Next TCC-TAC Meeting: 5/16/2024 at 10:00 AM
In-Person: 1502 N Market Street, Suite A, Washington, NC 27889
Zoom: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88311285439
About
In 2000, the State of North Carolina recognized the need for more coordinated transportation planning in rural North Carolina areas not within a Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) by enacting Chapter 136, Article 17, Section 136-210-213 of the General Statutes. This provided for the development of Rural Planning Organizations (RPOs).
In 2002, The Mid-East Rural Planning Organization (MERPO) was established through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Beaufort County, Martin County, Pitt County, and the North Carolina Department of Transportation. The MOU designated the Mid-East Commission, a Regional Council of Governments, to serve as the Lead Planning Agency (LPA) for MERPO.
The Mid-East RPO is one of 18 Rural Planning Organizations in North Carolina, and provides the following core services to Beaufort County, Martin County, and the non-MPO areas of Pitt County:
Coordinate, assist and develop local and regional plans.
Provide a forum for public participation in the transportation planning and implementation process
Provide transportation-related information to local governments
Develop and prioritize projects the organization believes should be included in the State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP)
Region
Beaufort County
Aurora, Bath, Belhaven,
Chocowinity, Pantego,
Washington, Washington Park
Martin County
Bear Grass, Everetts, Hamilton,
Hassell, Jamesville, Oak City,
Parmele, Robersonville, Williamston
Pitt County
Bethel, Falkland,
Farmville, Fountain,
Grifton, Grimesland
Transportation Modes
MERPO works with Local Governments and NCDOT to plan and develop projects for six different modes of transportation:
Aviation
Airports within MERPO: 2
-Martin County (MCZ)
-Washington-Warren (OCW)
Bicycle & Pedestrian
NC Bike Route Miles within MERPO: 115
Ferry
Ferry Routes within MERPO: 1
-Aurora-Bayview
Highway
State-Maintained Miles within MERPO: 2,143
Public Transit
Transit Agencies within MERPO: 3
-BATS
-MCT
-PATS
Rail
Railroad Miles within MERPO: 146
-CLNA
-CSX
-NS