The SEDA-COG Rural Planning Organization (RPO) is the official transportation planning organization for eight (8) Central Pennsylvania Counties (Clinton, Columbia, Juniata, Mifflin, Montour, Northumberland, Snyder, Union), as designated by the Governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania under current and applicable federal laws. Most of Pennsylvania’s rural areas are organized into Rural Planning Organizations (RPOs). Although RPOs are not required by the federal government, Pennsylvania has partnered with its RPOs to conduct rural planning activities, providing RPOs with the same status as Metropolitan Planning Organizations in urban areas.
The SEDA-COG RPO operates via an agreement with PennDOT to approve studies and capital improvements for highways, bridges, transit, railroads, bicycle/pedestrian facilities, and other transportation concerns. Three primary documents are developed and approved by the RPO: the region’s Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP), and annual Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP). In executing its work, the RPO strives to help provide a balanced transportation system for the maximum benefit of people, businesses, and communities in the region.
Consistent with its 
bylaws, the SEDA-COG RPO’s governing body consists of 15 voting members: one representative from each of the eight member counties (typically the county planning director); three representatives from PennDOT (Engineering District 2-0, Engineering District 3-0, and Central Office); one representative from transit; one representative from multi-modal interests; one representative from the SEDA-COG Board; and one representative from SEDA-COG’s Transportation Program. In addition to the 15 voting members, the RPO includes non-voting members. Such non-voting members receive RPO reports and agendas and may participate in RPO discussions. Non-voting members include, among others: Lycoming County officials, Centre County officials, Federal Highway Administration officials, Federal Transit Administration officials, SEDA-COG staff, other state and federal resource agencies, and private citizens with an interest in transportation and economic development throughout the region.
More information about the RPO meeting schedule, agendas, minutes, and work products can be accessed from the menu on the left of of the page.