Committing to implementation of the transportation measures necessary to attain and maintain National Ambient Air Quality standards

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Patrick M. McMahon, P.E. Director, Public Works Members of the 441 County /City South Bend, IN CITY of SOUTH BEND ROGER O. PARENT, Mayor COUNTY -CITY BUILDING SOUTH BEND, INDIANA 46601 May 15, 1980 Common Council Building 46601 RE: Clean Air Act Resolution Dear Council Members: The Clean Air Act Amendments of 1977 designated St. Joseph and Elk- hart Counties as non - attainment areas for photochemical oxidants. "Non- attainment" means that an area does not meet the Federal air quality standards for a particular pollutant. (219) 284 -9251 Photochemical oxidant pollution (commonly referred to as ozone) is largely the result of vehicle engine combustion and, therefore, re- quires a change in the amount and type of vehicle travel. MACOG, as the agency responsible for transportation planning in St. Joseph and Elkhart Counties, has been designated as the Lead Local Agency for transportation- related air quality planning. Each non - attainment area was required to submit a plan to the Indiana State Board of Health in 1978 which outlined the procedures that area would follow in order to achieve Federal air standards. As part of this plan, MACOG passed a resolution which committed this area to the implementation of transportation measures to improve air quality. The plan also indicated that MACOG would secure agreements from local implementors by June 30, 1980, which would have the effect of endorsing the principles in the MACOG resolution. The transportation measures which must be considered include activities such as transit improvements, carpooling, traffic flow improvements and facilities for pedestrians and bicyclists.