Perhaps the most visible results of NOACA’s planning efforts come in the form of transportation projects that are implemented in the region. A new freeway interchange, resurfaced roadway, reconstructed bridges, new transit centers and even the brand new buses that you ride in – all of these improvements are the end result of a transportation-planning process. At some point in their history, these projects probably appeared on the region’s Long Range Transportation Plan or in the Transportation Improvement Program.

NOACA’s current Transportation Plan, Connections 2030: A Framework for the 2030 Transportation System, includes major regional projects that are proposed for implementation over a 25-year time frame. These projects are included in one of four project tiers:

• Tier I – Projects that are in an advanced state of planning whose funding has been identified. With the exception of the Turnpike projects, all are expected to use federal funds. These projects are on the fiscally balanced part of the Plan and are used to perform the federally required air quality analysis. These projects are expected to be constructed within the next five years.
  
• Tier II – Tier II projects are those at an advanced stage of planning whose funding has been guaranteed by the project sponsor, but no federal funds have been identified at this time. Since the project sponsor has agreed they will find a way to finance their projects, they are also on the fiscally balanced part of the Plan and are used to perform the federally required air quality analysis. The projects are expected to be constructed within the next 6 to 20 years.
• Tier III – Tier III projects are those undergoing a Major Investment Study (MIS) or equivalent, or needing an MIS or equivalent.
• Tier IV – Tier IV projects are projects or concepts that are part of a visionary plan.