828.251.6622  |   mpo@landofsky.org

FAQ

What is an MPO?

MPOs play a vital role in transportation and transit projects in the region. Federal law mandates that an area with over 50,000 in population must have a designated Metropolitan Planning Organization in order to qualify for federal highway or transit assistance. The MPO conducts local transportation planning and is required to establish a planning process that is comprehensive, continuing, and cooperative (the 3-Cs of transportation planning). If a project is not in the MPO’s plan, it will not receive funding.

This introductory presentation gives an overview of what MPOs do and how the French Broad River MPO functions.

Does this mean FBRMPO constructs and maintains roads?

FBRMPO only coordinates the planning and programming of funding for road projects. Once the funding is programmed, the project is the responsibility of the sponsoring jurisdiction (city, county or state) through its contract with North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT).

What does a ‘modernization’ project entail? What about a ‘road diet’?

Check out this glossary of project terminology used by the MPO and NCDOT. This glossary does not cover all project improvement types and projects are context dependent.

Is my city/town included in the region?

Member jurisdictions include: Buncombe, Haywood, Henderson, Madison and Transylvania Counties, and the municipalities of Asheville, Biltmore Forest, Black Mountain, Canton, Clyde, Flat Rock, Fletcher, Hendersonville, Laurel Park, Maggie Valley, Mars Hill, Mills River, Montreat, Waynesville, Weaverville, and Woodfin. View the planning area map.

Who pays for the operation of the MPO?

Funding to operate the MPO comes from federal planning grants, including highway and transit programs. Each grant is matched by a local contribution. More budget information is included in the Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP).

How can I voice my concern about a project in the area?

There is a public comment period that precedes and follows each FBRMPO Board meeting, which is typically held the last Thursday of each month. A person must sign up prior to the meeting in order to speak. Comments can also be provided to the local FBRMPO Board representative. Please see our Board and TCC page for info and contact information for your representative.

Where can I find a presentation/information given at a meeting?

Check out either the Agendas/Minutes page for presentation material or the Recent Events/Presentations page under Resources. Reach out to staff if you can’t find what you are looking for.

What about all the acronyms the MPO uses?

Transportation planning involves many partnering agencies and specific terminology. View a glossary of terms here..