The movement of Freight is an important factor when discussing transportation infrastructure, growth, and safety. Freight transporation moves our cars, coal, clothing, goods, and just about anything found in the home from manufacturer to distributition to point of sale. In todays age of computers and the internet, economies still rely on the movement of goods and services to keep commerce active and healthy. Like all MPOs around the country, economic development and transportation are tied together and priorities in the planning process. The WFMPO added this category to improve information pertaining to the movement of freight/cargo to ensure issues associated with it are continually addressed.
The Wichita Falls urbanized areas is land locked and has no access to major river or ocean cargo. It is also limited in regard to commercail air freight. So when discussing the WFMPO and Freight that means land based freight movement, trains and trucks. On roadways, highways, and in urban centers, transport trucks add to growing issues of mobility, congestion, parking, and accessibility. Analysis of Freight in metropolitan areas from the perspective of economic development, transportation infrastructure, safety, and cogestion mitigation are major concerns.
The WFMPO strives to improve its Public Information Process. Freight is an area of transportation planning that has been identified as a priority. If you have comments or suggestions, please let us know.