One of the MPO\u2019s primary responsibilities is the allocation of certain federal transportation funds. There are two main types of transportation funding \u2013 funding for projects and funding for planning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The MPO receives between $10-12 million in Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG) Program funds annually to allocate to regional transportation projects. This process begins with an application open to the MPO\u2019s member governments, followed by project scoring and presentations of eligible projects, and concludes with a selection of projects to receive funding. These projects are then reflected in the MPO\u2019s Transportation Improvement Plan. The MPO is also involved with other federal funds, such as recommendations for annual appropriations. The TIP provides a listing of the various funding programs that assist with funding of transportation projects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The MPO receives planning funds to help meet its federal requirements. These funds are provided by the Federal Highway Administration and the Federal Transit Administration, and are documented in the annual Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP) and budget.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The current federal transportation authorization bill is the five-year Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act, or “FAST Act,” which was signed into law by President Obama on December 4, 2015. The FAST Act replaces the previous two-year bill, Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century, or “MAP-21.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
FAST Act — U.S. DOT page<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG) Program<\/a>MPO Funding Programs<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Surface Transportation Block Grant Program Set-aside<\/a> (formally known as the Transportation Alternatives Program)<\/p>\n\n\n\nOther Funding Programs<\/h4>\n\n\n\n