Transportation Planning

Title 23 of the United States Code (USC) & 134 states that it is in the national interest to encourage and promote the safe and efficient management, operation, and development of surface transportation systems that will serve the mobility needs of people and freight and foster economic growth and development within and through urbanized areas, while minimizing transportation related fuel consumption and air pollution. To accomplish all these objectives, the Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPO), in cooperation with the State and public transit operators, are required to develop transportation plans and programs for urbanized areas of the State.

The plans and programs for each metropolitan area are required to provide for the development and integrated management and operation of transportation systems and facilities (including pedestrian walkways and bicycle transportation facilities) that will function as an intermodal transportation system for the metropolitan area and as an integral part of an intermodal transportation system for the State and the country.