FAQ
What is ACOG?
The Association of Central Oklahoma Governments (ACOG) is a voluntary association of city, town and county governments within Central Oklahoma. ACOG’s purpose is to aid local governments in planning for common needs, cooperating for mutual benefit and coordinating for sound regional development.
ACOG serves as the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) for the OCARTS area. In conformance with federal requirements, the Association coordinates long- and short-range transportation planning and works with local government members and with local, state and federal transportation agencies to determine priorities for allocating federal transportation dollars within the region.
What is the planning area of Encompass 2035?
Transportation planning is conducted within a 2,085 square mile area, known as the Oklahoma City Area Regional Transportation Study (OCARTS) area. The OCARTS area includes 33 cities and towns located within Oklahoma and Cleveland Counties, and portions of Canadian, Grady, McClain and Logan Counties. The planning area was increased to its current size in February 2002 to include new growth and increased travel occurring in the southwest part of the region.
[Link to here: http://acogok.org/About_ACOG/Map_of_ACOG_Region.asp]
What are the Federal requirements of Encompass 2035?
The OCARTS Transportation Management Area maintains a continuing, cooperative and comprehensive transportation planning process, under guidelines issued by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) of the U.S. Department of Transportation. This process includes the development of a long range transportation plan every five years, short range programs to guide the expenditure of transportation revenues, a congestion management plan and compliance with federal air quality standards.
The 2030 OCARTS Plan was developed in conformance with the previous federal surface transportation law, the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21). On August 10,
2005, the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users
(SAFETEA-LU) replaced TEA-21.
Federal law requires that the long-range plan forecast travel demand for at least a 20-year horizon and identify methods to ensure future mobility and accessibility using multiple modes of travel. Metropolitan areas must also demonstrate that their long-range plan is affordable, is prepared with input from transportation providers, users, interested citizens and others, and that its benefits and burdens are equitably distributed among all income and racial groups within the planning area.
What is a Long-Range Transportation Plan?
A long-range transportation plan serves as a blueprint for managing the region's transportation system and identifies transportation improvements for the next 25 years. The plan includes:
• Projected population growth
• Maintenance of transportation facilities
• Safety
• Quality of life
• Preserving the human and natural environment
• Consideration of current and future transportation needs (air, bicycle, bus, pedestrian, rail, roads, water, etc.)
By establishing transportation goals for the region, we lay a foundation for the plans and projects that will provide the best transportation solutions.
What is ACOG?
The Association of Central Oklahoma Governments (ACOG) is a voluntary association of city, town and county governments within Central Oklahoma. ACOG’s purpose is to aid local governments in planning for common needs, cooperating for mutual benefit and coordinating for sound regional development.
ACOG serves as the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) for the OCARTS area. In conformance with federal requirements, the Association coordinates long- and short-range transportation planning and works with local government members and with local, state and federal transportation agencies to determine priorities for allocating federal transportation dollars within the region.
What is the geographic area of ACOG and OCARTS?
The ACOG region includes Canadian, Cleveland, Logan, and Oklahoma counties, whereas the OCARTS area encompasses all of Cleveland and Oklahoma Counties, as well as portions of Canadian, Grady, Logan, and McClain counties.
[Link to here: http://acogok.org/About_ACOG/Map_of_ACOG_Region.asp]
What is the region’s population?
The OCARTS area population for the year 2005 is estimated at 1,076,258.
Is ACOG federal, state, or local?
ACOG is a public agency, but it isn't a unit of government. It is a nonprofit, voluntary association of local governments in the Central Oklahoma region. ACOG does not have statutory authority to require local governments to be members or to follow its plans. ACOG also cannot tax, issue bonds or legislate.
What regional issues does ACOG address?
ACOG is primarily known for transportation planning. Through ACOG, local governments work cooperatively on:
• building a multi-modal transportation system
• keeping our air and water clean
• planning for regional growth and development
• developing demographic information
• promoting regional cooperation
• coordinating efforts of local governments
• resolving common problems
• providing member services to participating local government
However, ACOG is also involved in many other initiatives that affect the region's future:
• Region-wide E911 system
• Juvenile Fire-setting Prevention
• Water Resources Planning
• Environmental Services
• Formulation of regional legislative goals and objectives
