## Minnesota **Pollution Control**  **Agency**
**520 Lafayette** **Road North I**  **St. Paul, Minnesota**  **55155-4194 I**  **651-296-6300 800-657-3864**  **I 65** **1 -** **282**
**- 5332**  **TTY I**  **www**
**. pcastate.mn.** **u s**  **I E** **q ua** **l Opportunity**  **Employer July**  **16, 2015**  **Dr. Susan Hedman**  **U.S. Environmental**  **Protection Agency-**  **Region 5**  **77 West** **Jacks on**  **Boulevard Mail**  **Code R-19J**  **Chicago, IL**  **60604-3507 RE:**  **Completion of**  **Minnesota's Transportation**  **Conformity Memorandum**  **of Agreement**  **(MOA)**

**- State**  **Implementation Plan**  **(SIP) Obligations** 
**Dear Dr.**  **Hedman: The**  **Minnesota Pollution Control** **Agency (MPCA)**  **is pleased**  **to submit**  **our final,**  **signed Transportation**  **Conformity MOA**  **and requests**  **that the**  **U.S. Environmental Protection** **Agency (EPA)**  **incorporate this**  **document into**  **Minnesota's Conformity**  **SIP. The**  **EPA allowed** **flexibility in**  **order that**  **the SIP**  **could be developed**  **as a**  **state rule,**  **memorandum of**  **understanding, or**  **a MOA.**  **Once approved**  **and incorporated**  **into the**  **SIP, the** **Transportation Conformity**  **MOA governs**  **the conformity**  **process instead**  **of the**  **federal conformity**  **rule for**  **any provision**  **included in**  **the SIP.**  **The Transportation**  **Conformity MOA**  **became effective**  **on March**  **23, 2015.** 
**In accordance**  **with Minn.**  **Stat. §**  **116.05, subd.**  **1, the**  **MPCA collaborated**  **with the**  **Metropolitan Council**  **(MC), the**  **Minnesota Department**  **of Transportation**  **(MnDOT), Metropolitan**  **Interstate Council**  **(MIC), the**  **EPA, the**  **Federal Transit**  **Administr ation**  **(FTA), and**  **the Federal**  **Highway Administration (FHWA)**  **to develop**  **the Transportation**  **Conformity MOA.** **The MOA**  **meets the**  **requirements of** **the Clean**  **Air Act**  **Sections 176(c) (4) (E) and**  **176(c)** 

### (8). **If you**  **have any**  **questions or**  **comments on** **the Final**  **Conformity MOA,**  **please contact**  **Innocent E.**  **Eyoh at**  **651-757-2347 or**  **by e-mail**  **at** 

### innocent.eyoh@state.mn.us**. Sincerely,** 

**Mary Jean**  **Fenske Supervisor,**  **Air Policy**  **Unit St.**  **Paul Office**  **Environmental Analysis**  **and Outcomes**  **Division MJF/IEE:vs**  **Attachments**

**cc: See**  **next page** **Dr. Susan**  **Hedman**

**Page 2**  **July 16,**  **2015**

**cc: J.**  **David Thornton,**  **MPCA Assistant**  **Comm issioner**  **Shannon M.**  **Lotthammer, MPCA**  **Michael Leslie,**  **EPA, Chicago**  **William Wheeler,**  **FTA Ron**  **Chicka, MIC**  **Kris Riesenberg,**  **FHWA Brian**  **Isaacson, MnDOT**  **Frank Kohlasch, MPCA**  **Innocent E.**  **Eyoh, MPCA**  **Amanda Smith,**  **MPCA Jonathan**  **Ehrlich, MC** **2014 MEMORANDUM** **OF AGREEMENT**  **REGARDING DETER** **MINATION OF**  **CONFORMITY OF** **TRANSPORTATION PLANS,**  **PROGRAMS**

**AND PROJECTS** **TO STATE**  **IMPLEMENTATION PLANS** 

**This Memorandum**  **of Agreement**  **("MOA") is**  **entered into**  **by and**  **among the**  **Minnesota Pollution**  **Control Agency**  **("MPCA"L the**  **Minnesota Department**  **of Transportation**  **("Mn DOT"),**  **the two**  **affected Metropolitan**  **Planning Organizations**  **("MPOs"): the**  **Metropolitan Council**  **("Council"), and**  **the Metropolitan**  **Interstate Council**  **("MIC"), the**  **U.S. Environmental**  **Protection Agency,**  **(EPA) the**  **Federal Highway**  **Administration ("FHWA"),**  **and the**  **Federal Transit**  **Administration ("FTA")**  **(the "Parties")**  **in order**  **to satisfy**  **the transportation**  **related emissions conformity**  **requirements of**  **the federal**  **Clean Air**  **Act ("CAA''),**  **42 U.S.C.**  **§ 7506(c);**  **the Federal**  **Aid Highway Act,**  **23 U.S.C.**  **§ 109(j);**  **49 U.S.C.**  **ch. 53;**  **related provisions**  **of the**  **federal Moving**  **Ahead for**  **Progress in** **the 21st**  **Century Act**  **("MAP-21"), Pub. L.**  **No 112-141**  **including, but**  **not limited**  **to, §§**  **1113 (amending**  **23 U.S.C.**  **§ 149(b),**  **1201-1203 (amending**  **23 U.S.C.**  **§§ 134,**  **135 &**  **150), and**  **20005-20006 (amending**  **49 U.S.C.**  **§§ 5303**  **& 5304),**  **126 Stat. 460-464,**  **500 -526,**  **& 628-652**  **(2012) and**  **the implementing**  **regulations of**  **EPA at**  **40 CFR**  **parts 51**  **and 93**  **{2012), the FHWA**  **at 23 CFR part 450 (2013)**  **and the**  **FTA at 49**  **CFR part 613 (2012);**  **and RECITALS**  **WHEREAS, Section**  **176(c) of**  **the CAA,**  **42 U.S.C.**  **§ 7506(c),**  **requires federally** **-funded transportation**  **plans, programs,**  **and projects**  **that are**  **funded or**  **approved under**  **23 U.S.C.**  **(Highways), or**  **the Federal**  **Transit Act,**  **49 U.S.C.**  **ch. 53**  **(Public Transportation)**  **to conform**  **with State**  **and Federal**  **air quality**  **implementation plans;**  **and WHEREAS,**  **federal agency**  **activities in**  **Minnesota are**  **subject to**  **the provisions**  **of 42**  **U.S.C. §**  **7506(c) (1)**  **which state:**  **"No department, agency,**  **or instrumentality**  **of the**  **Federal Government**  **shall engage**  **in, support**  **in any**  **way or**  **provide financial**  **assistance for,**  **license or permit, or**  **approve any**  **activity which**  **does not**  **conform to**  **an implementation**  **plan after**  **it has**  **been approved**  **or promulgated**  **under [42 U.S.C.]**  **section 7410** 
**.... ";**  **and WHEREAS,**  **MPO activities in**  **Minnesota are**  **subject to**  **the provisions**  **of 42**  **U.S.C. §**  **7506(c)(1) which**  **state: "No**  **metropolitan planning**  **organization designated**  **under [23**  **U.S.C.] section**  **134**
**... ,**  **shall give**  **its approval**  **to any project, program,**  **or plan**  **which does**  **not conform**  **to an**  **implementation plan**  **approved or**  **promulgated under**  **[42 U.S.c.]**  **section 7410** 
**.... "**  **WHEREAS, the**  **EPA's regulations**  **codified at**  **40 CFR**  **parts 51**  **and 93**  **{2012) implement**  **the requirement**  **that MPOs/State**  **Departments of**  **Transportation ("State**  **DOTs") and**  **the FHWA/**  **FTA must**  **make conformity**  **determinations on**  **transportation plans**  **and transportation**  **improvement programs**  **in nonattainment**  **and maintenan** **ce areas before**  **they are**  **adopted, approved**  **or accepted,**  **and on**  **projects in**  **those areas**  **before they**  **are approved**  **or funded,**  **Notice of**  **Adoption of**  **Rules re:**  **Criteria and**  **Procedures for**  **Determining Conformity**  **to State**  **or Federal**  **Implementation Plans,**  **58 Fed. Reg. 62,188**  **(Nov. 23,**  **1993) ("EPA's**  **Notice"); and**  **WHEREAS, EPA**  **determined that each**  **State should have the**  **flexibility to**  **design a**  **consultation process**  **that will**  **facilitate the**  **development of**  **approaches to**  **maximize both**  **air quality**  **and mobility,**  **EPA's Notice,**  **58 Fed. Reg. 62,201,**  **§ I V.1.1;**  **and WHEREAS,**  **EPA's Notice**  **stated that**  **EPA's approach**  **is, "** 

**... the**  **validity of a**  **conformity determination**  **should depend**  **on proper**  **consultation procedures**  **and that**  **each State**  **and participating**  **agencies should**  **jointly develop**  **their own**  **legally enforceable**  **State conformity**  **procedures." 58**  **Fed. Reg.**  **62,201, § I** **V.1.2; and**  **WHEREAS, EPA's**  **Notice stated:**  **"EPA will**  **accept State**  **conformity procedures in**  **any form**  **provided the**  **State can demonstrate**  **to EPA's**  **satisfaction that,**  **as a**  **matter of**  **State law,**  **the State**  **has adequate**  **authority to**  **compel compliance**  **with the requirements**  **of the State**  **conformity procedures."**  **58 Fed.**  **Reg. 62,209,**  **§ V .C.;**  **and WHEREAS,**  **EPA's regulations,**  **40 CFR**  **§ 51.390**  **and Part 93,**  **give State**  **and Local**  **governments certain**  **flexibility in**  **selecting the**  **performance measures**  **used as**  **tests of**  **conformity and**  **certain discretion**  **when a**  **transportation plan**  **does not**  **conform to**  **a State**  **Implementation Plan**  **("SIP") (for**  **example, to**  **allow motor** 
**1 vehicle**  **emissions budgets**  **in a**  **submitted SIP**  **to be**  **used to**  **determine conformity**  **instead of the**  **"build/no-build"**

**test, and**  **to allow**  **rural areas**  **to choose**  **among several**  **conformity tests**  **to address**  **the time**  **period after**  **that covered**  **by the**  **SIP); and**  **WHEREAS, CAA**  **section 176(c)**  **(4) (E),**  **42 U.S.C.**  **§ 7506(c)**  **(4) (E),**  **as amended**  **by the**  **Safe, Accountable,**  **Flexible, Efficient**  **Transportation Equity**  **Act: A**  **Legacy for**  **Users (SAFETEA-LU),**  **Pub. L.**  **109-59, Title**  **VI §**  **6011(f), 119**  **Stat. 1882**  **(August 10,**  **2005}, and**  **maintained by**  **the Moving**  **Ahead for**  **Progress in**  **the 21st**  **Century Act**  **(MAP-21), Pub.**  **L. 112-141,**  **126 Stat.**  **405 (July**  **6, 2012),**  **and 40**  **CFR §**  **51.390(b) require states to**  **submit transportation**  **conformity SIPS**  **that include**  **the following**  **three requirements**  **of 40**  **CFR Part**  **93 (Determining**  **Conformity of**  **Federal Actions**  **to State**  **or Federal**  **Implemen tation**  **Plans; referred**  **to hereafter**  **as the**  **([Federal Conformity**  **Rule"): a)**  **40 CFR**  **§ 93.105**  **which outlines**  **the criteria**  **for consultation**  **procedures related**  **to transportation**  **conformity; b)**  **40 CFR**  **§ 93.122(a)(4)(ii)**  **which states**  **that conformity**  **SIPs must**  **require that**  **written commitments**  **to control**  **measures be**  **obtained prior to**  **a conformity**  **determination if**  **the control**  **measures are**  **not included**  **in the**  **MPO's transportation**  **plan and**  **transportation improvement**  **program and**  **commitments must**  **be fulfilled;**  **and c)**  **40 CFR**  **§ 93.125(c)**  **which states**  **that conformity**  **SIPs must**  **require that**  **written commitments**  **to project-level**  **mitigation or**  **control measures be**  **obtained prior**  **to a**  **positive conformity**  **determination, and**  **that project**  **sponsors comply**  **with such**  **commitments. Transportation Conformity SIPS**  **may include**  **any other**  **provisions of**  **40 CFR**  **part 93,**  **subpart A**  **(currently §§**  **93.100-93.129). Additional**  **guidance is**  **provided in**  **40 CFR**  **§§ 51.390**  **and 51.851,**  **EPA's January**  **2009 Guidance**  **for Developing**  **Transportation Conformity**  **State Impl** **ementation Pl** **ans, and**  **EPA's January**  **2009 Guidance**  **for Impl** **ementing the**  **Clean Air**  **Act Section**  **176(c)** 

### (8)**Transportation Control Measure** **Substitution and** **Addition Provision;**  **and WHEREAS,**  **Transportation Planning**  **regulations at**  **23 CFR**  **Part 450**  **establish rules**  **for statewide**  **and metropolitan** **transportation planning;**  **and WHEREAS,**  **the Minnesota**  **parties possess**  **the following Minnesota**  **statutory authority:** 

**• Minn.**  **Stat. §**  **116.05, subd.**  **1. Directs**  **all state**  **departments and**  **agencies to**  **cooperate with**  **the MPCA**  **and its**  **Commissioner and**  **assist them**  **in the**  **performance of**  **their duties,**  **and authorizes**  **them to**  **enter into**  **n�cessary agreements**  **with the**  **agency, and**  **the MPCA**  **is authorized**  **to cooperate**  **and to**  **enter into**  **necessary agreements**  **with other**  **departments and**  **agencies of**  **the state,**  **with municipalities,**  **with other**  **states, with**  **the federal government**  **and its**  **agencies and**  **instrumentalities, in**  **the public**  **interest and**  **in order**  **to control**  **pollution under**  **chapters 115**  **and 116.** 

**• Minn.**  **Stat. §**  **116.07, subds.**  **1 and**  **2. Grants**  **the MPCA**  **the powers**  **and duties**  **to improve**  **air quality,**  **adopt standards**  **of air**  **quality, and**  **enhance the**  **quality, management**  **and protection**  **of the**  **State's air**  **resources through comprehensive**  **plans for**  **the prevention,**  **abatement and control**  **of air**  **pollution in**  **Minnesota.**

**• Minn.**  **Stat. §**  **174.03, requires**  **that all**  **of the**  **State's regional**  **and municipal**  **agencies and**  **commissions created**  **under authority**  **of law**  **shall, when**  **dealing with**  **transportation, follow**  **the recommendations**  **made by**  **MnDOT. MPOs**  **are required**  **to enter**  **into agreements**  **with MnDOT**  **relating to**  **transportation planning under**  **23 CFR**  **§ 450.314,**  **Metropolitan Planning**  **Agreements. MnDOT**  **has authority**  **over the**  **development of**  **the Statewide**  **Transportation Improvement**  **Program (uSTIP")**  **and, under**  **Minnesota law,**  **has been**  **delegated the**  **Governor's final**  **approval authority**  **over all**  **MPO Transportation**  **Improvement Programs**  **(([TIPs") ,**  **including amendments**  **thereto, possessed**  **by the**  **Governor under**  **23 U.S.C.**  **§ 134**  **and 49**  **U.S.C. §§**  **5301 et**  **seq. MnDOT**  **will not**  **approve any**  **MPO TIP**  **or amendment**  **thereto that**  **contains a**  **nonconforming project**  **and will**  **not include**  **a nonconforming**  **TIP in** **the STIP.**  **Finally, MnDOT**  **has authority**  **over planning**  **funds provided**  **to MPOs**  **for transportation**  **planning purposes under**  **state law.**  **23 CFR**  **§ 450.320**  **requires MPOs**  **to develop**  **and implement**  **a congestion**  **management system**  **in transportation**  **management areas**  **(uTMAs") with**  **specific requirements**  **for nonattainment**  **areas; and**  **23 CFR**  **Part 420,**  **Subpart A,**  **makes MnDOT**  **responsible for**  **administration of**  **2 federal**  **planning funds**  **to MPOs**  **in Minnesota**  **for work**  **to carry**  **out urban**  **transportation planning.**  **MnDOT will**  **not request**  **federal or**  **state funding**  **for any**  **nonconforming projects,**  **programs or**  **plans and**  **may withhold**  **funds for**  **failure to**  **follow conformity**  **procedures.**

**• Minn.**  **Stat. §**  **161.20, subd.**  **2(1) authorizes**  **and directs**  **MnDOT to**  **expend funds**  **to construct**  **and maintain**  **highways and**  **related projects**  **within the**  **meaning of**  **Title 23,**  **United States**  **Code, and**  **all acts**  **amendatory and**  **supplementary thereto,**  **and the**  **federal regulations**  **issued under**  **that Code,**  **as well**  **as to**  **receive and**  **expend all**  **funds in**  **accordance with**  **the requirements**  **of acts**  **of Congress**  **making such**  **funds available.** 

**• Minn.**  **Stat. §**  **473.146, subd.**  **4, Designates**  **the Council**  **as the**  **planning agency**  **for any**  **long range comprehensive**  **transportation planning**  **required by**  **section 134**  **of the**  **Federal Highway**  **Act of**  **1962, Section**  **4 of**  **the Urban**  **Mass Transportation**  **Act of**  **1964 and**  **Section 112**  **of the**  **Federal Aid Highway**  **Act of**  **1973 and**  **other federal** **transportation laws.** 

**• Governor**  **Wendell R.**  **Anderson December**  **14, 1973**  **Designation Letter,**  **Designates the**  **MIC as**  **the planning**  **agency to**  **carry out**  **the metropolitan**  **transportation planning**  **process as**  **required by**  **the Federal**  **Highway Act**  **of 1962**  **and other**  **subsequent federal**  **tran sportation**  **laws. WHEREAS,**  **the parties**  **agree and**  **declare that**  **this MOA**  **and the**  **consultation procedures herein**  **are enforceable**  **cont ractual**  **agreements under**  **Minnesota law,**  **as part**  **of the**  **SIP itself**  **under 42**  **U.S.C. §**  **7410(a)(2)(EL and**  **under the**  **following Minnesota statutory authority:** 

**• Minn.**  **Stat. §**  **116.05, subd.**  **1, cited**  **above, and** 

**• Minn.**  **Stat. §**  **471.59, subds.**  **1 &**  **10: Authorizes**  **governmental units**  **to jointly**  **or cooperatively**  **exercise any**  **power common**  **to the**  **contracting parties**  **or perform**  **any service**  **or function**  **for another**  **governmental unit that the**  **providing governmental**  **unit can**  **provide for**  **itself;**

**• Section**  **176(c) of**  **the CAA**  **Amendments of**  **1990, 42**  **U.S.C. § 7506(cL**  **requires federally-funded**  **tran sportation**  **plans, programs,**  **and projects**  **that are**  **funded or**  **approved under title**  **23, United**  **States Code,**  **or the**  **federal Transit**  **Act to**  **conform with**  **State and**  **Federal air**  **quality demonstration**  **plans. EPA**  **and FHWA/FTA**  **have the**  **authority under**  **the law**  **to ensure**  **these regulations**  **are fully**  **impl emented.** 
**NOW, THEREFORE,**  **the parties**  **intending to**  **be legally**  **bound agree**  **as follows:** 
**A. PURPOSE**  **The purpose**  **of this**  **MOA is**  **to implement**  **and satisfy**  **Section 176(c)**  **of the**  **CAA, as**  **amended, 42**  **U.S.C. 7506(c),**  **and the**  **related provisions**  **of 23**  **U.S.C. §§**  **109, 134,**  **and 135**  **which require**  **the conformity**  **of transportation**  **projects which**  **are developed,**  **funded, accepted,**  **or approved**  **by the**  **USDOT or**  **approved or**  **adopted by**  **the MPOs**  **under Title 23,**  **United States**  **Code, or**  **the Federal**  **Transit Act**  **(49 U.S.C.**  **1601 et**  **seq.) with**  **the SIP**  **required under**  **Section 110,**  **42 U.S.C.**  **§ 7410**  **relating to**  **nonattainment and**  **maintenance areas**  **under 42**  **U.S.C. §§**  **7407(d) and**  **7505(a). This**  **MOA establishes**  **a uniform**  **policy for**  **interagency consultation**  **processes involving**  **all affected agencies such**  **that the**  **consultation issues**  **as described**  **in 40**  **CFR §**  **93.105(c) are**  **addressed.**

**B. APPLICABILITY**  **The Transportation**  **Conformity SIP**  **applies to**  **all EPA**  **designated non-attainment**  **and maintenance**  **areas for**  **transportation related**  **criteria pollutants** **within the**  **state of**  **Minnesota.**

**3 C.**  **TRANSPORTATION CONFORMITY**  **CONSULTATION**

**(1) Affected**  **Agencies For**  **the purpose**  **of consulting**  **on transportation**  **conformity issues,**  **the following**  **participating agencies**  **will comprise**  **the Minnesota**  **Interagency Air**  **Quality &**  **Transportation Planning**  **Committee ("MNIAQTPC"):** 

**• U.S.**  **Environmental Protection**  **Agency (EPA)** 

**• Minnesota**  **Pollution Control**  **Agency (MPCA)** 

**• Federal**  **Highway Administration**  **(FHWA)**

**• Federal**  **Transit Administration**  **(FTA)**

**• Minnesota**  **Department of** **Transportation (MnDOT)** 

**• Minnesota**  **Metropolitan Planning**  **Organizations (MPOs)**  **located in**  **EPA designated**  **non-attainment and**  **maintenance areas,**  **e.g. The**  **Metropolitan Council**  **(Council), and**  **Metropolitan Interstate**  **Council (MIC}.**  **(An MPO**  **only participates**  **if a**  **conformity issue**  **is specific**  **to an**  **area/county served**  **by the**  **MPO).**

**The MNIAQTPC**  **is a**  **work group**  **that makes**  **technical and**  **policy recommendations**  **regarding transportation**  **conformity issues.**  **The workgroup will**  **be comprised**  **of technical**  **staff members**  **from the**  **affected agencies**  **associated directly**  **with transportation**  **conformity. Each**  **agency will**  **appoint a**  **designated contact**  **for the**  **MNIAQTPC. The**  **MNIAQTPC is**  **a forum**  **to continue**  **the dialogue**  **and sharing**  **of information between**  **air quality**  **and transportation**  **planning agencies**  **regarding transportation conformity. Participating**  **agencies provide**  **coordination, advice,**  **consultation, and**  **cooperation regarding**  **air quality**  **and transportation**  **planning. The**  **forum uses**  **a variety**  **of communication**  **methods for**  **consultation: meetings,**  **written and**  **electronic correspondence,**  **workshops, site**  **visits, telephone**  **discussions, and**  **websites. The**  **form of**  **consultation that**  **the MNIAQTPC**  **undertakes largely**  **depends on**  **the proposal,**  **the complexity,**  **and the**  **relationship with**  **the parties**  **to be**  **consulted. (2)** **Authorities &**  **Limitations The**  **affected agencies**  **operate according**  **to specific**  **responsibilities, authorities,**  **and limitations**  **under various**  **federal and**  **state laws.**  **In addition,**  **because of**  **an established**  **working relationship, the**  **agencies listed**  **above recognize**  **and respect**  **the responsibilities,**  **authorities and**  **limitations of**  **the other**  **participating agencies. Each**  **agency bears**  **a responsibility**  **to provide**  **data and**  **documentation in**  **a timely**  **manner for**  **use by**  **other agencies.**  **Each agency**  **is responsible**  **for following**  **the relevant**  **state and**  **federal requirements**  **for public**  **participation, public**  **notice and**  **comment, and**  **formal adoption**  **procedures. The**  **respective agencies**  **acknowledge a**  **responsibility to**  **notify each**  **other of**  **upcoming actions**  **that will**  **affect the**  **domain of**  **any other**  **affected agencies.**  **(3) MNIAQTPC**  **Process Initiation:**  **Transportation Conformity** **Actionable Events**  **and Lead** **Agency Roles**  **The MNIAQTPC**  **consultation process**  **is to**  **be initiated**  **and directed**  **by the**  **corresponding lead agency**  **for the**  **following transportation**  **conformity related**  **tasks and**  **events. The**  **designation of**  **a lead**  **agency is**  **determined by**  **legal obligations**  **and professional**  **expertise. Any**  **MNIAQTPC member**  **agency may**  **initiate the**  **consultation process**  **to address**  **pertinent air**  **quality or**  **transportation planning**  **issues related**  **to transportation**  **conformity events.** 

**• Development/review**  **of draft**  **or revisions**  **to the**  **SIP**
**- lead**  **agency: MPCA;** 

**• Development**  **of motor**  **vehicle emissions**  **budgets- lead**  **agency: MPCA;** 

**• Development**  **of periodic**  **emissions inventory**  **for criteria**  **pollutants**

**- lead**  **agency: MPCA;** 

**• Development/review**  **of air**  **quality modeling**  **and or**  **any other**  **analytical methods**  **used for**  **SIP development** 

**- lead**  **agency: MPCA;** 

**• Development/review of on-road**  **mobile source**  **emissions models**  **and methods** 

**- lead**  **agency: EPA,**  **or MPCA,**  **or MPO,**  **or MnDOT;** 
**4 •**  **Development/review of**  **travel demand**  **models or**  **any other**  **analytical methods**  **used to**  **predict vehicle**  **miles traveled** 

**- lead**  **agency: MPO**  **or MnDOT;** 

**• Development/review of**  **regionally significant**  **projects and**  **changes**

**- lead**  **agency: MPO**  **or MnDOT;** 

**• Development/review of**  **drafts for**  **a new**  **or amended**  **Long Range**  **Transportation Plan**  **("LRTP"), and**  **TIP;**

**- lead**  **agency: MPO;** 

**• Development**  **of conformity**  **determination for**  **a new**  **or amended**  **LRTP and**  **TIP - lead**  **agency: MPO;** 

**• Development**  **of conformity**  **determination for**  **projects in**  **non-metropoli tan**  **non-attainment and**  **maintenance areas**  **- lead**  **agency: MnDOT;** 

**• Development of a**  **list of**  **the Transportation**  **Control Measures**  **("TCMs") to**  **be considered**  **in the**  **development/review of**  **draft or**  **revisions to**  **the SIP,**  **if necessary**  **- lead**  **agency: MPCA;** 

**• Revisions**  **to a TCM**  **prepared by**  **the MPO**  **for the**  **MPCA to**  **be included**  **in the**  **SIP**
**- lead**  **agency: MPO,**  **MnDOT;**

**• Nbtification of**  **pending transportation**  **conformity lapse** 
**- lead**  **agency: FHWA/FTA;** 

**• Notification**  **of SIP**  **actions, including**  **those that**  **may lead**  **to nonconformity**  **and/or sanctions**  **- lead agency:**  **EPA;**

**• Adequacy**  **findings and**  **notification of**  **such findings**  **for motor**  **vehicle emission**  **budgets**

**- lead**  **agency: EPA;** 

**• Helps**  **each MPO**  **develop Plans**  **and TIPs,**  **reviews and**  **comments on**  **MPO Plan**  **and TIPs** 

**- lead**  **Agency: MPCA,**  **MnDOT, FHWA/FTA,**  **EPA;**

**• Approves**  **TIPs as**  **Governor's designee**  **for inclusion**  **in the**  **State TIP-**  **lead agency:**  **MnDOT;**

**• Makes**  **final joint**  **conformity determination**  **on Plans**  **and TIPs**  **and projects;**  **provides guidance**  **and assistance**  **to each**  **MPO to**  **help fulfill**  **conformity requirements-**  **lead agency:**  **FHWA/F TA;**  **(In area**  **of conformity,**  **FTA Region**  **5 has**  **delegated most**  **of its**  **responsibilities to**  **FHWA via**  **memorandum of**  **understanding dated**  **July 14,**  **2004, but**  **all findings**  **are joint**  **from both**  **agencies. This**  **agreement is**  **re-affirmed annually.);** 

**• Makes**  **a formal**  **conformity determination**  **on the**  **LRTP or**  **TIP through**  **a resolution**  **of the**  **MPO's body**  **-lead agency:**  **MPO;**

**• Ensures**  **the adequacy**  **of the**  **interagency consultation**  **process with**  **respect to**  **Plans, TIPs,**  **and conformity**  **analysis**
**- lead**  **agency: MPO,**  **MnDOT;**

**• Makes**  **conformity determination**  **for all**  **projects regardless**  **of project**  **sponsor -**  **lead agency:**  **MnDOT or**  **project applicant;** 

**• Accepts**  **the LRTP**  **or TIP**  **and sends**  **them to**  **FHWA and**  **FTA for**  **action -lead**  **agency: MnDOT;** 

**• Provides**  **comments to**  **FHWA on** **the conformity**  **process and**  **results -lead**  **agency: EPA;** 

**• Reviews**  **the MPO**  **conformity determination**  **-lead agency:**  **FHWA;**

**• Reviews**  **MPCA, EPA,**  **and public**  **comments and**  **makes final**  **conformity determination**  **on the**  **LRTP or**  **TIP through**  **a joint**  **FHWA/FTA letter-**  **FHWA;**

**• Maintains**  **all minutes/records**  **of MNIAQTPC**  **actions, regardless**  **of who**  **initiated them -lead**  **agency: MPCA;**  **and**

**• Conducts**  **the public**  **participation process**  **-lead agency:**  **MPO, MnDOT.** 

**• Development**  **and maintenance**  **of a handbook**  **for transportation**  **conformity procedures lead**  **agency M PCA** 

**5 (4)**  **Regular MNIAQTPC** **Agency Roles** **& Responsibilities:** 

**(a)The lead**  **MNIAQTPC agency**  **is responsible**  **for the** **follow ing:** 

**• Initiate**  **the MNIAQTPC**  **consultation process**  **according to**  **transportation conformity**  **actionable events**  **established above;** 

**• Consult**  **with the**  **appropriate representatives**  **of the**  **MNIAQTPC agency;** 

**• Formulate**  **and distribute**  **MNIAQTPC draft**  **and final**  **meeting agendas**  **to representatives**  **of the**  **MNIAQTPC agency**  **in a**  **timely manner;**  **notify and**  **provide MNIAQTPC**  **agencies draft**  **and final**  **documents and**  **appropriate supporting**  **materials prior**  **to formal**  **adoption or**  **publication;**

**• Solicit**  **input from**  **the MNIAQTPC**  **agencies through**  **participation in**  **the development**  **of draft**  **documents and**  **supporting materials;** 

**• Review**  **significant comments**  **from MNIAQTPC**  **agencies and**  **provide responses**  **in a**  **timely manner**  **prior to**  **formal adoption**  **of the**  **final document;** 

**• Provide**  **written responses**  **to all**  **comments from**  **MNIAQTPC member**  **agencies; (b)** **The non-l** **ead MNIAQTPC**  **agencies are**  **responsible for** **the foll** **owing:**

**• Participate**  **in the**  **MNIAQTPC consultation**  **process according**  **to transportation**  **conformity actionable**  **events established**  **above;**

**• Consult**  **with the**  **lead MNIAQTPC**  **agency and**  **other MNIAQTPC**  **agencies;**

**• Provide**  **input and**  **technical assistance**  **when requested;** 

**• Review**  **and provide**  **timely comments**  **on draft**  **and final**  **documents and**  **appropriate supporting**  **information prior**  **to formal**  **adoption. D.**  **SPECIFIC ROLES**  **& RESPONSIBiliTIES**  **(1} U.S.**  **Environmental Protection**  **Agency EPA**  **is responsible**  **for: approving**  **updated mobile**  **source vehicle**  **em1ss1on models;**  **issuing guidance**  **on conformity**  **criteria and**  **procedures; providing**  **modeling and**  **emission inventory**  **development assistance**  **to MPCA,**  **MnDOT, and**  **the MPOs;**  **finding motor**  **vehicle emission**  **budgets adequate**  **or inadequate;**  **approving or**  **disapproving SIP**  **revisions (including**  **TCMs); and**  **reviewing and**  **commenting on**  **regional emissions**  **analyses and**  **conformity determinations**  **for LRTPs**  **and TIPs.**  **Where possible,**  **EPA will**  **participate in**  **development of**  **and review**  **and comment on**  **drafts of**  **air quality**  **conformity analyses.**  **{2) Minnesota**  **Poll ution**  **Control Agency**  **MPCA is**  **the agency**  **responsible for**  **air quality**  **planning, as**  **well as**  **responsible for**  **developing air**  **quality plans**  **known collectively as**  **the State**  **Implementation Plan**  **(SIP). MPCA**  **is responsible**  **for developing**  **emission inventories, emission**  **budgets, air**  **quality modeling,**  **and SIP**  **demonstrations and**  **revisions. MPCA**  **consults with**  **affected parties**  **and agencies**  **throughout the**  **SIP development**  **and SIP**  **revision processes,**  **conducting briefings**  **and meetings**  **to gather**  **ideas, reviews**  **technical findings,**  **and prepares**  **draft revisions.**  **Prior to**  **formal adoption**  **or publication,**  **MPCA provides**  **the affected**  **agencies with**  **draft documents**  **and supporting**  **materials. MPCA**  **provides final**  **documents and**  **supporting information**  **to each**  **affected agency.** **after approval**  **or adoption.**  **MPCA provides**  **coordination, advice,**  **consultation, and**  **cooperation to**  **EPA, FHWA,**  **FTA, MN/DOT,**  **Local Public**  **Transit Agencies,**  **and any**  **MPO during**  **the development**  **of any**  **SIP involving**  **TCMs. MPCA**  **is responsible**  **for providing**  **technical and**  **policy guidance**  **to the**  **MPOs and**  **MnDOT regarding**  **procedures to**  **estimate on-road**  **vehicle emissions. In**  **addition, MPCA is**  **the lead**  **agency for**  **maintaining the**  **air quality**  **monitoring network**  **and providing regional ambient**  **air data**  **in Minnesota.**  **MPCA also**  **assists the**  **EPA in**  **making air**  **quality monitoring**  **data available**  **to the**  **public.**

**6 (3)**  **Federal Highway**  **Administration and**  **Federal Transit** **Administration**

**The FHWA**  **and FTA**  **are responsible**  **for participating**  **on MPO**  **committees and**  **task forces;**  **reviewing the**  **MPO transportation**  **planning processes;**  **providing transportation**  **planning assistance**  **and guidance**  **for LRTPs**  **and TIPs; approving**  **air quality**  **conformity determinations;**  **providing FHWA**  **and FTA**  **air quality**  **and conformity**  **rules, policies**  **and guidance;**  **and providing**  **notification of a**  **pending conformity**  **lapse. (In**  **areas of**  **conformity, FTA**  **Region 5**  **has delegated**  **most of**  **its responsibilities**  **to FHWA**  **via memorandum**  **of understanding**  **("MOU") dated**  **July 14,**  **2004, but all**  **findings are** **joint from**  **both agencies.**  **(This MOU**  **is reaffirmed**  **annually .)**  **(4) Minnesota**  **Department of** **Transportation MnDOT**  **is responsible**  **for serving**  **on MPO**  **committees, reviewing**  **the planning**  **processes, conducting**  **conformity determination concurrence**  **reviews on**  **LRTPs, TIPs**  **and Statewide**  **TIPs, and**  **balancing local**  **needs and**  **preferences with the**  **state -administered**  **transportation system's**  **needs. In**  **non -attainment**  **and maintenance**  **areas where**  **there is**  **no designated**  **MPO, MnDOT**  **is the**  **lead transportation**  **agency and**  **assumes the**  **MPO transportation**  **planning responsibilities mentioned**  **in this**  **document. MnDOT**  **will make**  **conformity determinations**  **for projects**  **in non** **-metropolitan non-** **attainment and**  **maintenance areas.**  **MnDOT's responsibilities**  **will also**  **include providing**  **updated travel**  **data, fleet**  **mix data**  **and distribution**  **of travel**  **vehicle classifications/vehicle**  **type and**  **road type.**  **MnDOT also**  **helps each**  **MPO develop**  **LRTPs and**  **TIPs, reviews**  **and comments**  **on MPO**  **LRTPs and**  **TIPs; approves**  **TIPs, as**  **the Governor's designee,**  **for inclusion**  **in the**  **STIP; and**  **provides guidance**  **to each**  **MPO to**  **help fulfill**  **conformity requirements.**  **(5) Metropolitan**  **Pla nning**  **Organization Each**  **MPO is**  **responsible for**  **developing two**  **main products**  **through the**  **transportation planning**  **process. The first**  **is a**  **LRTP that**  **in cludes**  **improvements to**  **highways, transit**  **and other**  **transportation modes**  **to meet**  **the transportation**  **needs of**  **the area**  **over a**  **minimum 20-year**  **period. The**  **second is**  **a TIP,**  **a short-range**  **capital Improvement**  **program for**  **highway, transit,**  **and other**  **transportation mode**  **projects. Both**  **the LRTP**  **and the**  **TIP must conform**  **to the**  **goals and**  **objectives of**  **the CAA,**  **identified by**  **MPCA in**  **the SIP.**  **The MPO**  **is responsible**  **for travel**  **demand model**  **development (or**  **any other analytical**  **methods used**  **to predict**  **vehicle miles**  **traveled), estimating**  **mobile so** **urce emissions,**  **and development**  **of TCMs.**  **The MPO**  **will develop**  **mobile source**  **emissions projections**  **and evaluate**  **them in**  **relation to**  **mobile source**  **emissions budgets**  **which are**  **to be**  **included in**  **the SIP.**  **The MPO**  **in consultation**  **with other**  **affected agencies**  **will develop**  **TCMs if**  **needed to**  **demonstrate either**  **attainment or**  **maintenance of**  **the federal**  **National Ambient**  **Air Quality**  **Standards (NAAQS).**  **The MPO**  **is responsible**  **for analyzing**  **the mobile**  **source emissions**  **effects of**  **the LRTP**  **and TIP.**  **The MPO**  **will make**  **conformity demonstrations** **for LRTPs and**  **TIPs as**  **required by**  **the federal**  **CAA and**  **state law.**  **The MPO**  **provides coordination, advice, consultation,**  **and cooperation**  **to MPCA,**  **MnDOT, EPA,**  **FHWA and**  **Local Public**  **Transit Agencies**  **during the**  **course of**  **the development**  **of transportation**  **plans, TIPs,**  **and conformity**  **determinations. Prior to**  **formal adoption**  **or publication,**  **the MPO**  **provides the**  **affected agencies**  **with draft**  **documents and**  **suppo rting**  **materials. The**  **MPO provides**  **final documents**  **and supporting**  **information to**  **each affected**  **agency after**  **approval or**  **adoption. Each**  **MPO actively**  **coordinates with**  **the other**  **agencies during**  **the transportation**  **planning process.**  **Meetings are**  **scheduled on**  **a regular**  **basis through**  **technical advisory**  **committees and**  **regional planning**  **commission meetings. In**  **addition, meetings**  **are accommodated**  **when necessary**  **and when**  **other MNIAQTPC**  **agencies request**  **them. (6)**  **Minnesota Local**  **Public Transit** **Agencies. Local**  **public transit**  **agencies, although**  **not parties**  **to this**  **MOA, customarily**  **attend all**  **MIC's meetings.**  **The Local**  **Public Transit**  **Agency is**  **responsible for**  **supporting and**  **conducting transportation**  **planning activities**  **for public**  **transportation service,**  **and for**  **providing transit**  **operations to**  **accommodate local**  **and regional**  **connectivity goals.**  **The Local**  **Public Transit**  **Agency, the**  **MPO, and**  **MnDOT customarily**  **coordinate with**  **one another,**  **as applicable,**  **to identify**  **transit projects**  **and impacts.** 

**7 INTERAGENCY**  **COLLABORATION**

**(1) Open**  **Dialogue MPCA,**  **MnDOT ,**  **FHWA/FTA, EPA,**  **and the**  **MPOs will**  **engage in**  **an open**  **dialogue through**  **collaborative participation**  **in the**  **planning processes**  **of other**  **affected agencies. Interagency**  **participation will**  **strengthen the**  **relationships between**  **agencies by**  **establishing each**  **as a**  **planning partner**  **with an**  **investment in**  **the entire**  **planning perspective.**  **(2) SIP**  **Development Process**  **MPCA will**  **include the**  **relevant MPOs**  **and MnDOT**  **in its**  **SIP development process**  **from the**  **beginning by**  **working with**  **MNIAQTPC. This**  **inter-agency workgroup**  **helps in**  **addressing any**  **concerns of**  **the transportation**  **community. The**  **purpose of**  **MNIAQTPC is**  **to provide**  **a forum**  **to build**  **consensus; in**  **order to**  **achieve this**  **goal, the**  **MNIAQTPC group**  **will meet**  **on a**  **regular basis**  **or as**  **needed to**  **resolve issues.**  **Transportation agencies**  **will also**  **participate in**  **the general**  **meetings and**  **consultations that**  **MPCA undertakes**  **for all**  **stakeholders and**  **interested parties**  **during SIP**  **development. Through**  **this cooperative**  **planning process,**  **MPCA will**  **establish the**  **Motor Vehicle**  **Emissions Budgets**  **("MVEBs") specified**  **in the**  **SIP. (3)** **Transportation Planning Process MnDOT**  **and the**  **MPOs will**  **involve MPCA**  **in their**  **respective transportation planning**  **process that**  **produces LRTPs**  **and TIPs.**  **The MPOs**  **and MnDOT**  **will design**  **transportation plans**  **that conform**  **to the**  **goals and**  **objectives of**  **the CAA**  **and the**  **MVEBs specified**  **in the**  **SIP. MPCA**  **will provide**  **an air**  **quality perspective**  **to the** **transportation planning**  **process by**  **participating in**  **MPO and**  **MPCA technical**  **and policy**  **meetings. With**  **consultation and**  **cooperation by**  **MPCA, the**  **MPO and**  **MnDOT will**  **assess and**  **develop the**  **long-range mobile**  **source emission**  **budgetary needs**  **of the**  **urban and/or**  **rural non-attainment**  **areas that**  **maintain and**  **promote the**  **CAA goals**  **and support**  **the economic,**  **demographic, and**  **healthy quality**  **of life**  **in the**  **area. MPCA**  **will also**  **provide consultation**  **regarding the**  **development of**  **mobile source**  **emissions budgets,**  **but does**  **not make**  **transportation planning**  **decisions. E.**  **INTERAGENCY CONSULTATION PROCESS (l)Specific Processes**  **The interagency**  **consultation processes**  **involving MPCA,**  **MnDOT, EPA,**  **FHWA/FTA,MPOs and**  **Local Public**  **Transit Agencies**  **require that**  **these agencies**  **coordinate, advise,**  **consult, and**  **cooperate to**  **address the**  **following issues**  **(see 40** **CFR §**  **93.105(c) for**  **the paragraphs**  **referenced below). (a)**  **Emissions Models**  **and Methods**  **The MPO**  **(or MnDOT,**  **for non-att** **ainment and**  **maintenance areas**  **not included**  **in an**  **MPO) is**  **the lead**  **agency for**  **developing transportation and**  **vehicle activity**  **assumptions to**  **be used**  **in transportation**  **plans and**  **regional emissions analyses.**  **The MPO**  **will develop**  **travel characteristics**  **with input**  **from local**  **jurisdictions, Local**  **Public Transit**  **Agencies, and**  **MnDOT. The**  **MPO (or**  **MnDOT, for**  **non-attainment and**  **maintenance areas not**  **included in**  **an MPO)**  **is responsible**  **for mobile**  **source emissions estimates**  **or conformity**  **determinations using**  **the latest**  **motor vehicle emissions**  **model designated**  **or approved**  **by EPA.**  **MPCA is**  **the lead agency for**  **documenting meteorological**  **conditions, fuel**  **specifications, and**  **program settings**  **to be**  **used in**  **hot spot**  **and regional**  **air quality**  **conformity analyses. MPCA**  **will document meteorological conditions**  **in consultation**  **with EPA**  **during the**  **SIP development**  **process. The**  **models and**  **applicable guidance**  **documents or**  **methodologies to**  **be used**  **for hot**  **spot analyses**  **are selected**  **by EPA**  **in collaboration**  **with FHWA/FTA.**  **(b) Regional** **ly Significant**  **Projects and**  **Changes The**  **MPO (or**  **MnDOT, for**  **non -attainment**  **and maintenance**  **areas not**  **included in**  **an MPO)**  **is the**  **lead agency**  **to identify**  **regionally significant**  **projects and**  **significant changes**  **to project**  **design concept**  **or scope.**  **Through the**  **consultation process, the**  **MNIAQTPC will**  **make a**  **determination of**  **which minor**  **arterials and**  **other transportation**  **projects should**  **be considered**  **"regionally significant"**  **projects, and**  **which projects**  **may have**  **undergone a**  **significant change**  **in design**  **concept or**  **scope since**  **the previous** 
**8 TIP**  **or LRTP**  **was approved.**  **As traffic**  **conditions change**  **in the**  **future, the**  **MPOs, in**  **consu ltation**  **with**

**MPCA, MnDOT,**  **FHWA, and**  **EPA (and**  **Local Public**  **Transit Agencies**  **and FTA**  **in cases**  **involving transit**  **facilities) will**  **consider: 1)**  **the relative**  **importance of**  **minor arterials**  **serving major**  **activity centers,**  **and 2)**  **the absence**  **of principal**  **arterials in**  **the vicinity**  **to determine**  **if any**  **minor arterials**  **should be**  **considered as**  **regionally significant**  **for purposes**  **of regional**  **emissions analysis.**  **Changes to**  **regionally significant**  **projects may**  **or may**  **not necessitate**  **a new**  **regional emissions analysis.**  **Representatives from**  **MPCA, MPOs,**  **MnDOT, Local**  **Public Transit**  **Agencies, FHWA,**  **FTA, and**  **EPA will**  **meet through**  **MNIAQTPC to**  **develop guidelines that**  **identify significant**  **changes in**  **project design**  **and scope**  **for regionally**  **significant projects.**  **Project changes**  **not addressed**  **by the**  **guidelines to**  **be developed**  **will be**  **decided on**  **a case**  **by case**  **basis through**  **consultation by**  **MNIAQTPC. The**  **definition for**  **regionally significant**  **project, process**  **for amending**  **TIP and**  **long -range**  **plans will**  **be addressed**  **in the**  **Handbook for**  **Transportation and**  **Air Quality**  **professionals planned**  **to be**  **updated by**  **MNIAQTPC. (c)**  **Exempt Project**  **Emissions The**  **MPO (or**  **MnDOT, for**  **non -attainment**  **areas not**  **included in**  **an MPO)**  **is the**  **lead agency**  **for evaluating**  **whether projects**  **otherwise exempted from**  **meeting the**  **requirements of**  **40 CFR**  **§§ 93.126**  **and 93.127**  **should be**  **treated as**  **non-e xempt**  **in cases**  **where potential**  **adverse emissions**  **impacts may**  **exist for**  **any reason.**  **(d) Trans** **portation Control**  **Measures Delays** **and Substitutes**  **The MPO**  **(or MnDOT,**  **for non-at** **tainment areas**  **not included**  **in an**  **MPO) is**  **the lead**  **agency for**  **tracking the**  **implementation of**  **TCMs and**  **making a**  **determination, required**  **by 40**  **CFR §**  **90.113(c) (1),**  **whether past**  **obstacles to**  **implementation of**  **TCMs that**  **are behind**  **the schedule**  **established in**  **the applicable**  **SIP have been identified**  **and are**  **being overcome,**  **and whether**  **state and**  **local agencies**  **with influence**  **over approvals**  **or funding**  **for TCMs**  **are giving**  **maximum priority**  **to approval**  **or funding**  **for TCMs.**  **The MPO**  **will consider whether**  **delays in**  **TCM implementation**  **necessitate revisions**  **to the**  **applicable SIP**  **to remove**  **a TCM**  **or substitute**  **a TCM**  **or other**  **transportation-related emission**  **reduction measure.**  **(e) Exempt**  **Project Revisions**  **The MPO**  **(or MnDOT,**  **for non-attainment**  **areas not**  **included in**  **an MPO)**  **is the**  **lead agency**  **for notification**  **to affected**  **agencies of**  **any transportation**  **plan or**  **TIP revisions**  **or amendments**  **that merely**  **add or**  **delete exempt**  **projects listed**  **in 40**  **CFR §§**  **93.126 or**  **93.127. (f)**  **Rural Non-Atta** **inment Areas**  **MnDOT is**  **the lead**  **agency for**  **selecting conformity**  **tests and**  **methodologies required**  **in isolated**  **rural non-attainment**  **and maintenance**  **areas under**  **40 CFR**  **§ 90.109(g)(2)(iii).**  **(2) Consu** **lta tion:**  **Triggers and** **Jurisdictions The**  **interagency consultation processes**  **involving the**  **MPCA, MnDOT,**  **FHWA/FTA, EPA,**  **MPOs and**  **Local Public**  **Transit Agencies**  **require that**  **these agencies coordinate,**  **advise, consult**  **and cooperate**  **to address**  **the following**  **issues: (a)**  **Conformity Triggers**  **The MPO**  **(or MnDOT,**  **for non-** **attainment areas**  **not included**  **in an**  **MPO) is**  **the lead**  **agency responsible**  **for evaluating**  **events that**  **will trigger**  **new conformity**  **determinations in**  **addition to**  **those triggering**  **events identified**  **in 40**  **CFR §**  **93.104. (b)**  **Multiple Jurisdictions**  **MnDOT is**  **the lead**  **agency responsible**  **for consultation**  **on procedures**  **for em1ss1ons**  **analysis for**  **tran sportation**  **activities that**  **cross the**  **borders of**  **MPOs, non** **-attainment areas**  **or air**  **basins. (3)**  **"Donut" Areas**  **The MPOs**  **and MnDOT**  **will consult**  **in situations**  **where the**  **metropolitan planning**  **area does**  **not include**  **the entire**  **non-attainment or**  **maintenance area**  **to establish**  **cooperative planning**  **and analysis**  **concerning**

**9 conformity**  **determinations of**  **all projects**  **in the**  **nonattainment or**  **maintenance area**  **but outside**  **the MPO** 

**planning area.**  **(4) Local** **ly Funded**  **Regional ly** **Significant Projects**  **The MPOs**  **and MnDOT**  **will consult**  **with local**  **units of**  **government and**  **public transit**  **agencies to**  **identify all**  **regionally significant**  **transportation projects**  **to be**  **included in**  **the TIP,**  **regardless of**  **whether the**  **projects are**  **federally or**  **locally funded.**  **The procedures**  **established by**  **MnDOT and**  **the MPOs**  **to regularly**  **update and**  **amend the**  **TIP ensure**  **that the**  **plans for**  **the construction**  **of regionally**  **significant projects**  **are disclosed**  **to the**  **MPOs on**  **a regular**  **basis, and** **that any**  **changes to**  **those plans**  **are immediately**  **disclosed. {5)**  **Project Details**  **The MPOs**  **and MnDOT**  **will consult**  **as needed** **to determine**  **in sufficient**  **detail the**  **design and**  **scope of**  **proposed projects**  **identified in**  **the preceding**  **paragraph to**  **allow for**  **a proper**  **regional emissions**  **analysis under**  **40 CFR**  **§ 9 3.122**  **in the**  **event that** **the project**  **sponsors have**  **not yet**  **identified these**  **features. (6)** **Travel Model**  **Development The**  **MPOs and**  **MnDOT will**  **consult as**  **needed on**  **the design,**  **schedule, funding**  **of research,**  **data collection**  **efforts, and**  **regional transportation**  **model development**  **by the**  **MPO. (7)**  **Document Distribution**  **The lead**  **agencies will**  **distribute final**  **documents and**  **supporting materials**  **to all**  **agencies identified**  **in Section**  **C, Transportation**  **Conformity Consultation,**  **after approval**  **or adoption.** 

**F. CONFLICT**  **RESOLUTION PROCESS**  **Historically in**  **Minnesota, the**  **interagency cooperation**  **and adopted**  **processes included**  **in this**  **MOA have**  **resulted in**  **most concerns**  **or conflicts**  **over conformity**  **being resolved**  **through consultations**  **within the**  **Interagency Committee,**  **minimizing the**  **need for**  **a conflict**  **resolution process.**  **However, as**  **established in**  **40 CFR**  **§ 93.105(d),**  **should the**  **MNIAQTPC not**  **be able**  **to resolve**  **such conflicts**  **between the**  **MPCA, MnDOT**  **and the**  **MPOs during**  **routine consultation**  **and/or negotiation,**  **the following procedures** **will apply:**  **1. The**  **MNIAQTPC will**  **prepare and**  **agree to**  **a statement**  **of the**  **nature of** **the conflict.**  **2. Staff**  **of the**  **affected agencies**  **(MPCA, MnDOT,**  **and affected**  **MPO) will**  **meet in**  **a good**  **faith effort**  **to resolve**  **the conflict**  **in a**  **manner acceptable**  **to all**  **parties. 3.**  **If the**  **staff is**  **unsuccessful, the**  **Commissioners of**  **MPCA and**  **MnDOT, the**  **Executive Directors of**  **the affected**  **MPOs, or**  **their designees,**  **and all**  **other parties**  **to the**  **conflict shall**  **meet to**  **resolve differences**  **in a**  **manner acceptable**  **to all**  **parties. At**  **any step,**  **consensus of**  **the MPCA,**  **MnDOT and**  **affected MPO**  **representatives shall**  **be considered**  **to have**  **resolved the**  **conflict. In**  **step three,**  **MPCA, MnDOT,**  **and the**  **affected MPO**  **shall make**  **every effort**  **to resolve**  **differences, including personal**  **meetings between**  **the heads**  **of the**  **MPCA, MnDOT,**  **and the**  **MPO or**  **their policy-level representatives.**  **After this**  **process is**  **completed (the**  **parties have**  **reached consensus**  **or determined**  **that consensus**  **is not**  **possible) MnDOT**  **or the**  **MPO shall**  **notify the**  **Commissioner of**  **the MPCA**  **of the**  **proposed conformity**  **determination (or**  **policy decision),**  **including their**  **response to**  **and resolution**  **of the**  **MPCA's comments.**  **If a**  **consensus has**  **been reached,**  **the letter**  **of notification**  **shall document**  **that consensus.**  **If the**  **process has**  **not resulted**  **in consensus,**  **the letter**  **shall notify**  **the MPCA**  **that either**  **party (MnDOT**  **or the**  **MPO) plans**  **to proceed**  **with its**  **conformity decision**  **or policy**  **that is**  **the source**  **of the conflict.**  **The MPCA**  **shall have**  **14 calendar**  **days after**  **receipt of**  **the letter**  **to appeal**  **the proposed determination**  **of conformity**  **(or other**  **policy decision**  **under this**  **rule) to**  **the Governor.**  **If the**  **MPCA appeals**  **to the**  **Governor, the**  **final conformity**  **determination must**  **have the**  **concurrence of**  **the Governor.**  **The MPCA**  **must provide**  **notice of**  **any appeal**  **under this**  **subsection to**  **the MPO**  **and MnDOT.**  **If the**  **10 MPCA**  **does not**  **appeal to**  **the Governor**  **within 14**  **days, the**  **MPO or**  **MnDOT may**  **proceed with**  **the final** 

**con formity**  **determination. The**  **Governor may**  **delegate his**  **or her**  **role of**  **hearing any**  **such appeal**  **under this**  **subsection and**  **of deciding**  **whether to**  **concur in**  **the conformity**  **determination to**  **another official**  **or agency**  **within the**  **state, but**  **not to**  **the Commissioner**  **or staff**  **of the**  **MPCA, MnDOT,**  **or the**  **Executive Director**  **or staff**  **of an**  **MPO. G.**  **PUBLIC CONSULTATION**  **PROCEDURES When**  **making a**  **conformity determination,**  **the MPO**  **(or MnDOT,**  **for non-a** **ttainment areas**  **not included**  **in an**  **MPO) has**  **established and**  **will continue**  **to implement**  **a proactive**  **public involvement**  **process which**  **provides opportunity**  **for public**  **review and**  **comment prior**  **to taking**  **formal action**  **on a**  **conformity determination**  **for all**  **transportation plans**  **and TIPs, consistent**  **with the**  **requirements of**  **23 CFR**  **§ 450.316(a),**  **Interested Parties,**  **Participation, and**  **Cons ultation,**  **40 CFR**  **§§ 93.105(e),**  **Public consultation**  **procedures, 93.112,**  **Criteria and**  **Procedures: Consultation,**  **and 49**  **CFR §**  **7.43, Fee**  **Schedule. Additionally,**  **as part**  **of the**  **continuing public**  **involvement process,**  **the MPO**  **(or MnDOT,**  **for non** **-attainment areas**  **not included**  **in an**  **MPO) will**  **specifically address**  **in writing**  **all public**  **comments that**  **known plans**  **for a**  **regionally significant project**  **which is**  **not receiving**  **FHWA or**  **FTA funding**  **or approval**  **have not**  **been properly**  **reflected in**  **the emissions analysis**  **supporting a**  **proposed conformity**  **finding for**  **a transportation**  **plan or**  **TIP. These**  **agencies shall**  **also provide**  **opportunity for**  **public involvement**  **in conformity**  **determinations for**  **projects where**  **otherwise required**  **by law.**  **The MPO**  **shall notify**  **the public**  **of any**  **MPCA letter**  **of comment**  **for air**  **quality conformity before**  **the plan**  **or TIP**  **document is**  **scheduled for**  **public comments.**  **H. TRANSPORTATION CONTROL MEASURES**  **As specified**  **in 40**  **CFR §**  **93.122 (a)(4)(ii), the**  **conformity SIP**  **must provide**  **that written**  **commitments from**  **the responsible**  **agency must**  **be obtained**  **prior to**  **a conformity**  **determination for**  **any transportation control**  **measures which**  **are not**  **included in**  **the MPO's**  **LRTP or**  **TIP. The**  **written commitments,**  **as defined**  **in 40**  **CFR §**  **93.101, Definitions,**  **must be**  **fulfilled, and**  **should address**  **funding and**  **implementation schedule**  **issues con** **sistent with**  **the control**  **measure. This**  **provision applies**  **to control**  **measures not**  **regulated by**  **the state**  **if these**  **measures are**  **used to**  **claim emissions**  **reductions as**  **part of**  **the conformity**  **determination. I.**  **PROJECT LEVEL MITIGATION**  **MEASURES As specified**  **in 40**  **CFR §**  **93.125(c), Enforceability**  **of Design**  **Concept and** **Scope and**  **Project-Level Mitigation**  **and Control**  **Measures, written**  **commitments, as**  **defined in**  **40 CFR**  **§ 93.101,**  **Definitions, must**  **be obtained** **from the**  **project sponsor for**  **any transportation**  **project-level mitigation**  **or control**  **measures identified**  **as conditions**  **for NEPA**  **process completion, and necessary**  **for a**  **positive project**  **level conformity**  **determination (which**  **may include**  **a hot-spot**  **analysis). Project**  **sponsors must**  **comply with**  **such commitments.**  **Mitigation measures**  **directed at**  **reducing project**  **related construc** **tion emissions**  **(such as**  **a dust**  **control plan)**  **but not**  **specifically identified**  **as necessary**  **for a**  **positive project-level**  **(or "Hot**  **Spot") conformity** **finding, do**  **not require**  **written commitments.**  **J. MODIFICATION**  **OF THE**  **MOA Any**  **of the**  **Participating Agencies**  **may propose**  **a revision**  **to the**  **MOA, and**  **request that**  **representatives of**  **the agencies**  **meet to**  **consider such**  **a revision.**  **This MOA**  **adopts by**  **reference the cited**  **provisions of**  **the Minnesota**  **Statutes, the**  **United States**  **Code and**  **Code of**  **Federal Regulation**  **as they**  **exist on**  **the date**  **this MOA**  **is fully**  **executed, but**  **the intent**  **of the**  **parties is**  **to comply**  **with any**  **subsequent mandatory**  **changes to**  **the extent**  **practicable and**  **permitted by**  **law. Opportunity**  **shall be**  **given for**  **public comments**  **on any**  **revision which**  **proposes a**  **significant change**  **in conformity**  **analysis procedures**  **or consultation**  **procedures. The**  **Transportation Conformity**  **portion of**  **the SIP**  **will be**  **revised to**  **reflect any**  **significant changes**  **to this**  **MOA. Such**  **changes shall**  **be subject**  **to the**  **SIP revision**  **requirements of**  **40 CFR**  **§§ 51.102,**  **51.104, and**  **51.105.**

**11 K.**  **General Provisions** 

**(1) The**  **Recitals are**  **incorporated herein**  **and made**  **part of** **this MOA.**  **(2) At**  **Attachment A**  **which is**  **incorporated herein**  **and made**  **a part**  **of this**  **MOA are**  **Definitions applicable**  **to this**  **MOA. (3)**  **Terms used**  **but not**  **defined in**  **this MOA**  **shall have**  **the meaning**  **given to**  **them by**  **the CAA,**  **Title 23**  **and Title**  **49 United**  **States Code,**  **40 CFR**  **§ 93.101,**  **other EPA**  **regulations, or**  **other USDOT regulations,**  **in that**  **order of**  **priority. (4)**  **Regulatory citations**  **herein shall**  **refer to**  **the version**  **of the**  **rule in**  **effect at**  **the time**  **the subject**  **activity was**  **initiated. As**  **new federal**  **regulations affecting**  **transportation planning**  **and air**  **quality are**  **created in**  **the future,**  **the Transportation**  **Conformity SIP**  **will be**  **updated as**  **necessary. (5)**  **This MOA**  **is not**  **intended to,**  **nor shall**  **it; vest**  **any rights**  **in persons**  **who are**  **not parties**  **to this**  **MOA. The**  **obligations and**  **responsibilities contained in**  **this MOA**  **are subject**  **to the**  **availability of funding,**  **and are**  **intended for**  **guidance of**  **the parties.**  **They may**  **not serve**  **as the**  **basis for**  **any third**  **party challenges**  **or appeals.**  **(6) Modification**  **of this**  **MOA must**  **be in**  **writing and**  **upon approval**  **of the**  **Parties to**  **the MOA.**  **(7) If**  **a Party**  **intends to**  **withdraw from**  **this MOA,**  **such withdrawal**  **must be**  **in writing**  **with at**  **least thirty**  **(30) days**  **advance notice.**  **(8) This**  **MOA may**  **be executed**  **in counterparts.**  **A copy**  **with all**  **original executed**  **signature pages**  **affixed shall**  **constitute the**  **original MOA.**  **The date**  **of execution**  **shall be**  **the date**  **of the**  **last Party's**  **signature.**

**12 IN**  **WITNESS WHEREOF,**  **the parties**  **to this**  **MOA have**  **executed this**  **agreement int** **ending to**  **be bound**  **by it.** 

**APPROVED BY:**  **For the**  **Feder al** **Highw ay**  **Administration:**

# fo�!.�**· Derrell Turner,**  **Division Admini** **strator**

**For the**  **Federal Transit** **Administ ration:** 

**Marisol Simon, Regional** **Administrator**

**For the**  **U.S. En** **vironm ental**  **Prote ction** **Agency:**

**Susan Hedman,**  **Reg ional**  **Administrator For**  **the Metropolitan** **Council:**

**Pat Born,**  **Regional Administrator** 

**For Metro** **politan Interstate**  **Coun cil:** 

**Ron Chic** 

### k**a, Director** 

**For Minneso** **ta De** **partment of** **Transportation: Date** 

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**13 For**  **the Minnesota**  **Pollution Control** **Agency:**

**Date r**  **1**

**• '**  **' .**  **t**

**14 Attachment**  **A: DEFINITIONS** 

**• CAA-** **The Clean**  **Air Act,**  **as amended**  **in 1990.** 

**• Conformity**  **Determination**
**- Formal**  **findings of**  **conformity. The**  **MPO makes**  **a formal conformity**  **determination on** **transportation plans**  **and TIPs.**  **U.S. DOT**  **then performs**  **an independent**  **review and**  **makes a**  **separate formal**  **determination (referred**  **to as**  **a final**  **determination in**  **this document)** 

**• U.S.**  **DOT- United**  **States Department**  **of Transportation** 

**• FHWA-**  **Federal Highway**  **Administration - a**  **division of**  **U.S. DOT** 

**• FTA-**  **Federal Transit**  **Administration - a**  **division of**  **U.S. DOT** 

**• Interagency**  **Committee- The**  **committee discussed**  **in this**  **SIP revision,**  **whose prime**  **responsibility is**  **to serve**  **as a**  **unit, along**  **with the**  **MPOs, through which**  **Minnesota implements**  **the organizational**  **level of**  **regular consultation**  **on transportation**  **conformity**

**• Lead**  **Agency -**  **Lead agency**  **means the**  **agency that**  **bears prime**  **responsibility for**  **initiating and/or**  **implemen ting**  **an action**  **discussed in**  **any paragraph**  **of this**  **SIP revision** 

**• MAP-**  **21- Moving**  **Ahead for**  **Progress in**  **the 21**  **Century Act.**  **Is a**  **funding and**  **authorization bill**  **to govern**  **United States**  **federal surface**  **transportation spending.**  **The bill**  **was signed**  **by president**  **Obama on** **July 6,**  **2012.**

**• Metropolitan**  **Council (Met Council,**  **Council)- Regional**  **transportation planning**  **agency and**  **MPO for**  **the Minneapolis-St.**  **Paul Metropolitan**  **Area.**

**• Metropolitan**  **Interstate Council**  **(M IC)-**  **Regional transportation**  **planning agency**  **and MPO**  **for Duluth-Superior** 

**• MnDOT-**  **Minnesota Department**  **of Transportation;**  **the state**  **transportation agency** 

**• MPCA**  **- Minnesota**  **Pollution Control**  **Agency (MPCA)**  **means the**  **state agency**  **and the**  **staff of said**  **agency authorized**  **to adopt**  **air pollution**  **standards and**  **regulate air**  **pollution throughout**  **the state,**  **as discussed**  **in this**  **SIP revision** 

**• MPO-**  **Metropolitan planning**  **organization means**  **that organization**  **designated as**  **being responsible,**  **together with**  **the state,**  **for conducting**  **the continuing,**  **cooperative, and**  **comprehensive planning process**  **under 23**  **U.S.C. § 134**  **and 49**  **U.S.C. §**  **5303. It**  **is the**  **forum for**  **cooperative decision-making** 

**• NAAQS**  **- National**  **Ambient Air**  **Quality Standards** 

**• NEPA-** **The National**  **Environmental Policy**  **Act of**  **1969, as**  **amended (42**  **U.S.C. § 4321 et**  **seq.)**

**• Project-**  **A solution**  **to a**  **transportation problem**  **or need.**  **Types of**  **projects include**  **construction**
  ** highways,** **transit, bikeway,**  **or walkways;**  **management- signal**  **systems, transportation management;**  **rideshare, other**  **inclusive transportation**  **enhancement projects,**  **and historic**  **preservation**

**• Regionally**  **Significant Project-**  **a transportation**  **project (other**  **th an**  **an exempt**  **project) that**  **is on**  **a facility**  **which serves**  **regional transportation**  **needs (such**  **as access**  **to and from the area**  **outside of**  **the region,**  **major activity**  **centers in**  **the region,**  **major planned**  **developments such**  **as new**  **retail malls, sports**  **complexes, etc.,**  **or transportation**  **terminals as**  **well as**  **most terminals**  **themselves) and**  **would normally**  **be included**  **in the**  **modeling of**  **a metropolitan**  **area's transportation**  **network, including**  **at a**  **minimum all**  **principal arterial**  **highways and**  **all 15** **fixed guideway**  **transit facilities**  **that offer**  **an alternative**  **to regional**  **highway travel.**  **A project**  **is generally**  **considered regionally**  **significant in**  **the Twin**  **Cities maintenance**  **area if**  **it adds**  **one or**  **more travel**  **lanes for**  **over one**  **mile, it**  **involves the**  **addition of**  **an interchange,**  **or it**  **involves the**  **,}JJ reconfiguration**  **of an**  **interchange such**  **that a**  **movement is**  **added or**  **eliminated**

**• Seven**  **County Metropolitan Area**  **- For**  **transportation conformity**  **purposes consists**  **of the**  **entirety of**  **Hennepin, Ramsey,**  **and Anoka**  **counties, and**  **parts of**  **Dakota, Scott,**  **Carver, and**  **Washington counties** 

**• SIP-**  **State Implementation**  **Plan- a**  **federally required**  **planning document**  **prepared and**  **maintained by** **the MPCA.**  **It identifies**  **state actions**  **and program**  **to implement**  **designated responsibilities**  **under the**  **Clean Air**  **Act**

**• STIP-**  **State Transportation**  **Improvement Program**  **-A compendium**  **of all**  **surface transportation**  **projects inclusive**  **of all**  **MPO TIPs**  **developed pursuant**  **to 23**  **CFR 450**  

### § **450. The**  **STIP is**  **submitted to**  **U.S. DOT** 

**• TCM-**  **Transportation Control**  **Measure -a** **ny measure**  **that is**  **specifically identified**  **and committed**  **to in**  **the applicable**  **implementation plan** **that is**  **either one** **of the**  **types listed**  **in §**  **108 of** **the CAAA,**  **or any**  **other measure** **for the**  **purpose of**  **reducing emissions or concentrations**  **of air**  **pollutants from**  **transportation sources**  **by reducing** **vehicle use**  **or changing**  **traffic flow**  **or congestion**  **conditions**

**• TIP-** **Transportation Improvement**  **Program -A**  **multiyear intermodal**  **program of** **transportation projects**  **covering a**  **metropolitan planning**  **area consistent**  **with the**  **long range**  **transportation plan**  **and developed**  **pursuant to**  **23 CFR**  **450** 

### § **450**

**• Transportation**  **Plan- A**  **long -range**  **metropolitan developed**  **by an**  **MPO pursuant**  **to 23**  **CFR** 

### § **450.322**

**16 Minnesot** **a Pollution** **Control Agency**  **Environmental Analysis** **and Outcomes**  **Division Publ** **ic Notice** **of Proposed** **State Impleme** **ntation Plan**  **Revision NOTICE**  **IS HEREBY** **GIVEN that**  **the Commissioner**  **of the**  **Minnesota Pollution**  **Control Agency**  **(MPCA) has**  **determ ined**  **that a**  **State Implementation**  **Plan (SIP}**  **revision must**  **be submitted**  **to meet**  **Minnesota's transportation**  **related emissions**  **conformity requirements**  **of the** **federal Clean**  **Air Act**  **("CAA '** **'), 42**  **U.S. C.**  **§ 7506(c);**  **the Federal** **Aid Highway**  **Act, 23**  **U.S.C. §**  **109(j}; 49**  **U.S.C. ch.**  **53; related**  **provisions of** **the federal**  **Moving Ahead for**  **Progress in**  **the 21'1**  **Century Act**  **("MAP -21"),**  **Pub. L.**  **No 112-141**  **including, but**  **not limited**  **to, §§**  **1113 (amending**  **23 U.S.C.** **§ 149(b),**  **1201- 1203**  **(amending 23**  **U.S.C. §§**  **134, 135**  **& 150},**  **and 20005-20006 (amending**  **49 U.S.** **C. §§**  **5303 &**  **5304}, 126** **Stat. 460-**  **464, 500** **-526, &**  **628-652 (2012)**  **and the**  **implementing regulations of**  **U.S. Environmental**  **Protection Agency**  **at 40**  **CFR parts**  **51 and**  **93 (2012},**  **the Federal**  **Highway Administration**  **at 23**  **CFR part** **450 (2** **013} and**  **the Federal** **Transit Administration**  **at 49**  **CFR part**  **613 (2012).**  **The draft**  **SIP revision**  **is now**  **av ailable for**  **public comment. Background.**  **The Clean** **Air Act**  **Amendments of**  **1990 requ** **ire that**  **each state**  **develop a**  **plan to**  **ensure that**  **federally supported** **transportation projects,**  **programs, and**  **plans conform** **to the**  **air quality**  **state implementation**  **plans (SIP}**  **requ ired**  **under section**  **110 of** **the Clean**  **Air Act.**  **Conformity to** **the purpose**  **of the**  **SIP means**  **that transportation**  **activities will**  **not cause**  **or con** **tribute to**  **new air**  **quality violations.**  **The conformity**  **requirement applies**  **to areas**  **that are**  **designated as**  **"nonattainment" and** **those that**  **have been**  **redesignated to**  **"attainment" (known**  **as maintenance**  **areas) for**  **several transpo** **rtatio n-related**  **pollutants. Minnesota**  **currently is**  **subject to** **the conformity**  **requirement in**  **two maintenance**  **areas for**  **carbon monox** **ide- Twin**  **Cities and**  **Duluth -Superior.**  **The U.S.**  **Envi**

### �**onmental Protection**  **Agency (EPA)**  **issued transportation**  **conformity rules**  **in 1993,**  **and has**  **subsequently amended**  **those rules**  **in 1995,**  **1997, 2005, and**  **2008. The**  **transportation rules**  **are codified**  **at 40**  **CFR §93.**  **Under the**  **2008 amendments,**  **states are**  **required to**  **address in**  **their SIPs three**  **specific portions**  **for the**  **federal conformity**  **rule:**

**• 40**  **CFR §93.10** **5, which**  **addresses consultation procedures** 
**• 40**  **CFR §93.122(a)(** 

**4}(ii), which**  **addresses written commi** **tments to**  **control measures**  **that are**  **not included**  **in a**  **metropolitan planning**  **organization's Transportation**  **Plan and** **Transportation Improvement**  **Program that**  **mu st**  **be obtained**  **prior to**  **a conformity**  **determination and the** **requirement that such** **commitments must**  **be fulfilled** 
**• 40**  **CFR §93.12** **5(c), which addresses written**  **commi tmen** **ts to**  **mitigation mea** **sures that**  **must be**  **obtained prior**  **to a**  **project-level conformity**  **determination and**  **the re** **quirement t** **hat project**  **sponsors must** **comply with**  **such commitments**  **This SIP**  **revision is**  **intended to**  **address these** **conformity requirements by**  **forma lizing**  **practices and**  **procedures already** **followed by**  **the Minnesota**  **Interagency Air**  **Quality &**  **Transportation Planning**  **Committee. Purpose**  **of the**  **SIP revision.**  **Minnesota is**  **addressing thes** **e requirements**  **in the**  **SIP through**  **2014 Memorandum**  **of Agreement**  **{MOA) Regarding**  **Determination of** **Conformity of**  **Transportation Plans,**  **Progr ams,**  **and Projects**  **to SIPs.**  **The MOA**  **is a**  **new agre** **ement between** **the MPCA,**  **EPA, Federal**  **Highway Administration,**  **Federal Transit** **Adm inistration,**  **Minnesota Department**  **of Transportation,**  **and the**  **Minnesota Metropolitan**  **Planning Organizations located** **in the**  **state's maintenance**  **areas, e.g.**  **The Metropolitan**  **Council and**  **the Metropolitan Interstate**  **Co uncil.**  **It is** **to be**  **used for**  **determi ning**  **the conformity**  **of the**  **Minneapolis-St. Paul**  **and Duluth-Superior Metropolitan**  **Area Transportation**  **Plans and**  **Transportation Improvement**  **Programs with** **the State**  **of Minnesota's**  **air quality**  **plans and**  **procedures. The**  **MPCA proposes**  **that EPA**  **ap prove** **the MOA**  **for incorpo** **ration into**  **Minnesota's SIP.**  **This MOA**  **defines the**  **practices and**  **procedures the**  **parties intend**  **to follow**  **in determi** **ning transportation**  **conformity. It**  **provides a** **means for**  **the responsible**  **agencies to** **formally adopt**  **and implement** **transportation conformity**  **in Minnesota.**  **The MOA**  **forma lizes**  **practices and**  **procedu res**  **already being**  **followed by**  **the Minnesota Interagency**  **Air Quality**  **& Transportation Planning** **Com mittee.** **This MOA** **therefore constitutes**  **the Transportation**  **Conformity SIP**  **for the** 

**State of**  **Minnes ota,**  **as required**  **by the**  **Clean Air** **Act. The** **MPCA will**  **consider changing** **the contents**  **of the**  **proposed SIP**  **rev ision**  **based on**  **com ments**  **received during**  **the com** **ment period.**  **Following the**  **end of** **the com** **ment period,**  **the Commi** **ssioner will**  **decide whether** **to submit** **the propose** **d .SIP**  **revis**

**'i on** **to the**  **EPA t.fnl'e** **ss, as**  **provided by**  **Minn. Stat.**  **§ 116.02,**  **the MPCA Citizens'**  **Board ma** **kes this** 

**. . :i** **�·��· '**  **·1 •**  **de CISI** **On. .**  **,' ,**  

### : **.. ,**  **MPCA contact**  **person,. l;he**  

### ¥.**PCA contact**  **person is**  **Innocent Eyoh. Written com** **ments, requ** **ests, and**  **petitions should**  **be ma** **iled to:**  **Innocent Eyoh,**  **Minn esota**  **Pollution Control** **Agency, Envi** **ronmental Analysis**  **and Outcomes**  **Division, 520**  **Lafay ette**  **Road North,**  **St. Paul,**  **Minnes ota**  **55155 -4194**  **; telep** **hone: 651** **-757 -2347** **or toll** **free 1-** **800 -657-** **3864; fax:**  **651 -297-83** **24; and**  **e- mail:**  **lnno cent.E** **yoh@state .mn.u** **s. TIY**  **users may** **call the**  **MPCA at**  **TIY 651-252** **-5332 or**  **1- 800** **-657 -3864.**  **Availability of** **SIP. A**  **copy of** **the proposed**  **SIP revision**  **is availa** **ble on**  **the MP** **CA's web** **site at**  **ht tp://** **www.pca .stat** **e.mn .u** **s/yrw c6a9.**  **A copy** **of the**  **propos ed**  **SIP revision**  **is also**  **available upon**  **request by**  **contacting Innocent**  **Eyoh at**  **651-757 -2347** **or l n** **noc e** **nt.E yoh@sta** **te .mn.** **us, or**  **can be** **ma iled**  **to a·** **ny iri** **t�rested person,** **upon the**  **MPCA's receipt**  **of a**  **written request.**  **Add itional**  **ma terials**  **relating to** **the SIP**  **revision ar** **e avai** **lable for**  **insp�ction by**  **appointm ent**  **at the MPCA,**  **520 Lafa** **yette Road North, St. Paul,**  **Minnes ota**  **55155 -4194,**  **between the**  **hours of**  **8:00 a.m.**  **and 4:00**  **p.m., Monday**  **through Friday.** **To exam** **ine these**  **mat� rials,**  **or for** **more in** **form ation,**  **please contact**  **Innocent Eyoh.**  **All MPCA**  **of fices**  **may be**  **reached by**  **ca lling**  **1- 800** **-E/�7 -3** **864. ,**  **, · .** 

**• t"!';**  **Publ ic** **comment period** **and potent** **ial publ** **ic meeting.**  **Your co** **mm ents**  **must be in**  **writing and**  **received by**  **Innocent Eyoh**  **by 4:30**  **p.m. on**  **December 15,**  **2014. Written**  **co m** **ments may** **' be**  **submitted to**  **him at** **the address,**  **facsimi le**  **number, or** **e- mail** **address listed**  **above. ''** 
**As this**  **SIP revision**  **incorporates practices**  **and proce** **dures that** **are already**  **in use a** **nd does**  **not incl** 

### u**de any**  **substantive cha** **nges to** **the Minn** **esota's SIP,**  **a public**  **in formation**  **meeting will only**  **be held** **if one**  **[? requested**  **by 4:30**  **p. m.**  **on December**  **15, 2014.**  **If such**  **a meeting**  **is requested,**  **it will**  **be held**  **on Tues** **day, January** **6,,**

### 2**015 at**  **10:00 a.m. at**  **the MPCA** **St. Paul** **Office, 520** **Laf ayette**  **Road North,**  **St. Paul,**  **Minnes ota**  **55155-4194. To**  **find out**  **if a**  **public in** **form ation**  **meeting will**  **be held,**  **please contact**  **Innocent Eyoh**  **at 651** **-757 -2347** **or l n** **nocent.E yo** **h @ stat** **e.mn .us** **after December**  **15, 2014 at**  **4:30 p.m.**  **The public**  **in format** **ion meeting,**  **if one**  **is reques** **ted, will**  **provide in** **format ion,**  **receive public**  **in put,**  **and answer**  **qu estions**  **ab out**  **the proposed** **SIP revision.**  **If the**  **public information**  **meeting is**  **held, add** **itional written**  **com ments**  **on the**  **proposed documents** **will be**  **accepted until**  **4:3 0**  **p.m. on** **January 21,**  **2015, following** **the same**  **guidelines described** **above. · -**  **Request to**  **have MPCA** **Citizens' Bo** **ard make** **decision. You**  **have the**  **right to**  **submit a**  **petition to** **the MPCA**  **Com mi** **ssioner asking** **that the**  **MPCA Citizens'**  **Board mak** **e the** **decision on**  **submitting the**  **proposed SIP**  **rev ision** **to the**  **EPA. Your**  **petition must**  **be in** **writing and**  **must be**  **received by** **the MPCA**  **cont act**  **person listed**  **ab ove**  **by 4:30**  **p.m. on**  **Decemb er**  **15, 2014.**  **Whether the**  **petition will**  **be granted** **or denied**  **is at** **the sol** **e discretion** **of the**  **MPCA Com** **mission er.**  **The MPCA**  **Citizens' Board**  **will only**  **mak e** **the de** **cision on**  **the proposed** **SIP revi** **sion if** **the MPCA**  **Commi ssioner** **grants your**  **petition or**  **if an**  **MPCA Citizens'**  **Board memb** **er mak** **es a**  **tim ely**  **request to**  **have the**  **de cision**  **ma de**  **by the**  **MPCA Citizens'**  **Boar d.** **can be disposed**  **of through**  **sale or**  **exchange. The**  **parcel is**  **designa ted as**  **part of** **Whitew ater**  **Wildlif e**  **Man ag,** 

**em ent** **Area.**

**- ·n\.�**  **It is**  **proposed that**  **this parce** **l of**  **land be**  **off ered**  **fo r**  **sale by the**  **Depa rtment**  **of Na** **t ural**  **Resources in**  **a private**  **sale to**  **resolve an**  **inadvertent trespass.**  **This parcel**  **is no**  **longer needed**  **for resource**  **management purp** **oses. If**  **, after**  **public hearing,**  **the disposal**  **of the**  **land is in**  **the public**  **interest, the**  **Commissioner of** **Natural Resources**  **may vacate** **the parcel**  **from Wildlif**  **e Management Area**  **designation. Quest** **ions regar** **ding this proposal**  **can be**  **directed to**  **Jodi Dehn**  **at (65**  **1) 259-** **5391 or**  **Jodi.M. Deli** **n@state. mn.us**  **. .**  **. .**  **Dated: 3 N o** **vember 20** **14 Kathy**  **A. Lewis,**  **Assi stant**  **Director Division**  **of Lands**  **and Min** **erals**


## Min**ne sota**  **Pol lu** **ti on**  **Co nt** **ro l**  **Agenc y**  **(M PCA)**  **En vi** **r onm** **ental '** **Anal ysis**  **and Ou tc** **omes Division**  **Public No** **tice of** **Pr op** **osed State**  **Impl ement** **ation Plan**  **Re vision** 
**N O TlCE**  **lS HEREBY**  **GIVEN that**  **the Commissio** **ner of** **the Minnesota**  **Pol lution**  **Control Agency**  **(MPCA) has** **determined that**  **a State**  **Imple mentation**  **Plan (SIP)**  **revision must**  **be submitted**  **to meet**  **Minnesota's tra**  **nsporta tion-rel** **ated emissions**  **conf ormity**  **require ments**  **of the**  **fe deral**  **Cle an**  **Air Act**  **("CAA''), 42**  **U.S .C.**  **§ 7506(c);**  **the Federal Aid**  **Highway Act,**  **23 U.S.** **C. §**  **109U); 49**  **U.S.C. ch.**  **53; related**  **prov is** **ions of** **the fe** **deral Moving**  **Ahead for**  **Progr ess**  **in the**  **21' '**  **Century Act**  **("MAP -2** **1 "),**  **Pub. L . N o**  **1 1 2-** **141 including,**  **but not limited**  **to, §§**  **111 3**  **(amending 23 U.S.C.**  **§ 1 4** **9(b), 1201-** **1 2 03**  **(amending 23**  **U.S .C.**  **§§ 1 3** **4, 135** **& 1 5** **0), and**  **20005-20006 (amending**  **49 U.S.C.**  **§§ 5303**  **& 5304),**  **1 2 6 Stat. 460-464,**  **500-526, &**  **628-652 (20** **1 2 )**  **and the**  **imple menting**  **regul ations**  **of U.S.**  **Env ironmental**  **Protection Agency at 40**  **CFR parts**  **51 and**  **93 (20** **1 2 ),**  **the Federal**  **Highway Admini** **strati on**  **at 23**  **CFR part**  **450 (2** **013 )**  **and the**  **Federal Tra** **nsit Admin** **istra tion**  **at 49**  **CFR part**  **613 (20** **12). The**  **draft SJ**  **P revision**  **is now**  **avai lable**  **for public**  **comment. Back** **gr��nd. The**  **.Clea n·** **Air Act**  **Amendments of**  **1 9 90**  **require that**  **each state**  **develop a**  **plan to**  **ensure that fe** **dera lly**  **supported tra**  **nsp ortati** **on pro** 

**jects, ·pro** **gram s,**  **and plans**  **conf onn**  **to the air quality**  **state impl** **ementation pla** **ns (SIP)** **required under**  **section II**  **0 of** **the Clean**  **Air Act. Conformity**  **to the purpose of the SIP**  **means that**  **tran sporta** **tion activities**  **will not**  **cause or**  **contri bute**  **to new**  **air quality**  **violations. The**  **conf**

**ormity requ** **irement applies**  **to areas**  **that are designated**  **as "nonattainment"**  **and those**  **that have**  **been redesignated**  **to "attain**  **ment" (known**  **as maintenance**  **areas) for**  **several transportati** **on-related pollu** **tants. Minnesota**  **curren tly**  **is sub**  **ject to**  **the conf** 

**ormity '**  **requirement in** **two maintenance areas fo** **r carbon monoxide**  **- Twin Cities and**  **Duluth-Su perior.**  **The U.S.**  **Environmental Protection**  **Agency (EPA)**  **issued transportation**  **confo rmity**  **rules in**  **1 9 93,**  **and has**  **subsequently amended**  **those rules in**  **1 9 95,**  **1 9 97,**  **2005, and**  **2008. The**  **transportation rules**  **are codified**  **at 40**  **CFR §93.**  **Under the**  **2008 amendments,**  **states are**  **required to**  **address in** **their SIPs**  **three specific**  **portions fo** **r the**  **fe deral**  **conf ormity**  **rule: 40**  **CFR §9** **3.10 5,**  **which addresses**  **consultation procedures**  **40 CFR**  **§9 3.1** **2 2(a)(** **4)(ii), which**  **addresses written**  **commitments to**  **control measures**  **that are**  **not incl** **uded in**  **a metrop** **ol itan**  **planning orga** 

**nization's Transportation**  **Plan and**  **Tran sportation**  **Improvement Program**  **that must**  **be obtained**  **prior to**  **a conf**  **ormity deter** **mination and**  **the requirement**  **that such**  **commitments must**  **be fu** **lfilled 40**  **CFR §93** **.12 5(** 

**c), which**  **addr esses**  **written commitments**  **to mitigation**  **measures that** **must be**  **obtained prior**  **to a**  **proj ect**  **level cont** 

**onnity determination**  **and the**  **requirement that**  **pro ject**  **sponsors must**  **comply with such**  **commitments This**  **SIP revision is intended to**  **address these**  **conformity requirements by**  **fo m**  **1alizing practices**  **and procedures already**  **fo l l** **owed by**  **the Min** **nesota Interagency**  **Air Qualit** **y &**  **Tr ansportation**  **Pla nning**  **Committee. Purpose**  **ofthe SIP revision.**  **Minnesota is**  **addre ssing**  **these requirements**  **in the**  **SIP through 20** **I 4 Me** **morandum of**  **Agreement (MOA)**  **Regarding Determination** **of Con**  **f ormity** **of T!·ans** 

**portation Plans,**  **Programs, and** **Pro jects**  **to SIPs.**  **The MOA**  **is a new**  **agre ement**  **between Page**  **664 Min** **nesota Sta** **te Register,**  **Monday 10**  **November 2014**  **(Cite 39**  **SR 664)** 

## Offi**cial No** **ti ces**  **the MPCA,**  **EPA, Federal Highway**  **Admini stra** **tion, Federal**  **Transit Admini** **stration, Minnesota**  **Depa rtment**  **of Transportati** **on, and**  **the Minnesota**  **Metropol itan**  **Pl anning**  **Organizations located in**  **the state** **'s maintenance areas,**  **e.g. The**  **Metropolitan Council**  **and the**  **Metro pol** **itan Interstate**  **Coun cil.**  **It Is**  **to be**  **used fo** **r detenn** **ining the**  **conf ormity**  **of the**  **Mirmea polis-St.**  **Paul and**  **Dulu th-Superior**  **Metrop ol** **itan Area**  **Transportati on**  **Pla ns**  **and Tran** **sportation Improvement**  **Programs with the**  **State of**  **Minnesota's air**  **quality plans and**  **procedures. The**  **MPCA proposes**  **that EPA**  **approve the**  **MOA for**  **incorporation into**  **Minnesota's SIP.**  **This MOA defines**  **the practi ces**  **and procedures**  **the parties**  **intend to**  **fo llow**  **in deten**  **nining transportati** **on conf**  **orm ity.**  **It provides**  **a means**  **fo r**  **the respo** **nsible agencies**  **to fo** **rm ally**  **adopt and**  **implement tran** **sportation conf**  **ormity in**  **Minnesota. The**  **MOA fo** **rmalizes practices**  **and procedures**  **alr eady**  **being fo** **l l owed by**  **the Minnesota**  **Interagency Air Quality**  **& Transportation**  **Pla nning**  **Committee. This MOA**  **theref**

**ore constitutes**  **the Transportation**  **Conf onnity**  **SIP fo** **r the State**  **of Minnesota,**  **as required**  **by the**  **Clean Air**  **Act. The**  **MPCA will**  **consider changing** **the contents of** **the proposed**  **SIP revision**  **based on**  **comments received**  **during the**  **comment period.**  **Fol lowing**  **the end** **of the**  **comment period,**  **the Commissioner** **will decide**  **whether to**  **submit the**  **proposed SIP** **revision to**  **the EPA** **unless, as**  **provided by**  **Minnesota Sta** **tutes §**  **1 1 6.02,**  **the MPCA**  **Citizens' Board**  **makes this**  **decision. MPCA**  **contact pet·son.**  **The MPCA**  **contact person**  **is Innocent**  **Eyoh. Written**  **comments, requests,**  **and pet{tions**  **should be**  **mailed to:**  **Innocent Eyoh,**  **Minnesota Pollution Control**  **Agency, Environmental**  **Analysis and**  **Outcomes Division, 520**  **Lafayette Road**  **North, St. Paul,**  **Minnesota 55**  **1 5 5-4** **I 94;**  **tele phone:**  **( 65**  **1 )757** **-234 7**  **or toll**  **free :**  **1-8 00-657** **-386 4;**  **fa x:**  **( 65**  **I) 297** **-8324; and**  **e- mail:**  **In nocent.** **E**

**yoh@state. mn.us.**  **TTY users**  **may call**  **the MPCA**  **at TTY**  **(65 1)** **252-5332 or**  **1 - 800-657-3864.** 
**Ava ilability**  **of SIP.**  **A copy** **of the** **proposed SIP** **revision is**  **available on** **the MPCA's**  **web site at** **http ://**  **www.pca.state. mrl.** **us !**  **yrwc6a9. A**  **copy of the proposed**  **SIP revision**  **is also**  **avai l a** **ble upon**  **request by**  **contacting I n** **nocent Eyoh**  **at (65**  **I) 757-2347**  **or In** **noc ent.** **E yoh@** **state. mn.us,**  **or can be**  **mailed to any**  **interested person**  **upon the**  **MPCA 's**  **receipt of**  **a written**  **request. Additional**  **materials rela** 

**ting to**  **the SIP**  **revision are**  **available fo** **r inspection**  **by appointment**  **at the**  **MPCA, 520**  **Laf ayette**  **Road North, St.**  **Paul, Minnesota** **551 55-** **419 4,**  **between the**  **hours of**  **8:00 a.m.**  **and 4:00**  **p.m., Monday** **through Friday.**  **To examine these** **mater ials,**  **or for**  **more infor** **mation, pl** **ease contact**  **Innocent Eyoh.**  **All MPCA** **offi ces may**  **be reached**  **by calling**  **1 - 800-657-3864.**  **Public comment pel** **'iod and**  **pote ntial**  **public meeting.**  **Your comments**  **must be in**  **writing and**  **received by**  **Innocent Eyoh** **by 4:30**  **p.m. on**  **December 1 5** **, 20 I 4.**  **Written comments**  **may be**  **submitted to him at the** **addre ss,**  **fac simile**  **number, or**  **e mail**  **address listed**  **above.**
**As this**  **SIP revision**  **incorporates practices and** **procedures that are already in**  **use and**  **does not**  **include any**  **substantive changes**  **to the**  **Minnesota's SIP** **, a public**  **infor mation**  **meeting will only**  **be held**  **if one**  **is requested**  **by 4:30 p.m.**  **on D e** **cember 15,**  **2014**

**. If** **such a meeting**  **is requested,**  **it will**  **be held**  **on Tuesday,**  **January 6,**  **20 15** **at I** **0:00 a.m.**  **at the MPCA St.**  **Paul Offi** **ce, 520**  **Lafayette Road**  **North ,**  **St. Paul, Minnesota**  **55 1** **55- 419** **4. To find**  **out if**  **a public**  **inf ormation**  **meeting will**  **be held,**  **please contact**  **Innocent Eyoh**  **at (65**  **1) 757-2347**  **or In** **nocent. E** 

**yoh@ 5tate.** **mn.us after**  **December 15,**  **2014 at**  **4:30 p.m.**  **The public inf**  **ormation meeting,**  **if one**  **is requested,**  **will provide**  **inf ormation,**  **receive public**  **input, and**  **answer questions**  **about the**  **proposed SIP revision.**  **If the**  **public information**  **meeting is**  **held, additional**  **written comments**  **on the**  **proposed documents**  **will be**  **accepted until**  **4:30 p.m.**  **on January**  **21, 2015,**  **fo l l** **owing the**  **same guidelines**  **described above.**  **Request to**  **have MPCA**  **Citizens' Boat** **·d make**  **decision. You**  **have the**  **right to**  **submit a**  **petition to the**  **MPCA Commissioner**  **asking that**  **the MPCA**  **Citizens' Board**  **make the**  **decision on**  **submitting the**  **proposed SIP**  **revision to**  **the EPA.**  **Your petition**  **must be**  **in writing**  **and must**  **be received**  **by the**  **MPCA contact** **person lis** **ted above**  **by 4:30**  **p.m. on**  **December 15,**  **2014. Whether**  **the petition**  **will be** **granted or**  **denied is**  **at the**  **sole dis** **cretion of** **the MPCA** **Commission er.**  **The MPCA**  **Citizens' Board will**  **only make**  **the decision**  **on the**  **proposed SIP** **revision if** **the MPCA**  **Commiss ioner**  **grants your** **petition or**  **if an**  **MPCA Citizens'**  **Board member** **makes a**  **timely request**  **t<> have**  **the decision**  **made by the MPCA Citizens' Board.** 

**(Cite 39**  **SR 665) Minnesota**  **State Register,**  **Monday 10**  **November 2014**  **Page 665**