NMDOT Programs Division
Strategic Planning Section

The Statewide Planning Section develops thoughtful long range comprehensive transportation plans and fiscally constrained statewide transportation improvement plans that maximize the efficient use of available resources through cooperative and consultative processes with Federal, State, Local and Tribal Governments and the citizens of the State.

To do this the Statewide Planning Section administers New Mexico's federal obligation, as delineated in Title 23 United State Code, Sections 134 and 135, for developing transportation plans and programs for all areas of the state.

The Statewide Planning Section develops the Long Range Multi-Modal Transportation Plan; coordinates the State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) process to ensure that the department meets all federal planning requirements with input from the Regional and Metropolitan Planning Organizations, tribes and citizens; compiles, edits, and publishes the STIP; oversees New Mexico's Regional Planning Organizations; coordinates with Metropolitan Planning Organization activities; coordinates planning with tribal governments; processes the interagency agreements for all local lead transportation projects; and manages the Local Technical Assistance Program (LTAP). The section also produces the Facts & Figures booklet, houses the Bicycle/Pedestrian/Equestrian program, and develops citizen involvement and outreach strategies.

The section takes the lead on the Native American consultative process particularly in the development of Indian Reservation Road projects in the Tribal Transportation Improvement Plans. Section staff provides guidance and technical assistance to tribes and strives to improve communication with tribal governments to respond effectively to tribal transportation needs. We endeavor to address issues and concerns affecting New Mexico's Native American Tribal Governments with the utmost respect for tribal sovereignty.

In addition, the Statewide Planning Section is responsible for a variety of special projects and studies, operation of planning models such as the Highway Economic Requirements System, State Version (HERS/ST) and REMI’s TranSight, innovative public outreach including citizen transportation surveys and Citizen Conferences. The section also conducts research on transportation needs and other areas and prepares correspondence for management as needed.

The Statewide Planning Section is composed of the Government-to-Government Planning Unit; the Local Technical Assistance Program; and the Local Government Agreement Unit.