On Wednesday, September 4, 2019 the Policy, Technical and Citizen Advisory Committees of the Valdosta-Lowndes Metropolitan Planning Organization (VLMPO) met in a joint session to approve additional funding for proposed interchange improvements at Exit 11 and adding funds for project scoping for a new South Valdosta Truck Bypass. Exit 11 is expected to be let for construction later in fiscal year 2020 and the bypass project funding is programmed for fiscal year 2021.
 
The committees also approved a Complete Streets Policy that will help to encourage the development of bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure in the projects included in the VLMPO transportation plans. Implementation efforts of the Policy will include the identification of gaps in the bicycle and pedestrian networks, education of local leaders and the community on Complete Streets principles and best practices, and identification of new funding sources.
 
After the brief joint meeting, the committees adjourned into a strategic planning session where they discussed ways to improve the VLMPO organization. Some highlights of the discussion included finding ways to improve communication to the public and local officials, exploring the use of new technologies to improve transportation and mobility in the community, and finding ways to improve overall participation in the transportation planning process.