SECTION 16.53. Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP)

(a) Requirements. Pursuant to 23 C.F.R. Part 450, each metropolitan planning organization (MPO) shall develop a metropolitan transportation plan (MTP) to address at least a 20-year planning horizon and include both long-range and short-range strategies or actions that lead to the development of an integrated intermodal transportation system that facilitates the efficient movement of people and freight. In addition, the MTP will include a mid-range component of projects covering a period of ten years. The MTP is cooperatively developed by the MPO, the department, and public transportation operators as defined by 23 C.F.R. Part 450. The MTP must be based on the funding assumptions and forecasts set forth in §16.151 and §16.152 of this chapter (relating to Long-Term Planning Assumptions and Cash Flow Forecast, respectively) as well as reasonably expected local funding options and contingent state, federal, and local funding sources in accordance with federal regulations. The funding assumptions used to develop the ten-year component of the MTP may be subject to review by the department.

(b) Development. Development of a metropolitan transportation plan (MTP) and all updates and revisions shall be conducted in accordance with federal regulations. Each project in the MTP shall be assigned a unique project number.

(c) Approval. Each metropolitan transportation plan must be approved by the applicable MPO. Prior to any approval, there must be adequate opportunity for public involvement in the development of the plan, in accordance with federal regulations.

(d) Submission of new and revised plans. Copies of any new or revised MTPs must be submitted to the governor, or to the department if the governor delegates this authority to the commission, for information purposes. Copies must also be provided to the FHWA, FTA, and other applicable federal agencies.

(e) MTP public participation. Each MPO will develop a public participation process covering the development of an MTP in accordance with federal regulations. The MPOs shall also use the same process in amending the MTP.

Source Note: The provisions of this §16.53 adopted to be effective January 1, 2011, 35 TexReg 8388; amended to be effective November 15, 2012, 37 TexReg 8981; amended to be effective September 1, 2018, 43 TexReg 5240