Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP)

The Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP) describes the transportation planning activities and projects that the Division of Statewide Planning, as the State’s Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), and its partnering entities expect to conduct over the next year. It serves as the basis by which Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and Federal Transit Administration (FTA) urban transportation planning funds are spent in the State of Rhode Island. Additionally, the UPWP serves as a management tool for scheduling, budgeting, and monitoring the planning activities of the participating entities. As a management tool for the Rhode Island Department of Administration’s, Division of Statewide Planning (RIDSP) who serve as staff to the MPO, it also includes activities undertaken by the Division that are not funded through FHWA and FTA transportation funds.

This UPWP is intended to implement State policy as outlined in the State Guide Plan, particularly Transportation 2040 and Land Use 2025. The work program forms a holistic transportation planning process unique to Rhode Island. Rhode Island’s transportation planning structure provides significant advantages, as the Rhode Island Division of Statewide Planning (as MPO), state transit agency -Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA), and the state transportation department - Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT), all cover the same geographic area; therefore, Rhode Island can plan its transportation system within the context of a statewide vision for the physical, social, and economic development of the State. This work program describes the Division of Statewide Planning/MPO activities that will help the State to achieve its vision strategically, using a coordinated approach to planning and investment.

Transportation planning requirements for statewide and metropolitan planning organizations are set by federal legislation and rules issued by the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT). This UPWP complies with the requirements set forth in regulations adopted on November 14, 2007 in 23 CFR Part 450 and 49 CFR Part 613, Statewide and Metropolitan Planning Final Rule.

UPWP Quick Links

Geography of the MPO

Key Areas of Emphasis & Planning Areas of Emphasis (PEAs)

Organizational Structure

Ongoing Tasks

FY 2025

Unified Planning Work Program Quarterly Reports