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8 <br />ATTACHMENT 4 <br />OVERVIEW OF Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) and <br />Rural Planning Organizations (RPOs) <br />The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT), MPOs, and RPOs have an <br />established framework for collaboration, the purpose of which is to achieve a seamless <br />transportation system for North Carolina.The general responsibilities of the NCDOT in <br />this partnership are to: <br />Administer Planning Funds to RPOs and MPOs <br />Review annual work programs and performance reports to ensure tasks are <br />being performed <br />Provide guidance on State and Federal policies to the RPOs and MPOs <br />Assist RPOs and MPOs with special studies and project review <br />Develop and coordinate the development of travel demand models for <br />appropriate areas <br />Perform air quality analysis and review conformity reports <br />Assist with project prioritization andTransportation Improvement Plan (TIP) <br />development <br /> Provide and/or assist with theplanning process, including assisting withLong <br />Range Transportation Plan (LRTP,for MPOs) <br />Communicate consistently with MPOs and RPOs <br />Coordinate with other branches and divisions within NCDOT (Highway, Public <br />Transportation, Rail Division, PDEA, Construction) <br />Coordinate on the Statewide Transportation Plan <br />Orange County’s MPO and RPO Memberships <br />Durham-Chapel Hill-Carrboro Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO)(Since <br />2004) <br />Burlington-Graham Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) (pending final <br />agreement endorsement by all member jurisdictions, NCDOT, Atty. General, and <br />FHWA) <br />Triangle Area Rural Planning Organization (RPO) (Since 2002) <br />What is a Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO)? <br />MPOs were formed in 1962 when Congress enacted the Federal aid highway act that <br />initiated a requirement that a continuing cooperative, and comprehensive (3-C) <br />transportation planning process be established for all urban areas over 50,000 in <br />populationin order to qualify for Federal transportation funds. Statewide and <br />metropolitan transportation planning processes are governed by Federal law (23 USC <br />134 and 135). Applicable State and local laws are required if Federal highway or transit <br />funds are used for transportation investments. Federal planning regulations are codified <br />in 23 CFR 450. NC General Statute 136-66 provides additional transportation planning <br />requirements and is consistent with Federal law. Subsequent Federal Aid <br /> <br />