Metropolitan Transportation Plan
2050 Plan UpdateOverview
FAQs
What is an MPO?
A Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) is the policy board of an organization created and designated to carry out the metropolitan transportation planning process. MPOs are required to represent localities in all urbanized areas (UZAs) with populations over 50,000. MPOs must plan for regional transportation planning expenditures and are responsible for the continuing, cooperative, and comprehensive (3-C) transportation planning process for their urbanized area.
The Monroe MPO transportation policy committee (TPC) is comprised of members representing the cities of Monroe and West Monroe, LaDOTD District 05, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), and the Ouachita Parish Police Jury. The Ouachita Council of Governments (OCOG) serves as the staff for the Monroe MPO.
What is an MTP?
An MTP (short for Metropolitan Transportation Plan) is a federally required 20-year transportation plan for urban areas. The MTP sets strategic objectives outlined by the MPO (Metropolitan Planning Organization), the state, and the public transportation providers concerning the development of the metropolitan area’s transportation network. This plan identifies how the state and local governments in the metropolitan area will manage and operate a multi-modal transportation system including transit, highway, bicycle, pedestrian, and accessible transportation.
The plan balances plans, policies, and programs to meet the region’s economic, transportation, development, and sustainability goals., with a plan to fund these efforts, called fiscal constraint. Projects must be included in the MTP to receive federal transportation funding, if they require a federal decision to be implemented (such as an environmental study) or if they make a significant impact on the regional transportation system.
What is fiscal constraint?
An MTP demonstrates fiscal constraint by including sufficient financial information to confirm that projects in those documents can be implemented using committed or available revenue sources, with reasonable assurance that the federally supported transportation system is being adequately operated and maintained. Essentially, fiscal constraint means ensuring expected available funds cover proposed project costs.
How do I submit projects for the MTP?
The MPO will release a call for projects that can be submitted by cities, public transit agencies, counties, and the state. The call for projects will provide instructions on information to include in project submissions.
How are projects prioritized?
Transportation improvement projects are prioritized using evaluation criteria developed by the Ouachita Council of Governments. The criteria include federally required performance measures and local priorities.
How can I participate?
You can participate in the MTP update by commenting on our map, taking our survey, or attending one of our open house public meetings. This website will be updated as the project progresses to include feedback opportunities.