The CTMPO is federally mandated to provide comprehensive transportation planning for the Chisholm Trail Metropolitan Transportation Study Area. Federal regulations establish various requirements MPOs must address during the transportation planning process:

Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21) was signed into law on July 6, 2012. MAP-21 creates a streamlined, performance-based, and multi-modal program to address challenges such as improving safety, maintaining infrastructure, reducing traffic congestion, improving efficiency of the transportation system and freight movement, protecting the environment, and reducing delays in project delivery. MAP-21 enhances the transportation planning process incorporating performance goals, measures, and targets into the process of identifying needed transportation improvements and project selection.

In addition to incorporating performance-based criteria, MAP-21 continues the processes of SAFETEA-LU requiring MPOs to consider eight specific factors in the development of transportation plans and programs. These include:

Support the economic vitality of the metropolitan area, especially by enabling global competitiveness, productivity, and efficiency;
Increase the safety of the transportation system for motorized and nonmotorized users;
Increase the security of the transportation system for motorized and nonmotorized users;
Increase the accessibility and mobility of people and for freight;
Protect and enhance the environment, promote energy conservation, improve the quality of life, and promote consistency between transportation improvements and State and local planned growth and economic development patterns;
Enhance the integration and connectivity of the transportation system, across and between modes, for people and freight;
Promote efficient system management and operating; and
Emphasize the preservation of the existing transportation system.
 

The Transportation Technical Advisory Committee coordinates transportation issues at the technical level and provides technical advice to the Policy Board.

The functions of the Technical Advisory Committee include the following:

Present transportation agenda items to various agencies
Receive presentations from various agencies
Review transportation plans and studies
Make recommendations to the Transportation Policy Board
Review transportation issues at the request of the Policy Board
Develop and review the UPWP
 

The Transportation Policy Board (TPB) is the final approval authority for transportation planning. The Board reviews and approves the overall work program and makes policy determinations concerning the transportation plan and the transportation improvement program. The functions of the Policy Board include the following:

Develop and maintain a comprehensive transportation planning program in conformance with Section 134 and 49 U.S.C.
Develop and approve all policy procedures for transportation planning in the Chisholm Trail Metropolitan Area
Review and approve the Transportation Plan and the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP)
Ensure that established Public Involvement Procedures are carried out appropriately for all major transportation activities
Establish and revise the metropolitan area boundary as required by law
Prepare certifications
Review and approve UPWP.**