Metropolitan Transportation Planning (Section 5303)

The purpose of the Metropolitan Transportation Planning is to assist in development of metropolitan transportation improvement programs, long-range transportation plans, and other technical studies in a program for a unified and officially coordinate

Metropolitan Transportation Planning Program provides formula funding to Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) to support comprehensive, cooperative, and continuous transportation planning in urbanized areas. The program ensures that transportation investment decisions are guided by locally developed long-range plans and short-term priorities that reflect community needs and federal policy goals. Section 5303 funds help MPOs develop and update the Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP) and Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), conduct performance-based planning, engage the public, and coordinate with local, regional, and state stakeholders.

Eligible applicants for FTA's Section 5303 Metropolitan Planning Program include; Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) designated for urbanized areas (UZAs) with populations of 50,000 or more. In addition, State Department of Transportation (State DOTs) which receive the full apportionment then allocate funds to MPOs according to a formula developed in cooperation with the MPOs and approved by the Secretary of Transportation. MPO's are the primary subrecipients responsible for carrying out the planning activities funded under this program. While MPOs do not apply through a competitive process (since this is not a formula grant) they must coordinate with their State DOTs to access and mange the funds.

Apportionments for metropolitan planning are made to the States. Funds for metropolitan planning are distributed by formula to the Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) designated for the urbanized areas within each State.

Federal Register Notice, "FTA Fiscal Year 2025 Apportionments, Allocations, and Program Information", published at Table 2. FY 2025 Section 5303 and 5304 Statewide and Metropolitan Planning Apportionments (Full Year) | FTA It contains the state-by-state program apportionment for both Metropolitan Transportation Planning and State and Non-Metropolitan Planning and Research. For other fiscal years, contact the FTA Regional Office or refer to the FTA website at https://www.transit.dot.gov/funding/apportionments/archived-apportionments. 2 CFR 400 Subpart E: Cost Principles applies to these programs. 2 CFR 200, Subpart E - Cost Principles applies to this program.

Metropolitan Transportation Planning and State and Non-Metropolitan Planning and Research: In metropolitan areas, activities assisted under this section may include preparation of transportation plans including transportation improvement programs and management systems; studies related to transportation management, operations, capital requirements, economic feasibility, performance-based planning, public transportation agency safety plans, transit asset management plans, evaluation of previously funded capital projects; and other related activities in preparation for the construction, acquisition, or improved operation of transportation systems, facilities, and equipment, public participation in transportation planning, security and emergency transportation planning. In nonurbanized areas of the state, eligible activities include planning, and technical studies and assistance. A State may authorize the use of a portion of these funds to supplement and administer Metropolitan Planning.

Assistance under the FTA Section 5303 Metropolitan Transportation Planning Program is available on an annual basis, following apportionment by FTA after Congress appropriates funds each fiscal year. Availability of Funds: Funds are typically available starting October 1 of each federal fiscal year, once apportionments are published in the Federal Register. Period of Availability: Section 5303 funds are available for three years after the year in which they are apportioned. Obligation Deadline: Funds must be obligated (placed under a grant agreement) within this three-year window, or they expire and are no longer available for obligation. Expenditure Deadline: Once obligated, funds must be expended according to the terms of the grant, but there is no specific deadline for liquidation under statute, though FTA encourages timely use consistent with grant milestones and performance goals. MPOs and State DOTs are expected to include funding timelines and spending milestones in their Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP).

Preapplication coordination is required. Environmental impact information is not required for this program. This program is eligible for coverage under E.O. 12372, "Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs." An applicant should consult the office or official designated as the single point of contact in his or her State for more information on the process the State requires to be followed in applying for assistance, if the State has selected the program for review. Following each decennial Census, each State must submit to FTA for approval a formula, developed in cooperation with affected MPOs, for the distribution of a State's Section 5305(d) apportionment to MPOs in each urbanized area within the State.

Detailed guidance on application procedures for Section 5303 Metropolitan Transportation Planning Program can be found on FTA's website https://www.transit.dot.gov/funding/grants/metropolitan-statewide-planning-and-nonmetropolitan-transportation-planning-5303-5304. For planning agencies and MPOs, the FTA published a planning circular (8100.1C or 8100.1D) that outlines the procedures for drafting and submitting applications.

Section 5303 does not use a selection criteria process like discretionary or competitive grants do, because it is a formula-based program.

Once the UPWP is approved, the State DOT (or designated recipient) submits a grant application through FTA's Transit Award Management System (TrAMS). The application must include the UPWP, required certifications and assurances. FTA reviews the application for completeness and compliance. If approved, FTA formally awards the grant through TrAMS and issues an award notification. After award, the recipient can draw down funds through FTA's financial management system. This process repeats annually and is coordinated closely between MPOs, State DOTs, and FTA regional offices.

After the UPWP is approved and a grant application is submitted in TrAMS, FTA regional offices generally review and act on the grant within 30 to 45 days, depending on the completeness and follow-up that may be needed,

Funds are apportioned annually. The funding is first apportioned to State Departments of Transportation (DOTs), who then allocate planning funding to Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs). States and MPOs identify projects using planning funds in the Statewide Planning & Research Program and Unified Planning Work Programs, respectively.

Applicants may contact the FTA Regional Office if they have questions or concerns about an application. https://www.transit.dot.gov/about/regional-offices/regional-offices