Organization

The High Country RPO was chartered by the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) on February 19, 2002. RPOs are voluntary organizations of local governments working in cooperation with NCDOT to provide continuing, cooperative, and comprehensive transportation planning in rural areas of the state. The Council, NCDOT, and all 26 High Country COG local government members entered into a Memorandum of Understanding establishing the High Country RPO's purpose, functions, and organization. The RPO's functions are conducted through the Rural Transportation Coordinating Committee and the Rural Transportation Advisory Committee. The Coordinating Committee is comprised of local government managers and planners, Chamber of Commerce representatives, public transportation providers, and representatives from NCDOT, Appalachian State University and the Blue Ridge Parkway. The Advisory Committee is the governing board of the RPO, and is comprised of elected officials and a member of the NC Board of Transportation.

Operations

The High Country RPO has four legislated responsibilities:

· Develop long-range local and regional multi-modal transportation plans in cooperation with the North Carolina Department of Transportation
· Provide a forum for public participation in the rural transportation planning process
· Develop and prioritize suggestions for transportation projects that the Rural Transportation Planning Organization believes should be included in the State Transportation Improvement Program (TIP)
· Provide transportation-related information to local governments and other interested organizations and persons

Funding for the High Country RPO comes from NCDOT, with a 20% local match required. High Country Council of Governments has committed the local match for the first three years of the RPO's operation.

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