The Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA) of 1991 changed how Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPO’s) conduct the transportation planning process, requiring enhanced public involvement. TEA-21 reiterated and strengthened requirements for stakeholder and public involvement in 1998. In 2005, Safe Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU) reinforced TEA-21 and particularly focused on ensuring environmental justice and the involvement of minority and low-income citizens in the planning process. In October 2012 Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century (MAP-21) continued the trend developed by SAFETEA-LU.
The Charlottesville/Albemarle MPO Public Participation Plan reflects the requirements of the present transportation act, contained in Federal Regulation Code 450.316 and outlines the MPO’s base Public Participation Requirements. MPO Staff make every effort to go above and beyond these requirements.