“This policy document identifies overarching goals and objectives for Michigan’s transportation program and sets the priority by which prospective projects are approved,” MDOT said in a statement. “The SLRP lays out the state’s long-term vision, strategic direction, and priorities for transportation over the next 25 years.
“These priorities are translated into projects and planned out for the near-term in the State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP). All projects listed in the STIP contribute to achieving one or more of the objectives stated in the SLRP.”
This “reaffirmation process” is being used to decide if all the data, strategies and assumptions used in the 2035 MITP can be used to extend the plan to 2040.
MDOT reaffirmation will include these steps:
- Review the current plan and reevaluate assumptions.
- Adjust plan if necessary to meet federal requirements.
- Extend the current plan by five years, projecting it out to 2040. 
(Extending the plan will maintain a 20-year planning horizon and align with Metropolitan Planning Organizations long-range plans.)
- The 2040 MITP will maintain principles of the original plan while becoming updated to reflect Michigan’s transportation system of today and the future.
- Establishment of early and continuous public involvement opportunities that provide timely information about transportation issues and decision-making processes to citizens, affected public agencies, and key stakeholder groups.
- Use of visualization techniques to describe the proposed plan and supporting studies.
- Use of electronic media to make information accessible to the public.
The Plan is available for review at www.michigan.gov/slrp. Comments can be sent to Bob Parsons, MDOT public involvement and hearings officer, at [email protected] or 517-373-9534.
