About Wilmington urban area metropolitan planning organization
The Wilmington Urban Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (WMPO) is a transportation planning agency that serves the lower Cape Fear region in Southeastern North Carolina. The organization was established to provide a comprehensive and coordinated approach to transportation planning, programming, and implementation in the area.
The WMPO is responsible for developing long-range transportation plans, identifying transportation needs, and prioritizing projects based on available funding. The organization works closely with local governments, state agencies, and other stakeholders to ensure that transportation investments are aligned with regional goals and objectives.
One of the primary functions of the WMPO is to develop a Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP) that outlines the region's long-term vision for its transportation system. The MTP includes an analysis of existing conditions, future growth projections, and anticipated travel demand. It also identifies potential projects that could address current or future mobility challenges.
In addition to developing the MTP, the WMPO also oversees the development of short-term Transportation Improvement Programs (TIPs). These programs identify specific projects that will be funded over a four-year period using federal funds allocated through various programs such as Congestion Mitigation Air Quality (CMAQ), Surface Transportation Block Grant Program (STBG), Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP), etc.
The WMPO also plays an important role in promoting sustainable modes of transportation such as walking, biking, carpooling or public transit. By encouraging these modes of transportations it helps reduce congestion on roads which ultimately leads to less pollution in air quality.
To ensure transparency and accountability in its decision-making process; WMPO holds regular meetings open to public where they discuss their plans & progress made so far towards achieving their goals & objectives. This allows citizens an opportunity to provide feedback on proposed projects or policies affecting their communities.
Overall; Wilmington Urban Area Metropolitan Planning Organization plays a vital role in ensuring safe & efficient movement of people & goods throughout Southeastern North Carolina by providing strategic guidance for investment decisions related to infrastructure development while keeping sustainability at forefront.
wmpo.org
