... 11 102 Public Involvement and Service ............................................................................... 13 Long Range Planning – System Level ............................................................................... 16 300 Long Range Transportation Plan .............................................................................. 16 301 Sub-Area Transportation Plans ................................................................................ 18 302 Transportation Data ................................................................................................ 20 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP)..................................................................... 23 600 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) .............................................................. 23 Clean Air Planning ......................................................................................................... 25 700 Air Quality and Environmental Planning ................................................................... 25 Other Activities ............................................................................................................. 26 900 Reserve .................................................................................................................. 26 SECTION 3 – FUNDING ............................................................................................................... 27 SECTION 4 – INDIRECT COST PLAN ............................................................................................ 30 Introduction ................................................................................................................. 30 Identification of Costs ................................................................................................... 30 Allocation of Costs ........................................................................................................ 30 Funding Sources ........................................................................................................... 31 Indirect Rate ................................................................................................................. 31 78 SECTION 5 – TRANSIT ................................................................................................................. 32 44.21.00 PROGRAM SUPPORT & ADMINISTRATION .......................................................... 32 01 Transit Systems Management (TSM) ........................................................................ 32 44.24.00 SHORT RANGE TRANSPORTATION PLANNING .................................................... 37 01 Transit Development Plan (TDP) .............................................................................. 37 02 Future Service Analysis and Enhancement .............................................................. 37 03 Current Service Analysis and Enhancement ............................................................. 38 44.25.00 TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM .................................................... 39 01 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) .............................................................. 39 44.27.00 OTHER ACTIVITIES ........................................................................................... 39 01 Implementation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) ................................... 39 TRANSIT FUNDING ........................................................................................................ 40 79 List of Tables Table 1. Abbreviations & Acronyms Used in the Work Program ....................................................... 1 Table 2. Staffing Hours for Work Activity 100 ................................................................................ 10 Table 3. Non-personnel Costs for Work Activity 100 ..................................................................... 10 Table 4. Funding for Work Activity 100 – Program Administration FFY2027 ..................................... 11 Table 5. Staffing Hours for Work Activity 101 ................................................................................ 13 Table 6. Non-personnel Costs for Work Activity 101 ..................................................................... 13 Table 7. Funding for Work Activity 101 – Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP) FFY2027 ............. 13 Table 8. Staffing Hours for Work Activity 102 ................................................................................ 15 Table 9. Non-personnel Costs for Work Activity 102 ..................................................................... 16 Table 10. Funding for Work Activity 102 – Public Involvement and Service FFY2027 ....................... 16 Table 11. Staffing Hours for Work Activity 300 .............................................................................. 17 Table 12. Non-personnel Costs for Work Activity 300 ................................................................... 17 Table 13. Funding for Work Activity 300 – Long Range Transportation Plan FFY2027 ....................... 18 Table 14. Staffing ........................................................................................................................ 20 Table 15. Non-personnel Costs for Work Activity 301 ................................................................... 20 Table 16. Funding for Work Activity 301 – Area Plans FFY2027 ...................................................... 20 Table 17. Staffing Hours for Work Activity 302 .............................................................................. 22 Table 18. Non-personnel Costs for Work Activity 302 ................................................................... 23 Table 19. Funding for Work Activity 302 – Transportation Data FFY2027 ........................................ 23 Table 20. Staffing Hours for Work Activity 600 .............................................................................. 25 Table 21. Non-personnel Costs for Work Activity 600 ................................................................... 25 Table 22. Funding for Work Activity 600 – TIP FFY2027 .................................................................. 25 Table 23. Staffing Hours for Work Activity 700 .............................................................................. 26 Table 24. Funding for Work Activity 700 – Air Quality & Environmental Planning FFY2027 ............... 26 Table 25. Funding Summary FFY 2027 ......................................................................................... 27 Table 26. Funding Comparison ................................................................................................... 27 Table 27. Funding Percentages FFY 2027 ..................................................................................... 28 Table 28. Staff Months by Work Element Fiscal Year 2027 ............................................................ 28 Table 29. Funding Allocation Projections ..................................................................................... 28 Table 30. Eligible Safe and Accessible Transportation Options (SATO) Planning Activity by Work Element Fiscal Year 2027 ............................................................................................................ 29 Table 31.Costs Encountered ....................................................................................................... 30 Table 32. Funding Sources and Amounts Contained in the UPWP ................................................. 31 Table 33. Staffing Hours for Work Activity - TSM ........................................................................... 37 Table 34. Non-personnel Costs for Work Activity - TSM ................................................................ 37 Table 35. Funding for Work Activity – TSM FFY 2026 ...................................................................... 37 Table 36. Transit Funding Summary FFY 2027 .............................................................................. 40 Table 37. Transit Estimated Costs FFY 2027 ................................................................................. 40 Table 38. Transit Funding Percentages Federal Fiscal Year 2027 ................................................... 40 Table 39. Transit Staff Months by Work Element Fiscal Year 2027 .................................................. 41 80 Metropolitan Planning Area Boundary Map Figure 1. Metropolitan Planning Area Boundary 81 Page | 1 Section 1 – INTRODUCTION Table 1. Abbreviations & Acronyms Used in the Work Program ADA Americans with Disabilities Act CM Certification Maintenance CMAQ CTSP Congestion Mitigation Air Quality Community Transportation Safety Plan FHWA Federal Highway Administration FTA Federal Transit Administration FY/FFY Fiscal Year/Federal Fiscal Year. The local and state government fiscal year runs from July 1 - June 30. The Federal fiscal year runs from October 1 - September 30. FAST Act Fixing America's Surface Transportation Act or FAST Act. The five-year surface transportation bill signed by President Obama on December 4, 2015. The new law replaces the previous act known as Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century, or MAP-21. GIS IIJA Geographic Information System Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) was Passed by Congress on November 15, 2021, authorizing funding for Federal transportation programs for the five-year period from 2022-2026. LRTP The Long-Range Transportation Plan is the 20-year planning document for the Gallatin Valley Metropolitan Planning Area. The MPO updates the LRTP every five years through an extensive consultation process to address multimodal transportation needs and investments. MDT MPO Montana Department of Transportation Metropolitan Planning Organization is the agency designated by Federal law to administer the federally required transportation planning process in a metropolitan area. An MPO must be in place in every urbanized area with a population of 50,000 or greater. The MPO is responsible for the LRTP and the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). The MPO is the coordinating agency for grants, billings, and policy- making for transportation. NTD PL National Transit Database PL funds are those available for MPOs to carry out the metropolitan transportation planning process required by 23 USC §134, including the development of metropolitan area transportation plans and transportation improvement programs. Apportionments of PL funds are addressed in 23 USC §104(f). PPP Public Participation Plan RFP Request for Proposals SATO Safe and Accessible Transportation Options SOW Scope of Work TAM TAZ TDP TIP Transit Asset Management Transportation Analysis Zone. Geographic units used in transportation planning to model and analyze travel behavior. Transit Development Plan Transportation Improvement Program. Updated regularly, the TIP lists priority projects and project segments scheduled for implementation over a five-year period. 82 Page | 2 The TIP describes the cost, funding source, project location and scope of each project. TPCC Transportation Policy Coordinating Committee. The policy body for the MPO, TPCC, is responsible for prioritizing Federal aid projects in the Gallatin Valley Metropolitan Planning Area. Composed of local elected officials and appointed regional and state officials, the TPCC approves the LRTP, TIP and UPWP. TTAC Transportation Technical Advisory Committee. Provides technical expertise to TPCC by reviewing and recommending revisions to the planning process, data collection, and forecasts, and federally mandated documents such as the LRTP. The MPO staff provides support to TTAC and TPCC. UPWP UTD Unified Planning Work Program. A document prepared annually by the Metropolitan Planning Organization describing transportation planning activities to be conducted during the Federal fiscal year (10/1 - 9/30). Urban Transportation District. 83 Page | 3 The Work Program and Its Purpose The Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP) describes transportation planning activities that will occur in the metropolitan area during the Federal Fiscal Year (FFY) that runs from October 1 through September 30. The Gallatin Valley Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) develops the UPWP annually for review and approval by local, state, and federal transportation officials. The Gallatin Valley Transportation Technical Advisory Committee (TTAC) and Transportation Policy Coordinating Committee (TPCC) approve the final UPWP locally and then forward it to the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT), the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and Federal Transit Administration (FTA) for final approval. The UPWP contains work elements such as administration, public involvement and long and short- range planning. Each element describes objectives, accomplishments for the past fiscal year and planned activities for the next year. Each element identifies the agency responsible for proposed activities and resources needed, including staff hours, dollar amounts and funding sources. The Gallatin Valley MPO is newly formed following the results of the 2020 Census which announced the Bozeman Urban Area population to be 59,080 meeting the population threshold of 50,000 requiring the designation and formation of an MPO per 23 U.S.C. §134. Therefore, this UPWP is intended to describe the transportation planning activities that will occur in the metropolitan planning area for October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027. Federal Guidance The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) was passed by Congress on November 15, 2021, authorizing funding for Federal transportation programs for federal fiscal years 2022-2026. The IIJA effectively replaced the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act and the prior infrastructure act Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century (MAP-21) Act. The IIJA retains FAST Act’s ten planning factors. The MPO is required, per 23 USC 134(h)(1), to consider these factors when developing transportation plans, programs, and projects: 1. Support the economic vitality of the metropolitan area, especially by enabling global competitiveness, productivity, and efficiency. 2. Increase the safety of the transportation system for motorized and non-motorized users. 3. Increase the security of the transportation system for motorized and non-motorized users. 4. Increase the accessibility and mobility of people and for freight. 5. Protect and enhance the environment, promote energy conservation, improve the quality of life, and promote consistency between transportation improvements and State and local planned growth, housing, and economic development patterns. 6. Enhance the integration and connectivity of the transportation system, across and between modes, people, and freight. 7. Promote efficient system management and operation. 8. Emphasize the preservation of the existing transportation system. 84 Page | 4 9. Improve resiliency and reliability of the transportation system and reduce or mitigate stormwater impacts of surface transportation. 10. Enhance travel and tourism. Performance Measures Passage by Congress of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act continues MAP-21 and FAST Act’s focus on performance-based planning and project selection. Establishment of a performance- and outcome-based program was a key feature of MAP-21 and FAST Act and continues under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The MPO will track performance measures and report to committees, agencies, and the public on progress toward meeting the measures. The national goal areas that the performance measures address include safety, infrastructure condition, congestion reduction, system reliability, freight movement, environmental sustainability, and reduced delays in project delivery. Rather than establish independent performance measure targets for the Gallatin Valley Metropolitan Planning Area, the Transportation Policy Coordinating Committee signed a Performance-Based Planning Agreement supporting state performance targets established by MDT, in coordination with Montana MPOs, on September 10, 2024. The MPO supports the state targets for applicable performance measures under federal regulation 23 CFR §490 and will support the Gallatin Valley Urban Transportation District (UTD) for associated transit performance measures under federal code 49 USC 5326(c) and 49 USC 5329(d). Thus, the MPO will plan and program projects that contribute toward relevant targets for each performance measure. Safety Within this work program, staff hours and planning funds will contribute to continued implementation of the Bozeman SAFE Plan recommendations (Physical Improvements, Policy Enhancements, the 2013 Bozeman Community Transportation Safety Plan (CTSP) recommendations (Inattentive Driving Crashes, Seat Belts/ Occupant Protection Use, Bicycle and Pedestrian Crashes), as well as continued data collection and analysis. These efforts will work to address actions within the three emphasis areas identified in the CTSP (Alcohol and Impaired Driving Crashes, Occupant Protection/Seatbelt Use, and Bicycle and Pedestrian Crashes), as well as track progress on current measures to eliminate traffic fatalities and severe injuries. Pavement and Bridge Condition Efforts included in this work program, such as the Long-Range Transportation Plan and data collection, will track pavement and bridge condition as well as prioritize improvement of existing facilities. The plans and data will help identify the most critical needs, bringing overall system condition up to meet performance targets set for the state. 85 Page | 5 Freight Ongoing data collection and analysis will support efforts at the state level to improve system performance for freight and the movement of goods and services. Air Quality The Gallatin Valley is an air quality attainment area and is therefore not subject to conformity requirements under the Clean Air Act or the on-road mobile source emissions performance measures under 23 CFR §490 for the criteria pollutants (PM2.5, PM10, CO, VOC, or NOx). Therefore, there are no air quality requirements for the Gallatin Valley MPO per 23 CFR §450. However, the Gallatin Valley MPO will support the statewide CMAQ total emissions reduction performance measures, under 23 CFR §490, in its planning and programming processes as detailed in a separate Performance-Based Planning Agreement. Additionally, the GVMPO will support criteria pollutant reduction efforts to prevent the Gallatin Valley from exceedances and non-attainment designation. The GVMPO will monitor local air quality and adjust future work as needed. Safe and Accessible Transportation Options (SATO) The IIJA includes federal requirements to dedicate at least 2.5 percent of the annual PL allocation to safe and accessible transportation options and complete streets planning activities. Section 11206 of the IIJA defines complete streets activities as “standards or policies that ensure the safe and adequate accommodation of all users of the transportation system, including pedestrians, bicyclists, public transportation users, children, older individuals, individuals with disabilities, motorists, and freight vehicles.” The IIJA does allow for flexibility for states or MPOs to opt out of SATO requirements if they can demonstrate adopted Complete Streets standards and policies and has developed an up-to-date Complete Streets prioritization plan. Currently, the Gallatin Valley MPO does not have an officially adopted Complete Streets policy, and the Long-Range Transportation Plan will include prioritized SATO projects. Opting out of SATO requirements must be submitted and approved by the U.S. Secretary of Transportation no later than 30 days before funds are apportioned. To meet the SATO requirements of IIJA, this UPWP details eligible activities under each work element, along with estimated cost for each of those activities within the existing work plan. These dedicated funds and activities are summarized in Table 30. Based on the PL allocation for FFY2027, a minimum of $15,065.88 must be dedicated to SATO activities with $10,005.00 in FFY 2027 based on allocated funds. 86 Page | 6 Public Involvement Development of the UPWP included discussion at the June and July 2026 TTAC and TPCC meetings and included opportunities for public review and comment on the draft up to and including the date of adoption by the TPCC. The MPO provided opportunity for public input, included drafts in the publicly available committee agendas and informed the public on the MPO’s website. These outreach efforts listed the meetings where the public could comment on the draft UPWP: • Transportation Technical Advisory Committee, June 10, 2026 • Transportation Policy Coordinating Committee, June 24, 2026 Final approval of the FFY 2027 UPWP was completed at the TPCC meeting on July 22, 2026. The MPO will also accept comments and answer questions in person, by mail, e-mail and telephone following posting of the draft UPWP. 87 Page | 7 SECTION 2 – WORK PROGRAM Program Support and Administration 100 Program Administration Objectives Administer the transportation planning process as staff to the Gallatin Valley Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), as well as support the transportation planning activities of local, state, and federal agencies. Provide staff support to the Transportation Policy Coordinating Committee and assist other boards, commissions, and committees in the planning process. Inform local governments and the public regarding transportation planning activities. Keep transportation staff skills current and maintain staff exposure to current best practices and technologies related to multimodal transportation planning, safety, transportation demand management and other related activities. Staff will maintain Certification Maintenance (CM) credits with professional associations. Staff will attend trainings virtually and in-person; each staff will attend one in-state conference and one national conference. Maintain contact with, provide input to and receive feedback from various local, regional, state, and federal agencies, committees, and groups. Accomplishments in FFY 2026 • Continued the process necessary to carry out all federally required transportation planning activities in all portions of the Metropolitan Planning Area. This is an ongoing activity. • Performed all administrative functions of the transportation planning work program. Program management activities included correspondence, public relations, employee hiring and guidance, program organization, consultant management, staff meeting attendance, employee supervision, Title VI and non-discrimination conformance, and preparation of contracts and various office tasks. Activities also included the preparation of quarterly progress and expenditure reports and transmission of reports to MDT to maintain federal and state funding support. This is ongoing with reimbursement activity reports submitted around January, April, July, and October. • Continued to confirm that the TTAC and TPCC are fulfilling the roles and responsibilities as required. This is an ongoing activity. • MPO staff, on a continual basis: o Participated in recognized and approved training programs and webinars to improve staff skills and capabilities. This included attending the American Association of Planners – Montana conference in Helena, MT, attending the NACTO conference, and will likely include attending the Association of Metropolitan Planning Organizations conference. o Pursued training and innovative practices related to safe and accessible transportation options planning activities, including bike-ped data collection. 88 Page | 8 o Obtained prior approval from MDT before attending any conferences or training that require out-of-state travel per 2 CFR §200.475. • Maintained relevant professional memberships in the American Planning Association, Association of Metropolitan Planning Organizations, and Association for Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals. • Participated in and encouraged increased cooperation between state and local agencies, departments, and governing bodies. Served as both coordinator and participant in many of these meetings on a continual basis. • Worked with other MPOs and agencies to assess IIJA opportunities and challenges, including grant applications and implementation of new rules, such as the required SATO planning activities. • GVMPO hosted the first statewide in-person MPO/MDT meeting in Bozeman. The meeting included agency updates, partner input, and a site visit along North 7th Avenue to discuss transit, pedestrian, and bicycle access along and near the corridor. • Ensure MPO participation with other agencies and groups, as required by the IIJA. • GVMPO is incorporating IIJA performance measures into the Long Range Transportation Plan. The MPO is tracking statewide performance measures, integrating available data into the LRTP, and will develop a performance dashboard before completion of the plan. • GVMPO continued to track and review grant notices and coordinate with the cities, county, and MDT on grant application activities, including support for a Gallatin County RAISE grant. The MPO did not pursue an SS4A grant because each local jurisdiction has already advanced SS4A work, and MPO staff capacity remained focused on LRTP development. • Staff evaluated the effectiveness of the current logo and branding, and has concluded adjustments will be made in the next federal fiscal year. • Staff continued to monitor existing partner agreements to support ongoing compliance and coordination among participating agencies. This included continued review of administrative roles, responsibilities, and decision-making processes to ensure MPO work products, planning activities, and federally required responsibilities remain aligned with adopted agreements and the approved UPWP. • Staff continued to provide oversight, training, and professional development to support MPO work activities. This included recruitment and onboarding for the Transportation Planner position to support traffic counts, community engagement, and other activities identified in the UPWP. • Staff purchased office furniture, workspace improvements, and related equipment to support MPO operations, staff productivity, general storage, and small meeting needs. This included items such as a table, chairs, bookshelf, storage cabinet, cubicle components, and light-filtering film. Proposed Activities in FFY 2027 • Continue the process necessary to carry out all federally required transportation planning activities in all portions of the Metropolitan Planning Area. This will be an ongoing activity. • Perform all administrative functions of the transportation planning work program. Program management activities may include, but will not be limited to, correspondence, public relations, employee guidance, program organization, consultant management, staff meeting attendance, employee supervision, Title VI and non-discrimination conformance, and preparation of contracts and various office tasks 89 Page | 9 • Continue to confirm that the TTAC and TPCC are fulfilling the roles and responsibilities as required. This is an ongoing activity. • MPO staff will, on a continual basis: o Participate in recognized and approved training programs, webinars, and MPO- related training opportunities, within available budget, to improve staff skills, technical knowledge, and program capabilities. Training may include opportunities provided by MDT, FHWA, FTA, or other relevant transportation planning partners. o Pursue training and innovative practices related to safe and accessible transportation options planning activities. o Obtain prior approval from MDT before attending any conferences or training that require out-of-state travel per 2 CFR §200.475. o Each staff member is budgeted for one in-state conference. Based on current projections, one staff member will attend a national conference each Federal Fiscal Year, with attendance alternating between years as budget projections improve. o Obtain and/or maintain relevant professional memberships. • Participate in and encourage increased cooperation between state and local agencies, departments, and governing bodies. Serve as both coordinator and participant in many of these meetings and committee gatherings. This is on a continual basis. • Work with other MPOs and agencies to assess opportunities and challenges with the new surface transportation bill, including grant applications and implementation of new rules, such as the required SATO planning activities. • Regularly, ensure MPO participation with other agencies and groups, as required by the federal transportation language. • Work to incorporate relevant performance measures into MPO transportation plans and programs. The MPO will track statewide performance measures and provide regular reporting to the TTAC and TPCC and the public, as appropriate, subject to the availability of related data. This work is ongoing. • Actively pursue federal grant opportunities to supplement resources by tracking and reviewing grant notices, coordinating with partners, and supporting partner grant applications when consistent with MPO priorities and staff capacity. • On an ongoing basis, monitor existing agreements with partners and administer any new agreements that may arise through MPO activities. • Continually, provide staff oversight and development opportunities including with weekly check-ins and informal discussions throughout the work week. • Staff will attend City of Bozeman Development Review Committee meetings to monitor development trends and better understand regional transportation implications associated with growth and development patterns. • Administer the Transportation Alternatives program for the Bozeman Urbanized Area, including administrative preparation, preparing and issuing the call for projects, coordinating with MDT and eligible project sponsors, providing technical assistance on eligibility and application requirements, scoring and prioritizing submitted projects through a competitive process, and advancing selected projects through the MPO programming process. • This activity includes holiday, vacation, and other benefits. • A majority of non-staff expenses cover office costs, including rent, utilities, and cleaning. Staff will review options to preserve planning funds, as MPO funding in a hosted model may 90 Page | 10 not support significant facility costs over time. Product The proposed activities will continue implementation of an ongoing administrative program, help to ensure a well-informed and competent staff, and foster a continuing, cooperative, and comprehensive (3-C’s) planning processes. Products include agreements, updated policies, quarterly reports and invoices, as well as annual maintenance agreements for software. • TTAC and TPCC meeting materials, presentations, agendas, minutes, and supporting documentation. • Staff participation in webinars, training, and professional development activities, as budget allows. • Documentation of continuing education credits, certifications, and relevant professional development activities. • Administrative coordination, interagency coordination, and ongoing partner communication. • Monitoring of development trends and transportation implications through participation in partner coordination meetings and development review discussions. • Quarterly reports, reimbursement requests, invoices, and related financial documentation. • Software subscriptions, maintenance agreements, and related administrative support activities necessary for MPO operations. • Office rent, utilities, cleaning, supplies, and related facility costs necessary to support MPO operations. These costs place a significant burden on the MPO’s limited planning funds and reduce the funding available for required planning work. Staff will evaluate options to reduce or eliminate these costs. • Coordination with local, state, federal, and regional partners regarding transportation planning activities, funding opportunities, and implementation of transportation programs. • Internal program management activities necessary to support ongoing MPO operations and federally required planning activities. Staffing 1,322 hours – GVMPO Table 2. Staffing Hours for Work Activity 100 GVMPO POSITIONS HOURS MPO Manager 914 Planner I 408 Total GVMPO 1,322 Total 1,322 Table 3. Non-personnel Costs for Work Activity 100 Item Cost Productivity Software $2,600.00 Publications $150.00 Civil Rights Accommodation Services $1,000.00 Office Supplies and Management $1,000.00 In-State Conferences with travel and lodging $2,500.00 91 Page | 11 Item Cost Out-of-State Conferences with travel and lodging $2,750.00 APBP, AMPO, APA/MAP Associations and Certifications $4,000.00 Travel and Fuel $1,000.00 Cell phone + service for two $1,000.00 Rent $32,500.00 Office Operations (utilities, snow removal, repairs, …) $14,280.00 Cleaning $2,160.00 Webinars $1,200.00 Indirect Costs (10 percent) $9,804.76 Total $75,944.76 Table 4. Funding for Work Activity 100 – Program Administration FFY2027 Agency PL** State Local* Totals GVMPO $150,642.55 $23,349.77 $173,992.32 TOTALS $150,642.55 $23,349.77 $173,992.32 * Local funds provided by the City of Bozeman (50%), City of Belgrade (25%), and Gallatin County (25%). **PL Funds: 86.58% federal share, 13.42% state share. Functional Agency Responsibility The MPO will be responsible for administering the planning process. 101 Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP) Objective Define transportation and transportation-related planning activities anticipated within the MPA during the coming year. Accomplishments in FFY 2026 • Developed a UPWP with task-by-task project details, funding, staffing, and schedules. Due to limited funding capacity and high operating costs, this includes reducing memberships and out-of-state conference attendance, preserving limited in-state training only where directly relevant and affordable, and relying on lower-cost webinars for professional development. Even with these reductions, projected operating costs are expected to exceed available funding by 2031 under the current structure. • Reviewed the UPWP at the local, state, and federal levels. • Solicited public comments on proposed UPWP activities through TTAC and TPCC meetings and a public comment period; incorporated feedback into UPWP. • Included SATO reporting as required by IIJA Section 11206. • Quarterly reports and invoices submitted on eligible PL activities. 92 Page | 12 • Signed 5303 Contract with MDT. Reports and 5303 reimbursement requests submitted regularly. • Drafted FFY 2027 UPWP with public and stakeholder input from TTAC and TPCC meetings. Proposed Activities in FFY 2027 • Develop a UPWP with task-by-task project details, funding, staffing, and schedules. This will include review of available program capacity and preservation of funding for core MPO responsibilities and future LRTP needs. • Activities will also include the preparation of quarterly progress and expenditure reports and transmission of reports to MDT to maintain federal and state funding support. This will be ongoing with reimbursement activity reports submitted around January, April, July, and October. • Review the UPWP at the local, state, and federal levels. • Solicit public comments through TTAC and TPCC meetings regarding any proposed UPWP activity and incorporate such comments in the UPWP. • Include SATO reporting as required by IIJA Section 11206, or as updated by the anticipated federal transportation bill. • Submit quarterly reports and invoices on eligible PL and 5303 activities during FFY 2027. Product The proposed activities will contribute to a well-defined work program that documents MPO and Transit transportation planning activities. • A completed FFY 2027 UPWP with task descriptions, schedules, staffing assumptions, budgets, and funding allocations. • Quarterly progress reports, reimbursement requests, invoices, and related financial documentation submitted to MDT and other applicable agencies. • Ongoing coordination and review of the UPWP with local, state, and federal partners. • TTAC and TPCC meeting materials, agendas, presentations, public notices, minutes, and supporting documentation related to UPWP activities. • Public comment documentation and revisions incorporated into the UPWP process, as appropriate. • Documentation and reporting related to SATO planning activities and other applicable federal transportation requirements. • Updated schedules, budgets, and program assumptions reflecting available MPO funding capacity and long-term LRTP funding needs. • Participation in lower-cost webinars, limited in-state training opportunities, and other professional development activities, as budget allows. • Administrative records and documentation necessary to maintain compliance with federal and state transportation planning requirements and reimbursement procedures. Staffing 88 hours – GVMPO 93 Page | 13 Table 5. Staffing Hours for Work Activity 101 GVMPO POSITIONS HOURS MPO Manager 78 Planner I 10 Total GVMPO 88 Total 88 Table 6. Non-personnel Costs for Work Activity 101 Item Cost Indirect Costs (10 percent) $708.94 Total $708.94 Table 7. Funding for Work Activity 101 – Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP) FFY2027 Agency PL ** State Local* Totals GVMPO $6,751.83 $1,046.54 $7,798.37 TOTALS $6,751.83 $1,046.54 $7,798.37 * Local funds provided by the City of Bozeman (50%), City of Belgrade (25%), and Gallatin County (25%). **PL Funds: 86.58% federal share, 13.42% state share. Functional Agency Responsibility The MPO will coordinate with MDT and Gallatin Valley UTD to develop the UPWP. 102 Public Involvement and Service Objective Prepare and disseminate transportation-related information to the community. Accomplishments in FFY 2026 • MPO staff continued to use and monitor implementation of the MPO Public Participation Plan framework, as required under 23 CFR 450.316. Activities included using the plan to guide outreach, information sharing, and public comment periods; supported LRTP engagement within the adopted PPP framework. • The MPO supplied transportation information to City and County agencies, and outside parties, by assisting in the development of information for: o Private individuals or groups to aid in their decisions. o Legislative purposes at the local, state, and federal level. o Ensure consistency between the transportation planning goals of the LRTP and other applicable local plans and policies. 94 Page | 14 o Many of these efforts were responsive to public and partner requests or will support the ongoing development of plans and activities. • Maintained and updated the Gallatin Valley MPO website to share transportation planning information with the public. Staff continued to evaluate outreach strategies consistent with the PPP and IAP2 framework, including use of partner communication channels, updates to website content. Staff developed LRTP-related data to support online engagement and provided MPO data in response to a public request. Additional public-facing educational materials were deferred due to staff turnover and limited available capacity. • The MPO will prepare transportation information on an ongoing basis for use in coordinating other urban development programs, focusing on data access. • Solicited community involvement and shared information related to the Long Range Transportation Plan, committee activities, and MPO planning efforts. This included one virtual meeting on LRTP goals and objectives; in-person open house workshops in Bozeman, Belgrade, and Gallatin County with five engagement stations at each event; an online mapping exercise to gather input on transportation alternatives and public project ideas; and four LRTP webpage updates to keep the public informed throughout the process. • Conducted limited research on community engagement best practices due to staffing constraints and competing LRTP demands. Available staff resources were instead focused on implementing a high-quality LRTP alternatives engagement process, including in-person open house workshops, online engagement tools, and partner-supported outreach. This approach required substantial staff time and supported meaningful public input during the alternatives phase. • Hosted three Community Advisory Panel (CAP) meetings for input into LRTP and engagement activities. Proposed Activities in FFY 2027 • Staff will continue to improve MPO communications and public-facing materials to support public recognition, community involvement, and a professional public presence. This may include updates to branding, logo use, website content, printed materials, tabling materials, displays, and other engagement resources, as budget allows. • The MPO will conduct public engagement activities through public meetings, community events, workshops, partner meetings, online tools, and other appropriate methods. Staff will continue to build relationships with community partners to support broader participation in regional transportation planning. • Staff will prepare and share transportation information to support coordination with local development, land use, infrastructure, and transportation planning activities. This may include maps, data summaries, project information, and other materials that help explain regional transportation implications and support consistency with MPO planning goals. • Staff will continue to evaluate cost-effective outreach methods and tools to support flexible and resilient public engagement. This may include webinars, peer examples, partner coordination, virtual meeting tools, online engagement, and stakeholder networking. • Staff will identify and pursue embedded outreach opportunities by attending partner meetings, community events, and other existing forums where regional transportation issues can be discussed with broader audiences 95 Page | 15 • Staff may purchase or develop public engagement materials to support MPO outreach activities, as budget allows. This may include items such as a tent awning, table, displays, interactive engagement tools, clipboards, printed materials, and other community engagement supplies. Product The proposed activities will support a public involvement process that emphasizes community education, information sharing, and participation in regional transportation planning. Products may include, but are not limited to: • Updates and improvements to the Gallatin Valley MPO website, including planning information, committee materials, public involvement opportunities, maps, data resources, and other public-facing content. • Website updates and educational materials that support public understanding of MPO activities, transportation needs, planning processes, and opportunities for participation. • Public meeting, workshop, tabling, and community-event materials related to MPO plans, studies, and programs, including the LRTP and Valley Trail Loop study. • Documentation of public involvement activities, including notices, meeting materials, participation summaries, comments received, and responses or follow-up actions, as appropriate. • Continued use and refinement of engagement tools, including online and in-person engagement methods, web-based resources, partner communication channels, and other cost-effective outreach methods. • Partner coordination and embedded outreach activities, including meetings attended, community forums, partner events, participation summaries, comments received, and follow-up actions, as appropriate. • Public-facing materials that support a professional MPO presence, including displays, printed materials, website content, and other engagement resources. • Language-access support for public involvement activities, including Spanish-language support where feasible and appropriate Staffing 916 hours – GVMPO Table 8. Staffing Hours for Work Activity 102 GVMPO POSITIONS HOURS MPO Manager 268 Planner I 648 Total GVMPO 916 Total 916 96 Page | 16 Table 9. Non-personnel Costs for Work Activity 102 Item Cost Engagement supplies & materials $1,000.00 Indirect Costs (10 percent) $5,595.42 Total $6,595.42 Table 10. Funding for Work Activity 102 – Public Involvement and Service FFY2027 Agency PL** State Local* Totals GVMPO $54,155.49 $8,394.16 $62,549.65 TOTALS $54,155.49 $8,394.16 $62,549.65 * Local funds provided by the City of Bozeman (50%), City of Belgrade (25%), and Gallatin County (25%). **PL Funds: 86.58% federal share, 13.42% state share. Functional Agency Responsibility The MPO, MDT, and Gallatin Valley UTD will be responsible for public involvement with their respective plans and responding to information requests. Safe and Accessible Transportation Options (SATO) The public involvement supporting the eligible SATO planning activities identified in work elements 300 and 301 account for an estimated 2.5 percent of total MPO staff time in this work element. Long Range Planning – System Level 300 Long Range Transportation Plan Objective Oversee the development, preparation, and adoption of a Gallatin Valley MPO LRTP that addresses the long and short-range transportation needs of the metropolitan planning area and identifies new transportation policies and facilities. Accomplishments in FFY 2026 Continued development of the Long Range Transportation Plan, with work scheduled to support completion of the draft LRTP by September 2026 and adoption by December 2026. MPO staff provided ongoing coordination, technical review, and project management throughout the LRTP process to support schedule, quality control, partner coordination, and consistency with MPO goals, federal planning requirements, and local planning needs. Activities included the following: • October – December 2025: Staff and the consultant team advanced the LRTP vision, goals, and objectives; held a virtual public meeting in December focused on goals and objectives; and completed the Existing Conditions Report. 97 Page | 17 • January – March 2026: Staff and the consultant team advanced project identification, screening, scoring, and financial planning. Work also began on scenario development, project prioritization, recommendations, and the financial plan. • April – June 2026: Staff and the consultant team conducted major public outreach, including open house workshops in each community with five engagement stations at each event. The outreach process gathered new project ideas and documented public concerns and priorities, including support for walking, bicycling, separated bikeways, and other multimodal improvements. Work also continued on scenario development, alternatives analysis, project prioritization, and the financial plan. • July – September 2026: Staff and the consultant team will prepare the draft LRTP document, conduct public review, begin development of performance measure dashboards, and prepare the LRTP for adoption by December 2026. Proposed Activities in FFY 2027 Finalize the Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP), including final document revisions, public review, committee review, response to comments, and preparation for TPCC adoption. The planned timeline follows: • October 2026 – Public review period for the draft LRTP • November 2026 – Incorporate any public comments, as appropriate; second TTAC review; second TPCC review and consideration of LRTP adoption • December 2026 – Contingency period for final TPCC adoption, if needed due to comments, revisions, or other issues identified near project completion Product Final adopted LRTP, including final document revisions, public comments and responses, committee recommendations, fiscally constrained project list, and TPCC adoption that meets all requirements of 23 USC 134 and 23 CFR Part 450. Staffing 203 hours – GVMPO Table 11. Staffing Hours for Work Activity 300 GVMPO POSITIONS HOURS MPO Manager 155 Planner I 48 Total GVMPO 203 Table 12. Non-personnel Costs for Work Activity 300 Item Cost Consultant Services $20,000.00 Indirect Costs (10 percent) $1,553.63 Total $21,553.63 98 Page | 18 Table 13. Funding for Work Activity 300 – Long Range Transportation Plan FFY2027 Agency PL** State Local* Totals GVMPO $32,112.42 $4,977.46 $37,089.88 TOTALS $32,112.42 $4,977.46 $37,089.88 * Local funds provided by the City of Bozeman (50%), City of Belgrade (25%), and Gallatin County (25%). **PL Funds: 86.58% federal share, 13.42% state share. Functional Agency Responsibility The MPO will be responsible for implementation of the Gallatin Valley MPO Long Range Transportation Plan with the assistance of consultant services. The MPO will be responsible for managing the consultant and contract, development and implementation of the GVMPO LRTP. Safe and Accessible Transportation Options (SATO) A conservative estimated 2.5 percent of proposed cost in this work element will be supportive of eligible activities as outlined in IIJA throughout the LRTP development process. This figure was determined based on data collection, safety goal development, analysis, and recommended work to specifically enhance safety, accessibility, and multimodal transportation options for vulnerable road users such as people walking or riding a bicycle, and individuals experiencing ADA mobility challenges. 301 Sub-Area Transportation Plans Objective Conduct a collaborative study to evaluate the feasibility of a regional trail system encircling the community. The study will explore potential alignments – whether a single loop or multiple interconnected routes – to improve bicycle-pedestrian connectivity between Bozeman, Belgrade, and Gallatin County. It will identify possible locations and recommend next steps. Accomplishments in FFY 2026 Finalized the Valley Center Spur Background Report. Completion was extended to allow for additional coordination with MDT regarding the previously reviewed intersection treatment. The report was completed under the following timeline: • October 2025: Finalized internal reviews and requested additional input from MDT regarding the previously reviewed four-way intersection treatment. • March 2026: Received MDT’s response. • April 2026: Completed the report. • May 2026: Completed final review. • July 2026: Presented the report to MPO committees for information and discussion. 99 Page | 19 Advanced the Valley Trail Loop scope of work to identify potential regional trail routes connecting Bozeman, Belgrade, and Gallatin County. The schedule was adjusted to prioritize LRTP completion, balance staff workload, and carry study activities into the following Federal Fiscal Year. Work completed included preparing an initial scope of work, meeting with community partners, and participating in a Rails to Trails technical assistance meeting. Staff anticipates releasing procurement documents in August or September 2026, dependent on LRTP progress and available staff capacity. The MPO will utilize donations from partners to fund consultants to assist. Proposed Activities in FFY 2027 Advance development of the Valley Trail Loop study to identify potential regional trail routes connecting Bozeman, Belgrade, and Four Corners in Gallatin County. The study will examine existing and planned trail connections, missing gaps, land ownership and access considerations, implementation challenges, and potential route alternatives. Work will include partner coordination, community engagement, mapping, field review, feasibility review, alternatives analysis, draft and final recommendations, and preparation of adoption materials. Staff anticipates the following general timeline, which may be refined through the scope of work and procurement process: • October–November 2026: Review existing conditions, missing gaps, previous planning efforts, adopted plans, planned projects, land ownership patterns, and key opportunities. • December 2026–January 2027: Conduct background research, mapping, partner coordination, and preliminary route screening. Begin identifying affected property owners, access issues, and potential outreach needs. • February–March 2027: Develop preliminary route alternatives, continue partner coordination, and prepare for field review, landowner outreach, and public engagement as weather allows. • April–June 2027: Conduct field review, route walks or site visits, landowner outreach, public engagement, alternatives analysis, and refinement of potential route recommendations. • June – July 2027: Prepare draft recommendations, including potential route alignments, implementation considerations, and planning-level feasibility considerations. • August–September 2027: Finalize recommendations and present the Valley Trail Loop study for review and potential adoption. Local partners will provide funding contributions to support consultant services for the study. Contributions include $70,000 from the City of Bozeman, $35,000 from the City of Belgrade, and $20,000 from Gallatin County, for a total local contribution of $125,000. Product The end product will be a study identifying feasible routing for the regional trail loop(s). It will most likely involve consultants paid for with local funds, split between the jurisdictions within the MPA. Staffing 645 hours – GVMPO 100 Page | 20 Table 14. Staffing Staffing Hours for Work Activity 301 GVMPO POSITIONS HOURS MPO Manager 460 Planner I 185 Total GVMPO 645 Table 15. Non-personnel Costs for Work Activity 301 Item Cost Indirect Costs $4,829.84 Total $4,829.84 Table 16. Funding for Work Activity 301 – Area Plans FFY2027 Agency PL** State Local* Totals GVMPO $45,998.39 $7,129.80 $53,128.20 TOTALS $45,998.39 $7,129.80 $53,128.20 * Local funds provided by the City of Bozeman (50%), City of Belgrade (25%), and Gallatin County (25%). **PL Funds: 86.58% federal share, 13.42% state share. Functional Agency Responsibility The MPO will be responsible for implementation of the Gallatin Valley MPO Long Range Transportation Plan with the assistance of consultant services. Safe and Accessible Transportation Options (SATO) A conservative estimated 50 percent of MPO staff time will be supportive of eligible activities as outlined in the IIJA. This percentage accounts for staff time working on this bicycle, pedestrian, ADA safety study that will be supportive of SATO activities. 302 Transportation Data Objective Collect and maintain data necessary to review various transportation plans and programs. Support efforts to implement GIS program in coordination with cartographers and GIS specialists. Accomplishments in FFY 2026 During the previous fiscal year, staff advanced the MPO’s data management, GIS, traffic count, and performance-measure activities to support the metropolitan transportation planning process and development of the LRTP. 101 Page | 21 • Staff obtained and began maintaining socio-economic, land use, and transportation data to support the metropolitan transportation planning process and development of the LRTP. • Staff began developing a stronger GIS foundation for MPO planning work through integration with the City of Bozeman’s ArcGIS Online environment. This included developing internal GIS layers, mapping data collection locations, preparing new maps for LRTP use, and mapping existing planned projects across the region. • Staff began using GIS tools in-house to monitor, organize, and share transportation-related data through maps, data layers, dashboards, public-facing tools, and similar resources. This included creating an online public comment map to collect project ideas during the LRTP process. • Staff coordinated with MDT and participated in traffic count training twice due to staff turnover. The MPO did not complete traffic counts during the reporting period because the Transportation Planner position was not filled until mid-July, leaving insufficient time for staff training and field deployment during the count season. • Staff purchased Continuous Count Station equipment, researched installation requirements, prepared a scope of work for electrical installation, and completed electrical installation for deployment. Due to unforeseen budget constraints associated with the recurring State Allocation, one unit was returned. • Staff collected, reviewed, and analyzed data related to performance measures for inclusion in the LRTP. • The MPO prepared and contributed to maps, graphics, infographics, and other visual communication materials to support public engagement, committee review, and regional transportation planning. • Staff attended relevant trainings, coordinated with partner agencies, and conducted research into best practices for multimodal data collection, transportation data management, GIS integration, traffic count programs, and data visualization. • Due to updated financial projections, staff is proposing to return the two Continuous Count Stations to reduce ongoing financial obligations and preserve PL funds for future planning. Proposed Activities in FFY 2027 The MPO will continue to enhance its transportation data program to support the metropolitan transportation planning process, LRTP implementation, performance tracking, and public information needs. Activities may include: • Collect, maintain, and share traffic count data that supports FHWA requirements, multimodal planning needs, and regional transportation decision-making. • Continue developing an integrated multimodal count program that includes vehicle counts, bicycle counts, pedestrian counts, and continuous count station data. Staff will review current state of the practice, coordinate with partners, and refine local methods for collecting and using multimodal transportation data. • Maintain socio-economic, land use, transportation, and related planning data to support the metropolitan transportation planning process. • Continue building GIS capacity through integration with the City of Bozeman’s online GIS platform, including development of MPO data layers, maps, and related planning tools; integrate LRTP-developed GIS layers into usage format for future needs. • Increase in-house use of GIS to organize, analyze, and share transportation-related data. This may include research and early development of a public-facing data hub, dashboard, map viewer, or similar tool, as budget and staff capacity allow. 102 Page | 22 • Collect and analyze remaining or related data needed to support performance measures identified through the LRTP and other MPO planning activities. • Attend relevant trainings and conduct research into best practices for multimodal data collection, data analysis, performance tracking, GIS integration, and transportation data management. • Prepare and contribute to maps, data graphics, infographics, dashboards, and other visual communication materials that help explain transportation conditions, trends, needs, and performance. • Coordinate with MDT on continuous count station administration, data collection procedures, equipment needs, reporting requirements, and related program issues. • Continue working with federal, state, and local agencies to improve performance tracking methods and strengthen the use of performance measures in MPO planning, programming, and data integration. • Explore the development and tracking of local performance goals, including potential measures related to fatalities, serious injuries, multimodal safety, system performance, accessibility, and regional connectivity. • Explore opportunities for additional software, data tools, or analytical platforms to improve understanding of transportation network performance, as budget allows. • Staff is proposing returning the Continuous Count Station due to budget projection and partner installations of continuous counting at signals. Product • Traffic count data and related summaries to support FHWA requirements, multimodal planning needs, and the metropolitan transportation planning process. • Updated socio-economic, land use, transportation, and performance-related datasets to support MPO planning, LRTP implementation, and regional decision-making. • GIS layers, maps, and planning tools integrated with the City of Bozeman’s online GIS platform. • Internal and public-facing maps, dashboards, data graphics, infographics, and other visual communication materials to explain transportation conditions, trends, needs, and performance. • Performance-measure tracking materials, including data summaries related to safety, system performance, accessibility, multimodal travel, and regional connectivity. • Research and documenting lessons learned from development of the MPO’s integrated multimodal count program, including recommended approaches for incorporating bicycle and pedestrian counts into the regional data program. The information may be shared on the MPO website to support peer learning and contribute to the practice. The level of effort may be adjusted based on available staff capacity and other work program priorities. • Potential software, data tools, dashboards, or analytical platforms that could improve the MPO’s ability to monitor and communicate transportation network performance, as budget allows, after potential return of CCS. Staffing 916 hours – GVMPO Table 17. Staffing Hours for Work Activity 302 GVMPO POSITIONS HOURS 103 Page | 23 MPO Manager 150 Transportation Planner 766 Total GVMPO 916 Total 916 Table 18. Non-personnel Costs for Work Activity 302 Item Cost Software Maintenance for Data Collection Equipment $900.00 Pedestrian Counter Connectivity $600.00 Diamond Connectivity Subscription $900.00 Indirect Costs (10 percent) $5,208.23 Total $7,608.23 Table 19. Funding for Work Activity 302 – Transportation Data FFY2027 Agency PL ** State Local* Totals GVMPO $51,681.52 $8,010.69 $59,692.21 TOTALS $51,681.52 $8,010.69 $59,692.21 * Local funds provided by the City of Bozeman (50%), City of Belgrade (25%), and Gallatin County (25%). **PL Funds: 86.58% federal share, 13.42% state share. Functional Agency Responsibility The MPO, MDT, City of Bozeman, City of Belgrade, County of Gallatin, and the Gallatin Valley UTD will cooperate to ensure the efficient acquisition and analysis of transportation data. Safe and Accessible Transportation Options (SATO) The transportation data collection and analysis supporting the eligible SATO planning activities identified in work elements 300 and 301 account for an estimated 2.5 percent of total MPO staff time in this work element. Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) 600 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) Objective Develop a viable five-year program of transportation projects with description, location, scope, cost, and funding source. TIP Development Process Project Selection: The MPO will identify and select projects for the TIP through an annual process. The process includes the TTAC, TPCC, agencies and interested persons. The intent of the process is 104 Page | 24 to identify projects in the current LRTP that are suitable additions to the TIP for the upcoming five- year implementation period. Project Phasing: For each project, the sponsoring agency or department establishes phases according to the project’s priority, the amount of available funds and estimated completion time. Project Information: Each project in the TIP includes the following information: 1. Sufficient information to identify the project (type of work, length, termini, etc.). 2. Estimated total cost and the amount of Federal funds to be obligated during the program year. 3. Proposed sources of Federal and non-Federal funds; and 4. Funding recipient and State and local agencies responsible for carrying out the project. State Review of Project Costs: MDT reviews the cost of projects listed in the Funding Tables in light of available funding. Final Review and Approval: The TTAC reviews the TIP and then forwards it to TPCC for review and approval. The MPO then submits the TIP to MDT for approval. MDT then submits to FHWA/FTA for review. The MPO submits the approved TIP to MDT for use in developing the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP). The STIP incorporates the MPO’s TIP by reference. The STIP is submitted for approval by FHWA and FTA. Gallatin Valley UTD will contribute to the development and maintenance (amendments/modifications) of the TIP annually and coordinate with MPO staff to ensure that the TIP accurately reflects transit projects. Accomplishments in FFY 2026 Staff began work on TIP development in coordination with the LRTP process. This included reviewing the relationship between the LRTP, TIP, and STIP; identifying needed coordination points with MDT, local jurisdictions, and transit partners; and beginning to consider how federally funded and regionally significant projects will move from the LRTP into the MPO’s programming process. Proposed Activities in FFY 2027 Staff will finalize the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) in coordination with final LRTP development and adoption. The intent is to place the TIP on the same TPCC agenda as the LRTP so the committee can consider adoption of both documents during the same meeting cycle. Product Adopted Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), coordinated with the adopted LRTP and prepared for integration into the STIP. Staffing 70 hours – GVMPO 105 Page | 25 Table 20. Staffing Hours for Work Activity 600 GVMPO POSITIONS HOURS MPO Manager 55 Planner 15 Total GVMPO 70 Total 70 Table 21. Non-personnel Costs for Work Activity 600 Item Cost Indirect Costs (10 percent) $540.82 Total $540.82 Table 22. Funding for Work Activity 600 – TIP FFY2027 FFY 2027 Agency PL** State Local* Totals GVMPO $5,150.69 $798.36 $5,949.05 TOTALS $5,150.69 $798.36 $5,949.05 * Local funds provided by the City of Bozeman (50%), City of Belgrade (25%), and Gallatin County (25%). **PL Funds: 86.58% federal share, 13.42% state share. Functional Agency Responsibility The MPO, the City of Belgrade, City of Bozeman, and Gallatin County will be responsible for the development and maintenance of the TIP. Clean Air Planning 700 Air Quality and Environmental Planning Objective Proactively monitor air quality and consider methods for continued compliance with national standards. The coordination of air quality and transportation plans and programs will be implemented to the extent appropriate and in accordance with applicable requirements. Other environmental factors such as noise, water quality, aesthetics, etc., will be considered to the extent appropriate during major transportation planning decisions in accordance with applicable requirements. 106 Page | 26 Accomplishments in FFY 2026 • None. Proposed Activities in FFY 2027 Staff will monitor air quality for any changes that would require MPO modifications. Product The proposed activities will produce: None. Staffing 0 hours – GVMPO Table 23. Staffing Hours for Work Activity 700 GVMPO POSITIONS HOURS MPO Manager 0 Planner I 0 Total GVMPO 0 Table 24. Funding for Work Activity 700 – Air Quality & Environmental Planning FFY2027 Agency PL** State Local* Totals GVMPO $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 TOTALS $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 * Local funds provided by the City of Bozeman (50%), City of Belgrade (25%), and Gallatin County (25%). **PL Funds: 86.58% federal share, 13.42% state share. Functional Agency Responsibility The MPO will incorporate air and water quality planning into local transportation planning. Other Activities 900 Reserve Objective Provide for the accounting of available non-programmed funds in the current UPWP and provide funding toward additional transportation planning activities and/or studies as approved by the TTAC and TPCC. 107 Page | 27 Accomplishments in FFY 2025 None. Proposed Activities in FFY 2027 This work element is utilized for accounting purposes only. No specific work activities may be charged to this work element. The FFY 2027 UPWP includes an estimated $202,435.32 in reserve. Product None. SECTION 3 – FUNDING Table 25. Funding Summary FFY 2027 WORK ELEMENT FUNDING SOURCES FY 2027 PL STATE LOCAL EST. COST 100 Administration $150,642.55 $23,349.77 $173,992.32 101 UPWP $6,751.83 $1,046.54 $7,798.37 102 Public Involvement $54,155.49 $8,394.16 $62,549.65 300 Long Range Plan $32,112.42 $4,977.46 $37,089.88 301 Area Plans $45,998.40 $7,129.80 $53,128.20 302 Data $51,681.52 $8,010.69 $59,692.20 600 TIP $5,150.69 $798.36 $5,949.05 700 Air Quality - - - 900 Reserve $175,268.50 $27,166.82 $202,435.32 TOTAL $521,761.40 $80,873.60 $602,635 *PL Funds: 86.58% federal share, 13.42% state share. Table 26. Funding Comparison WORK ELEMENT FY 2027 ESTIMATED COST FY 2026 ESTIMATED COST 100 Administration $173,992.32 $147,140.36 101 UPWP $7,798.37 $12,898.83 102 Public Involvement $62,549.65 $43,491.32 300 Long Range Plan $37,089.88 $372,250.24 301 Planning Area Transportation Plans $53,128.20 $23,525.29 302 Data $59,692.21 $90,779.54 600 TIP $5,949.05 $5,313.23 700 Air Quality $0 $0 900 Reserve $202,435.32 $59.19 TOTAL $602,635 $695,458 108 Page | 28 Table 27. Funding Percentages FFY 2027 WORK ELEMENT PL LOCAL TOTAL 100 Administration 100 0 100 101 UPWP 100 0 100 102 Public Involvement 100 0 100 300 Long Range Plan 100 0 100 301 Planning Area Transportation Plans 100 0 100 302 Data 100 0 100 600 TIP 100 0 100 700 Air Quality 100 0 100 900 Reserve 100 0 100 Table 28. Staff Months by Work Element Fiscal Year 2027 WORK ELEMENT MPO Manager Planner I TOTAL M.M. 100 5.5 2.0 7.5 101 0.5 0.1 0.6 102 1.5 4.0 5.5 300 1.0 0.3 1.3 301 2.5 1.0 3.5 302 0.5 4.5 5 600 0.5 0.1 0.6 700 900 TOTAL 12 12 24 *This table indicates approximately how many man months individual staff members work in each work element. Table 29. Funding Allocation Projections 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 Allocation $442,982 $447,412 $451,886 $456,405 $460,969 Carryover, Adjustments $210,114 $202,435 $198,672 $178,862 ($7,954) Minus State Allocation ($50,461) ($50,966) ($51,475) ($51,990) ($52,510) Total for annual UPWP $602,635 $598,882 $599,083 $583,277 $400,505 100. Program Administration and Coordination 100 Administration $173,992 $182,692 $191,827 $201,418 $211,489 101 UPWP $7,798 $8,188 $8,598 $9,028 $9,479 102 Citizens Involvement $62,550 $65,677 $68,961 $72,409 $76,030 200. Public/Stakeholder Participation & Education 300. Transportation System Data and Plans 300 Long Range Plan $37,090 $18,944 $19,892 $170,886 $179,430 301 Area Trans. Plans $53,128 $55,785 $58,574 $61,503 $64,578 302 Data $59,692 $62,676 $65,810 $69,101 $72,556 109 Page | 29 600. Metropolitan Transportation Plan 600 TIP $5,949 $6,247 $6,559 $6,887 $7,231 700. Air Quality 700 Air Quality $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 Balance Total Expenses $400,200 $400,210 $420,221 $591,231 $620,793 Carryover $202,435 $198,672 $178,863 ($7,954) ($220,288) Table 30. Eligible Safe and Accessible Transportation Options (SATO) Planning Activity by Work Element Fiscal Year 2027 WORK ELEMENT FY 2027 ELIGIBLE SATO PLANNING ACTIVITY ESTIMATED COST FY 2026 ELIGIBLE SATO PLANNING ACTIVITY ESTIMATED COST 100 Administration $1,200.00 $0 101 UPWP $0 $0 102 Public Involvement $1,423.86 $0 300 Long Range Plan $0 $5,621.65 301 Planning Area Transportation Plans $26,564.10 $5,621.65 302 Data $1,362.10 $5,621.65 600 TIP $0 $0 700 Air Quality $0 $0 900 Reserve $0 $0 TOTAL $30,550.06 $16,864.95 * PL Funding obligated after 8/13/2024 used for eligible SATO Planning activities have a 100% Federal Share. PL Funding obligated prior to 8/13/2024 used on eligible SATO Planning activities has a match rate of 86.58% federal share, 13.42% state share. 110 Page | 30 SECTION 4 – INDIRECT COST PLAN Introduction The following plan has been developed to provide a procedure to be followed in preparing reimbursement requisitions for 23 USC 104(d) and FTA Section 5303 funds received by the Gallatin Valley UTD on behalf of the MPO. Identification of Costs The costs encountered in carrying out this Unified Planning Work Program are delineated below by type: Table 31.Costs Encountered Salaries & Wages Benefits Supplies and Materials Regular Earnings PERS Office Supplies Additional Earnings Health/Dental Insurance Computer Supplies Vacation Life Insurance Computers & Services Sick Leave F.I.C.A. Gasoline and Oil Holiday Workers’ Comp Books & Reference Clothing and Uniforms Maintenance Utilities Contracted Services Office Equipment Telephone Consultants & Professional Sv Office Cleaning General Maintenance Contracts Travel/Training Other Other Personal Services Training / In-State Rent Pension GASB68 Travel / Out-of-State Subscriptions Postage Dues & Certifications Insurance Advertising General Allocation of Costs The MPO will charge direct costs to the work program line items to which they apply. The MPO will keep a record of staff time and expenditures to document expenses incurred against each line item. Benefits will be calculated at the actual rate the benefits cost for each line item, as recorded by the Human Resources Department. 111 Page | 31 The degree of participation by each funding agency is based on the prorations that have been determined for each line item. Each funding agency will be billed their share of the total charges made against each line item according to the percentages indicated in Table 3 above. Staff time from other departments that supports MPO activities but is not funded through the work program is covered by the indirect cost rate. This rate may also include clothing and uniform Funding Sources The degree of participation by each funding agency is based on the prorations which have been determined for each line item. Each agency will be billed their share of the total charges made against each line item according to the approved prorations. Funding sources and amounts contained in the UPWP are as follows: Table 32. Funding Sources and Amounts Contained in the UPWP PL* $602,635 TOTAL $602,635 *The matching ratio is Federal PL – 86.58% and State Match – 13.42%. Indirect Rate The MPO will utilize a de minimis indirect cost rate of 10% as allowed for in 2 CFR 200.414(f) for the period October 1, 2026, through September 30, 2027. 112 Page | 32 SECTION 5 – TRANSIT 44.21.00 PROGRAM SUPPORT & ADMINISTRATION 01 Transit Systems Management (TSM) Objectives To provide program support, general administration, and grant administration, and training in support of transit planning activities. Accomplishments in FFY 2026 Staff attended and participated in a diverse range of transit-related and general community meetings including TTAC and TPCC, Bozeman Area TAC, Gallatin County Safe Streets for All, City of Belgrade Safety Plan, City of Bozeman Transportation Advisory Board, and the Montana Transit Association Spring Conference. Staff developed an onboarding package for new Board members and attended new Board member meetings, bi-weekly meetings with the Board Chair, and was appointed as an ex-officio member to the Big Sky Transit District Board. Staff attended training opportunities to enhance knowledge and skills, including Uniform Guidance training, and the Passenger Assistance Safety and Sensitivity (PASS) training. Staff provided bus rider training to several interested groups. Staff developed the Public Transit Agency Safety Plan for GVUTD and facilitated the bi-monthly Safety Committee meetings. Staff continued financial analysis and planning in support of modified frequency and service in conjunction with TDP implementation. Staff researched and made recommendations for additional technology conveniences for passengers. Staff conducted a survey specific to paratransit riders and non-riders identified as eligible. Staff worked with consultants to make updates to the recommendations within the TDP in both the short-term and long-term. Staff and consultants prepared a TDP Memorandum as part of the materials for the GVUTD Board retreat. Staff worked with the Board for adoption of the 2026 Steering Streamline TDP. 113 Page | 33 Staff worked on updating the previously completed Transit Development Plan, including a second community-wide survey and public engagement efforts and stakeholder meetings. Staff facilitated public meetings to support system improvements as well as specialized services for seniors and individuals with disabilities, including attending and participating in the Bozeman Chapter Montana Association of the Blind meeting. Staff collaborated regularly with MPO through monthly meetings, joint presentation opportunities, and through the Bozeman Area TAC. Staff worked with the MPO and LRTP consultants to provide transit data, updated the Existing Projects List and developed future transit projects for the MPO’s Call for Projects. Staff continued to develop and implement education and outreach strategies to promote public awareness of transit and further education and outreach programs to increase ridership. Staff procured technological enhancements to gather data, improve efficiency, provide customer conveniences, and enhance safety. Staff maintained monthly ridership figures and summary figures for effective decision making and completion of annual National Transit Database (NTD) reports. Staff assessed upcoming and immediate operational needs and made recommendations on capital and operational projects. Staff implemented an Airport Shuttle Pilot in coordination with the Associated Students of Montana State University. Staff regularly participated in group and committee meetings and/or community events to solicit partner and public feedback on current system usage, demands, successes and shortfalls. Staff updated Streamline’s annual Coordination Plan. Staff monitored inclusion in the TIP and STIP to ensure ability to obtain federal sections 5307, 5310, and 5339. Staff attended and participated in MPO, MDT, and FTA meetings related to transit projects inclusion in the TIP. Staff updated the Existing Projects List and responded to the MPO’s Call for Projects request. Staff continued to review potential updates of the ADA Paratransit Plan and monitored procedures and policies involving ADA accessible fixed route services. Staff coordinated the installation of on-bus ADA technology improvements specific to fixed route services. Staff continued to implement and assess accessibility features on the website. 114 Page | 34 Staff continued evaluating dispatch and customer service practices for potential modifications to dispatching software, as well as other technology improvements. Staff familiarized passengers, as appropriate, with the fixed route system through the travel training program. Staff continued to coordinate transportation services among 5310 providers, social service agencies, and the public to provide an overall strategy to enhance transportation access. Increased participation with disability agencies, including Ability Montana and Bozeman Chapter Montana Association of the Blind. Coordinated transportation needs to medical facilities and invited medical healthcare professionals to join the Bozeman Area TAC meetings. Proposed Activities in FFY 2027 All administrative functions necessary in support of transit planning and development will be performed under this work element. • Continuing to assess data-keeping and gathering practices with focus on further technology utilization and process improvements. • Quarterly progress and expenditure reports will be prepared and transmitted to the Montana Department of Transportation, Statewide and Urban Planning Section and Transit Section to maintain funding requirements. • Staff will execute grant administrative functions; staff will continue research and development regarding the utilization of FTA funding, including furthering innovative funding practices and partnerships. • Maintenance of coordination agreements with 5310 providers. • Research feasibility and make recommendations for capital grants. • Participation in recognized and approved training programs in order to improve skills and capabilities including further Grant Management programs as recommended. • Policy development including procedures, regulations, codes, and practices to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local requirements as they relate to the transit planning process. • Coordination for transition of operations, assets, obligations, and responsibility for public transportation to the GVUTD. • Participate with the TTAC, TPCC, citizen advisory boards, and other committees throughout the community as needed. • Staff will update and maintain the FTA required Transit Asset Management Plan (TAM). • Staff will implement the required Public Transit Agency Safety Plan, including annual updates as well as further research and development of best practices. • Staff will provide bus rider training to interested groups. • Dissemination of information for public transportation to visitors (including tourists) to the area. • Staff and Board assessment of consultants proposed long-term routes and service delivery options. 115 Page | 35 • Staff will continue to implement short-term service enhancements in the 2026 TDP • Staff will evaluate and update the TDP and long-range strategic plan as necessary. • Continue investigating feasibility of expanding service beyond existing limits and engage county stakeholders in discussion regarding potential for service to outlying areas. • Continue to analyze and evaluate current area government practices for right of way requirements. • Continue financial analysis and planning in support of further modified frequency and service in conjunction with TDP implementation. • Continue research on feasibility of, and make recommendations for, additional technology conveniences for passengers. • Bus stop audit, analysis, and preparation for design standards guidebook to inform future improvements. • Continuation of planning efforts regarding public and stakeholder involvement and input opportunities. • Facilitation of public meetings to support system improvements as well as specialized services for seniors and individuals with a disability. • Perform additional analysis of advertising revenue structure including comparisons to similar systems and populations to ensure equitable and sustainable advertising revenue generation. • Analyze, plan, and research feasibility of, and make recommendations for, future capital needs and investments to support system improvements. • Analyze, develop, and recommend opportunities for MPO and Transit collaboration on projects eligible for multiple funding sources to support integration of transit and overall surface transportation structure. • Plan and develop long range priorities for future transit enhancements through a strategic planning process. • Coordination with cities and county on the MPO Long Range Transportation Plan. • Continue to develop and implement criteria for required items and make changes to amenities as needed; make recommendations on funding priorities. • Continue development and implementation of education and outreach strategies to guide market research, promote public awareness, and engagement to increase ridership. • Develop and implement further education and outreach programs to increase partnerships and other forms of participation. • Develop, prepare, and update data for publishing. • Continue implementation of further technology enhancements to the existing technology solutions system to gather data, improve efficiency, provide further customer conveniences, and enhance safety. • Assess automated passenger counter implementation and audit plan for approval of data reporting with the National Transit Database (NTD). • Research, develop, and implement service goals to achieve metrics related to FTA’s Small Transit Intensive Cities (STIC) funding. • Assessment of current personnel usage for areas of improvement in utilization of resources and effectiveness; evaluate effectiveness of current operator staffing levels in support of Transit Development Plan recommended service implementation. • Maintain monthly ridership figures and summary figures for effective decision-making, complete related National Transit Database reports. 116 Page | 36 • Solicit and record public reaction to any modified routes, schedules, education efforts, and technology enhancements. • Assessment of current budgetary impact of recommended improvements. • Staff will develop and compile information on operating and capital projects for which Streamline plans to utilize grant assistance for inclusion in the TIP; this includes utilizing and updating the Streamline’s Coordination Plan, and other plans as required. • All applicable projects will be provided to the MPO for inclusion in the program. • Staff will monitor inclusion in the TIP and STIP to ensure ability to obtain federal Sections 5307, 5310 & 5339 and other applicable grants are not affected. • Continue to research and develop the use of FTA funding as provided in the IIJA Act. • Increase efforts to provide outreach and education for social service professionals in the community and with senior groups. • Continue to evaluate and update the ADA Paratransit Plan as needed. • Review transportation projects including both new construction and retrofits with special consideration of provisions to meet planning goals related to older adults and persons with disabilities such as connectivity and accessibility in the public right of way. • Support continued implementation of the Bozeman Health Public Health Community Plan. Provide accessibility accommodation at public meetings, walk audits, and other meetings as necessary. Product • An ongoing administrative program to carry out the transit elements identified within this UPWP. • Administrative oversight and execution of transit planning and development functions including federally required plans. • Enhancement of transit staff skills and knowledge. • Proper maintenance and administration of grant related activities. • The proposed activity will produce a compliant and up to date TDP. • Identification of and plans for efficient and effective transit service into the future. • Financial and capital analyses for future transit enhancements. • Identification and assistance in implementation of future system modifications. • Information relating to potential enhancements to existing service and system. • Recommendations for immediate improvements. • Information and recommendations on passenger education and outreach • Analysis of current system functions. • Budget alternatives. • Monitoring of plans including Transit Asset Management, the Capital Improvement Program, and other relevant plans for related projects. • Annual inclusion of projects in TIP as necessary per FTA regulations. • Amendments to TIP as necessary to include new projects. • Monitoring of plans including the agency ADA Paratransit Plan • Inclusion in community needs assessment evaluation • Coordination with groups and/or governments for accessibility 117 Page | 37 Staffing 2,804 hours for GVUTD Table 33. Staffing Hours for Work Activity - TSM HRDC POSITIONS HOURS Director 1,698 Coordinator 1,106 Total 2,804 Table 34. Non-personnel Costs for Work Activity - TSM Attorney Costs $3,000 Total $3,000 Table 35. Funding for Work Activity – TSM FFY 2026 Agency Local* 5303** Totals GVUTD $27,221 $108,883 $136,104 TOTALS $27,221 $108,883 $136,104 *Local match provided by GVUTD. **5303 Funds: 80% federal share, 20% local match. Functional Agency Responsibility GVUTD will be responsible for administering the planning process. 44.24.00 SHORT RANGE TRANSPORTATION PLANNING 01 Transit Development Plan (TDP) Objectives The TDP describes existing facilities and projects needed for the next three to five years. Functional Agency Responsibility GVUTD will develop and maintain an up-to-date TDP. 02 Future Service Analysis and Enhancement 118 Page | 38 Objectives To facilitate considerations of means to ensure citizens will have acceptable and improved public transportation alternatives in the future. Proposed Activities in FFY 2027 Functions necessary in support of future transit planning and development will be performed under this work element. These activities necessitate the ongoing needs for route development and planning, which is split between this element and current service enhancements. Activities are as follows: Non-personnel Costs for Activity Future Service Evaluation & Analysis Hire facilitator for GVUTD Board Strategic Plan $3,000 Funding – Future Service Evaluation & Analysis FFY 2027 Agency Local* 5303** Totals GVUTD $600 $2,400 $3,000 * Local match provided by GVUTD. **5303 Funds: 80% Federal share, 20% local match Product • Identification of and plans for efficient and effective transit service into the future. • Financial and capital analyses for future transit enhancements. • Identification and assistance in implementation of future system modifications. Functional Agency Responsibility The GVUTD will be responsible for supporting future transit planning and development. 03 Current Service Analysis and Enhancement Objectives To improve service, ridership, and effectiveness of the existing transit system. Proposed Activities in FFY 2027 Functions necessary in support of planning and development of enhancements to the current systems will be performed under this work element. These activities necessitate the needs for route development and planning, which is split between this element and future service enhancements. Activities are as follows: Non-personnel Costs for Activity Current Service Evaluation & Analysis Staff training $5,000 119 Page | 39 Funding – Current Service Evaluation & Analysis FFY 2027 Agency Local* 5303** Totals GVUTD $1,000 $4,000 $5,000 * Local match provided by GVUTD. **5303 Funds: 80% Federal share, 20% local match. Functional Agency Responsibility The GVUTD will be responsible for support of planning and development of enhancements to the current system. 44.25.00 TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM 01 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) Objectives To maintain a viable five-year program of transit improvements for the Gallatin Valley MPO. Functional Agency Responsibility GVUTD will provide transit-related information to the City of Bozeman for the MPO's inclusion in the TIP document. 44.27.00 OTHER ACTIVITIES 01 Implementation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Objectives Work jointly with City of Bozeman, City of Belgrade, County of Gallatin, MDT and interested social service agencies to continue development of a coordinated transportation system for older adults and persons with disabilities. Provide technical assistance to the above agencies to encourage the most efficient use of community resources for specialized transportation and analyze criteria and orchestrate community participation in the development of a system ADA plan to include both accessible fixed-route service and comparable paratransit service, in a timely manner. Functional Agency Responsibility HRDC will continue to coordinate the development of a coordinated transportation system and community participation. 120 Page | 40 TRANSIT FUNDING Table 36. Transit Funding Summary FFY 2027 WORK ELEMENT FUNDING SOURCES FY 2027 STAFF HOURS 5303* LOCAL EST. COST 44.21.00 Program Support & Administration 01-Transit System Management (TSM) $108,883 $27,221 $136,104 2,804 44.24.00 Short Range Transp. Planning 01-Transit Development Plan (TDP) $0 $0 $0 0 02-Future Service Analysis and Enhanc. $2,400 $600 $3,000 0 03-Current Service Analysis and Enhanc. $4,000 $1,000 $5,000 0 44.25.00 Transportation Improvement Prog. 01-TIP $0 $0 $0 0 44.27.00 Other Activities 01-Implementation of the ADA $0 $0 $0 0 TOTAL $115,283 $28,821 $144,104 2,804 *5303 Funds: 80% federal share, 20% state share. Table 37. Transit Estimated Costs FFY 2027 WORK ELEMENT FY 2027 ESTIMATED COST FY2026 ESTIMATED COST 44.21.00 Program Support & Administration 01-Transit System Management (TSM) $136,104 $50,994 44.24.00 Short Range Transp. Planning 01-Transit Development Plan (TDP) $0 $16,824 02-Future Service Analysis and Enhanc. $3,000 $16,674 03-Current Service Analysis and Enhanc. $5,000 $29,867 44.25.00 Transportation Improvement Prog. 01-TIP $0 $2,099 44.27.00 Other Activities 01-Implementation of the ADA $0 $4,923 TOTAL $144,104 $121,381 Table 38. Transit Funding Percentages Federal Fiscal Year 2027 TABLE 3: TRANSIT FUNDING PERCENTAGES FEDERAL FISCAL YEAR 2027 WORK ELEMENT 5303 LOCAL TOTAL 44.21.00 Program Support & Administration 01-Transit System Management (TSM) 80 20 100 44.24.00 Short Range Transp. Planning 01-Transit Development Plan (TDP) 80 20 100 02-Future Service Analysis and Enhanc. 80 20 100 03-Current Service Analysis and Enhanc. 80 20 100 44.25.00 Transportation Improvement Prog. 01-TIP 80 20 100 121 Page | 41 44.27.00 Other Activities 100 01-Implementation of the ADA 80 20 100 Table 39. Transit Staff Months by Work Element Fiscal Year 2027 WORK ELEMENT Director Operations Coordinator TOTAL M.M. 44.21.00 01 9.9 6.3 16.2 44.24.00 01 02 03 44.25.00 01 44.27.00 01 TOTAL 9.9 6.3 16.2 Allocation of Costs Expenditures identified include direct costs, benefits at the rate of 20% of direct salary or wages, and indirect costs at the rate of 0% of direct salary or wages. GVUTD does not have any indirect costs. Federal Transit Administration Section 5303 funding is available at an 80% reimbursement rate, meaning the local FTA funding ratio for all categories is 20% local, 80% federal. 122