State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP)
NCDOT’s current program of projects, the 2026-2035 State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) can be viewed here.
NCDOT updates the STIP approximately every two years. The process of identifying and prioritizing transportation projects for inclusion in the state’s next STIP is known as “Prioritization”, and follows the Strategic Transportation Investments Law passed by the NC General Assembly in June 2013. Each round of Prioritization results in a new 10-year STIP. This landmark legislation elevates the use of transportation criteria and the input of local communities to determine project priorities and directs the use of dollars for transportation projects.
Prioritization 8.0
We are currently in the eighth iteration of this process, called Prioritization 8.0, which will result in the 2028-2037 STIP to be released in the spring of 2027.
The Foothills Rural Planning Organization (FRPO), in coordination with NCDOT and local government partners, has developed a list of transportation projects to be considered for funding in the 2028-2037 STIP. These projects will compete for funding with other projects in North Carolina based on measurable data such as traffic volume and crash rates.
Prioritization 8.0 Key Dates (subject to change):
| September 30, 2025 | P8.0 Project Submittals Due |
| May 1, 2026 | Local Input Point Methodology Due |
| April 30, 2026 | Quantitative Scores Released |
| July 30, 2026 | Regional Impact Local Input Points Due |
| August 30, 2026 | Regional Impact Programmed Projects Released |
| November 30, 2026 | Division Needs Local Input Points Due |
| January-February, 2027 | Draft 2028-2037 STIP Released |
Public Comment Period on Foothills Rural Planning Organization’s Draft Transportation Project Prioritization Process
This methodology will be used by Foothills RPO to give local input to the NC Department of Transportation on which transportation projects are the highest priority in our area. The Prioritization process covers all modes of transportation. This methodology will apply to proposed projects in Rutherford, Polk, and McDowell counties.
The public is welcome to submit comments on this document. Comments can be sent by email to [email protected] or mail to Magnolia Long, Foothills RPO, 111 W Court Street, Rutherfordton, NC 28139. These written comments must be received by 5:00 PM on Monday, March 9, 2026. Comments can also be given during the Public Hearing that will be held during the March 10, 2026 TAC meeting, which will begin at 1:00 PM at the Rutherford County Library, 145 College Ave, Rutherforfdton, NC.
