2.4. — Key Steps in the Program and Project Lifecycle

2.4.1. Statewide Needs

The project lifecycle begins with a Statewide Needs planning process, where project funding is reviewed, planned, and forecasted for the next 4 years. The framework for this is outlined in Policy Directive 14.0 and describes the performance objectives for budgeting and investments. These goals establish the statewide distribution of financial recourses to meet or make progress towards safety, system performance, and maintenance. The next step is for the regions to evaluate their funding requirements as well as determine the major projects they wish to be included in the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP). These are then sent to the Division of Transportation Development (DTD) where a statewide plan is developed with prioritized projects, performance targets, and funding control totals. This group of activities concludes with the Transportation Commission’s approval of the annually updated STIP.

2.4.2. Statewide Program Planning and Funds Forecasting

The next major step in the lifecycle includes activities where the annual budget is estimated, developed and distributed by the TC and Division of Accounting and Finance (DAF). This is kicked off with a budget setting workshop where senior decision-makers help determine the allocation of funding based on eligibility and estimated annual revenues. All this information is funneled to DAF for review and is compiled into what will become the Annual Budget. Once program budgets are set, Planning Totals are allocated to the regions.

2.4.3. Region Program Planning and Allocation

The final major step in the lifecycle involves the regions creating deliverable projects based on their apportioned planning totals. Regional Candidate Lists will be generated by Asset Managers which contain prioritized statewide projects that align with the allotted funds available for each region. This process is duplicated for region-led programs, such as the Regional Priority Program. The Regional Transportation Director takes the planning totals for each of these funds and guides the final prioritization and sequencing of the region’s projects. These projects will then gather cost estimates and have budgets established by regional Business Managers. Those budgets are monitored through the project’s life.