10 Tips for Getting Involved

  1. Tell us what you think: Complete a survey to contribute ideas for improving our area. Also feel free to call, e-mail, or write us regarding broad transportation issues or specific project questions or ideas.
  2. Stay informed: Sign up for e-mail notifications of the NTRPDC newsletter, which provides an overview of transportation and other community development activities in the Northern Tier.
  3. Seize the power of good timing:Understanding state and regional planning and programming cycles and proposing ideas or showing support for a project at the right time makes it possible for those projects to be considered sooner.
  4. Public MeetingConsider the big picture: Becoming familiar with state and regional long-range transportation plans helps you understand what broad issues and opportunities transportation leaders are working to address, and helps you make the case for why your proposed project is important in fulfilling the plans’ goals. Even better, become involved in developing the plans themselves.
  5. Attend public meetings: Open houses and other project meetings are a great opportunity to learn more about specific projects, interact one-on-one with project managers, and provide feedback. You're also welcome to attend an RTAC meeting. You can just observe the meeting or speak up during the public comment segment.
  6. Voice your support: Help prioritize projects by expressing your support for those you think should be pursued soonest. Local, regional, and state officials are representatives working for the public. Projects with significant public support tend to move toward the top of the list.
  7. Speak up early: If you have concerns about a proposed project or ideas on how to develop a better solution, don't wait! The sooner you speak up, the more influence you can have on the outcome.
  8. Commit local resources: When local money or labor can be added to the mix, much more can be accomplished much sooner. For example, if a municipality is trying to advance a highway expansion, they might agree to conduct the traffic studies, secure right-of-way, support environmental studies, or pay for a portion of the total project cost. A project with local momentum that is ready to go in terms of environmental or other requirements will tend to be funded before a project that may encounter delays and tie up already limited funds.
  9. Build partnerships: With so much at stake and finite funding, the transportation development process can become contentious or turn into a tug-of-war between communities. Really, though, we're all trying to do what is best for our community, region, and state. We can accomplish much more by finding common ground and working together than we can individually.
  10. Be patient: There is just so much money to go around, so not every good project can be started immediately. Also, making smart, balanced choices and building quality infrastructure—while adhering to state and federal requirements—takes time.

Content on this page requires a newer version of Adobe Flash Player.

Get Adobe Flash player