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Complete Regional Transportation Plan 2012 - Cape Cod ...

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New transportation projects must consider inclusion of intelligenttransportation system (ITS) elements, such as variable message signs,highway advisory radio, local television, web travel services, and smart signalsthat can provide travel data as well as react to changes in demand.1.4.5 ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTIONThe natural environment is a valuable asset that we share. Clean air, clean water, andsustainable ecosystems benefit all of the residents of <strong>Cape</strong> <strong>Cod</strong>. The naturalenvironment also serves as an attraction for tourists and recreational users, whichbenefits the economy of <strong>Cape</strong> <strong>Cod</strong>. The 2008 Global Warming Solution Act requires 10-25% reductions in greenhouse gasemissions below 1990 levels by 2020.The Massachusetts Executive Office ofEnergy and Environmental Affairs willbe setting target reductions. Accordingto the U.S. Environmental ProtectionAgency, vehicle miles traveled (VMTs) inBarnstable County increased 28.9 %between 1996 to 2007, and are expectedto increase another 45.6% between 2007to 2030 under current trends.To protect and preserve our environment, MassDOT has recently instituted the“GreenDOT” policy initiative. This, in part, is intended to conform with theMassachusetts’ Global Warming Solutions Act. GreenDOT policy advises MPO’s tomonitor and track greenhouse gas (GHG) impacts throughout the regional planningprocess.In order to maintain and enhance the current state of the environment for futuregenerations, the <strong>Regional</strong> <strong>Transportation</strong> <strong>Plan</strong> includes environmental protection as agoal.Goal #5:Create a transportation system that maintains, protects, and enhances thenatural environment of <strong>Cape</strong> <strong>Cod</strong>.The following items include actions and policies to support this Goal:Design an environmentally friendly transportation system thatprotects and enhances the natural environment, including the protection ofhabitat, water quality, and agricultural and forest land, while minimizing invasivespecies and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.Develop strategies to reduce vehicle miles traveled (VMTs)<strong>Cape</strong> <strong>Cod</strong> <strong>Regional</strong> <strong>Transportation</strong> <strong>Plan</strong> | August 2011Chapter 1: Goals & ObjectivesPage 19

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