Transportation Planning Process

NDOT is responsible for identifying projects, developing and approving transportation plans, coordinating with the state's four MPOs and facilitating all transportation improvements in non-MPO areas. NDOT develops the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) annually in collaboration with MPOs, local entities and 23 tribal governments; the MPOs have primary stewardship for transportation planning within their boundaries. Projects are evaluated by a standardized criterion, which determines the projects' feasibility and user benefits. Areas not under MPO authority must submit applications for proposed transportation improvement projects; these applications are ranked by an NDOT project evaluation team, and high-priority projects are forwarded to the director and deputy director for final selection. The number of projects in the STIP is limited by the amount of anticipated available funding. The NDOT Board of Directors approves the STIP annually.

Legislative Role in Transportation Planning

The Legislature approves the overall NDOT budget in its biennial session, but not specific line-item projects. To do this, the Legislature considers investment priorities, the state funding levels needed to satisfy federal requirements, and NDOT's combination of funding as recommended by the governor. The Legislature also may adopt specific legislation authorizing tax modifications or bond issuances for use toward highway construction projects, as necessary.