Transportation Planning Process

The state adopts a long-range plan, and priority projects from that plan are added to the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP). In general, UDOT and MPOs identify projects. The Transportation Commission prioritizes new capacity projects using a written process, the Decision Support System, which was established per Utah Code Ann. §72-1-304 and §72-1-305. Besides new capacity projects on the long-range plan, smaller-scale projects to alleviate specific traffic bottlenecks also are prioritized. UDOT's role is to recommend projects to the Transportation Commission for construction; the commission approves or rejects this recommendation.

Legislative Role in Transportation Planning

The Legislative Management Committee approved the rules establishing the written project prioritization process and must approve any amendments to those rules. The Legislature determines general funding levels and can fund specific new capacity projects in the annual appropriations act. Delays of any projects with specific appropriations must be prioritized and approved by the Transportation Commission (Utah Code Ann. §72-1-305).