The Sandy Hook-based Western Connecticut Council of Governments (WestCOG) is seeking public input as it finalizes an update to the Long-Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) for the Housatonic Valley Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) and South Western Region MPO.

Per federal requirements, each MPO must prepare a Long-Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) every four years, which is a prerequisite for federal transportation funding. The LRTP serves as a guide for developing a transportation system that is accessible, safe, and reliable, thereby contributing to a higher quality of life for the region’s residents.

During the development of the LRTP, many topics are studied to better understand emerging demographic and transportation trends in the region. Understanding these demands allows the region to identify short- and long-term investments that will enhance the transportation system. Based on findings from the data analysis, as well as feedback from the public and municipalities, the LRTP will develop investment strategies to guide transportation improvements.

WestCOG will be hosting a series of public listening sessions to discuss the LRTP with members of the public in the region. The purpose of these sessions is to hear experiences and perspectives on the region’s transportation system from its users.

Three sessions are planned for Wednesday, October 17, including one from 1 to 2 pm in the public meeting room of C.H. Booth Library, 25 Main Street in Newtown.

Additional sessions for October 17 are slated for 3:30 to 4:30 pm at The Mark Twain Library, 439 Redding Road (Route 53) in Redding; and from 5 to 6 pm at Bethel Library, 189 Greenwood Avenue (Route 302) in Bethel.

A final listening session is set for Wednesday, October 24, at 6:30 pm, in the Rimer Room at Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road (Route 7) in Wilton.

In addition to these listening sessions, feedback can also be given through the WestCOG website and during formal public hearings on the plans, which will take place in spring 2019. WestCOG looks forward to meeting with residents of, workers in, and visitors to the region for a conversation about transportation in Western Connecticut.

For more information about WestCOG, the LRTP, and to see scheduled listening sessions, visit [naviga:u]plan.westcog.org[/naviga:u] or call/fax 475-323-2060.

WestCOG is in the process of scheduling additional sessions; they will be posted as they are confirmed.