Comments were considered and necessary revisions were made. Study areas for MPOs include areas likely to be urbanized in the next twenty years. Local officials in the potentially developing portions of the region can become involved in the metropolitan planning process as voting members of the MPO Policy Committee, and may vote on the list of projects to be included in the long-range plan and Transportation Improvement Program. Availability of applications for this program is also advertised in various statewide media. AHTD ensures that public transportation providers coordinate with local officials in their applications.
Rural transportation is supported by federal, state, and local funds.
Thirty percent of state highway user funds are distributed to city and county governments and used at their discretion. Additional revenue from a 1 motor fuel tax is available to county governments for transportation projects under a State Aid to counties program. Cities and counties also generate revenues for transportation projects from property taxes, local sales tax and General Revenue funds. All local generated funds are spent at the discretion of the local government. Cities and counties spend highway user fund allocations at their discretion.