Some projects require Executive Director approval, but not specific Commission approval. Title 43 TAC §15.56 (d) states that the executive director is authorized to approve requests to finance an approved highway improvement project. An “approved highway improvement project” is defined as a highway improvement project on the state highway system identified in the statewide transportation plan (STP) or a regional transportation plan. The district's Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP) is considered to be the regional plan. If the project is in the STP or the district's TIP, a separate MO is not required.