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26 <br />Affachment 5 <br />In addition, any changes to the Durham-Chapel Hill-Canrboro Urban Area LRTP and <br />CTP must be approved by the TAC. Changes to the CTP must also be approved by the <br />State Board of Transportation. Recent changes in applicable federal laws have expanded <br />the responsibilities of the MPO. For example, requirements of the Clean Air Act <br />Amendments of -1990 have focused greater attention on improving air quality. ' In .. . <br />......... . <br />reviewing proposed revisions to the LRTP and TIP, the TCC and TAC must determine <br />that the proposed change does not negatively affect air quality. <br />Federal Transportation Acts: SAFETEA-LU, TEA-21, and ISTEA <br />The approval of ISTEA in 1991, TEA-21 in 1998, and SAFETEA-LU in 2005, placed <br />greater responsibility on the MPO in the development of a comprehensive transportation <br />planning process, requiring elements for transit, bicycling and pedestrians as well as the <br />traditional emphasis on roads. Specifically, the MPO is now responsible for developing, <br />in cooperation with the State and affected transit operators, a comprehensive, tong-range <br />transportation plan and expanded transportation improvement program for the area. The <br />transportation planning process must now include additional considerations such as land <br />use, intermodal connectivity, methods to enhance transit service, and needs identifed <br />through the management systems. The MTIP must be consistent with the long-range <br />transportation plan and must include all projects in the metropolitan area that are <br />proposed to be funded with federal funds. <br />Relationship with NCDOT <br />Historically, NCDOT has maintained a close, direct working relationship with local <br />governments. The " 3-C" MPO process has been a supplement to this relationship, not a <br />substitute for it. MPO member governments are free to continue this direct relationship as <br />they see fit.. Primarily, the MPO process facilitates better communications, more <br />infprmed decision-making processes, and the ability,to stimulate greater regignal support <br />for local transportation needs. DCHC MPO sees itself in a partnership with NCDOT that <br />is intended to address the transportation needs of all of our citizens. <br />For More Information <br />Felix Nwoko, Transportation Planning Manager <br />DCHC MPO <br />101 City Hall Plaza <br />Durham, NC 27701 <br />919-560-4366 (p) <br />Felix.nwokondurhamnc.gov <br />www.dchcmpo.or~ <br />