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Under previous authorizing legislation, the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 (ISTEA) and the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century of 1998 (TEA-21), Congress showed support for metropolitan and statewide transportation planning by emphasizing seven distinct areas which metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs) and states should consider when developing their plans.
Most recently in 2005, the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU), added emphasis in two areas: security and the environment. Transportation security is now a stand alone factor, signaling an increase in importance from prior legislation. The factor relating to the environment is expanded, to promote consistency of the long-range transportation plan with planned growth and development.
Specifically, with SAFETEA-LU1, Section 5303 (metropolitan) [and Section 5304 (statewide)] of Title 49 of the United States Code2 are amended to read as follows:
Scope of Planning Process —
(1) In general —The metropolitan planning process for a metropolitan planning area under this section [Each state] shall [carry out a statewide transportation planning process that] provide[s] for consideration [and implementation] of projects and strategies [and services] that will—
(A) support the economic vitality of the [United States, the States, nonmetropolitan areas, and] metropolitan area[s], especially by enabling global competitiveness, productivity, and efficiency;
(B) increase the safety of the transportation system for motorized and nonmotorized users;
(C) increase the security of the transportation system for motorized and nonmotorized users;
(D) increase the accessibility and mobility of people and for freight;
(E) protect and enhance the environment, promote energy conservation, improve the quality of life, and promote consistency between transportation improvements and State and local planned growth and economic development patterns;
(F) enhance the integration and connectivity of the transportation system, across and between modes [throughout the State], for people and freight;
(G) promote efficient system management and operation; and
(H) emphasize the preservation of the existing transportation system.
1SEC. 3005. METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION PLANNING and SEC. 3006. STATEWIDE TRANSPORTATION PLANNING of Title III—Public Transportation in the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (PL 109-59), signed into law on August 10, 2005.
249 USC applies to Public Transportation; the same planning factors are included under the title for Highways, at 23 USC §134 (metropolitan) and 23 USC §135 (statewide).
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