Transportation plays a vital role in today’s economy, providing access to jobs, education, shopping and recreation. It is an integral part of our mobile society influencing urban development, economic vitality, quality of life and national defense. Our transportation system consists of many parts that work together to move people and goods within metropolitan areas, statewide, and throughout the country. Therefore, it makes sense for many transportation decisions to be made collaboratively at the regional level.
Encompass 2035 was developed in compliance with SAFETEA-LU, the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users, the federal transportation legislation in effect at the time of adoption. Not only is it a federal requirement, but planning ahead ensures that steps can be taken to maintain current transportation investments, improve mobility, and prevent gridlock as population continues to grow and travel increases.
ACOG’s primary role as an MPO is to conduct a comprehensive, coordinated and continuing long-range transportation planning process. Toward that end, ACOG works with area local governments, transit providers, the Oklahoma Department of Transportation, the Federal Highway and Transit Administrations, other transportation agencies and stakeholders, and the public to prepare federally required long-range transportation plans and short-range implementation programs. Such plans and programs are a prerequisite for receiving federal transportation dollars.
Long-Range Transportation Planning
Program Objective
To develop and implement the intermodal long-range transportation plan for the OCARTS area in compliance with the requirements of SAFETEA-LU. To begin data collection required for the development of the next long-range plan. To develop and enhance modeling tools in order to accurately estimate and forecast travel patterns.
Short-Range Transportation Planning
Short-range transportation planning plays an important role in identifying and implementing priorities for highway and intermodal improvements within the metropolitan area. The transportation improvement program is the primary tool used to advance the goals of the long-range transportation plan.
Program Objectives
Coordinate with ODOT, OCARTS area local governments, and the local transit providers in the implementation of transportation improvements throughout the region that are consistent with the financially constrained long-range transportation plan. To expend the region’s federal transportation dollars quickly and efficiently in accordance with regionally established priorities.
