Overview

The Central Midlands Council of Governments (CMCOG) is developing a Transportation Resilience Improvement Plan (TRIP) to strengthen the region’s transportation system against extreme weather and natural hazards, such as flooding, earthquakes and wildfires. Through this planning effort, we will look closely at how weather and other hazards could affect transportation assets like roads, bridges, and transit. This includes assessing which parts of the system are most at risk, identifying where disruptions could occur, and working with partners to develop practical strategies to reduce those risks.

The TRIP will help CMCOG prioritize the improvements that matter most for keeping people and goods moving. Completing a TRIP can help CMCOG qualify for federal resilience funding.

The project kicked off in December 2025 and is currently in the data collection and gap analysis phase. The project team is reviewing existing plans and studies and compiling data related to transportation infrastructure, natural hazards, resilience, and vulnerability. This effort builds on previous planning work and incorporates input from local stakeholders to reflect regional conditions and priorities. 

Next, the team will perform a region-wide, risk-based vulnerability assessment of CMCOG’s surface transportation assets to identify those most at risk from current and future weather events and natural hazards. Findings from this assessment will guide the development of targeted, implementation-ready resilience projects. The resulting TRIP will reflect the unique characteristics of the CMCOG region, including its transportation network, hazard exposures, and community priorities.

The project team is developing a Stakeholder and Public Involvement Plan (SPIP) that outlines strategies for ongoing engagement throughout the duration of the project. CMCOG works closely with its member agencies to support coordinated decision making for the regional transportation network and to share resources that help advance transportation resilience across the Midlands region. 

Stakeholder engagement is a core component of the TRIP development process. A steering committee has been established to engage agencies across the region and provide input on project priorities, technical approaches, and overall direction of the plan. Public and stakeholder feedback will help ensure the TRIP reflects regional needs, challenges, and opportunities.

*Additional information on upcoming engagement opportunities will be available soon. Check back for updates.