(Columbus-March 3, 2010) The Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) has available for public review and comment a draft Complete Streets Policy that would apply to all transportation projects in the MORPC planning area receiving federal funding. MORPC's planning area consists of Delaware and Franklin counties, Bloom and Violet townships in Fairfield County, and the city of Pataskala in Licking County.

Complete Streets is an initiative that improves travel options and makes roadways safe, comfortable, and convenient for travel by automobile, bicycle, foot, or transit, regardless of age and ability. Providing Complete Streets has a variety of benefits which include:

• improving safety
• promoting various modes of transportation
• reducing congestion
• improving air quality
• encouraging physical activity
• providing access and connections for people who are unable to drive
• strengthening economic growth and stability for communities and regions

"According to the National Complete Streets Coalition, a total of 120 jurisdictions in the United States have adopted policies or have made written commitments to do so. We are aware of only a few other Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) with a comprehensive policy. As far as we know, MORPC's policy would be the first for a large MPO. Several Ohio cities, such as Columbus or Dayton, are currently adopting their own," states Kerstin Carr, Manager of Active Transportation and Safety Programs.

The Complete Streets Policy provides background information, a definition of Complete Streets, and the vision and purpose of the policy. The policy section itself includes statements, information about applicability, requirements to adhere to the policy, and recommendations. A brief implementation and evaluation section are also included, along with a checklist to assist project sponsors in planning and designing their projects in adherence to the policy.

MORPC is a voluntary association of 47 local governments in central Ohio serving the region through planning, direct service, public policy information and innovative programming and intergovernmental coordinating services in the areas of transportation, land use, energy conservation, the environment and housing.