Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPO) are regional bodies responsible for coordinating transportation planning in urbanized areas with populations of 50,000 or more. They bring together local government officials, transportation agencies, and other stakeholders to plan and prioritize transportation projects and investments for the region. They also play a key role in the distribution of federal transportation funds for projects like road improvements, transit systems, and bike/pedestrian infrastructure.
After the conclusion of each programming year, in this case October 1, 2023 to September 20, 2024, MPOs must disclose to local governments, stakeholders and the public "an annual listing of obligated projects” for projects that are to receive federal funding. When a project is "obligated," it means that the federal government has made a formal commitment to fund the project. The funds are allocated and set aside for that specific project, but they are not necessarily available for use immediately.
MATS is an MPO for the Midland Urbanized area that includes all of Midland County, the City of Auburn and Williams Charter Township in Bay County, and Tittabawassee Township in Saginaw County. There are three public transit agencies operate within the MATS planning area; they are Dial-A-Ride Transportation (DART), County Connection of Midland and Bay Metro Transportation Authority (BMTA).
The document linked below illustrates projects that have been obligated in the MATS area.