What is a Metropolitan Planning Organization and its Functions?
A metropolitan planning organization (MPO) is a transportation policy-making organization made up of representatives from local government and transportation authorities. The Federal Surface Transportation Assistance Act of 1973 required the formation of a MPO for any urbanized area with a population greater than 50,000. MPO’s were created in order to ensure that existing and future expenditures for transportation projects and programs were based on a comprehensive, cooperatiStimulus Projects for Transportation Improvementsve, and continuing (3-C) planning process. Federal funding for transportation projects and programs are channeled through this planning process.