New MPO Established for Mat-Su Urbanized area

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Palmer, Alaska – The Matanuska-Susitna Borough announces the official signing ceremony for the establishment of the new Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) for the Matanuska-Susitna Urbanized area, now called MatSu Valley Planning for Transportation (MVP). This significant event marks the region's commitment to long-range transportation planning.

Matanuska-Susitna Borough Mayor says,“Transportation infrastructure and economic vitality go hand in hand, and any framework that brings that marriage about is one worth putting effort into.”

The purpose of the MPO is to ensure local control over Federal transportation infrastructure investments. With a focus on transportation planning, and community engagement, MVP for Transportation aims to enhance the quality of life for residents, promote economic vitality, and ensure the efficient movement of people and goods throughout the region through collaboratively planning for transportation infrastructure.

"We are thrilled to embark on this journey of shared vision and cooperation with the establishment of MVP for Transportation,” said Kim Sollien, Planning Services Manager for the Mat-Su Borough. "The creation of our non-profit MPO reflects our collective dedication to working together as regional governments to meet the evolving transportation needs of our diverse communities and to make the very best decisions on how and where to spend federal funding."

The MPO signing ceremony will take place following the Pre-Policy Board meeting on Dec. 19 from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Mat-Su School District Administrative Offices Board Room located at 501 N Gulkana St., Palmer, AK 99645. Key stakeholders include Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy (pending), community leaders, and the MVP for Transportation Policy Board. Policy Board members represent the Matanuska-Susitna Borough, State of Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities, City of Wasilla, City of Palmer, Knik Tribe, and Chickaloon Native Village. 

An area of the Matanuska-Susitna Borough was designated as an Urbanized area on Dec. 29, 2022, when the 2020 Census Qualifying Urban Areas were published in the Federal Register. The Federal Highway Act of 1962 requires that all Urbanized Areas over 50,000 in population must form an MPO to receive federal transportation funding.

An MPO is an organization created to conduct the transportation planning process within a metropolitan area. The MPO is the Policy Board, designated by the Governor, that carries out a continuing, cooperative, and comprehensive (3Cs) performance-based multimodal transportation planning process, including the development of long- and short-range plans such as the Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP) and a Transportation Improvement Program (TIP).

Time will be allocated for officials from each of the government entities including Governor Dunleavy (pending), the Mayors of the three local governments, and Tribal officials to share their remarks about the formation of MVP for Transportation and the benefits the MPO will bring to the community related to transportation infrastructure.

For media inquiries, please contact: Planning Services Manager, Kim Sollien at 907-861-8514 KThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.