PLANNING TOPICS

A robust coordination process improves participant satisfaction and engenders better transportation planning outcomes. The first step in engaging partner agencies is to recognize the value of coordinating transportation planning for improved overall effectiveness of the transportation system to meet common goals. This includes understanding the differences in agency priorities, processes, agencies’ role, and available resources to engage in effective coordination.

Knowing who to coordinate with is critical for successful transportation planning and programming processes. There are three main considerations when identifying State DOT, MPO or FLMA stakeholders:

• Identify the agency(s) located within your planning area;
• Understand the differences in each agency structure and how transportation decisions are made; and
• Identify who to contact within each agency.

Engagement methodologies vary among agencies. For States and MPOs, the methodology for engagement is generally outlined in their Public Participation/Involvement Plan, which is generally available to all stakeholders and the public on the agency’s website. Understanding each agency’s engagement methodology helps partners to know when and how to coordinate effectively when an invitation is extended.

Building lasting institutional relationships among FLMAs, State DOTs, and MPOs outside of coordination requirements is the best approach to successful coordination in the transportation planning and programming processes. There are four key considerations when extending an invitation for coordination:

• Limitation of staff available to participate in coordination opportunities;
• Level of priority for transportation planning at the local level;
• Perceived value of participating in coordination opportunities; and
• How agency structure determines transportation decision-making and coordination.

FHWA provides a wide range of resources and expertise to help improve Agency coordination in the transportation planning and programming processes. Federal-aid Divisions assist State DOTs and MPOs, while Federal Lands Highway Divisions provide assistance to FLMAs. The topic of coordination is an agency priority with new and expanding tools and resources to ensure agencies have what they need to successfully engage one another in planning and programming coordination activities.

FHWA Federal-aid Divisions will often engage Federal Lands Highway Divisions during Transportation Management Area (TMA) Certification review processes to assistant and expand understanding between the MPO, State DOT and others by focusing on opportunities to coordinate with the specific FLMAs located in each TMA planning area.

The following resources are designed to assist States, MPOs, and FLMAs in their efforts to coordinate transportation planning and programming processes:

Federal Lands Management Agency Coordination in Transportation Planning and Programming Compendium
This compendium provides an overview of the components of effective coordination and provides ideas to support coordination activities and strategies.

FHWA Federal Land Management Agency Coordination Pilot Project: Michigan Training and Forum Summary Report
The Michigan Training and Forum was a pilot project in support of the State of Michigan to increase the effectiveness of FLMA transportation planning coordination in Michigan. This pilot project serves as an example for other States, MPOs and FLMAs across the country.

FLMA Database
This database enables States and metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs) to identify information about FLMAs located within their planning area.

MPO Database
This database enables State DOTs, MPOs, and FLMAs to identity information about MPOs across the country.

Search Statewide Transportation Improvement Programs and State Long Range Transportation Plans
This page links to States’ Statewide Transportation Improvement Programs (STIPs) and State Long Range Transportation Plans (SLRTPs).

HEPGIS
FHWA’s HEPGIS mapping tool provides data layers for FLMAs, MPOs, and States, making it easy to identify which agencies are required to coordinate during the Federal planning and programming processes. Here are some layers that may be particularly helpful for FLMA coordination:

• Tribal Census Tracts: This feature layer depicts American Indian tribal census tracts.
• American Indian Tribal Subdivision: This feature layer displays American Indian Tribal subdivisions.
• Strategic Highway Network (STRAHNET): STRAHNET is a network of highways which are important to the United States’ strategic defense policy and which provide defense access, continuity and emergency capabilities for defense purposes.
• Federal Lands Map: This provides a map of Federal Lands by agency.
• Federal Lands with the National Highway System (NHS) Map: This provides a map of Federal Lands by agency with the NHS.

BIA Federally Recognized Tribes Search
This website allows you to search for information about federally recognized Tribes by State.

Federal Lands Access Program (FLAP)
The Federal Lands Access Program (FLAP) was established in 23 U.S.C. 204 to improve transportation facilities that provide access to, are adjacent to, or are located within Federal lands.

Federal Lands Planning Program (FLPP)
The Federal Lands Planning Program (FLPP) was established in Title 23 U.S.C. to implement transportation planning for Federal lands and Tribal transportation facilities that are consistent with the Statewide and Metropolitan transportation planning procedures under 23 U.S.C. Sections 134 and 135.