INTRODUCTION

PURPOSE

The Delaware-Muncie Transportation Improvement Program (DMTIP) is developed annually by the Delaware-Muncie Metropolitan Plan Commission for two specific reasons:

(1) To develop a document that will guide local officials: (a) in the implementation of long-range transportation plans, (b) in setting forth a schedule to coordinate project implementation, (c) in the implementation of projects which will increase the efficiency of existing transportation resources, and (d) in the financial programming and administration of such projects.

(2) To meet the requirements of Federal regulations as contained in 23 C.F.R. 450.

These regulations require that a four-year transportation improvement program, including an annual element, be developed by the metropolitan planning organization, the State and publicly owned operators of mass transportation services in cooperation with recipients authorized under Section 5, 9, or 9A of the Urban Mass Transportation Act (49 U.S.C. 1604, 1607a, or 1607a-1). The early regulations also required that a transportation improvement program cover a period of not less than 3 years; indicate the area's priorities; and include realistic estimates of the total costs and revenues for the program period. The Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act (SAFETEA-LU) changed the required frequency of TIP’s to four years and the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21) continued the requirement. MAP-21 added performance measurements, standards and analysis to the process. These new items will be developed by INDOT with guidance from FHWA and FTA and in consultation with the MPOs, who will comply with the process.

DEFINITION

As defined in the federal regulations, a transportation improvement program is "a staged multi-year program of transportation improvements". Also required is the inclusion in the transportation improvement program of a transportation systems management element.¹ The intent of this regulation is the identification of those projects that emphasize maximizing the efficiency of the existing transportation system but do not involve new transportation facilities or major changes in existing facilities.

RESPONSIBLE AGENCY

Federal regulations require that the transportation improvement program be developed and annually updated under the direction of the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) in cooperation with state and local officials and local transit operators.² The Delaware - Muncie Metropolitan Plan Commission has been designated by the Governor of the State of Indiana as the recognized MPO for the Muncie Urbanized Area. As such, the Commission is responsible for seeing that the continuing, cooperative and comprehensive long-range transportation planning process is maintained.