The Columbus-Phenix City Metropolitan Planning Organization (C-PCMPO) is responsible for providing transportation policy and overseeing the federal transportation process for the Columbus region, which includes full and fair participation from the public. The C-PCMPO consists of the counties of Muscogee GA, Chattahoochee GA and parts of Russell AL, and Lee AL. There are three major pieces of legislation that have outlined requirements for public participation in the transportation planning process carried out by the C-PCMPO. 

These include the Inter-modal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 (ISTEA) continued in the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21), the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), and the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 (CAAA) and most recently, the Safe, Accountable, Feasible, Equitable, Transportation Enhancement Act - A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU) in 2005.  

The organization is officially known as the "Columbus-Phenix City Transportation Study" and is the lead agency responsible for administering and coordinating the activities of participants carrying out the required tasks of the transportation process. Participants in this process included the Policy Committee (PC), the Technical Coordinating Committee (TCC), the Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC), public transit operators METRA and PEX, and the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT)

Our History

In 1964, the state governors of Alabama and Georgia appointed the Columbus Department of Community Development as the MPO for the Columbus-Phenix City Metropolitan area.  Since that time C-PCMPO has been charged with maintaining and planning the transportation needs of this region.  In 1991 the role of the MPO changed with the passage of ISTEA and then later TEA-21. The primary goal of these programs was to establish new policies promoting multi-modal planning that performed in an efficient and comprehensive manner, while meeting the needs of surface transportation.

Our Mission

Consistent with the direction provided by the Federal transportation law, the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21), the mission of the C-PCMPO is to develop, promote, and ensure implementation of a regional transportation plan that:

1. Supports the economic vitality of the metropolitan area, especially by enabling global competitiveness, productivity and efficiency;
2. Increases the safety and security of the transportation system for motorized and non-motorized users;
3. Increases accessibility and mobility options available to people and freight; 
   Protects and enhances the environment, promote energy conservation and improve quality of life;
4. Enhances the integration and connectivity of the transportation system, across and between modes, for people and freight;
5. Promotes efficient system management and operation;
6. Emphasizes the preservation of the existing transportation system; and,
7. Supports the economic vitality of the metropolitan area, especially by enabling global competitiveness, productivity and efficiency.

Activities performed by the C-PCMPO to comply with this mission include

1. Organizing, overseeing, and managing the planning process in compliance with the current federal requirements;
2. Providing direction to and receiving policy related support from the Technical Advisory Committee of the C-PCMPO; and
3. Providing policy direction and oversight to meet Federal and State environmental requirements for attaining air quality standards as required by the Federal Clean Air Act as amended.

Further questions about the MPO's role in transportation planning?   Check our Frequently Asked Questions page for answers.