Clarksville 

	Urbanized 

	Area 

	Metropolitan
 
	Planning 

	Organization

About Us

Executive Board\TCC	Staff	PIP
Bylaws	Prospectus	Minutes

What is an MPO?

An Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) is entrusted by law, SAFETEA-LU, with lead responsibility for developing transportation plans and programs for urbanized areas with populations of 50,000 people or more.

How is an MPO formed?

An MPO is designated by agreement between the Governor and local governments representing 75% of the affected metropolitan population. This agreement outlines the membership of its policy-making body, standing committees, and geographic area served by the MPO.

Who belongs to an MPO?

The Voting membership of the MPO's policy body is outlined in the federal regulations. Membership must include representation by local elected officials, officials of agencies that administer or operate major modes or systems of transportation,and appropriate state officials.

How is the planning area determined?

At a minimum, the MPO's planning area must cover the urbanized and contiguous geaographic areas likely to become urbanized within the next 20 years. Areas designated as non-attainment (not meeting the EPA standard for certain pollutants) under the Clean Air Act, must be included in the MPO boundary, unless there is an agreement between the MPO and the Governor. The MPO boundary should foster effective planning, enhanceconnections between transportation modes, improve access to the region's transportation systems, and promote effective use of transportation funds.

What does the MPO do?

SAFETEA-LU outlines the metropolitan planning process which the MPO must follow. This process includes the developement of a Long-Range Transportation Plan (LRTP), a Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), and an annual Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP). All of these products must be developed with the consideration of seven factors specified in SAFETEA-LU. These factors emphasize maximizing the use of existing transportation systems, promoting intermodal passenger and freight transportation, conserving natural resources, coordinating land-use and transportation planning, and promoting economic growth.
The Long-Range Transportation Plan defines how the region's transportation system will develop over at least a 20-year period. The LRTP must be based on goals and objectives developed through a visioning process. This process must include input from the public and private sectors, and be coordinated with the goals and objectives of local and state long-range plans. The federal mandate dictates the plan be updated at least every three years.
The Unified Planning Work Program outlines the planning priorities facing the region and describes all transportation and transportation-related air quality planning activities anticipated in the region within the next one or two-year period. It details who will perform the work, the schedule for completion, and the products to be produced. The UPWP contains all of the region's transportation planning projects regardless of funding sources or agencies conducting them.
At least every two years, the MPO must develop a Transportation Improvement Program which lists the projects for which federal transportation funds will be spent during at least a three-year period. The MPO must demonstrate that the projects in the TIP will not worsen the region's air quality and that funding is reasonably available to complete them. The MPO must have a definitive process for prioritizing and selecting projects to be included in the TIP. The prioritization process must be directly related to the current goals and future needs outlined in the MPO's Long-Range Transportation Plan.

How does the MPO relate to the Regional Planning Commission and local Planning Commissions?

The MPO coordinates transportation planning activities in support of the Regional Planning Commission, or local planning authorities. The MPO is a conduit for coordinating transportation plans and programs needed to support state and local comprehensive plans. The MPO provides a forum for improving communication and understanding between local governments and state agencies.