Transportation planning is complicated, and its success requires the collaboration of PennDOT (Pennsylvania Department of Transportation), municipalities, and other stakeholders. In our state, Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) and Rural Planning Organizations (RPOs) facilitate transportation planning at the regional level.
 
These bodies are critical in the implementation of transportation projects and have tremendous impact on municipalities within their jurisdiction. Yet, there are many instances where these organizations approve transportation projects that harm affected municipalities rather than help them. It is essential that municipalities be well-represented on these bodies to ensure that the full effects of transportation projects are carefully evaluated.
 
For these reasons, I plan on introducing legislation to require that the majority of the membership of MPOs and RPOs be comprised of local elected officials or their appointees. By adding these membership requirements, municipalities and PennDOT can better work together to deliver for everyone in our state.
 
Fostering greater collaboration between municipalities and PennDOT will lead to better transportation projects that will benefit municipalities rather than harm them. Please join me in co-sponsoring this legislation to ensure better governance and accountability.