Transportation Planning Process

NJDOT annually prepares a proposed Annual Transportation Capital Program. NJDOT selects and prioritizes projects for the program in consultation with MPOs. The commissioner of transportation then submits it to the Legislature; either chamber may return it with objections or recommended modifications (N.J. Stat. Ann. §27:1B-22). The Legislature approves the program as part of the annual appropriations act.

Legislative Role in Transportation Planning

The Legislature approves the Annual Transportation Capital Program as part of the annual appropriations act. It also has some discretion in how it appropriates transportation funds. Constitutional dedication of revenues is considered binding, but the appropriations act traditionally takes precedence over statutory dedication language.