As the public agency that conducts the transportation planning process in Central Ohio, we serve as the U.S. Department of Transportation’s designated metropolitan planning organization (MPO) for the Columbus urban area. This means we identify where and how transportation investments occur in the region – specifically within the MPO boundary. Outside of the MPO, we are working with several Central Ohio counties to do similar planning as part of a rural planning organization.
Federal Regulations Related to Metropolitan Planning Organizations
MPOs, like MORPC, conduct a continuing, cooperative, and comprehensive transportation planning process. That process primarily results in the Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP) and the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). The Planning Work Program (PWP) guides the day-to-day planning work to develop these products.
The Federal Highway Administration and Federal Transit Administration visited with MORPC officials for its re-certification in September 2018. A public listening session was held, and the presentation slides mentioning MORPC’s transportation-related programs and services can be viewed in PDF format here.
There are many factors to consider in connecting people, goods, and services in smart and safe ways. That’s why having a strong process of public involvement is not only required but also important to us. We’re uniquely positioned to influence the region’s growth patterns by promoting multimodal transportation choices including roadways, bicycling, walking, and public transit. We work closely with the Central Ohio Transit Authority, Delaware County Transit Board and other agencies as we address the transportation challenges of our region.