MPO Membership
Since the 1960's, the federal government has required that urbanized areas over 50,000 in population maintain a continuing, comprehensive and cooperative planning process. In Tennessee, this program is administered through TDOT and is implemented by the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO).
On Dec. 16, 1992, the governing board of the Nashville Area MPO voted to expand its membership to cover Davidson, Rutherford. Sumner, Wilson and Williamson counties. Because the five-county area is classified as a maintenance zone by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), it qualifies for federal funds appropriated for reducing transportation-related emissions.
Murfreesboro has benefited from its membership in the Nashville are MPO in several ways including being the beneficiary of $9 million directed at 10 transportation-related projects. These are:
- Tennessee Boulevard Widening -- Greenland Drive to Main Street
- Old Fort Park & Ride Facility
- Closed Circuit Television Installation (Phases One and Two)
- Broad and Memorial separated grade crossings.
- U.S. 231 and I-24 Interchange Signalization and lane additions.
- Clark and Memorial Intersection Improvement.
- Bradyville and Minerva Intersection improvements.
- New Salem Highway Intersection Improvement.
- Greenland Drive Widening -- Tennessee to "C" Street.
The MPO's regional perspective gives its members the advantage of tackling problems common to all. Regional studies have included formulation of the Regional Long Range Transportation Plan, Intelligent Transportation Systems Strategic Plan, Incident Management Plan and Commuter Rail Studies.
Murfreesboro Transportation Director Dana Richardson and Assistant Transportation Director Nellie Patton currently serve on the MPO's technical coordinating committee and Murfreesboro Mayor Tommy Bragg serves on the executive board.