PUBLIC INPUT MEETINGS: Metropolitan Planning Organization's Long-range Transportation Plan Transportation DRIVES development. The transportation plan for the Des Moines area is being approved on December 16. Opportunities for citizen involvement are upon us. Please plan on attending one of these meetings and giving input to shape the future of your community. Altoona Public Library, 700 Eighth Street, Thursday, December 2 at 6:30 pm Des Moines Botanical Center, 909 Robert D. Ray Drive, Monday, December 6 at 6:30 pm West Des Moines City Hall Council Chambers, 4200 Mills Civic Parkway, Tuesday, December 7 at 6:30 pm The Des Moines Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) is developing its new long-range transportation plan for the greater metro region, including three counties and fifteen cities. This is the master plan that determines where federal transportation dollars will be spent in our area through the year 2030. The plan includes projects like bike trails, road expansion, highways, interchanges, and others. The plan currently includes the proposed Northeast Polk County Beltway. Copies of the draft plan are available for the public from the MPO. Visit the MPO website at www.dmampo.org Letters can be sent to MPO, 6200 Aurora Ave Suite 300W, Urbandale, IA 50322 Calls to MPO staff can be placed to (515)-334-0075. You can request to be placed on their mailing list. Emails can be sent to [log in to unmask] Talking points: The Northeast Polk County Beltway should be removed from this plan. (For talking points visit www.kfoi.org/ankeny_talkingpoints.html) The long-range plan should reflect smart growth by making a commitment to public transportation. It should expand existing transit systems and bike trails. It should explore options such as light rail, High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes, and a new inter-modal facility. Projects should be evaluated based on how they address the traffic needs of the region, not just the economic interests of developers. Environmental impacts of the projects should be a determining factor of whether to include projects in the plan. Maintenance of existing roads should be given priority over new roads. For more information contact 1000 Friends of Iowa www.kfoi.org 3524 Sixth Avenue Des Moines, Iowa 50313 Call 288-5364 or email [log in to unmask] - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - To view the Sierra Club List Terms & Conditions, see: http://www.sierraclub.org/lists/terms.asp