SWUTC Research Project Description

Title of Project:  Moving the Concept of Megaregions into Transportation Planning

Project Number:  476660-00051

Principal Investigator:
Carol A. Lewis
(713) 313-7924
P.I. Affiliation:  Texas Southern University

Project Monitor:
David Crossley
Houston Tomorrow
3015 Richmond Ste 201
Houston TX 77098
(713) 523-5757

Project Status:  Active

Date Started:  9/1/09

Estimation Completion Date:  8/31/10

Estimated Cost - Current Fiscal:  $85,200

Estimated Cost - Total Planned:  $85,200

Project Summary:
Project Abstract:
The transportation planning process is well understood and formalized in major metropolitan areas across the country.  A regional long range plan covering 25 to 30 years is developed by the metropolitan planning organization with input from citizens and agencies within its geographic purview. Not included in the list of considerations are interregional criteria which would look at the broader linkages and opportunities perhaps available by considering more than one metropolitan area in tandem (Megaregions).  This research poses to examine the question of whether and how the current planning process should be modified to consider mobility questions on an interregional basis, covering large portions of the state of Texas.      

Project Objectives:
The goal of this research is to aggregate the academic and planning communities in Texas to discuss the idea of the megaregion in our State with a focus on the planning process and whether and how the process should accommodate the idea of a megaregion community.  Specifically, the objectives are to:

• Begin a structure dialog among the planning community and academics about the megaregion concept in Texas.
• Identify points in the planning process, where megaregion considerations should enter discussion.
• Establish a framework whereby this discussion and process changes can occur when identified. 

Task Descriptions:
Task 1:   Review and update literature relative to megaregions, task forces and current practice in locales around the nation and internationally, if appropriate.

Task 2: Establish a steering committee of academics from key and strategically located universities around the state to guide direction and discussion at a workshop to occur next spring or summer. Important to this initiative are Rob Harrison (UTexas) and Dock Burke (TAMU) to ensure appropriate inclusion of statewide universities and assimilation of results through the SWUTC.  Add to the steering committee, local planners and officials responsible for long and short range planning at local governmental levels.

Task 3:   From the Task 1 findings, confirm the topics that would be appropriate for dialog at a regional workshop focused on transportation planning activities and processes.

Task 4:     Identify appropriate speakers, facilitators and audience for the topic.

Task 5:  Handle scheduling, logistics, handouts, and other needed components to hold a late summer/early fall workshop.

Task 6:  Conduct Workshop.

Task 7:  Compile Workshop Proceedings.

Index Terms: