Metropolitan Planning Organizations
(MPOs)
So what are MPOs, anyway?
MPOs
are the forum in which local elected officials in cooperation with the representatives
of the state departments of transportation and transit operators determine the
best mix of transportation investments to meet metropolitan needs. Created
by Congress in 1970, MPOs are charged with transportation planning for specifically
designated areas. They usually encompass metropolitan areas but may include more
than one area or even cross state boundaries.
Where
do you find MPOs?
Any urbanized area above 50,000 in
population has an MPO. There are approximately 339 MPOs across the country. Some
MPOs are stand-alone organizations, while others are housed within larger organizations
such as a Metropolitan Council of Governments. To find the MPO in your area, visit
the Association of Metropolitan Planning Organizations' website at
www.ampo.org/
or call the Association at (202) 457-0710.
What do MPOs
do?
The planning process requires MPOs to create a 20-year,
long-range transportation plan for a designated geographic location and a three-year
Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP). The long-range plan is updated as needed,
and the TIP is updated every two years. Updates include a review of current activities
and may provide the opportunity for consideration of additional projects.
Where does roadway safety fit in?
Before the
passage of TEA-21, MPOs weren't required to consider safety in developing their
long-range plans or TIPs. Metropolitan planners focused instead on congestion
relief, economic development, Clean Air Act compliance, environmental assessments,
and studies of major transportation investments.
With the passage of TEA-21,
MPOs are required to "increase the safety and security of the transportation
system for motorized and non-motorized users." This landmark legislation
provides you with the opportunity to work with MPO leaders and staff to place
greater emphasis on safety in your region.
When
and how should you contact an MPO?
MPOs must provide
citizens and other interested parties with "reasonable notice of and an opportunity
to comment" on the long-range plan and the TIP. This means you are entitled
to advance notification of changes in both plans. You are also entitled to participate
in the planning process and any public outreach activities organized by the MPO
to get citizen input. How can you make your views known?
- Attend and
speak at your local MPO's public meetings.
- Write letters to your MPO.
-
Arrange one-on-one meetings with key MPO members and staff.
Timing
is critical, so contact your MPO and find out the status of the long-range plan
and the TIP. Hearings are often scheduled to deal with proposed additions to the
plans. Ask for a schedule of future hearings and opportunities to comment on the
plans. Find out the requirements for presenting your views or suggestions for
additional projects.
If you choose to speak at a hearing, work with coalition
partners and community supporters to prepare your remarks. Ask them to attend
TIP or long-range plan hearings where additional projects will be considered.
If possible, include letters of endorsement from your public works director, city
or county engineer, elected officials, and residents of the area where the safety
improvement is needed. This lets MPO leaders know that your project has community
support.
Even if you don't have a specific project in mind, MPOs are important
institutions to contact. They are constantly dealing with projects that affect
the future of your community. Your neighborhood may be affected by a project being
considered by a MPO. For example, your local government may propose the development
of a new road that would connect your community with the neighboring city, and
it will supposedly take the pressure off some of the local roads. As a community
leader, you might have both positive and negative concerns about the new road.
Getting plugged in to the MPOs' planning process is one of the best ways to learn
about the merits and potential impacts of a proposed project. It's also an effective
way to express your views.
For more information on how to work with your
local MPO, see Chapter 4.
What if you don't live
in an urbanized area?
If you live in an area below
50,000 in population, your state DOT is responsible for planning and selecting
highway improvements in your area. State DOTs generally work with local elected
officials in developing plans for these areas, so it's important to contact your
local officials as well as representatives of the state DOT. Let them know about
your safety concerns and any safety initiatives you would like considered as part
of the planning process.
States prepare a State Transportation Improvement
Program (STIP) which lists all the highway improvements endorsed in your state.
The STIP includes not only projects for areas below 50,000 but also projects approved
by MPOs for inclusion in their TIPs. Work with your state DOT to get your safety
issues concerns addressed when the STIP is developed.
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