FAQ

What is a Metropolitan Planning Organization?
A metropolitan planning organization is the local agency designated by federal law to have the lead responsibility for regional transportation planning for areas with a population greater than 50,000.

What is the Central Lane MPO?
In 1974, the governor designated Lane Council of Governments as the MPO for the central Lane County area that currently includes the Eugene-Springfield metropolitan area and Coburg. The Central Lane MPO is one of approximately 400 across the country and one of 6 in Oregon.

Who makes decisions for the Central Lane MPO?
The decision making body is the Metropolitan Policy Committee, which was created by Eugene, Springfield, and Lane County to cooperate on issues of metro-wide importance. The members of the Metropolitan Policy Committee are elected and appointed officials from Springfield, Eugene, Lane County, Coburg, Lane Transit District, and the Oregon Department of Transportation.

What does the Central Lane MPO do?
The Central Lane MPO is a forum for cooperative transportation decision making for the Eugene-Springfield metropolitan area and Coburg. The MPO produces plans and programs that focus on the regional aspects of transportation planning. The MPO channels federal funding to local transportation projects and programs through a sound planning process that is comprehensive, cooperative, and continuing.

There are five core functions of a Metropolitan Planning Organization:
1. Establish a fair and impartial setting for regional decision making.
2. Evaluate transportation alternatives.
3. Maintain a long-range transportation plan covering a 20 year planning horizon.
4. Develop a 4 year Transportation Improvement Program and prioritize projects.
5. Involve the public.

How is the Metropolitan Planning Organization process funded?
The federal government is the primary funding source for the Central Lane MPO. Other funding may come from a variety of sources including the state, transit districts, and local governments.