A major function of planning at Blair Planning is administration of the transportation program through the Metropolitan Planning Organization, or MPO. The MPO develops a number of plans and other documents that guide and direct the development and funding of the various transportation elements throughout the County.

​

Since the early 1990s, a long range transportation plan, which must be updated at least every 5 years and have at least a 20 year time horizon, has been a federally required part of the transportation planning process. The long range plan documents the status of the existing transportation system and identifies long-term needs/projects and is intended to serve as a guide that helps the MPO implement transportation projects that move people and goods safely and efficientLy, that preserve the current transportation system, and that improve the quality of life to retain and attract people and businesses to Blair County. The plan is an ongoing document that may be amended when additional funds become available.

The federal and state requirements of the Transportation Improvement Program and the 12 Year Transportation Program, which are updated every two years, are part of the long range plan and are also required by federal and state acts to receive highway. bridge and transit funds.

In preparing these plans and programs, the Blair County Planning Commission assists the MPO in conducting the required continuing, cooperative and comprehensive (3 C) transportation planning process that includes PennDOT, the County and municipal elected officials, the public, non-profit and private sector organizations, environmental justice communities, other elected officials, and various stakeholders identified in the MPO’s Public Participation Plan.