Chapter 2 - Project Origination and Planning
Project origination and planning is the first step in DelDOT’s project development process. Project origination refers to the creation of the project, including initial development and conceptualization of a transportation project. It involves the identification of transportation needs and deficiencies, assessment of alternatives, and the initiation of a project planning process. Project origination typically includes activities such as conducting feasibility studies, evaluating potential impacts, determining project scope, and identifying potential funding sources. It is the starting point for formally defining and advancing a transportation project from an initial idea to a well-defined concept that can be further developed and eventually implemented.
Transportation project planning and programming is regulated at a federal-level and conducted through regional, state, and local-scale to ensure implementation of a process and improvements that consider the needs and desires of the end users. Understanding a project’s origination and purpose and need is crucial to ensure the development of contextually sensitive solutions that effectively address the underlying transportation deficiency. This chapter describes the mechanisms, processes, and associated standards that are used to plan, prioritize, and program projects within the State of Delaware.
2.1 Planning Standards
To be eligible to receive federal funds, a state department of transportation (DOT) is required to carry out a continuing, cooperative, and comprehensive performance-based statewide multimodal transportation planning process in accordance with 23 CFR 450. DelDOT’s Division of Planning is charged with overseeing and coordinating with necessary stakeholders both internal and external to DelDOT to maintain a federally compliant statewide planning process that considers the factors described in 23 U.S.C. 135(d)(1) and 23 CFR 450.206(a). This section of the manual serves to summarize several key aspects of a compliant planning process.
2.1.1 Contributing Organizations
DelDOT is charged with overseeing the entire statewide transportation planning process and for producing the deliverables that are described in [bookmark://_2.1.2_Performance-Based_Approach/ Section 2.1.2]. Continuous collaboration and coordination are required throughout the planning process to ensure effective constituent involvement. The regulatory requirements of the collaboration required in the planning process is explicitly defined in 23 CFR 450.208. This subsection identifies and further describes the role of organizations that are directly involved in DelDOT’s planning process.
2.1.1.1 Metropolitan Planning Organizations
A Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) is a regional agency responsible for transportation planning in metropolitan areas with populations over 50,000, as determined by the United States Census. MPOs are required for urbanized areas to ensure a coordinated and comprehensive approach to transportation planning and decision-making. Accordingly, MPOs play an instrumental role in the planning process.
MPOs have a governing board composed of representatives from local governments, transit agencies, and other stakeholders. They engage in a collaborative process involving public input, data analysis, and coordination with local constituents to ensure the development of planning deliverables that consider the needs of the local population.
MPOs play a crucial role in ensuring that transportation planning aligns with federal regulations, such as the transportation planning requirements of the Metropolitan Transportation Planning process outlined in 23 CFR 450. By coordinating transportation investments and addressing regional priorities, MPOs help enhance mobility, manage congestion, and support the overall development of the metropolitan area’s transportation system.
MPOs are formally designated by agreement between the Governor and local governments that together represent at least 75 percent of the affected population including the largest incorporated city, based on population. MPO boundaries are reviewed after each census to determine if existing boundaries meet the minimum statutory requirements for new and updated urbanized area(s).
An urbanized area with a population over 200,000, as defined by the Bureau of the Census and designated by the Secretary of the United States Department of Transportation (US DOT), is defined as a Transportation Management Area (TMA). MPOs located within a TMA are charged with developing additional planning products in recognition of the greater complexity of transportation challenges that are inherently present in large urban areas. The structure and roles of TMAs are more fully described in 23 CFR 450.310(d).
Delaware contains three MPOs within its boundaries: • Wilmington Area Planning Council (WILMAPCO) covering New Castle County, Delaware and Cecil County Maryland, • Dover/ Kent MPO covering Kent County, and • Salisbury/ Wicomico MPO covering portions of Sussex County.
Additionally, WILMAPCO is also considered a TMA.
2.1.1.2 Regional Transportation Planning Organizations (RTPOs) and Local Governments
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Regional Transportation Planning Organizations (RTPOs) are comprised of multijurisdictional nonmetropolitan local officials or their designees who volunteer to provide input into the state planning process. RTPOs are established by a state’s Governor to enhance the planning, coordination, and implementation of the statewide planning program with an emphasis on addressing the needs of nonmetropolitan areas of a state. There are currently no RTPOs designated within the State of Delaware.
When an RTPO is not designated for a region, the state is required to consult directly with affected nonmetropolitan local officials to determine projects that may be of regional significance. Additionally, states are required under 23 CFR 450.210(b) to have a documented process(es) for cooperating with nonmetropolitan local officials to develop the deliverables described in [bookmark://_2.1.4.1_Long-Range_Transportation/ Section 2.1.4.1] and [bookmark://_2.1.4.2_Statewide_Transportation/ Section 2.1.4.2]. DelDOT’s consultation process is contained within its Consultation Process for Non-Metropolitan Officials document.
2.1.1.3 Public Transportation Operators
Public transportation operators refer to a public entity or government-approved authority that participates in the continuing, cooperative, and comprehensive transportation planning process and is a recipient of federal funds to provide transportation to the public within a specific area or jurisdiction. These operators can include various types of organizations, such as transit agencies, transportation authorities, or private companies contracted to provide public transportation services. Public transportation operators typically manage and operate various modes of public transportation, including buses, trains, light rail, streetcars, and ferries. The primary objective of a public transportation operator is to provide safe, efficient, and accessible transportation options to the public, helping to reduce traffic congestion, improve air quality, and enhance mobility within communities. These organizations coordinate directly with MPOs to assist in the development of the MPOs required planning deliverables. DelDOT will coordinate with these organizations during the planning process to solicit input as needed. Public transportation operators within Delaware’s boundaries include Delaware Transit Corporation (DTC), Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA), and Cecil Transit.
2.1.1.4 Council on Transportation The Council on Transportation (COT) serves as an important advisory body, helping to shape transportation policies and plans in Delaware. The COT is responsible for advising the Governor, DelDOT, and other relevant agencies on matters related to transportation. The goal of the COT is to enhance transportation systems, promote economic growth, and improve the overall quality of life for residents and visitors in the State.
The COT is comprised of members appointed by the Governor. The duties of the COT are described in 29 Del. C § 8409 of the Delaware Code. The COT plays an instrumental role in the development and approval of the planning document deliverables described in [bookmark://_2.1.4.1_Long-Range_Transportation/ Section 2.1.4.1] and [bookmark://_2.1.4.2_Statewide_Transportation/ Section 2.1.4.2]. The specific tasks that the COT performs in the planning process include the following: • Approve DelDOT’s performance-based criteria which is further described in [bookmark://_2.1.2_Performance-Based_Approach/ Section 2.1.2], in accordance with 29 Del. C § 8419 (1) and 29 Del. C § 8419 (2) of the Delaware Code. • Hold public meetings in each county to inform the public and solicit comment on the proposed program contained in the federally required Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP). The STIP is commonly referred to in Delaware as the Capital Transportation Plan (CTP). • Make priority changes to the proposed CTP in an open meeting by documenting the reasons and justifications for the changes. This allowance is provided only after the written public comment period ends. • Review and approve the Long-Range Transportation Plan, which is further described in [bookmark://_2.1.4.1_Long-Range_Transportation/ Section 2.1.4.1], in accordance with 29 Del. C § 8419 (3). • Approve the CTP before it is sent to the full Delaware General Assembly for approval in accordance with 29 Del. C § 8409 (b)(3) of the Delaware Code.