Transportation Consultation with Rural Officials Policy

The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) is the primary decision maker for federal-aid transportation plans and investments in non-metropolitan areas with populations below 50,000. However, ADOT understands the importance of consulting with local governments before, during, and after the decision making process to insure participation results in improved transportation system planning, performance and project development. Therefore, ADOT has developed guidelines that outline the consultantion process, and defines how and when outreach will occur with officials from rural areas.

The primary guidelines for state consultation with non-metropolitan local officials are contained in the FHWA and FTA joint rulemaking, Statewide and Metropolitan Planning: Part 450 Planning Assistance and Standards. (Federal Register: February 14, 2007, Part III). According to 23 CFR 450.210(b) At least once every five years (as of February 24, 2006), the State shall review and solicit comments from non-metropolitan local officials and other interested parties for a period of not less than 60 calendar days regarding the effectiveness of the consultation process and any proposed changes. A specific request for comments shall be directed to the State association of counties, State municipal league, regional planning agencies, or directly to non-metropolitan local officials.

It is intended that this document is subject to review and revision every 5 years. In the event that Congress enacts new transportation language, this document will be subject to immediate revision.

Embedded within the policy below is a quick survey about this document, or you may submit comments about this document via email (another link provided within the document).