Transportation Improvement Program (TIP)
What is the TIP?
The Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) is a compilation of fiscally constrained significant surface transportation improvements and other transportation projects scheduled for implementation in the Fargo-Moorhead metropolitan area during the next four fiscal years. The fiscal year (FY) begins October 1st and ends September 30th of the following year. The TIP is a federally required document that provides a staged, multiyear, intermodal program of transportation projects, which is consistent with the most current Metro COG Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP).
Metro COG, as part of the metropolitan area’s comprehensive, coordinated, and continuous transportation planning process (3-C process), develops the TIP annually. It is also developed in cooperation with the multiple Metro COG planning partners; the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT), the North Dakota of Department of Transportation (NDDOT), Metro Area Transit (MATBUS) of Fargo-Moorhead, local municipal and county jurisdictions, and other organizations and agencies eligible for project sponsorship.
Background Information
The Metro COG TIP includes projects funded by the US Department of Transportation (USDOT) and its associated administrations. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) provide funding for roadways and trails, and public transit projects respectively. The Metro COG TIP includes basic project information such as the location, type of improvement, length, anticipated cost estimates, proposed funding sources, and schedule for each phase of federally funded projects. Non-federally funded, local projects are shown with less-detailed listings that provide information.
Federal legislation requires a TIP be updated every four years however, Metro COG updates the TIP annually. After approval by the Metro COG Policy Board, the TIP is forwarded for approval by the governors of Minnesota and North Dakota (or their representatives) and is incorporated, by reference or verbatim, into the respective State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP). The FHWA and FTA review STIPs for conformity with federal transportation laws.
TIP Revisions
A TIP revision is a formal change made to the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) after the TIP has been approved. A revision may be needed when there is a change to an approved project, such as:
- Adding a new transportation project
- Removing a project
- Changing the funding source or amount
- Moving a project to a different fiscal year
- Changing the project scope or location
- Adjusting the federal funding category
- Updating project costs or funding shares
The type of TIP revision generally depends on the significance of the project change. Administrative modifications are minor changes that do not significantly affect the TIP's fiscal constraint or transportation priorities, and can typically be processed without formal public involvement. Amendments are more substantial changes—such as adding a new project, significantly changing project costs or scope, or making changes that affect the TIP's financial status—and require formal MPO approval and public review.
