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A regional transportation planning organization (RTPO) is formed through a voluntary association of local governments within a county or contiguous counties. RTPO members include cities, counties, WSDOT, tribes, ports, transportation service providers, private employers and others.
RTPOs were authorized as part of the 1990 Growth Management Act (GMA) to ensure local and regional coordination of transportation plans.
16 RTPOs cover 38 of the 39 counties in Washington state. San Juan County is not part of any RTPO.
Regional Transportation Planning Organizations Map (pdf 1.44 mb)
RTPOs are required to:
State legislation (GMA) created RTPOs. A RTPO covers both urban and rural areas and receives state funding in support of its planning efforts. Federal legislation created metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs). A MPO covers an urbanized area and receives federal funding in support of its planning efforts.
MPOs and RTPOs serve the same basic transportation planning functions – develop a long-range plan, coordinate transportation planning within a region, and prepare a transportation improvement program. The federal MPO and state RTPO requirements of these organizations are complementary.
WSDOT provides administrative and technical assistance, supports RTPO coordination activities, provides a role as the fiduciary agent of the RTPO program, and actively participates in the regional transportation planning process.
Gabe Philips, Tribal and Regional Planning
PhilipG@wsdot.wa.gog
360-705-7954