A Central Texas transportation planning agency started its public input process Oct. 21 for its 2045 long-range plan, which looks at how the region will be connected over the next 25 years.

The Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization represents about 2 million residents in the six counties of Bastrop, Burnet, Caldwell, Hays, Travis and Williamson. It is responsible in this region for coordinating transportation planning among jurisdictions, creating long-range plans and doling out state and federal funds.

According to CAMPO, the six-county region is expected to increase in population by 121% by 2045, but the number of new lane miles will only increase by 28%.

The 2045 long-range plan will include a variety of modes, such as transit, walking and biking, according to a news release. These long-range plans identify ways to travel, to maximize the existing transportation network and to use technology and modified commute habits to reduce congestion, according to CAMPO.

"Our region's future looks very bright, and our transportation system must prepare for the continued growth we anticipate over the next few decades,” said Austin Mayor Steve Adler, who leads the CAMPO transportation policy board, in a news release.

During the first phase of public input, which will run through Nov. 30, residents will be able to take a survey about their transportation habits and needs. CAMPO is also planning to host in-person open houses in November with a second round of public input to occur in early 2020.

CAMPO’s transportation policy board, comprising local elected officials, is scheduled to adopt the 2045 plan in April or May, CAMPO Community Outreach Manager Doise Miers said.

CAMPO staffers began the 2045 long-range plan process a couple of years ago. One of the first steps was to create its first Regional Active Transportation Plan—essentially, a blueprint for access to walking and biking facilities in the CAMPO region. The active transportation plan incorporates existing facilities and plans from CAMPO jurisdictions.

Another appendix in the 2045 long-range plan will be the MoKan Northeast Subregional Plan, which will offer a bird’s-eye view of ideas for using the old rail corridor that runs from Hwy. 290 in East Austin to Georgetown, Miers said.

“These plans and studies reflect input from stakeholders throughout the six-county area,” said Commissioner Cynthia Long, vice chair of the CAMPO transportation policy board and Williamson County commissioner, in a news release. “The CAMPO transportation policy board will use the valuable information provided in these plans and studies, along with other information and public comments, as critical input to what will ultimately become the CAMPO 2045 Regional Transportation Plan.”