July 25, 2005

Dr. James Hassinger

Executive Director

Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission

425 Sixth Avenue, Suite 2500

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15219

RE: Long Range Plan and 2007-2010 Transportation Improvement Program

Dear Dr. Hassinger:

As testimony for the update of the region's Long Range Plan (Project Region) and 2007-2010 Transportation Improvement Program, Sustainable Pittsburgh is submitting the Regional Policy Guidance Document. The Document is comprised of nine policy papers providing practical recommendations that have been developed and endorsed by partner organizations (see enclosed list of endorsers).   

Thank you again for SPC's partnering with Sustainable Pittsburgh in the 2005 Smart Growth Conference that featured SPC’s initial public input for Project Region and introduction of the Regional Policy Guidance Document.

We submit the Regional Policy Guidance Document intended as constructive input to and evaluation tool for Project Region and 2007-2010 Transportation Improvement Program. As examples, the Programming and Funding policy paper contained in the Document urges in coordination with the comprehensive plans of counties and public transportation agencies, to develop a needs assessment and project prioritization to enforce the Fix It First principle. Furthermore, the project prioritization process should be subject to public review and input per the public involvement process developed for Project Region and the TIP.

Sustainable Pittsburgh is committed to expanding public outreach and understanding necessary to advance Southwestern Pennsylvania's sustainable development. We look forward to continuing to partner with SPC in advancing the 2007-2010 Transportation Improvement Program and Project Region. 

Sincerely,

Court Gould

Director

Enclosure

C:         C:  Allen D. Biehler, P.E., Secretary, Pennsylvania Department of Transportation

      James A. Cheatham, Pennsylvania Division Administrator, Federal Highway Administration,

U.S. Department of Transportation

      Susan Borinsky Regional Administrator, Federal Transit Administration, Region III