DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Transportation Commission
RULES GOVERNING THE STATEWIDE TRANSPORTATION PLANNING PROCESS AND TRANSPORTATION PLANNING REGIONS
2 CCR 601-21
_________________________________________________________________________
STATEMENT OF BASIS AND PURPOSE AND STATUTORY AUTHORITY
The purpose of the Rules is to prescribe the statewide transportation planning process through which a, long-range multimodal, comprehensive statewide transportation plan will be developed, integrated, updated, and amended by the Colorado Department of Transportation (Department), in cooperation with local governments, Metropolitan Planning Organizations, Regional Planning Commissions, Indian tribal governments, Federal Highway Administration, Federal Transit Administration, Federal Aviation Administration, Federal Railroad Administration, U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, Secretary of the Interior, National Park Service, other federal and state agencies, the private sector, transit and freight operators, and the general public. This cooperative process is designed to coordinate regional transportation planning, guided by the statewide transportation policy set by the Department and the Colorado Transportation Commission (Commission), as a fundamental basis for developing the statewide transportation plan. The result of the statewide transportation planning process shall be a long-range, financially feasible, environmentally sound multimodal transportation system plan for Colorado.
Further, the purpose of the Rules is to identify the state's Transportation Planning Regions for which long-range Regional Transportation Plans are developed, and prescribe the process for conducting and initiating transportation planning in these regions as well as coordinating with the Metropolitan Planning Organizations for planning in the metropolitan areas. In addition, the purpose of the Rules is to describe the organization and function of the Statewide Transportation Advisory Committee (STAC) as established by § 43-1-1104, Colorado Revised Statutes (C.R.S.).
The Rules are being promulgated to meet the intent of both the U.S. Congress and the Colorado General Assembly for developing a continuing, cooperative, and comprehensive statewide multimodal transportation planning process to address the transportation problems of the state by producing a statewide transportation plan. This plan will be implemented by systematic project prioritization and selection and budgeting of resources, utilizing a comprehensive input process. 
The Rules are intended to be consistent with and not be a replacement for the federal transportation planning requirements contained in 23 United States Code (U.S.C.) 134 and 135 and in implementing regulations contained in  23 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 450, including Subparts A, B and C.
The Statewide Planning Rules, as a component of the statewide plan, emphasize Colorado’s continually greater integration of multimodal, cost-effective and environmentally sound means of transportation.  The Rules reflect the Department’s focus on multimodal transportation projects including highways, aviation, transit and rail, bicycles and pedestrians. 

The Rules are promulgated by the Commission pursuant to the specific statutory authority 
found in § 43-1-1103 (5), C.R.S., 
and § 43-1-106 (8)(k), C.R.S.
 
1.00	Definitions
1.01	Accessible - ensure that all meeting locations are reachable by persons from households without vehicles and that they will be accessible to persons with disabilities in accordance with CDOT Policy 605.0 and the Americans with Disabilities Act.
1.02	Alternative Mode - any mode of transportation other than a single occupant vehicle.
1.03	Attainment Area – Any geographic area in which levels of a given criteria air pollutant (e.g., ozone, carbon monoxide, PM10, PM2.5, and nitrogen dioxide) meet the health-based National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for that pollutant as defined in the Clean Air Act.
1.04	Commission - the State Transportation Commission created by § 43-1-106, C.R.S.
1.05	Corridor - a described geographic area, having length and width for purposes of transportation planning, and including all modes of travel.
1.06	Corridor Vision - A comprehensive examination of a specific transportation corridor which includes a determination of needs and an expression of desired state of the transportation system over the planning period and includes all modes and facilities.
1.07	Department - the Colorado Department of Transportation created by § 43-1-103, C.R.S.
1.08	Division – The Division of Transportation Development within the Colorado Department of Transportation.
1.09	Division Director - the Director of the Division of Transportation Development.
1.10	Fiscally Constrained - the financial limitation on transportation plans based on the projection of revenues reasonably expected to be available over the long-range planning period as adopted by the Commission prior to updating regional and statewide plans.
1.11	Intergovernmental Agreement - an arrangement made between two or more political subdivisions that form associations for the purpose of promoting the interest and welfare of said subdivisions.
1.12	Intermodal - the ability to connect and the connections between different transportation modes, (bicycle, pedestrian, transit, rail, aircraft, and motor vehicle).
1.13	Long-range Planning - a reference to a planning period with a minimum 20-year planning horizon.
1.14	Maintenance Area – any geographic region of the United States that the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) previously designated as a Nonattainment Area for one or more pollutants pursuant to the Clean Air Act (CAA) Amendments of 1990 and subsequently redesignated as an Attainment Area subject to the requirement to develop a maintenance plan under section 175A of the CAA.
1.15	Metropolitan Planning Area - is a geographic area determined by agreement between the Metropolitan Planning Organization for the area and the Governor, in which the metropolitan transportation planning process is carried out pursuant to  23 U.S.C. § 134.
1.16	Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) - an organization within the State of Colorado designated by agreement among the units of general purpose local government and the Governor, charged to develop the transportation plans and programs in a metropolitan planning area pursuant to  23 U.S.C. § 134.
1.17	Mobility - the ability to move people, goods, and information among various origins and destinations.
1.20	Multimodal - an integrated modal approach having two or more modes (bicycle, pedestrian, transit, rail, aircraft, and motor vehicle).
1.21	Nonattainment Area - any geographic region of the United States which has been designated by the EPA as a Nonattainment Area under section 107 of the Clean Air Act for any pollutants for which a national ambient air quality standard exists.
1.22	Non-metropolitan Area – a rural geographic area outside a designated metropolitan planning area.
1.23	Regional and Statewide Plan Guidebook or “Guidebook”- The plan Guidebook is developed in collaboration with CDOT’s planning partners in order to assist local governments and interested parties in the development of long-range transportation plans. Though MPO processes are addressed in federal regulations, some information is typically included for MPOs based on the need for consistency between rural and metropolitan plans as they are consolidated into the Statewide Transportation Plan. 1.24	Regional Planning Commission (RPC) - the planning body formed under the provisions of § 30-28-105, C.R.S., and designated under these Rules for the purpose of transportation planning.
1.25	Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) - a technically-based, long-range plan designed to address the future transportation needs for a Transportation Planning Region including, but not limited to, anticipated funding, priorities, and implementation plans, pursuant to, but not limited to, § 43-1-1103, C.R.S. and 23 CFR § 450.
1.26	State Transportation System - refers to all transportation facilities in Colorado, including, but not limited to, interstates, highways, local roads, aviation facilities, bicycle and pedestrian facilities, transit facilities, and rail facilities.
1.27	Statewide and Regional Planning Manager - the person who manages the Statewide Plan development at the Colorado Department of Transportation.
1.28	Statewide Transportation Advisory Committee (STAC) - the committee created by § 43-1-1104, C.R.S., composed of one representative from each transportation planning region, to review and comment on Regional Transportation Plans, amendments, and updates, and to advise the Department on the needs of transportation systems in Colorado.
1.29	Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) - a staged, fiscally constrained, multi-year, statewide, multimodal program of transportation projects which is consistent with the statewide transportation plan and planning processes, with metropolitan planning area plans, Transportation Improvement Programs and processes, and which is developed pursuant to  23 U.S.C. 135.
1.30	Statewide Transportation Plan - the long-range, fiscally constrained, comprehensive, multimodal statewide transportation plan covering a period of no less than 20 years from time of adoption, developed through the statewide transportation planning process, and adopted by the Commission pursuant to § 43-1-1103, C.R.S.
1.31	System Continuity - includes, but is not limited to, appropriate intermodal connections, integration with state modal plans, and coordination with neighboring Regional Transportation Plans.
1.32	Traditionally Underserved - This refers to groups such as the elderly, persons with disabilities, low-income households, minorities, and student populations which may face difficulties accessing transportation systems, employment and other amenities.
1.33	Transit and Rail Advisory Committee (TRAC) – an advisory committee created specifically to advise the Executive Director, the Commission and the Division of Transit and Rail on transit and rail-related activities. 
1.34 	Transportation Commission – The commission established pursuant to § 43-1-105 C.R.S.
1.35	Transportation Commonality - the basis on which Transportation Planning Regions are established including, but not limited to: Transportation Commission Districts, the Department's Engineering Regions, travelsheds, watersheds, geographic unity, existing intergovernmental agreements, and socioeconomic unity.
1.36	Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) - a staged, fiscally constrained, multi-year, multimodal program of transportation projects developed and adopted by MPOs and approved by the Governor which is consistent with the metropolitan transportation plan, and which is developed pursuant to 23 U.S.C. § 134.
1.37	Transportation Mode - a particular form of travel including, but not limited to, motor vehicle, rail, mass transit, aircraft, bicycle, or pedestrian travel.
1.38	Transportation Planning and Programming Process - all collaborative planning-related activities including the development of regional and statewide transportation plans, the Department's project priority programming process, and development of the Transportation Improvement Programs (TIPs) and Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP).
1.39	Transportation Planning Region (TPR) - a geographically designated area of the state, meeting some, or all, of the criteria for transportation commonality, and within which a regional transportation plan is developed pursuant to the provisions of § 43-1-1102 and 1103, C.R.S and 23 U.S.C. § 134.  TPR refers to both MPO and non-MPO transportation planning regions.
1.40	Transportation Systems Planning - a procedure for developing an integrated means of providing adequate facilities for the movement of people, goods, services, and information, involving regional or statewide analysis of transportation needs and the identification of transportation facilities and corridors.
1.41	Travelshed - the region or area generally served by a major transportation facility, system, or corridor.
1.42    Tribal Transportation Improvement Program (TTIP) - a multi-year financially constrained list of proposed transportation projects developed by a tribe from the tribal priority list or the long range transportation plan, and which is developed pursuant to Title 25 CFR Part 170.421.
1.43	Urbanized Area - an area with a population of 50,000 or more designated by the Bureau of the Census.
1.44	Watershed -   as the term is defined by the Division of Water Resources, Department of Natural Resources, State of Colorado, comprising the drainage basin of a major river, and considered in establishing TPR boundaries.
2.00	Transportation Planning Regions (TPR)
2.01	Transportation Planning Region Boundaries. Transportation Planning Regions are 
geographically designated areas of the state with similar transportation needs that are determined by considering transportation commonalities. Boundaries are hereby established as follows:
	2.01.1	The Pikes Peak Area Transportation Planning Region comprised of the Pikes Peak Area Council of Governments' metropolitan area within El Paso and Teller Counties. 
2.01.2  The Greater Denver Metropolitan Transportation Planning Region comprised of the counties of Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Broomfield, Clear Creek, Denver, Douglas, Gilpin, Jefferson, and parts of Weld, including the Denver Regional Council of Governments' metropolitan area.
2.01.3  The North Front Range Transportation Planning Region comprised of the North Front Range Transportation and Air Quality Planning Council's metropolitan area within Larimer and Weld Counties.
2.01.4  The Pueblo Area Transportation Planning Region comprised of Pueblo County, including the Pueblo Area Council of Governments' metropolitan area.
2.01.5  The Grand Valley Transportation Planning Region comprised of Mesa County, including the Grand Valley Metropolitan Planning Organization's metropolitan area.
2.01.6  The Eastern Transportation Planning Region comprised of Cheyenne, Elbert, Kit Carson, Lincoln, Logan, Phillips, Sedgwick, Washington, and Yuma Counties.
2.01.7  The Southeast Transportation Planning Region comprised of Baca, Bent, Crowley, Kiowa, Otero, and Prowers Counties.
2.01.8  The San Luis Valley Transportation Planning Region comprised of Alamosa, Chaffee, Conejos, Costilla, Mineral, Rio Grande, and Saguache Counties.
2.01.9  The Gunnison Valley Transportation Planning Region comprised of Delta, Gunnison, Hinsdale, Montrose, Ouray, and San Miguel Counties.
2.01.10 The Southwest Transportation Planning Region comprised of Archuleta, Dolores, La Plata, Montezuma, and San Juan Counties, including the Ute Mountain Ute and Southern Ute Indian Reservations.
2.01.11 The Intermountain Transportation Planning Region comprised of Eagle, Garfield, Lake, Pitkin, and Summit Counties.
2.01.12 The Northwest Transportation Planning Region comprised of Grand, Jackson, Moffat, Rio Blanco, and Routt Counties.
2.01.13 The Upper Front Range Transportation Planning Region comprised of parts of Larimer, Morgan, and parts of Weld Counties, not in the North Front Range Transportation and Air Quality Planning Council's metropolitan area and the Greater Denver metropolitan area.
2.01.14 The Central Front Range Transportation Planning Region comprised of Custer, El Paso, Fremont, Park, and Teller Counties, excluding the Pikes Peak Area Council of Governments' metropolitan area.
2.01.15 The South Central Transportation Planning Region comprised of Huerfano, and Las Animas Counties. 
2.02	Formation of Regional Planning Commissions (RPC)
2.02.1	Municipalities and counties within a non-metropolitan area TPR may elect to form an 
	RPC for the purpose of transportation planning through an intergovernmental agreement, 
	pursuant to § 30-28-105 and § 43-1-1103 (1), C.R.S.
The RPC shall notify the Division Director by letter of the formation of an RPC for the purpose of transportation planning within thirty (30) days of the execution of the intergovernmental agreement or change in membership.
2.02.2	The notification shall include:
	2.02.2.1  An executed copy of the intergovernmental agreement.
	2.02.2.2  The name of the chairperson, and the mailing address, telephone 		number, fax number and electronic mail address (if available) of the 		RPC.
2.03	Boundary Revision Process
2.03.1	TPR boundaries, excluding any MPO-related boundaries, will be reviewed by the Commission at each plan update cycle for regional and statewide transportation planning. The Department will notify counties, municipalities, MPOs, Indian tribal governments, and RPCs for the TPRs of the boundary review, and will allow sixty (60) days for boundary revision requests. MPO boundary review shall be conducted pursuant to 23 U.S.C. § 134 and 23 CFR § 450 Subpart B and any changes shall be provided to the Department for updating the Rules.  All boundary revision requests shall be sent to the Division Director, and shall include:
2.03.1.1	A geographical description of the proposed boundary change.
2.03.1.2	A statement of justification for the change considering transportation 	commonalities.
2.03.1.3	A copy of the resolution stating the concurrence of the affected Regional 	Planning Commission.
2.03.1.4.	The name, title, mailing address, telephone number, fax number and 	electronic mail address (if available) of the contact person for the 	requesting party or parties.
2.03.2	The Department will assess and STAC shall review and comment (as set forth in these Rules) on all non-metropolitan area TPR boundary revision requests based on transportation commonalities and make a recommendation to the Commission concerning such request. The Department will notify the Commission of MPO boundary changes. The Commission may initiate a rule-making proceeding under the State Administrative Procedure Act, § 24-4-103, C.R.S. to consider such requests. Requests received for a TPR boundary revision outside of the regularly scheduled boundary review cycle must include the requirements identified above.
2.03.3	In the event that the Commission approves a change to the boundary of a TPR that has a Regional Planning Commission, the RPC in each affected TPR shall notify the Department of any changes to the intergovernmental agreement governing the RPC as specified in these Rules.
2.04	Transportation Planning Coordination with MPOs
2.04.1	The Department and the MPOs shall coordinate activities related to the development of Regional Transportation Plans, the Statewide Transportation Plan, TIPs and the STIP in conformance with 23 U.S.C. § 134 and 135 and § 43-1-1101 and § 43-1-1103, C.R.S. The Department shall work with the MPOs to resolve issues arising during the planning process.
2.05	Transportation Planning Coordination with Non-MPO TPRs
2.05.1	The Department and TPRs shall work together in developing Regional Transportation Plans and in planning future transportation activities. The Department shall consult with all TPRs on development of the Statewide Transportation Plan; incorporation of RTPs into the Statewide Transportation Plan; and the inclusion of projects into the STIP that are consistent with the RTPs. In addition, the Department shall work with the TPRs to resolve issues arising during the planning process.
2.06	Transportation Planning Coordination Among TPRs
2.06.1  If transportation improvements cross TPR boundaries or significantly affect another TPR, the TPR shall consult with all the affected TPRs involved when developing the regional transportation plan. In general, TPR planning officials shall work with all planning partners affected by transportation activities when planning future transportation activities.
2.07   Transportation Planning Coordination with the Southern Ute and the Ute Mountain Ute Tribal Governments
2.07.1	Regional transportation planning within the Southwest TPR shall be coordinated with the transportation planning activities of the Southern Ute and the Ute Mountain Ute Tribal governments. The long-range transportation plans for the tribal areas shall be incorporated by reference in the Statewide Transportation Plan and the Regional Transportation Plan for this TPR. The TTIPs shall be included by reference in the STIP.  
3.00	Statewide Transportation Advisory Committee (STAC)
3.01	Duties of the Statewide Transportation Advisory Committee (STAC).  Pursuant to § 43-1-1104 C.R.S. the duties of the STAC shall be to meet as necessary; provide advice to the Department on the needs of the transportation system; and review and comment on:
3.01.1  Regional Transportation Plans, amendments, and updates as described in these Rules.3.01.2  Transportation related communication and/or conflicts which arise between TPRs, or between the Department and a TPR.
3.01.3  The integration and consolidation of RTPs into the Statewide Transportation Plan.
3.01.4  Colorado's mobility requirements to move people, goods, services, and information by furnishing regional perspectives on transportation problems requiring interregional and/or statewide solutions.
3.01.5  Improvements to modal choice, linkages between modes, and transportation system balance and system continuity.
3.01.6  Proposed TPR boundary revisions.
3.02	Notification of Membership
3.02.1   Each TPR shall select its representative to the STAC pursuant to § 43-1-1104, C.R.S. The Ute Mountain Ute and the Southern Ute Tribal governments may each appoint a non-voting member to the STAC. The Division Director shall be notified in writing of the name, title, mailing address, telephone number, fax number and electronic mail address (if available) of the STAC representative from each TPR within thirty (30) days of selection.
3.03	Administration of Statewide Transportation Advisory Committee
3.03.1  STAC recommendations on Regional and Statewide Transportation Plans, amendments, and updates shall be documented in the STAC meeting minutes, and will be considered by the Department throughout the statewide transportation planning process.
3.03.2  The STAC shall establish procedures to govern its affairs in the performance of its advisory capacity, including, but not limited to, the appointment of a chairperson and the length of the chairperson's term, meeting times and locations.
3.03.3  The Division Director will provide support to the STAC, including, but not limited to:
	3.03.3.1  Notification of STAC members of meeting dates and agendas.
	3.03.3.2  Preparation and distribution of STAC meeting minutes.
	3.03.3.3	Allocation of Department staff support for STAC-related activities.
4.00  Development of Regional and Statewide Transportation Plans
4.01  Transportation Planning Regions, and the Department, shall comply with all applicable provisions of 23 U.S.C 134 and 135, 23 CFR Part 450 and § 43-1-1103, C.R.S. in their development of regional and statewide transportation plans, respectively.
4.02	Public Participation.  
4.02.1  Transportation Planning Regions and the Department shall provide early and continuous opportunity for public participation in the transportation planning process. The process shall be proactive and provide timely information, adequate public notice, reasonable public access, and opportunities for 
public review and comment at key decision points in the process. The objectives of 
public participation in the transportation planning process include: providing a mechanism for 
public perspectives, needs, and ideas to be incorporated in the planning process; developing the 
public's understanding of the problems and opportunities facing the transportation system; 
demonstrating explicit consideration and response to public input through a variety of tools and 
techniques; and developing consensus on plans.  The Department shall develop a documented 
public participation process pursuant to 23 CFR 450.

4.02.1.1.	Statewide Plans and Programs
Pursuant to 23 CFR 450 Subpart B, the Department is responsible, in cooperation with the Transportation Planning Regions, for carrying out public participation for developing, amending, and updating the statewide transportation plan, the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP), and other statewide transportation planning activities.
4.02.1.2.	MPO Plans and Programs
Pursuant to 23 CFR Part 450 Subpart C, the MPOs are responsible for carrying out public participation for the development of regional transportation plans, transportation improvement programs and other related regional transportation planning activities for their respective metropolitan areas. Public participation activities carried out in a metropolitan area in response to metropolitan planning requirements may by agreement of the Department and the MPO, satisfy the requirements of this subsection.
4.02.1.3.	Non-MPO TPR Plans and Programs
Regional Planning Commissions for Non-MPO TPRs are responsible for public participation related to regional planning activities in that TPR, in cooperation with the Department.. Specific areas of cooperation shall be determined by agreement between the regional planning commission and the Department.
4.02.1.4.	Public Participation Activities
Public participation activities at both the regional and statewide level shall include, at a minimum:
4.02.1.4.1	Establishing and maintaining for the geographic area of responsibility a mailing list of all known parties interested in transportation planning including, but not limited to: elected officials; municipal and county planning staffs; affected public agencies; local, state, and federal agencies eligible for federal and state transportation funds; local representatives of public transportation agency employees and users; freight shippers and providers of freight transportation services; public and private transportation providers; representatives of alternative transportation mode users, such as pedestrian walkways and bicycle transportation facilities, the disabled community; private industry; environmental and other interest groups; Indian tribal governments and the U.S. Secretary of the Interior when tribal lands are involved; and representatives of persons or groups that may be underserved by existing transportation systems, such as minority, low-income, elderly and persons with disabilities; and members of the general public expressing such interest in the transportation planning process.
4.02.1.4.2	Providing reasonable notice and opportunity to comment to those persons on the transportation mailing list of upcoming transportation planning-related activities and meetings.
4.02.1.4.3 	Utilizing reasonably available internet or traditional media opportunities to provide timely notices of planning-related activities and meetings to members of the general public. Methods that will be used to the maximum extent practicable for public participation could include use of the internet; news media, such as newspapers, radio, or television; mailings and notices, including electronic mail.
4.02.1.4.4	Seeking out those persons or groups traditionally underserved by existing transportation systems, including the elderly and persons with disabilities, for the purposes of exchanging information, increasing their involvement, and considering their transportation needs in the transportation planning process. Pursuant to § 43-1-601, C.R.S., the Department shall prepare a statewide survey identifying the transportation needs of the elderly and of persons with disabilities.
4.02.1.4.5	Consulting, as appropriate, with Transportation Planning Regions, and federal, state, local, and tribal agencies responsible for land use management, natural resources, environmental protection, conservation and historic preservation concerning the development of long-range transportation plans.
4.02.1.4.6	Providing reasonable public access to, and appropriate opportunities for public review and comment on criteria, standards, and other planning-related information used in the development of transportation plans, at public facilities, such as Department headquarters and region offices, state depository libraries, county offices, TPR offices, the Colorado Division offices for the Federal Highway Administration and the Federal Transit Administration and the internet.
4.02.1.4.7	Scheduling the development of regional and statewide plans so that the release of the draft plans may be coordinated to provide for the opportunity for joint outreach at such time. 
4.02.1.5	Documentation of Responses to Significant Issues.  The Transportation Planning Regions and the Department shall respond in writing 
to all significant issues raised during the review and comment period on transportation plans, and 
make these responses available to the public. For example, the inclusion or exclusion of projects 
in an emissions analysis shall be considered a significant issue.
4.02.1.6	Review of the Public Involvement Process. Periodically review the effectiveness of the public involvement process to ensure that the process 
provides full and open access to all members of the public and revise the process as necessary 
and allowing time for public review and comment per 23 CFR 450. 

4.03   Transportation Systems Planning. Transportation Planning Regions, 
and the Department, shall use an integrated multimodal transportation 
systems planning approach in developing and updating the long-range Regional 
Transportation Plans and the long-range Statewide Transportation Plan for a minimum 
20-year forecasting period. Transportation Planning Regions shall have 
flexibility in the methods selected for transportation systems planning based on the 
complexity of transportation problems and available resources within the TPR. The 
Department will provide guidance and assistance to Transportation Planning 
Regions regarding the selection of appropriate methods.
4.03.1	State and federal transportation system planning factors to be considered by Transportation Planning Regions and the Department during their respective transportation systems planning shall include, at a minimum, the factors described in § 43-1-1103 (5), C.R.S., and in 23 U.S.C. 134 and 135.
4.03.2	Transportation systems planning by Transportation Planning Regions and the Department shall consider the results of any related studies that have been completed. Transportation Planning Regions and the Department may also identify any corridor(s) or sub-area(s) where an environmental study or assessment may need to be performed in the future.
403.3	Transportation systems planning by Transportation Planning Regions shall consider corridor vision needs and desired state of the transportation system including existing and future land use and infrastructure, major activity centers such as industrial, commercial and recreations areas, economic development, environmental protection and modal choices.
4.03.4	Transportation systems planning by Transportation Planning Regions shall include operational and management strategies to improve the performance of existing transportation facilities to relieve vehicular congestion and maximize the safety and mobility of people and goods.
4.03.5	Transportation systems planning by the Department should include capital, operations, maintenance and management strategies, investments, procedures, and other measures to ensure the preservation and most efficient use of the existing transportation system.
4.04.5.6	Transportation systems planning by the Department shall consider and integrate all modes into the Statewide Transportation Plan and include coordination with Department modal plans and modal committees, such as the Transit and Rail Advisory Committee (TRAC).

4.04  Regional Transportation Plans (RTP)  Metropolitan Planning Organizations develop long-range regional transportation plans in accordance with federal (23 U.S.C. 134) and state (43-1-1103 and 43-1-1104, C.R.S.) law and implementing regulations, and are consistent with the applicable metropolitan planning sections of the Regional and Statewide 
Plan Guidebook   developed by the Department in collaboration 
with its planning partners.
4.04.1	Content of Regional Transportation Plans.  Each RTP shall include at a minimum, the following elements:
4.04.1.1	Transportation system facility and service requirements of the TPR over a minimum 20-year planning period necessary to meet expected demand, and the anticipated capital, maintenance and operating cost for these facilities and services.
4.04.1.2	The fiscally constrained integrated multimodal transportation plan based on revenues reasonably expected to be available over the minimum 20-year planning period (fiscally constrained plan).
4.04.1.3	Analysis of the planning factors referenced in these Rules upon which the transportation facility and service requirements and the fiscally constrained plan are based.
4.04.1.4	Incorporate the direction provided by the Transportation Commission with regard to the state transportation system. This direction includes Commission policies and guidance documents.
4.04.1.5.	Identification and discussion of the results of completed environmental studies, corridor studies, or corridor visions.
4.04.1.6	Include a discussion of potential environmental mitigation activities and potential areas to carry out these activities, including activities that may have the greatest potential to restore and maintain the environmental functions affected by the plan.
4.04.1.7	A funding plan identifying resources for implementing the fiscally constrained plan over the minimum forecasting period, and results expected to be achieved based on regional priorities.
4.04.1.8.	Documentation of the public notification and public participation process pursuant to   these Rules.
4.04.1.9	A resolution of adoption by the Transportation Planning Region.
4.04.2.	Products and reviews
4.04.2.1	Draft Plan. Transportation Planning Regions shall provide a draft of the RTP to the Department through the Division of Transportation Development.
4.04.2.2	Draft Plan Review. Upon receipt of the draft RTPs, the Department will initiate its review and schedule the STAC review (pursuant to these Rules). The Department will provide its comments and STAC comments to the Transportation Planning Region within a minimum of 30 days of receiving the draft RTP. Regional transportation plans in metropolitan areas completed pursuant to the schedule identified in 23 CFR 450.322  shall be subject to the provisions of this section prior to being submitted to the Department for consideration as an amendment to the statewide transportation plan. 
4.04.2.3	Final Plan. Transportation Planning Regions shall provide the final RTP to the Department through the Division of Transportation Development.
4.04.2.4	Final Plan Review. Upon receipt of the final RTP, the Department will initiate its review and schedule the STAC review (pursuant to these Rules ) of the final RTPs to determine if the plans incorporate the elements required by the Rules. If the Department determines that a final RTP is not complete, including if the final RTP does not incorporate the elements required by   these Rules, then the Department will not integrate that RTP into the statewide plan until the Transportation Planning Region has sufficiently revised that RTP, as determined by the Department with advice from the STAC. The Department will provide its comments and STAC comments to the Transportation Planning Region within a minimum of 30 days of receiving the final RTP. Transportation Planning Regions shall submit any RTP revisions based on comments from the Department and STAC review within 30 days of the Department's provision of such comments. Regional transportation plans in metropolitan areas completed pursuant to the schedule identified in 23 CFR 450.322 shall be subject to the provisions of this section prior to being submitted to the Department for consideration as an amendment to the statewide transportation plan. 
4.05  Maintenance and Nonattainment Areas.  The Transportation Planning Region shall include in the RTP, or RTP amendment, a section that:
4.05.1 	Identifies any area within the TPR   that is designated as a maintenance or Nonattainment area.
4.05.2. 	Addresses, in either a qualitative or quantitative manner, whether transportation related emissions associated with the pollutant of concern in the TPR are expected to increase over the long-range planning period and, if so, what effect that increase might have in causing a maintenance area to become Nonattainment, or a Non-attainment area to exceed its emission budget in the approved State Implementation Plan.
4.05.3		If transportation related emissions associated with the pollutant are expected to increase over the long-range planning period, identifies which programs or measures are included in the RTP to decrease the likelihood of that area becoming a Nonattainment area for the pollutant of concern.
4.05.4		A TIP for an MPO that is in a non-attainment or maintenance area must first receive a conformity determination by FHWA and FTA before inclusion in the STIP pursuant to 23 CFR 450.
4.06  Statewide Transportation Plan.  The Regional Transportation Plans submitted by the Transportation Planning Regions shall, along with direction provided through Transportation Commission policies and guidance, form the basis for developing and amending the Statewide Transportation Plan. The Statewide Transportation Plan shall cover a minimum 20-year planning period at the time of adoption and shall guide the development and implementation of a multimodal transportation system for the State.
4.06.1	The Statewide Transportation Plan development shall:
4.06.1.1	Integrate and consolidate the RTP’s and the Department's systems planning, pursuant to section VI-B of the Rules, into a fiscally constrained long-range 20-year multimodal transportation plan that presents a clear, concise vision for future transportation in Colorado.
4.06.1.2	Include the long-term transportation concerns of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe and the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe in the development of the Statewide Transportation Plan.
4.06.1.3	Coordinate with other state and federal agencies responsible for land use management, natural resources, environmental protection, conservation, and historic preservation.
4.06.1.4	Include a discussion of potential environmental mitigation activities and potential areas to carry out these activities that may have the greatest potential to restore and maintain the environmental functions affected by the plan developed in consultation with federal, state, and tribal wildlife, land management and regulatory agencies.
4.06.1.5	Include a comparison of transportation plans to state and tribal conservation plans or maps and to inventories of natural or historical resources.
4.06.1.6	Provide for overall multimodal transportation system management on a statewide basis.
4.06.1.7	The Statewide Transportation Plan shall be coordinated with metropolitan transportation plans pursuant to 23 CFR Part 450, § 43-1-1103 and  § 43-1-1105, C.R.S.
4.06.2	Content of the Statewide Transportation Plan.  At a minimum, the Statewide Transportation Plan shall include priorities as identified in the RTPs, as identified in these Rules and pursuant to federal planning laws and regulations. The Statewide Transportation Plan shall be submitted to the Colorado Transportation Commission for its consideration and approval.
4.06.3.	Review and Adoption of the Statewide Transportation Plan 
4.06.3.1	The Department will submit a draft Statewide Transportation Plan to the Commission, the STAC, and all interested parties for review and comment. The review and comment period will be conducted for a minimum of 30 days. The publication will be available at public facilities, such as at the Department headquarters and region offices, state depository libraries, county offices, TPR offices, Colorado Division offices of the Federal Highway Administration and Federal Transit Administration, and the internet.
4.06.3.2	The Department will submit the final Statewide Transportation Plan to the Colorado Transportation Commission for adoption.
5.00  Updates to Regional and Statewide Transportation Plans
5.01   Plan Update Process.  The updates of Regional Transportation Plans and the Statewide Transportation Plan shall be completed on a periodic basis through the same process governing development of these plans pursuant to these Rules. The update cycle shall comply with federal and state law and be determined in consultation with the Transportation Commission, the Department, the STAC and the MPOs so that the respective update cycles will coincide.
5.02  Notice by Department of Plan Update Cycle. The Department will notify Transportation Planning Regions of the initiation of each plan update cycle, and the schedule for completion. In TPRs without a Regional Planning Commission, the Department will notify municipalities and counties of the initiation of each plan update cycle, the schedule for completion, and the opportunity to establish an RPC for the purpose of transportation planning.
5.03	  Department Responsibility for Planning in TPRs That Do Not Have a Regional Planning Commission.  If the Department has not received notice of intent to form a RPC and/or to update the RTP, then the Department will be responsible for Statewide Transportation Plan update activities within the TPR, for consideration in the Statewide Transportation Plan, pursuant to § 43-1-1103 (3) (b), C.R.S.
6.00  Amendments to the Regional and Statewide Transportation Plans
6.01  Basis for Transportation Plan Amendments.  
	6.01.1 Between regularly-scheduled updates of Regional Transportation Plans and the Statewide Transportation Plan, circumstances may alter the results of  Transportation Systems Planning upon which these plans are based. Such change in circumstances may require an addition, deletion, or other change to a Regional Transportation Plan or the Statewide Transportation Plan.
6.01.2 Updates or amendments to Regional Transportation Plans in metropolitan areas completed pursuant to the schedule identified in 23 CFR 450 shall be submitted to the Department for consideration as an amendment to the Statewide Transportation Plan. Such additions, deletions, or changes may require an amendment to the Statewide Transportation Plan.
6.01.3  Amendments to the Regional Transportation Plans and/or the Statewide Transportation Plan may be necessary to ensure fiscal constraint or to maintain alignment between Corridor Visions and the implementing strategies. The process and requirements for plan amendments shall be included in the Guidebook. 6.01.4  All Amendments to the Statewide Transportation Plan must be approved by the Transportation Commission. Those amendments approved by the Transportation Commission, shall be deemed to be incorporated into that plan.
6.02	  Amendment Process
6.02.1  The process to consider amendments to Regional Transportation Plans and to the Statewide Transportation Plan shall be carried out by Transportation Planning Regions and by the Department, respectively, annually, if necessary. That process shall include an evaluation, review, and approval by the respective Regional Planning Commission and the Department provided that nothing in the Rules shall supersede or constrain the MPO planning process required by 23 U.S.C. 134.
7.00  Transportation Improvement Programs (TIPs) and Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP)
7.01  MPO TIP development shall occur in accordance with 23 CFR 450 Subpart C.  The Department will develop the STIP in accordance with 23 CFR 450 Subpart B, as well as with the STIP development guidelines, titled Project Priority Programming Process (4P) Guidelines, as adopted by the Commission.
	7.02	The Department will work with its planning partners to coordinate a schedule for 	development and adoption of TIPs and the STIP.