One of the most important roles NRPC plays in the region is serving as the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO). The MPO is the transportation policy-making organization for the region. It is made up of representatives from local government and transportation authorities, including NHDOT, FTA, FHWA and Nashua Transit System. Federal Legislation requires an MPO for any urbanized area (UZA) with a population greater than 50,000. The purpose is to administer the federal transportation process and ensure that investments in transportation projects and programs are based on a continuing, cooperative, and comprehensive (“3-C”) planning process. In accordance with federal regulations, the MPO is required to carry out metropolitan transportation planning in cooperation with the state and with operators of publicly owned transit services. The MPO must successfully administer this process in order to acquire and spend Federal money on transportation improvements in the region.
Core MPO Functions
1. Provide a forum for effective regional decision-making
2. Evaluate transportation alternatives for the region
3. Maintain a Long-Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) ~ 20 year horizon
4. Develop a Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) ~ 4 year program
5. Ensure that the TIP and LRTP comply with air quality requirements
6. Involve the public
In addition, a portion of the Nashua Urbanized Area is designated as an air quality non-attainment area for ozone (NAA) and a maintenance area for carbon monoxide. This designation creates additional requirements for transportation planning. Transportation plans, programs, and projects must conform to the state’s air quality plan, known as the State Implementation Plan (SIP). In non-attainment or maintenance areas for air quality, the MPO is responsible for coordinating transportation and air quality planning. Decisions are made by the NRPC Commissioners based on recommendation by the Staff and Transportation Technical Advisory Committee (TTAC).
To learn more about NRPC's Transportation work, click on the links below.
Planning Process
Links
Nashua Regional Planning Commission
9 Executive Park Drive, Suite 201
Merrimack, NH 03054
Phone ~ 603.424.2240 | Fax ~ 603.424.2230