Office of Planning, Environment, & Realty (HEP)
Planning · Environment · Real Estate
Before improvements can be made to your area's transportation system, States and MPOs must identify project funds that will be readily available over the 4-year life of the TIP or STIP and the 20 years of the long-range transportation plan. Just as people budget funds for short- and long-term family and home expenses, MPOs and States plan funding for specific transportation projects. Since TIPs and STIPs describe the funds needed to make these transportation improvements possible, these programs must include reasonable cost estimates and be within their anticipated budget.
Transportation planning must reflect the desires of communities, and take into account the impacts on both the natural and human environments. Moreover, transportation plans and programs should help regions and communities reach their goals. As previously mentioned, a project must be included in a TIP or STIP in order to receive Federal funds. In addition, in air quality nonattainment and maintenance areas, the Clean Air Act requires that transportation plans and programs must be consistent with the State's clean air goals.
