Transportation Improvement Program

TIP projects are often funded by federal dollars. But any project considered ‘Regionally Significant’ by the MPO is added to the TIP. This can happen before implementation regardless of the funding source. These funds come either through the Kentucky State Highway Plan, from the MPO directly, or by receiving competitive grants. A funding source from our region, or a “local match,” covers any remaining project costs. TIP projects can include roadway retrofits, new construction, bike/pedestrian improvements, studies, plans, and more. A new TIP is drafted every 4 years. As funding needs and construction timelines change, LAMPO has to adjust the TIP. Small, simple modifications are made by LAMPO staff. However, any shifts in the scope of a TIP project are introduced as amendments. These amendments require a public comment period as well as final formal approval by the Transportation Policy Committee.

The Transportation Improvement Program is a prioritized list of projects ready for some phase of implementation. For construction projects, like new multi-use trails, implementation phases are: design, acquiring right-of-way, relocating utilities, and construction. The design phase finalizes the layout, appearance, and features of a project. The right-of-way phase is about getting access to the land needed to complete the project. The utility relocation phase ensures water, sewer, and electric lines are still able to service the area surrounding the project. And the construction phase is when the project is actually built. Implementation of non-construction TIP projects, like traffic studies, has fewer and slightly different phases. Whether they involve construction or not, all projects identified in the TIP must have a dedicated source of funding available during the four-year scope of the TIP.