Figure 1: The metropolitan transportation planning process

Critical Factors and Inputs are used when moving from Step 1 to Step 7 below:
1. Regional Vision and Goals
2. Alternative Improvement Strategies (Operations and Capital)
3. Evaluation and Prioritization of Strategies
4. Development of Transportation Plan
5. Development of Transportation Improvement Program
6. Project Development
7. Systems Operation

Feedback is received throughout the process on many topics:
Budgets
Public Involvement
Economic Development
Title VI
Air Quality
Environmental Issues

Figure 2: Key planning products

Document Who Develops? Who Approves? Time/Horizon Contents Update Requirements
UWUP MPO MPO 1 or 2 Years Planning Studies and Tasks Annually
MTP MPO MPO 20 Years Future Goals, Strategies and Projects Every 5 Years (4 years for non-attainment and maintenance areas)
TIP MPO MPO/Governor 4 Years Transportation Investments Every 4 Years
LRSTP State DOT State DOT 20 Years Future Goals, Strategies and Projects Not specified
STIP State DOT US DOT 4 Years Transportation Investments Every 4 Years

Figure 3: All sources of pollution can be looked at for ways to reduce emissions and improve air quality

Stationary Sources: CURRENT=125 Tons, FUTURE=100 Tons
Area Sources: CURRENT=50 Tons, FUTURE=30 Tons
On-Road Mobile Sources: CURRENT=150 Tons, FUTURE=100 Tons
Off-Road Mobile Sources: CURRENT=100 Tons, FUTURE=50 Tons
Total CURRENT (all sources)=425 Tons, FUTURE=280 Tons
Total reduction=145 Tons
*Future estimates are emissions reductions targets developed by a state environmnetal agency.

Figure 4: Transportation conformity process

Process starts with Transportation Plan/TIP;
then, if Emissions are below motor vehicle budget in SIP, continues;
then, if Provide for timely implementation of Transportation Control Measures (TCMs),
proceed.

Figure 5: Planning and environmental linkages

Planning and environmental linkages in decisionmaking processes are depicted by the arrows showing the relationship between transportation planning and environment planning, as well as the relationship between systems planning and project level decisions.

System Planning items include: Transportation System Planning and Programming (such as Project Locations and Conceptual Designs), and Resource Planning Processes (such as Land Use, Watershed, Habitat, and Cultural Resources). Project-Level Decisions items include: Transportation Project Development (such as Environmental Analysis and Permitting, Right-of-Way, and Engineering Design) and Resource Project-Level Decisions (such as Local Land Development Permitting, NEPA, and State/Federal Environmental Permitting)