NCDOT: Frequently Asked Questions About STIP

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Why does the N.C. Department of Transportation produce a State Transportation Improvement Program?
The N.C. Department of Transportation is required by both federal and state law to put together a multi-year plan that identifies the construction funding for and scheduling of transportation projects throughout the state.
How often does NCDOT produce a STIP?
Federal law requires a STIP at least every four years. NCDOT updates this plan approximately every two years to ensure it accurately reflects the department’s current financial situation.
What period is covered by the STIP?
The STIP covers a 10-year period – currently 2024 to 2033. The first five years of the document is known as the delivery STIP, and the last five years of the document cover what is considered the development period. It outlines the projects that NCDOT plans to work on during that timeframe.
Why is the STIP a 10-year plan?
Most major projects require more than five years before construction to plan, design, acquire right of way and permits as well as relocate utilities. Projects in the second half of the STIP (the last five years of the STIP) are intended to let the public know what NCDOT has started work on for the delivery portion of a future STIP.
What does it mean if a project schedule indicates it is ”Funded for Preliminary Engineering Only”?
Since the STIP is updated approximately every two years, a project that is included in the first five years of the program has a greater certainty of being delivered as it is scheduled; these are shown with fiscal year schedules and labelled as “Scheduled for Delivery”.
Projects in the second half of the STIP may continue with planning and design activities. However, these projects will have to compete again in Prioritization to remain funded in a future STIP. If a project is not included in the current STIP, when can it be resubmitted for scoring?
The STIP is updated approximately every two years, so projects can be resubmitted during the next round of prioritization.
If a project is not included in the current STIP, when can it be resubmitted for scoring?
The STIP is updated approximately every two years, so projects can be resubmitted during the next round of prioritization.
What might cause a project’s schedule to change?
There are several steps that must be completed before a project ever goes to construction. NCDOT also works with many partners at the local, state and federal levels, as well as utility companies and landowners. Some examples of what could necessitate a change in schedule include design modifications, funding or property acquisition taking longer than expected.
Do project schedules change each time a new STIP is completed?
NCDOT strives to keep projects on schedule, but the schedules can change for various reasons – such as design changes or the need to balance funding based on revenues.
If a project is in the STIP, does that mean it is fully funded?
A project does not have to be fully funded to be in the STIP. A particular phase or phases of a project – such as right of way acquisition, utility relocation, or part of the total construction costs – may be funded.
As stated above, if a project is “Funded for Preliminary Engineering Only”, it must compete again in prioritization to remain funded in a future STIP.
Can a project schedule be accelerated based on actions by a local government or Metropolitan/Rural Planning Organization?
Local government participation can positively affect a project’s schedule. Reducing the amount of NCDOT funds required to construct a project makes it easier to fund.

There is also a legal provision that allows a local government to loan NCDOT the funding needed to construct a project sooner than the STIP schedule. That schedule, however, would be dependent on whether the necessary preconstruction work – such as environmental documents, permits, final design and right of way acquisition – could be completed within that accelerated time frame.
How can modifications be made to the STIP?
There are several steps that must be completed before a project ever goes to construction. NCDOT also works with partners at the local, state and federal levels, as well as utility companies and landowners. Some examples of what could necessitate a change in schedule include design modifications, funding or property acquisition taking longer than expected. The STIP can be changed by administrative modifications or amendment.

Amendments require approval by the N.C. Board of Transportation and the U.S. Department of Transportation, as well as any affected Metropolitan Planning Organization.

Local planning organizations agree to the projects within their jurisdiction and approve their local STIP. If the local planning organizations agree to and approve the change to their local STIP, the N.C. Board of Transportation would then need to approve the change and submit it to the state legislature for information.

The U.S. Department of Transportation would give final approval on the change.
If additional funding becomes available, how does that affect the STIP?
The STIP is based on the revenue forecast at the time it is developed. If that forecast increases or decreases, NCDOT will amend the STIP accordingly as was done with the additional sales tax revenues in the summer of 2022.
What do the letters at the beginning of the STIP number mean?
The letter prior to STIP ID numbers provides an indication of the type of project. For example, an "HP" indicates a highway project selected through prioritization and a "HB" indicates a highway bridge replacement project.
What do the letters at the end of the STIP number mean?
These letters are how NCDOT tracks a project over time. They are assigned in sequential order.
Are the costs shown in the STIP estimates or actual amounts spent on projects?
The amounts shown are estimated costs for right of way, utilities and construction.
If a project is dropped from the STIP for any reason, how would NCDOT choose the project to take its place?
The STIP prioritization process is updated approximately every two years. Both new projects and existing projects subject to reprioritization would be scored and considered for funding in the next STIP cycle.
How closely does each year’s programmed budget reflect the allocation defined in the Strategic Transportation Investments law?
The Strategic Transportation Investments law requires NCDOT to program within plus or minus 10 percent of each STI funding category.

8/17/2021 3:49 PM