What is an MPO?

MPOs are entities designated by law with the lead responsibility for the development of the area's transportation plans and for coordinating the transportation planning process.  All urban areas over 50,000 in population are required to have an MPO if the agencies spend federal money on transportation improvements.

 


 

MPO Functions

1.    Evaluate Transportation Alternatives

2.    Develop a Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP)

  • Describes planning activities/key policy actions
  • Required by the U.S. Department of Transportation
  • Prepared every two fiscal years

    Centre County 2020-22 UPWP


3.    Maintain a Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP)

  • Describes transportation strategies and policies
  • Minimum 20-year planning horizon
  • Updated every five years
  • Air Quality Conformity Analysis is no longer required
  • Fiscally constrained
  • Opportunities for public involvement

    Centre County LRTP 2050


4.    Develop a Transportation Improvement Program (TIP)

  • Intermodal program outlining transportation funding over a 4-year period
  • Includes schedules, funding, sources, and lead agencies
  • Updated every two years
  • Air Quality Conformity Analysis is required
  • Opportunities for public involvement

    Centre County TIP


5.    Involve the Public

The CCMPO’s Public Participation Plan (PPP) outlines a series of standard procedures for informing the public and involving them in a meaningful planning process that provides complete information, timely public notice, and full access by all segments of the population.

   Public Participation Plan