The Eastern Shore MPO was formed in 2012 to assist with transportation planning in the newly defined urbanized area in Baldwin County which includes the City of Spanish Fort, the City of Fairhope, the City of Daphne, and the Town of Loxley. The primary purpose of the MPO (Metropolitan Planning Organization) is to encourage and facilitate team work among local governments on the Eastern Shore in matters relating to transportation planning. The MPO’s work including planning for highways, public transit, bicycles and pedestrians, freight, and other modes of transportation.
The MPO acts as a liaison between the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), Federal Transit Administration (FTA), Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT), and local municipalities within the MPO planning area. The governing body of the MPO is the Policy Board whose membership includes Commissioner Bob James and Commissioner Tucker Dorsey as well as Mayors and/or Councilmembers from Spanish Fort, Daphne, Fairhope, and Loxley. The Policy Board receives input from three advisory committees as they address transportation issues and identify potential needs and projects.
MPO staff members are responsible for organizing and facilitating all MPO meetings. MPO staff have completed or are currently working on several transportation planning documents including the Long Range Transportation Plan (20+ year transportation improvement plan), Transportation Improvement Program (short-term 4 year transportation plan) , Public Transit Plan (5 year public transportation improvement plan), Bike/Ped Plan, and the Public Participation Plan (outlines how citizens can be involved in the transportation planning process). MPO staff are also tasked with maintaining the MPO financial records and ensuring compliance with all requirements of FHWA, FTA, and ALDOT.