They are strategically located to provide easy public access - there is at least one center within an hour's drive from every Michigan citizen. TSC staff attend and participate in local RTF meetings in order to be made aware of local priorities and issues as well as to share information concerning MDOT projects. The RTFs have encouraged local elected officials from different disciplines to work together to improve transportation for the region and state. Additionally, the 14 regional planning organizations assist MDOT in providing an annual update of mailing lists of persons and organizations in the region who are interested or exert some influence on transportation issues for all modes. These mailing lists have provided valuable opportunities for local elected officials and the public to be involved in the transportation planning process.
Rural transportation is funded from federal, state and local funds.
State statute requires that federal aid be split 75 percent to the state and 25 percent to local units of government. State funds for transportation are distributed by formula to the state, counties, and cities for planning, engineering, construction, maintenance, and operations of road and transit systems. State-generated taxes for transportation are allocated by formula, with 39.1 percent to the state, 39.1 percent to the counties, and 21.8 percent to the cities. During the development of the SLRP, several public meetings and technical briefing meetings were held at various locations throughout the state. The regional planning agencies and the RTFs are involved in transportation planning and programming.