4/1/2024
Courtney Salmon
ITD Communication
208.886.7800
courtney.salmon@itd.idaho.gov
Community invited to review Draft Public Participation Plan for new Magic Valley Metropolitan Planning Organization
A new transportation planning group, called the Magic Valley Metropolitan Planning Organization, is requesting community feedback about how to involve the public in transportation planning. Community members are invited to review the organization’s Draft Public Participation Plan and send feedback by May 5.
The plan outlines how the new planning organization will encourage active public participation in transportation issues, plans, programs and projects. It also identifies how Magic Valley community members can engage with the organization.
The MVMPO includes eight member agencies in the Magic Valley that will create transportation plans and policies for the region. Member organizations include the cities of Kimberly and Twin Falls, the Hillsdale Highway District, Twin Falls Highway District, Jerome Highway District, Twin Falls County, Jerome County and District 4 of the Idaho Transportation Department.
Further discussion on the Draft Public Participation Plan will happen at the May 8 policy board meeting. Adoption of the Public Participation Plan will be considered at the June 12 policy board meeting. It will be updated on an as-needed basis based on changes to local, state, and federal requirements.
Community members can submit comments to info@magicvallympo.org or to the Magic Valley MPO at 203 Main Ave. E., Twin Falls, ID 83301. Community members are also welcome to give verbal comments at the monthly meetings of the MPO Policy Board. Board meetings are held on the second Wednesday of the month in the Twin Falls City Hall Overflow Room (at 203 Main Ave. E., Twin Falls, ID 83301).
Metropolitan Planning Organizations are federally required in urban areas with populations greater than 50,000 people. The Twin Falls and Kimberly area reached this level after the 2020 Decennial Census. The MVMPO was formed in December 2023. For details about the MVMPO, visit magicvalleympo.org.