Transportation Planning Process

VDOT works cooperatively with MPOs, localities, and other modal entities in transportation planning. At the state level, the various modal agencies work cooperatively with representatives from MPOs and regional planning organizations on development of an overall state vision-with goals and strategies-in the statewide multimodal transportation plan (VTrans), which is adopted by the Commonwealth Transportation Board. Each modal agency then develops plans and programs with the state vision, goals and strategies in mind. VDOT is heavily involved in project identification and planning for highways in rural areas; MPOs, the state and transit operators are cooperatively responsible for planning within urbanized areas. Each modal agency drafts recommendations and priorities, based on an assessment of need as well as indications of support from local, regional, MPO and state stakeholders (i.e., elected officials). VDOT, MPOs, localities, regional planning organizations, elected officials, and citizens are invited to present recommendations and feedback through a public hearing process annually to the Commonwealth Transportation Board. This information is used by the Commonwealth Transportation Board to determine specific projects and investment priorities to advance to the Six-Year Improvement Program.

Legislative Role in Transportation Planning

The General Assembly can identify priority projects in the annual Appropriation Act. State elected officials also serve on some of the larger MPOs, which play a critical role in determining which projects advance within the MPO area. The statewide multimodal transportation plan, VTrans, must be updated and presented to the General Assembly and the governor every four years (2011 Va. Acts, Chap. 104 and 164). The General Assembly determines funding for rail, transit, ports and airports in statute, and must authorize debt.