A Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) is a federally mandated regional agency charged with carrying out a region's transportation planning processes. MPOs are required in all urbanized areas with populations over 50,000.

For more information on the Sandhills MPO, please visit Transportation/Sandhills MPO | Village of Pinehurst, NC.

The Sandhills Metropolitan Planning Area includes the Sandhills Urbanized Area as established in the most recent U.S. Decennial Census. The Sandhills MPO includes the following municipalities: Village of Pinehurst, Town of Southern Pines, Town of Aberdeen, Village of Whispering Pines, Town of Pinebluff, Town of Taylortown and portions of unincorporated Moore County.

The Sandhills MPO is mandated under federal law to conduct a cooperative, continuous and comprehensive transportation planning process. The agency plans and commits funds for the construction of transportation improvements across multiple transportation modes as well as for sub area corridor studies.

In addition to the MTP, the Sandhills MPO also completes the Comprehensive Transportation Plan (CTP), the Public Involvement Plan, and the Title VI Plan. For more information, see the Transportation/Sandhills MPO | Village of Pinehurst, NC.

The final MTP will include information about infrastructure, safety, security, freight, mobility and risk management, and finances.

The Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP) serves as a long-range blueprint for transportation planning and development in metropolitan areas. It is a federally mandated document that outlines transportation strategies and projects expected over the next 20 to 25 years. Below are the federal requirements and purpose of the MTP:

Federal Requirements for MTP:

1. Long-Range Planning: The MTP must cover a planning horizon of at least 20 years into the future.
2. Update Cycle: For areas in air quality non-attainment, the MTP must be updated at least every four years. For attainment areas, it must be updated every five years.
3. Fiscal Constraint: The plan must be fiscally constrained, meaning it must include only those projects and programs for which funding is reasonably expected to be available.
4. Public Participation: The MTP development process must provide opportunities for public involvement, ensuring that community members and stakeholders can participate in the decision-making process.
5. Performance-Based Planning: The MTP must include a performance-based approach to planning, with specific goals, measures, and targets to assess the effectiveness of the transportation system.
6. Environmental Considerations: It must consider environmental factors and potential impacts, including conformity with air quality standards in non-attainment and maintenance areas.

Purpose of the MTP:

1. Guiding Investments: The primary purpose of the MTP is to guide the metropolitan area’s transportation investments and policies. It prioritizes projects and initiatives that align with community goals and federal requirements.
2. Anticipating Future Needs: The MTP anticipates future transportation needs based on projected population growth, economic development, land use patterns, and environmental considerations.
3. Promoting Sustainability: The MTP promotes sustainable transportation solutions that minimize environmental impacts, improve air quality, and support energy conservation.
4. Enhancing Connectivity: By addressing all modes of transportation—including motor vehicles, bicycles, walking, public transit, and freight—the MTP strives to create an integrated, multimodal transportation system that enhances regional connectivity and mobility.
5. Improving Safety and Accessibility: The MTP includes strategies to improve transportation safety and accessibility for all users, including individuals with disabilities and underserved communities.
6. Supporting Economic Development: The plan aims to support regional economic development by facilitating efficient movement of people and goods, thereby enhancing competitiveness and quality of life.

By meeting these requirements and aligning with its purpose, the MTP plays a critical role in shaping the future transportation landscape, ensuring that metropolitan areas can effectively and sustainably meet the needs of their residents and businesses.