How is the STIP Developed?
Texas has both a decentralized and centralized programming process. A majority of the expected federal highway and transit funds are distributed to the twenty-three MPOs and the twenty-five TxDOT Districts for the selection of federally funded projects in the STIP. Federal funds that are not targeted to these groups are used for the statewide bridge and safety programs that are solicited and awarded centrally. Public input is provided at various points within the STIP development process. The STIP is updated on a biennial basis in odd numbered years. The general development process is shown in Table 17-1.
Step # | Responsible Party | Action | Timeframe |
|---|---|---|---|
1 | TxDOT Commission | Approves funding levels (UTP) | August |
2 | Districts, MPOs | Develop TIPs (Districts –Rural TIPs & MPOs – Metropolitan TIPs) | August-March |
3 | Districts, MPOs | Public involvement /comment period (District – Rural TIPs & MPOs – Metropolitan TIPs) | March-April |
4 | Districts, MPOs, TTP STIP staff | e-STIP: Districts enter TIP information in TxDOT CONNECT screen. TIP information; entered electronically into STIP database via Internet Portal. (Districts –Rural TIPs & MPOs – Metropolitan TIPs) | April-May |
5 | TTP STIP staff | e-STIP : Locks STIP database to review/compile electronic STIP data | May-June |
6 | TTP STIP staff, GCD | STIP public hearing notice published in Texas Register (starts 30-day public comment period) TPP Notifies FHWA and FTA that STIP data is available for review/comment. | Late June or Early July |
7 | TTP STIP staff, GCD | Public hearing held in Austin | August |
8 | TTP STIP staff | Compiles STIP exhibit, MO for Commission meeting | August |
9 | TxDOT Commission | Commission adopts DRAFT STIP after comment period expires/comments addressed | August |
10 | TxDOT Administration / Governor | Administration / Governor reviews and approves DRAFT STIP, signs letter for transmittal to FHWA and FTA. | August-Early September |
11 | TTP STIP staff | Transmits letter to FHWA and FTA | Early September |
12 | FHWA, FTA | e-STIP: Reviews, makes comments, and approves STIP data in database. STIP no longer DRAFT. Previous STIP becomes null and void. | Late October or Early November |