The local government (LG) must demonstrate to TxDOT that it has adequate staff to manage all project functions. The LG staff should be experienced in managing similar types of projects or programs and have a general knowledge of standard procedures for managing consultants, contractors and other vendors as required by the project. One of the required methods for the LG to demonstrate its qualifications and proposed approach to manage one or more phases of project development and delivery is by completing Part A of the form.

Each TxDOT district has a planning and programming section that studies and plans for the needs of the district’s highway system. LGs should work with the TxDOT district staff to identify and prioritize funding for projects. After prioritizing local needs in the context of available funding, the district staff updates and coordinates project planning and programing with the TxDOT Transportation Planning and Programming Division (TPP) and the Financial Management Division (FIN) in Austin.

For LG projects with district oversight, the TxDOT district must review Part A of the form provided by the LG, complete Part B of the form, determine which elements the LG will be authorized to perform or manage, and set a minimum oversight level to be provided by the district.

Within TPP, the Statewide Planning Branch integrates the district plans into TxDOT’s . The TxDOT Project Selection Process involves an annual public meeting, hearing and amendment process for the UTP. Interim updates to the UTP may occur when requested by the Texas Transportation Commission. The Statewide Planning Branch of TPP also is called upon to provide special reports and analysis for the Commission, TxDOT administration, TxDOT districts, FHWA, LGs and private parties. The UTP is approved and implemented under a minute order from the Texas Transportation Commission. This minute order specifies the amount of funding that will be provided by TxDOT for many programs, including LG and state projects.

For LG projects with division oversight, the TxDOT division must review Part A of the form provided by the LG, complete Part B of the form, determine which elements the LG will be authorized to perform or manage, and set a minimum oversight level to be provided by the division.

An approved minute order authorizing the project, an executed Oversight Level Special Approval form, and an executed contract in the form of an AFA are necessary before the LG can be authorized to begin work on each project or program.

The project must be a product of the statewide and metropolitan transportation planning process as described in . As per those federal regulations, the project must be documented in the appropriate Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP) and (STIP) before any work is initiated.