Office of Planning, Environment, & Realty (HEP) The
Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21) provides
more money for transportation in rural areas than ever before.
But the only sure way to influence how this money is spent is by
involvement in the transportation planning process. To date,
transportation planning for rural areas has been uneven at best
- effective in some areas, but relatively neglected in others.
The Department of Transportation is committed to improving
transportation planning for all areas because the benefits of
comprehensive planning are clear. Officials must have sound
information on which to base investment decisions, especially
given the complexity of transportation issues, including the
associated environmental and community concerns. Transportation
problems in rural areas vary greatly from state to state and
within states. Rural areas that are in decline economically, but
are interested in economic development, are seeking ways to
preserve and improve their transporta