Your comments do matter on the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program

Understanding federal funding for transportation projects is confusing to say the least. Even if you’re a transportation geek, the process can still feel like you need a graduate degree to understand how it works, and most importantly, how you can participate in the process.

While the comment period for transportation projects seem like a formality, speaking out is still important, especially if it’s for a project that you support.

Right now through June 30, in Pennsylvania, the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) is having its public comment period. The STIP is a list of all transportation projects that a state is seeking federal funding for.

These projects have already been vetted by a local Metropolitan or Rural Planning Organization, and the states are now preparing to send it to the Federal Government, for approval and funding.

To their credit, PennDOT has been trying to make this process easier for the public to understand and ultimately provide comments. You don’t need to fully understand the process to have feelings about projects that your tax dollars are funding.

Commenting can best be broken into two steps:

1. Review the list in your County

It’s pretty simple. Go to PennDOT’s website, scroll down, and click on your county on the map. You’ll see a list of projects below. If you click a project, you’ll see some details about it. Make a list of projects that spark joy, or have an element that you want to alter.

2. Leave a comment for each project

PennDOT provides an online comment form. Simply collect your thoughts and submit! You may want to submit a different form for each project. PennDOT staff will then compile these comments, and send them to the Federal Department of Transportation during the final approval step toward funding.

Comments can range from a “general support” to detailed lists about elements that you’d like to see. It also can’t hurt to personalize your comments and explain how a project will improve your day to day life. Will a trail project make it easier for you to get to work? Let them know!

And that’s it!

Especially for projects that you like, it’s important to show local support to the US Department of Transportation, our Senators, and Representatives so that they know that active transportation projects matter and will make meaningful improvements for you and your family.

To learn more about this process, check out PennDOT’s infographic.