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The Executive & Personnel Committee (EPC) reviews contracts, consultant selections, and various committee and Commission policy positions. They may review work programs as proposed by the Tri-County staff and/or committees. Back to Committees Executive Committee The Executive Committee reviews contracts, consultant selections, and various committee and Commission policy positions. The committee is also responsible for supervising and reviewing the agency's budget, finances, and programmatic funding sources and grant opportunities, including evaluating programs and initiatives for long-term financial viability and sustainability, and alignment with Tri-County’s mission. With staff, the committee develops the annual proposed budget for recommendation to the Board of Commissioners. They may also review work programs as proposed by the Tri-County staff and/or committees. In accord with established Commission policies, some matters are referred to the full body with recommendations for action, while others are referred for information only. Executive Committee meetings are generally held on the 2nd Thursday of the month, unless otherwise noted in the calendar . Members Agendas & Minutes Meetings Calendar

HOME > PROGRAMS & SERVICES > ENVIRONMENT > PLANNING AREAS > WATER QUALITY > GROUNDWATER MANAGEMENT Groundwater Management & Wellhead Protection With only 1% of the water on Earth being useable, the majority is groundwater, making it one of our most valuable but under-appreciated natural resources. Groundwater is used for drinking water by more than half of the people in the U.S. and is especially essential in the Greater Lansing area, where it makes up 99% of our drinking water resources. We recognize the importance of groundwater quality and lead a variety of efforts to address its management and protection in our region. The Groundwater Management Board Since 1982, Tri-County has hosted the Groundwater Management Board (GMB) to discuss policy matters, land use, and/or water development projects that may have a potential impact on groundwater resources and management in the region. The GMB's mission is to provide a multi-jurisdictional forum for coordination and cooperation to help assure adequate quantities and qualities of groundwater are available to meet regional needs. Wellhead Protection Viewer In partnership with the GMB, Tri-County also maintains a Wellhead Protection Viewer (WPV) . This interactive online mapping application provides a variety of data – including well locations, time of travel areas, potential contamination source locations, brownfields, and more – to municipalities so they can be better informed when making development decisions that may affect our region's groundwater resources. For additional information or technical support, please contact us . GMB Past Projects Past Projects Throughout our agencies' history, Tri-County and the GMB have been recognized as a Groundwater Guardian by the Groundwater Foundation for our efforts in groundwater protection. Throughout our agencies’ history, Tri-County and the GMB have coordinated to provide in-kind support, staff resources, and/or funding for a variety of projects, events, and outreach activities to promote groundwater research, stewardship, and informed decision-making, and educate residents and community leaders about their role in protecting this valuable resource. Read on to learn more about our project history, or visit the GMB webpage to get involved with our current efforts! Fiscal Year Work Plan The budget for fiscal year 2026 helps to fund the objectives of the work plan, which focus on four main tasks: technical projects, research and development, outreach and education, and program administration. There is a total of 18 objectives to account for the 1414 hours of dedicated staff time by the Tri-County Environmental Planner. These objectives reflect the technical and outreach priorities of members while providing a representation of the administrative needs and support needed to run the Groundwater Management Board. A new work plan and budget will be created each year, leading up to the new fiscal year, to provide a guiding document on what activities will be accomplished for the Board and for members to bring back to their communities to use in their continued efforts to protect and manage groundwater resources. To learn more about the activities and initiatives currently focused on by GMB, refer to this year’s work plan: FY 2026 Work Plan FY 2025 Work Plan FY 2024 Work Plan FY 2023 Work Plan FY 2022 Work Plan Lansing Metropolitan Area Groundwater Management Plan Published in 1982, the Lansing Metropolitan Area Groundwater Management Plan was created after groundwater drawdown concerns with both municipal and private wells occurred across the region. This plan studied the geographic area of Watertown, DeWitt, Bath, Delta, Lansing, Meridian, Windsor, Delhi, and Alaiedon townships to define what the nature and extent of the drawdown impacts were and what they would be in the future, assess future community water supplies, and protect the region’s groundwater aquifer from contamination. Since publication, this plan has been used as the guiding document for the Groundwater Management Board to coordinate and optimizing management of the groundwater resources in the metropolitan area. It consists of six main recommendations which include: Coordination with other agency groundwater programs Assess groundwater quality in the Lansing Metropolitan Area Perform an on-going assessment of groundwater supply Identify future sources of water Coordinate groundwater management activities with other management programs Implement a water conservation/education program designed to instruct GMB members, community officials, and citizens on the basic concepts of groundwater management Groundwater Surveying in Michigan Capital Region To better understand our groundwater system, the Ingham County Health Department participated in the Southwest Michigan Groundwater and Monitoring Program, better known as the Michigan Groundwater Survey (MGS). This was a project started in 1983 by Western Michigan University with financial support from the W. K. Kellogg Foundation. As one of 18 communities in Michigan to participate in MGS, the county sampled over 300 wells and analyzed the groundwater quality of all 16 of its townships. This original survey, published as the "Report on the Aquifer of Ingham County," identified local concerns associated with activities - such as road salting - and levels of arsenic, nitrate, boron, and fluoride above drinking water standards and recommendations. The identification of these issues has been used by Ingham County to initiate programs to help protect our groundwater resources. At the time the MGS was conducted, the plan was to survey groundwater quality every 10 to 20 years to monitor any general changes; however, the original wells included in the MGS program have not been resampled since the 1983 study was completed in 1987. Recently, there has been interest in resampling these wells to compare current results with past analysis and to monitor overall groundwater quality across the entire tri-county region of Clinton, Eaton, and Ingham counties through a groundwater surveying initiative. Photo courtesy of Garry Rowe. Environmental Permits Checklist Since the early 2000s, Michigan’s Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy’s Environmental Permits Checklist has been tailored to accommodate the specific needs of GMB communities and local stakeholders. This Environmental Permits Checklist customized for the tri-county region integrates contact information for representatives of relevant State of Michigan departments and each division serving jurisdictions within Clinton, Eaton, and Ingham counties. As of early 2023, the latest version of the Checklist has been released for use by staff of GMB members and regional partners for incorporation into their day-to-day activities, such as site plan reviews and wellhead protection planning. This tool is targeted toward community planners, local sustainability staff, environmental compliance specialists, emergency coordinators, and many more. To help users further understand the application of the checklist, an appendix has been developed to provide background on the different types of permits discussed in the checklist and additional contact information. Environmental Permits Checklist Environmental Permits Checklist Appendix Tri-County Water Policies and Programs Guide Created in 2015, the Tri-County Water Policies and Programs Guide serves as an informational tool and guidance document for decision makers and residents of Clinton, Eaton and Ingham counties. Developed by bringing together experts within the community, this document provides information, program initiatives, and regulatory actions on groundwater, drinking water, land use, surface water, and wastewater for the urban and rural areas of the tri-county region. It identifies local water protection activities, policy and programming gaps, best management practices, opportunities for complementary activities, and recommendations and plans for long term sustainability that were established and agreed to by the organizations involved at the time of its creation. Letter of Recommendation: Michigan State Capitol Geothermal Infrastructure With the passing of the 2017-2018 state budget, the Michigan State Capitol Commission began a project to upgrade the capitol building's infrastructure with a geothermal heating and cooling system. Due to the increased risks to groundwater resources, the members of the Groundwater Management Board (GMB) worked together to pen a letter of recommendations to the Michigan State Capitol Commission. As a result, many of the recommendations made by the GMB were taken into consideration for the project and the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (now known as the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, or EGLE) appointed the GMB’s Geothermal Working Group as a stakeholder team to draft legislation on the matter. Wellhead and Groundwater Protection Audit Tool Created in 2011, the Wellhead and Groundwater Protection Audit Tool was developed to provide any community seeking guidance on their wellhead and groundwater protection strategies with a specific tool for evaluation. The auditing tool first examines a community's existing wellhead protection planning and implementation activities through an analysis of community documents, such as master plans, zoning ordinances, site plan review processes, and any other relevant plans or reports. This allows auditors to evaluate four important aspects of wellhead protection planning: the identification of goals and objectives for improving or maintaining groundwater quality; the identification of specific strategies that will allow the community to meet their stated goals and objectives; an examination of ordinances/policy pertaining to groundwater protections; and an analysis of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats to aid in the identification of barriers and to gauge room for improvement. Wellhead Protection Programs Michigan’s Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) Wellhead Protection Program assists local communities that depend on groundwater for their municipal drinking water supply systems by offering information and funding to help protect their water at its source. Through their Source Water Protection Grants, any element of a community's wellhead protection plan or activities may be eligible for funding. Both Tri-County and GMB have an important role in the application process for communities seeking this funding. Each year a portion of dues paid by GMB members is put toward the required project funding match, the GMB works with Tri-County as a clearinghouse to help administer the grant, and GMB assists in the completion or oversight of the grant project. Some projects created under this grant include: Groundwater protection training series for local planners, engineers, and decision makers Gap analysis studies on best management practices and long-term sustainability Developing sources of readily-available water and environmental data for community access Social media campaigns on groundwater education A series of groundwater education presentations for policy and decision makers Movie advertisements for local education on the value of groundwater A permanent local groundwater display for children’s education at Impression 5 The creation and maintenance of the Wellhead Protection Viewer Potential Contamination Source Inventory updates for Wellhead Protection Plans Capital Area Groundwater Alliance Established in 2000, the Capital Area Groundwater Alliance (CAGA) was comprised of Greater Lansing communities involved in wellhead protection and worked toward coordinating efforts on their wellhead protection programs, outreach, and projects. One of CAGA's primary goals was to establish a recognizable entity for wellhead protection efforts across multiple communities and to formalize their relationships and activities. CAGA served as a great educational resource for communities by creating programs like Tap into Groundwater Protection: A Training Opportunity for Lansing Area Business and the Abandoned Well Program, which focused on creating materials to educate homeowners about properly abandoning a well on their property. CAGA was awarded the Innovation Award by the Michigan Association of Regions for their approach to educating the public on groundwater issues. Children's Water Festival Created in 1995 with the goal of teaching children the value and vulnerability of water, the Children’s Water Festival was a regular event and feature of groundwater education in the region for over 20 years. The first festival saw over 1,000 children from schools around the tri-county area, offering attendees free entry and an interactive field trip for students to learn about the importance of our environment, water resources, and their role in protecting and conserving them. Following water festivals targeted 4th and 5th graders to better align with curriculm standards and help recruit future groundwater stewards. Though successful, the Children's Water Festival was an immense undertaking in fundraising, planning, and coordination with schools across the state, ultimately leading to a transition toward providing children's groundwater education activities as part of the MSU Science Festival and other local water education events. Regional Aquifer Study Conducted over two phases (as of 2020) the Regional Aquifer Study was led by GMB and Tri-County to determine the quality and quantity of water in the region’s aquifer system. Conducted by the United States Geologic Survey (USGS) across nine townships, the first phase began in 1991, when USGS created a detailed computer model of the aquifer system serving the tri-county region of Clinton, Eaton, and Igham counties, and used the model to delineate wellhead protection areas. In 2002, phase two of the study used improved technology to update and refine the computer model to provide a better representation of the regional aquifer systems. Water Regionalization Study In 1990, a study led by the GMB and Tri-County investigated the feasibility of developing a regional water system. Supported by 20 communities in the region, this study examined existing water infrastructure, predicted future needs into the year 2020, and projected five scenarios under which various communities could create shared water systems, resulting in significant monetary savings and system protections. After its completion in 1993, the study received an award from the Michigan Association of Regions for outstanding intergovernmental programs and ultimately lead to the formation of the Mid-Michigan Water Authority in December 1995. By-Product Synergy Started by an EPA Pollution Prevention Grant in 2011, the By-Product Synergy project focused on turning waste output from one company into a product stream for another company generating revenue while reducing or eliminating pollution at the source. The state-wide project included participants within a 75-mile radius around Lansing and focused on industries, such as Dow Chemical and General Motors, academic, and local governmental bodies. Through this project, connections were made to reduce the amount of aluminum chloride, chemical waste, copper waste, foil, food waste, non-chlorinated waste, and steel slag entering landfills across the region and reducing overall carbon dioxide and hazardous waste production. As an agency wide program at Tri-County Regional Planning Commission, By-Product Synergy focused on connecting the needs of one participant with the resources of another by: Stakeholders providing expertise, support, and marketing. Innovators looking at new ways to use, change, and repurpose waste products. Participants bringing their waste streams to the table and looking for additional inputs into the system. Groundwater Education in Michigan (GEM) Established by W.K. Kellogg in 1897, the Groundwater Education in Michigan program focused on educating citizens and community leaders on groundwater and drinking water issues and the need to protect the quality of these resources. With the development of geographic information systems (GIS), the GMB became involved in the project in the early 1990s to educate local officials on groundwater and to highlight how GIS equipment could improve decision making processes. This coincided with the development of GEMNET, which was a computer network that allowed for the exchange of ideas and technology pertaining to groundwater in Michigan. Housed through the Groundwater Resource Center, GIS information was available on base maps, soils, zoning, toxic sites, census tracts, and land use, in addition to, an extensive physical library on periodicals, reports, brochures, guidebooks, pertinent legislation, and videos all targeted toward groundwater education and resources. Community Presentations & Knowledge Sharing The GMB convenes many regional stakeholders who play an important role in the management and conservation of our groundwater. With the opportunity to host so many key organizations, communities, and agencies together in one place, Tri-County's meeting space serves as an excellent venue to share information and host presentations on the latest research, hot topics, and changes to regulations and procedures. The following is a list of the many knowledge sharing activities, working groups, and presentations facilitated by the GMB over the years: Hosted Wayne Jernberg from City of Grant Rapids to talk about Michigan’s Water and Wastewater Response Network Hosted Stephen Gasteyer from Michigan State University to present on assessing attitudes and perceptions concerning risks to drinking water in Michigan. Hosted Eric Oswald of Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy on regionalization of community water supplies. Hosted Sandra M. Eberts of the United States Geological Survey, on the development of a Great Lakes groundwater and surface water conceptual framework. Hosted Kaitlyn Kiessling of Michigan Department of Health and Human Services to present on the MiWell program Hosted Tim Faas to give an overview of the MI WARN Program Formed a working group on reviewing well abandonment, started by reviewing sanitary codes Hosted the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) to speak to GMB members about the Source Water Protection Grant and its future status due to increased attention on PFAS in groundwater Hosted Dr. Susan Masten of Michigan State University to give a presentation on lead and other groundwater contamination in Ingham County Hosted Dr. Kurt Guter and his two high school students, Hudson Yiu and Luke Schafer, to present the results of a Williamston High School microplastics study Formed the GMB Geothermal Working Group to advise on the drafting of EGLE’s statewide geothermal legislation Hosted Lois E. Graham, R.S., M.S.A. of the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality to present on Michigan’s Statewide PFAS Sampling Effort Hosted Mr. Tim Bowlin, Chief Financial Officer and Project Manager of the Michigan State Capitol Commission, to speak on his background and the geothermal project happening at the Michigan Capital Building Hosted Jared Harmon, Executive Director of Mid-Michigan Land Conservancy on Michigan’s Forests to Mi Faucets program Hosted Anthony Kendall, Research Assistant Professor at Michigan State University on create a new now-cast Great Lakes groundwater level product with state-of-the-art models and satellite observations Hosted Murat Ulasir, Asset Management Practice Leader at OHM Advisors on clickable asset management plans Co-signed Pariana Groundwater Discharge Permit Letter with Tri-County to EGLE Hosted Christe Alwin from Michigan Department of Environmental, Great Lakes, and Energy on the department’s chloride implementation plan Hosted Brian Steglitz of City of Ann Arbor on their efforts of optimizing PFAS removal. Groundwater Guardian For over 27 years, Tri-County and the GMB participated and were recognized as a Groundwater Guardian by the Groundwater Foundation for our efforts in groundwater protection. This was a program focused on supporting and encouraging communities and organizations to promote groundwater awareness activities and education efforts through creating a network of participants acting locally while having a global impact. WPV

Tri-County produces and coordinates a variety of plans, studies, and other special projects to keep improving our region's transportation system, economy, and built and natural environment. CURRENT PROJECTS What's Underway Tri-County produces and coordinates a variety of plans, studies, and other special projects to keep improving our region's transportation system, economy, and built and natural environment. Explore active and recently completed projects below. TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM The region's 4-year TIP invests over $390 million into projects that improve our roads, public transit services, and bicycle and pedestrian networks. Follow along as we implement these projects from October 2025 through September 2029! Learn More REO PASSENGER BUS RESTORATION PROJECT Nearly a century after it first rolled off the line at Lansing’s REO Motor Car Company, a rare 97-year-old bus is beginning a remarkable new journey, one that will bring history home. We've launched an ambitious restoration effort to return the last known version of this bus model to its former glory! Learn More GREATER LANSING REGIONAL TRAILS NETWORK Having completed a feasibility plan to identify routes that will connect our region’s trail system and other recreational amenities to major trails in the state, we’ve now initiated a $2.5 million pilot project to further analyze and prepare these routes for future grants! Learn More TRI-COUNTY VIRTUAL TRAIL EXPLORER Embark on a virtual exploration of over 140 miles of hiking, biking, and water trails — including the Lansing River Trail, Middle Grand River Water Trail, Clinton-Ionia-Shiawassee Trail, and more — with our 360° tour of the region's major trail routes! Use our Explorer to plan your trip today. Learn More METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION PLAN This long-range plan sets a vision and funding strategy for investing in projects that will meet our transportation needs over the next 25 years. We’re currently implementing our 2045 MTP and updating it to extend its planning horizon to 2050! Learn More EAST LANSING/CLINTON FREEWAY ACCESS STUDY We're conducting a study to analyze ways to improve access to the northern East Lansing/ southern Clinton County area and surrounding local road and freeway systems. The study will examine current transportation needs and changing travel patterns in the area. Learn More AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY Every five years, we work with local and state agencies to coordinate a regionwide flyover, providing ou r counties, local municipalities, and public utilities with aerial data and photography. This geospatial orthoimagery helps our partner communities monitor, map, and plan for land use, infrastructure, transportation, and other needs. Learn More THE VISION FOR MICHIGAN'S AVENUE Michigan Avenue connects world-class talent at Michigan State University in East Lansing to our State Capitol in Lansing, where decisions about the lives of Michiganders are made every day. This is Michigan's Avenue , and it's time we have a shared, unified vision for it. Learn More MI CAPITAL REGION: DATA DASHBOARD Are we moving the needle? Check out our data center for the latest demographic, economic, and workforce data for Michigan's capital region and sign up for our monthly data newsletter to follow economic trends and learn about key regional metrics! Learn More REGIONAL HOUSING PARTNERSHIP Following the completion of HousingDrives , a data assessment of the trends and barriers of the housing market in Clinton, Eaton, and Ingham counties, we developed a 5-year action plan and are coordinating the South Central Regional Housing Partnership to implement its goals. Learn More COMPREHENSIVE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY We recently completed an update to the CEDS, which is our region’s strategic blueprint and action plan for promoting economic prosperity. Its goals focus on improving transportation and infrastructure, culture and lifestyle, and education and talent. Learn More REGIONAL WATER QUALITY EDUCATION SURVEY A public survey is conducted every six years to determine the effectiveness of environmental education campaigns, identify knowledge gaps, and guide the Greater Lansing Regional Committee for Stormwater Management's outreach activities. The results are in! Learn More View Past Projects More Project Updates Library of Plans & Documents

HOME > PROJECTS & DOCUMENTS > ORGANIZATIONAL DOCUMENTS & PUBLICATIONS > NEWSLETTERS Document Library Capital Region Quarterly Sign up for our email newsletter , the Capital Region Quarterly , to receive project updates and regional news from Tri-County in your inbox! Capital Region Quarterly Newsletters Want Updates About Specific Topics? Tell us your interests and we'll keep you informed about transportation, housing, water quality, economic development, and other projects in the Greater Lansing area. Monthly Data Newsletters Sign up to receive monthly newsletters courtesy of our data dashboard, MI Capital Region , to learn about unique statistics, trends, and topics in our region and state. MI Capital Region Newsletters Sign Up View Newsletters What is MI Capital Region? View the Dashboard

We are a public planning agency established in 1956, serving Clinton, Eaton, and Ingham counties in Mid-Michigan. Tri-County makes our region a more prosperous community by planning for a strong economy, reliable transportation, and sustainable infrastructure and natural resources. WHO IS TRI-COUNTY? Who We Are The Tri-County Regional Planning Commission is a public planning agency established in 1956, serving Clinton, Eaton, and Ingham counties in Mid-Michigan. Tri-County makes our region a more prosperous community by planning for a strong economy , reliable transportation , and sustainable infrastructure and natural resources . We are dedicated leaders and innovators, connecting local organizations and governments to funding, technical assistance, data resources, and opportunities to discuss trends and challenges affecting the Greater Lansing area. Our Mission & Vision The Tri-County Regional Planning Commission leads innovative public planning for Clinton, Eaton, and Ingham counties to foster prosperity in Mid-Michigan's communities. We believe in developing a sustainable future for our region's economy, natural resources, and transportation system and infrastructure. Leadership Tri-County is directed by a board of 19 commissioners representing the three counties, City of Lansing, and public transportation agencies. They come together to resolve problems and guide development of the Greater Lansing area with a regional perspective, looking past county and municipal boundaries for the greatest good of our region’s citizens. News & Events Request for Proposals: Regional Traffic Safety & Operations Program Request for Proposals: Community Engagement Campaign Tri-County Seeking Economic Development Planner History & Designations The Tri-County Regional Planning Commission was formed under the Regional Planning Act, PA 281 of 1945. It was established pursuant to resolutions adopted by the Boards of Supervisors of Clinton, Eaton, and Ingham counties on July 18, 1956. Membership was expanded to include the City of Lansing in 1974. Tri-County serves 75 jurisdictions within the three-county region. Tri-County is designated as the region’s Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) to coordinate federally funded transportation projects. The Commission is also certified by the U.S. Department of Commerce as the Economic Development District (EDD) to facilitate federally funded economic development programs and initiatives, particularly in public infrastructure, in support of business locations and expansions. Learn more about our federal and state designations and legal responsibilities below. What is a Regional Planning Commission? Regional planning commissions have been around in some parts of the country since near the start of the last century. State Planning & Development Regions (SPDRs) look at planning issues from a larger geography than that examined by counties or local units of government in the region. That allows them to identify issues and opportunities that are not apparent at a smaller geography. They also can help local governments resolve issues of overlapping services, help fill gaps in services through service sharing arrangements, and help find resources from the federal and state governments to address unmet needs. Over the past 65 years the Michigan Legislature has created three separate, but different statutory approaches to addressing regional planning through voluntary sub-state units of government known variously as state planning and development regions, regional planning commissions, regional planning and development commissions, and councils of government. These acts are: Regional Planning Act, PA 281 of 1945 The regional planning portion of the County or Regional Economic Development Commission Act, PA 46 of 1966 The regional planning portion of Metropolitan Councils Act, PA 292 of 1989 SPDRs are voluntary organizations comprised of local governments dedicated to serving the regional planning needs of multi-county areas in all parts of Michigan. They are a form of local government voluntarily created by their members, which are largely representative of local governments in the region; although membership also includes road authorities, nonprofit organizations and representatives of the business community in many regions. What is a Metropolitan Planning Organization? The Tri-County Regional Planning Commission was designated by the Governor as the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) in 1973, responsible for fulfilling all federally required transportation planning requirements in the Lansing-East Lansing Metropolitan area throughout Clinton, Eaton and Ingham Counties in the state of Michigan. Federal funding for transportation projects throughout the three counties are channeled through Tri-County. MPOs are policy-making and planning bodies formed under federal legislation (23 USC 134 & 49 USC 1603, 1605, and 1607). Specifically, an MPO is the policy board of an organization created and designated to carry out the metropolitan transportation planning process. They are required to represent localities in all urbanized areas (UZAs) with populations over 50,000, as determined by the U.S. Census, to ensure federal spending on transportation planning projects and programs are based on a continuing, cooperative and comprehensive (3-C) planning process. An urbanized area with a population over 200,000, as defined by the Bureau of the Census and designated by the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), is called a Transportation Management Area (TMA). As described in 49 U.S.C. 5303(k), and in recognition of the greater complexity of transportation issues in large urban areas, an MPO in a TMA has a stronger voice in setting priorities for implementing projects listed in the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) and is responsible for additional planning products. The planning processes in MPOs in TMAs also must be certified by the Secretary of DOT as being in compliance with federal requirements. MPOs are designated by agreement between the governor and local governments that together represent at least 75 percent of the affected population (including the largest incorporated city, based on population) or in accordance with procedures established by applicable state or local law. When submitting a TIP to the state for inclusion in the statewide program, MPOs self-certify that they have met all federal requirements. In accordance with federal regulations, Tri-County is required to carry out metropolitan transportation planning in cooperation with the state and operators of publicly owned transit services. View MPO policies and procedures that address these regulations and requirements here. 66.37% of Michigan’s population are represented by MPOs; nationally, 85% of the population lives inside a MPO. What is an Economic Development District? Economic Development Districts (EDDs) are multi-jurisdictional entities, commonly composed of multiple counties and in certain cases, cross-state borders. They help lead the locally based, regionally driven economic development planning process that leverages the involvement of the public, private, and non-profit sectors to establish a strategic blueprint (known as a Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy) for regional collaboration. Since 1986, the Tri-County Regional Planning Commission has been an EDD, as designated by the US Department of Commerce, Economic Development Administration (EDA). This designation allows Tri-County to receive planning grant dollars from the EDA and provides every municipality within the three-county region eligibility for the EDA's different investment programs. These programs include: Public Works and Economic Development Economic Adjustment Assistance (EAA) Research and National Technical Assistance Local Technical Assistance Planning Program University Center Economic Development Trade Adjustment Assistance for Firms What is a Regional Clearinghouse & Intergovernmental Review? As of July 1, 2018, the State of Michigan and the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments, acting on behalf of the State as the Single Point of Contact (SPOC) for regional coordination, no longer participate in the clearinghouse review process for federal grants. Therefore, the Tri-County Regional Planning Commission no longer reviews proposed projects subject to Executive Order 12372 of 1982 requesting federal funds. As a local government organization engaged in promoting intergovernmental coordination, we encourage applicants for federal financial assistance to coordinate with other governments and organizations impacted by their work. We continue to maintain a regional inventory of land use and master plans for better coordination and collaboration across jurisdictional boundary lines. For more information on the Michigan Federal Project Review System and Regional Clearinghouse process, visit semcog.org/Clearinghouse-Review. What is Public Planning? Public planning is just that - planning for our region's future needs and making a plan to tackle them. It aims to optimize the effectiveness of how our community uses land and develops infrastructure to improve the connectivity, quality of life, safety, economic success, and sustainability of our communities. Public planning looks at the development and design of land use and the built environment, including air, water, and the infrastructure passing into and out of urban areas, particularly transportation networks. We formulate plans for the development and management of the region's urban, suburban, and rural areas, analyzing land use compatability and economic, environmental, travel demand, and social trends. These plans provide guidance for elected officials, planners, and local units of government to make informed decisions about how to best use our communities' land, maintain our infrastructure, and responsibility utilize our resources and assets. MPO EDD Clearinghouse History&Designations

We operate a variety of committees to discuss transportation, environmental, and community development trends and challenges affecting the Greater Lansing area. Join us for a meeting! COMMITTEES Learn More Executive Committee Leadership team of the Board of Commissioners. Coming Soon! Community Coordinating Committee Discusses regionally significant developments and projects. Learn More Board of Commissioners 19 Commissioners representing the region's communities. Learn More Capital Area Regional Transportation Study Planning for our regional transportation needs. Learn More GLRC on Stormwater Management Working with municipalities to keep our surface waters clean. Learn More Rural Task Force Addressing our region's rural transportation needs. Learn More Groundwater Management Board Protecting and preserving our region's drinking water. Learn More Regional Economic Collaborative Community leaders discussing regional economic growth. Learn More Mid-Michigan Water Authority Improving our regional public water supply systems.

The Greater Lansing Regional Committee for Stormwater Management (GLRC) provides a forum for stormwater program managers to discuss challenges, share solutions, and collaboratively address MS4 Phase II permit requirements. Back to Committees Greater Lansing Regional Committee on Stormwater Management The Greater Lansing Regional Committee for Stormwater Management (GLRC) provides a forum for stormwater program managers to discuss challenges, share solutions, and collaboratively address MS4 Phase II permit requirements. The GLRC is guided by elected officers and an Executive Committee, which provide direction to the committee and Tri-County staff. Three subcommittees – the Public Education Plan Committee, the Total Maximum Daily Load Committee, and Illicit Discharge Elimination Program Committee – make recommendations and assist the GLRC membership in achieving permit compliance. Check the calendar for upcoming meetings of GLRC's membership. Membership Agendas & Minutes Meetings Calendar MOA

To help better understand our groundwater system, the Ingham County Health Department launched a survey of our regional aquifer in the early 1980s. This original survey sampled over 300 wells and analyzed the groundwater quality of all 16 townships, laying the groundwork for the follow-up 2015-2020 survey. HOME > PROJECTS & DOCUMENTS > ENVIRONMENT & NATURAL RESOURCES > GROUNDWATER SURVEY Document Library Groundwater Surveying in Michigan’s Capital Region The tri-county region relies on groundwater for the vast majority of our drinking water resources, whether it’s delivered to consumers’ homes through public water suppliers or individual private wells. Relying on this underground and out-of-sight resource requires an innovative approach to properly manage its consumption and ensure its safety for all. To better understand our groundwater system, the Ingham County Health Department participated in the Southwest Michigan Groundwater and Monitoring Program, better known as the Michigan Groundwater Survey (MGS). This was a project started in 1983 by Western Michigan University with financial support from the W. K. Kellogg Foundation. As one of 18 communities in Michigan to participate in MGS, the county sampled over 300 wells and analyzed the groundwater quality of all 16 of its townships. This original survey, published as the "Report on the Aquifer of Ingham County," identified local concerns associated with activities - such as road salting - and levels of arsenic, nitrate, boron, and fluoride above drinking water standards and recommendations. The identification of these issues has been used by Ingham County to initiate programs to help protect our groundwater resources. At the time the MGS was conducted, the plan was to survey groundwater quality every 10 to 20 years to monitor any general changes; however, the original wells included in the MGS program have not be resampled since the 1983 study was completed in 1987. Recently, there has been interest in resampling these wells to compare current results with past analysis and to monitor overall groundwater quality across the entire tri-county region of Clinton, Eaton, and Ingham counties. Changes in Groundwater Quality in Tri-county Lansing Area from 1980 to 2023 Ingham County Surveying In 2015, the Ingham County Groundwater Survey project began as a follow-up to the original 1980s report in partnership with the U.S. Geological Survey. The goal of the survey was to re-sample as many of the same wells as possible to identify any changes in the composition of the county’s groundwater. This also provided an excellent opportunity to educate well owners on well protection, determine future strategies for groundwater protection, and provide a framework to expand the project into Eaton and Clinton counties. Thanks to countless hours of work from volunteers, support from the Groundwater Management Board and Tri-County Regional Planning Commission , and a wide range of partnerships across the county, the project completed well sampling in all of Ingham County's 16 townships in the summer of 2020. A comprehensive county-wide report was published in 2021 and the results were shared with each corresponding community to help educate public officials on effectively managing our groundwater. The county-wide report and each of the individual township reports may be viewed in the gallery at the bottom of the page. Clinton County Surveying In partnership with the Lansing Board of Water & Light, the Groundwater Management Board kicked off a pilot study in DeWitt Charter and Bath Charter townships to create an approach for sampling wells in communities that were not part of the initial MGS program and may not have data available for comparison to the data collected in the 1980s. Well sampling and the individual township reports for this pilot project were completed in 2021. Discussions regarding increasing efforts to expand analysis of the ratio between chloride and bromide, which can be an indicator of potential impacts from increased road salting or septic system discharge, are ongoing. Expanding the project into Clinton County has continued with the sampling of Watertown Charter Township. The individual township reports may be viewed in the gallery at the bottom of the page. Eaton County Surveying During the summer of 2022, the groundwater survey expanded to Eaton County with the sampling of Delta Charter Township. Reports for both Delta and Windsor townships are now available with additional efforts looking into furthering the expansion of this project in the near future. Partners, including the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, supported the project by providing public education materials that were shared with homeowners as well sampling was conducted. These packages included information on potential contamination sources of groundwater, proper maintenance of private drinking water wells, and background on groundwater and the Groundwater Management Board .

Tri-County conducts performance-based planning and programming by tracking performance measures, setting data-driven targets for each measure, and selecting projects to help meet those targets to improve our region's transportation system. HOME > PROGRAMS & SERVICES > TRANSPORTATION > PERFORMANCE MEASURES Measuring Our Progress Tri-County conducts performance-based planning and programming by tracking performance measures, setting data-driven targets for each measure, and selecting projects to help meet those targets to improve our region's transportation system. The Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21), which was signed into law in 2012, included several provisions that have shifted the focus of the Federal surface transportation program toward the achievement of performance outcomes. The current surface transportation bill, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), was signed in 2021 and continues MAP-21’s overall performance approach and ensures investments in projects that collectively make progress toward the national goals. In accordance with the surface transportation legislation, Tri-County is coordinating with our local, state, and federal partners to implement performance based planning and programming in our region. This page will be updated regularly to reflect developments in the process.

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), was signed into law on November 15, 2021. The law authorizes $1.2 trillion for transportation and infrastructure spending over five years from FY 2022 through FY 2026. HOME > INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT & JOBS ACT Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), was signed into law by President Biden on November 15, 2021. The law represents the largest long-term investment in our infrastructure and economy in our Nation’s history, authorizing $1.2 trillion for transportation and infrastructure spending over five years from FY 2022 through FY 2026. Of the total authorized funding, approximately $550 billion is new infrastructure spending above current “baseline” levels (i.e., annual spending levels under existing federal programs/legislation). At the core of the new law is a five-year reauthorization of the federal surface transportation program and $284 billion for highway, bridge, public transportation, and transportation safety improvements – more than half of the IIJA’s total new investment. But the IIJA is not just a transportation bill. It provides significant new investments for non-transportation infrastructure programs, including: Navigate Impacts to Michigan Impacts to the Region Funding Opportunities NOFO Newsletter Additional Resources Impacts to Michigan What Does the IIJA Mean for Michigan? For decades, infrastructure throughout Michigan has suffered from a systemic lack of investment. The IIJA will provide approximately $11 billion to Michigan for infrastructure improvements and help the state remain competitive by creating a generation of good-paying jobs and economic growth. More specifically, the IIJA will provide Michigan with: Impacts to the Region What Does the IIJA Mean for the Tri-County Region? For the tri-county region of Clinton, Eaton, and Ingham counties, the IIJA provides more funding for the region’s core transportation programs that address the ways people travel, challenges with congestion, and improvements that can keep all users of the system - including drivers, bus riders, bicyclists, and pedestrians - safe. The law reauthorizes - or maintains - many core sources of funding and also increases funding for four core transportation programs administered by the Tri-County Regional Planning Commission: Supports regional and local needs and funds improvements to bridges, roads, transit, and bicycle and pedestrian networks. Projects that support electric vehicle change and emerging technologies also qualify for this funding under the IIJA. Surface Transportation Block Grant Transportation Alternatives Strengthens mobility options for bicyclists and pedestrians, as well as improvements to recreational trails and streetscapes. Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Strengthens mobility options for bicyclists and pedestrians, as well as improvements to recreational trails and streetscapes. Metropolitan Planning Supports TCRPC's metropolitan transportation planning services and other regional planning efforts in the Greater Lansing area. Transportation Funding Opportunities The IIJA represents a historic opportunity to repair our roadways and bridges currently rated as “in poor condition.” In total, the law provides an additional $284 billion in federal transportation funding over five years, effectively doubling total federal funding for transportation over that time to $567.5 billion. Transportation funding is available in the following categories, through both existing programs and newly created programs that cover things like climate change, equity, and resiliency: Roads, Bridges, and Major Projects (PDF) Passenger and Freight Rail (PDF) Public Transportation (PDF) Airports and Federal Aviation Administration Facilities (PDF) Ports and Waterways (PDF) Safety (PDF) Electric Vehicles, Buses, and Ferries (PDF) For more information about transportation funding opportunities, contact TCRPC staff by clicking here. Climate, Energy, and Environment Funding Opportunities The IIJA is a historic investment in the resiliency of our infrastructure to protect communities against the impacts of climate change and natural hazards such as droughts, heat, floods, and wildfires. The bill authorizes approximately $191 billion towards energy, environment, and climate programs across four major categories: water infrastructure ($55 billion), power infrastructure ($65 billion), resilience ($50 billion), and environmental remediation ($21 billion). Programs across these buckets will invest in clean transportation infrastructure by funding public transportation, vehicle electrification efforts through station construction and distribution of electric buses to school districts across the country. Other energy and environmental programs will invest in water management and conservation, such as flood mitigation efforts and expanding critical access to clean drinking water. Still others will work toward building climate resiliency and addressing legacy pollution by weatherizing infrastructure and homes and cleaning up abandoned mines and oil wells. Clean Energy and Power (PDF) Water (PDF) Resilience (PDF) Environmental Remediation (PDF) For more information about climate, energy, and environment funding opportunities, contact TCRPC staff by clicking here. Broadband & Cybersecurity Funding Opportunities Quality internet service is necessary for Americans to do their jobs, to participate equally in school learning, health care, and to stay connected. The IIJA includes roughly $64 billion to ensure that every American has access to reliable high-speed internet. This includes programs that: Provide high-speed service to rural areas, where it can be too expensive for service providers to install the necessary infrastructure, and Help lower the cost of service for residents in underserved communities to help bridge the digital divide and increase equity. In a digital world, cybersecurity is a critical element of national security. The IIJA allocates approximately $1 billion to fortify existing cybersecurity infrastructure as well as the physical security of electrical utilities. Grid enhancements, cyber response and recovery planning, and federal regulation studies to prevent against cyber-attacks are just some of the major programs that will be funded through the infrastructure law. Broadband (PDF) For more information about broadband and cybersecurity funding opportunities, contact TCRPC staff by clicking here. Additional Funding Opportunities The IIJA does much more than provide funding for transportation, climate, energy, and environment, and broadband and cybersecurity. Additional opportunities include programs ranging from solid waste and recycling grants, technical assistance for local governments, and other training programs to assist communities with grant applications and policy development. Notable programs include the following: Regional Commission Programs (PDF) Departments of Commerce, Agriculture & Energy Programs (PDF) Departments of Health & Human Services and the Interior Programs (PDF) Department of Transportation Programs (PDF) Environmental Protection Agency Programs (PDF) Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling Infrastructure Grants (PDF) For more information about additional funding opportunities, contact TCRPC staff by clicking here. Funding Opportunities Additional Resources IIJA Resources The following resources are designed to help communities plan for the new infrastructure law: Full Text of the IIJA Bill Tri-County IIJA Overview Presentation U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Resources U.S. Department of Agriculture Resources U.S. Department of Commerce Resources U.S. Department of Energy Resources U.S. Department of the Interior Resources U.S. Department of Transportation Resources Federal Aviation Administration Resources Federal Highway Administration Resources Federal Transit Administration Resources Federal Railroad Administration Resources Maritime Administration White House IIJA Guidebook White House IIJA Michigan Fact Sheet White House IIJA Rural Playbook

HOME > PROJECTS & DOCUMENTS > ORGANIZATIONAL DOCUMENTS & PUBLICATIONS > ANNUAL REPORTS Document Library Annual Reports With over 60 years of planning for our region's development, Tri-County has assisted local communities and collaborated with public, private, and non-profit organizations to make the Greater Lansing region a stronger place to live, work, and play. Our annual reports provide a snapshot of the work we do across Clinton, Eaton, and Ingham counties. View them below!

Under state law, you may follow formal procedures to request information through the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). In compliance with FOIA, all requests must be in writing. HOME > FOIA REQUESTS Freedom of Information Act The Tri-County Regional Planning Commission website houses a vast amount of information and documents. If you are unable to find the information you seek, please contact our office so we can assist you. Under state law, you may also follow formal procedures to request information through the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) . In compliance with FOIA, all requests must be in writing. The below FOIA Request Form may be used to submit your request, but it is not required. All written requests and/or forms should be emailed to FOIA@mitcrpc.org with a subject line containing the term "FOIA" or "FOIA Request." Materials being delivered in person or mailed should be addressed as follows: Attn: FOIA Coordinator Tri-County Regional Planning Commission 3135 Pine Tree Road, Suite 2C Lansing, MI 48911 Documents and forms regarding FOIA may be found below: Public Summary of FOIA Procedures and Guidelines Freedom of Information Act Procedures and Guidelines FOIA Request for Public Records Form FOIA Request Detailed Cost Itemization Form Commission Resolution