What is an RPO?
RPO is short for Rural Planning Organizations. RPOs are a counterpart to the existing MPOs (Metropolitan Planning Organizations). In July 2000, Senate Bill 1195 became part of Article 17 General Statue 136-210 through 213, which stated that the NCDOT will develop a plan to establish RPOs. The purpose of these organizations is to work cooperatively with NCDOT to plan rural transportation systems and to advise the department on rural transportation policy. An RPO were established with contiguous areas of 3-15 counties, and must have at least 50,000 population. MPOs cannot be a member of RPOs. Not all municipalities in an RPO must be a member, but the county must be a member. There are currently 20 RPOs in North Carolina.
