MPO Governing Board (Aug 21, 2025)

French Broad River MPO Governing Board Meeting Recap: August 21, 2025

On August 21, 2025, the French Broad River Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) Governing Board convened to address critical decisions regarding transportation planning and funding across the region. The meeting, held in a hybrid format (both in-person and via video conference), involved representatives from various counties including Buncombe, Henderson, Haywood, Madison, and others. This recap provides a clear overview of the key discussions, decisions, and what they mean for residents throughout Western North Carolina.

A primary focus of the meeting was finalizing the 2026-2035 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), a ten-year roadmap outlining planned transportation projects and their funding sources. Due to rising construction costs and inflationary pressures, the board faced difficult choices regarding project prioritization. While many projects remained in the plan, some were delayed or decommitted, impacting areas like Haywood County (Ross Avenue), Buncombe County (Swannanoa River Road and Sweet Creek Road widening), and Henderson County (the I-26/Bullsees Boulevard interchange). Board member Kim Roney of Asheville cast a dissenting vote on the TIP, expressing concern that the prioritization heavily favored a large interstate connector project over much-needed local corridor improvements. The board acknowledged that the prioritization process involved their input from the previous year, aiming to guide project selection.

Beyond funding decisions, a significant outcome was the formal adoption of the "Safe Streets for WNC" plan. This data-driven initiative aims to identify and address high-injury crash types across the region, utilizing a safety scoping process and a "countermeasure library" of potential solutions. The plan will be open for public comment until September 17th, providing an opportunity for residents to share their input and help shape safer roadways.

The board also received updates on the long-range "Elevate 2050" Metropolitan Transportation Plan, which envisions transportation needs for the region through 2050. Adjustments were made to an I-26 project to better align with available funding, and the plan now incorporates updated information on hot lanes, electric vehicle infrastructure, and expanded transit services.

Community Voices: While the meeting primarily involved board discussions, public comment periods are ongoing for both the TIP amendments and the Elevate 2050 plan. Residents have an opportunity to provide feedback, ensuring their voices are heard in shaping the future of transportation planning.

What Happens Next? Several key action items emerged from the meeting:

• The public comment period for the Safe Streets for WNC plan continues until September 17th.
• The MPO will finalize the Metropolitan Transportation Plan and submit it for approval, with a target date of September 2025.
• The Board will continue to monitor the impact of rising construction costs and adjust plans as needed.
• The NCDOT Board of Transportation has already approved the State Transportation Improvement Plan (STIP), which incorporates the MPO’s TIP.

Why This Matters to You: The decisions made at this meeting will directly impact how we travel throughout Western North Carolina for years to come. The TIP and Safe Streets plan will influence road safety, traffic flow, and the availability of transportation options. By staying informed and participating in public comment periods, residents can play a vital role in shaping the future of our region's transportation system.