The primary roles of the Lincoln MPO include creating a Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP), a shorter range Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) and a Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP). The LRTP extends out over a 20-year horizon and acts as the official guide for the expenditure of federal and state transportation funds that are expected to be available in Lincoln and Lancaster County. The projects listed in this document are intended to reflect the community values and visions for improving the overall transportation system.
The TIP is an intermediate range planning document that reflects the transportation expenditures programmed over the next six years. Project details are provided in the TIP such as the general project description and cost, the funding source and funding year. The TIP contains information on a wide range of transportation projects including pedestrian and bicycle facilities, trails projects, transit improvements and operations, transportation related planning studies, Airport Authority and Railroad Transportation Safety District activities, and state, county and city road improvements.
The UPWP is a short term planning tool that is used to define specific annual goals and projects to be performed or managed by the MPO staff. Most of the planning activities outlined in the UPWP are required by state and federal laws in order to support the MPO process. In addition, the UPWP outlines the annual budget for the planning activities of the MPO.
The MPO generates other planning documents and reports and engages in many other activities such as transportation data collection, safety promotion, and public participation efforts. The primary purpose of many transportation planning activities is to support the monitoring and development of the LRTP and the TIP.