Eagle Pass MPO reviews timeline, rules for 2027–2030 Transportation Improvement Program

Sid Martinez, principal planner with Stanley Consultants, told the Eagle Pass Metropolitan Planning Organization on Dec. 10 that the Transportation Improvement Program, or TIP, is a four‑year, financially constrained document that must be consistent with the long‑range plan and submitted to the Texas Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration by December 2026.

"This is a document that covers a 4 year period," Martinez said. He explained that the TIP identifies projects that have identified funding, lists a financial plan, and includes project lists for the 2027–2030 period. He said eligible projects include added‑capacity roadway projects, bicycle and pedestrian projects, transit investments and carbon‑reduction activities on federally functionally classified roads.

Martinez emphasized cooperative development with partner agencies — transit providers, TxDOT, cities, counties and the MPO — and said the TIP must include Title VI/environmental justice and civil‑rights certification showing how the MPO is reaching low‑income and minority populations in its outreach.

Martinez outlined a schedule: consultant and MPO staff work on required documents through early 2026; spring 2026 will focus on financial projections with the TxDOT Laredo District and project selection; final documents will be prepared for TxDOT and FHWA review in late summer 2026 ahead of the December 2026 submittal deadline.

The presentation was informational; board members did not take formal action on the TIP at the meeting. Martinez said staff and the consultant team will return with drafts and required certifications as the process advances.

Next steps: the MPO and consultant team will finalize the TIP documentation and required Title VI and public‑involvement materials, and return to the technical advisory committee and policy board for review before submittal to TxDOT and FHWA.