Project Selection Process (PSP)

As in most metropolitan areas, the need for transportation investment in the Albuquerque Metropolitan Planning Area (AMPA) exceeds the funds available. Therefore, policy leaders must carefully choose which projects move forward, prioritizing those that are likely to have the greatest impact on the overall transportation system. As such, transportation project proposals submitted for funding through the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) are vetted through a competitive and transparent process. The Project Selection Process (PSP) is one important tool used by MRMPO to assist with project selection. The PSP’s aim is to quantify project selection and make the process as objective as possible. The PSP’s intent is to elevate transportation projects that best meet the regional goals set forth in the Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP).

Some of the considerations included in the PSP are as follows:

  • Is the project designed to relieve congestion on one of our most congested corridors?
  • Does the project improve connections between our regional activity centers?
  • Does the project address a known gap in the transportation network?
  • Does the project improve a bridge that is in need of repair?
  • Is the project located on the Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) network?
  • Is the project designed to increase safety on the High Fatality and Injury Network (HFIN)?
  • Does the project improve access for households living in poverty and communities of color?

The evaluation criteria used in the PSP are tied to the goals and objectives of the long-range Metropolitan Transportation Plan to ensure a consistent approach to regional planning efforts. In addition, the PSP takes a comprehensive planning approach to accommodate a range of transportation users, including pedestrians, cyclists, transit users, and motorists.

Project Selection Process (PSP) Portal

The Project Selection Process Portal was created to be the one stop shop for all things PSP. Here you can find out more about what the PSP is, how projects get scored and how to submit a project. This hub is where member agencies can find the Project Submittal Form, as well as the Project Map, which both must be filled out for a project to be submitted.

The deadline for the 2024-2029 TIP has passed. New projects submitted via the PSP portal will not be considered for the 2024-2029 TIP. The PSP portal will stay online and accessible to all for informational purposes.

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Project Selection Process Guidebook

PSP GraphicThe Project Selection Process Guidebook provides an explanation of the elements included in the PSP, the reasons for their selection, and how the components and criteria fit together in a comprehensive process. The document explains how regional needs are met and how member agencies and project developers can craft projects which address those regional needs.

While the PSP is an important tool in project selection, it is not the only determining factor. Other qualitative considerations, such as the benefit of the project to the local community and the project's cost and time frame for completion, are also important factors. 

The Project Selection Process Guidebook was updated in September, 2022 to adhere to the Connections 2040 MTP.  

The PSP heavily references data and products developed through the Congestion Management Process. Read more about the Congestion Management Process.

Transportation Boundaries

The Project Selection Process Guidebook addresses Large Urban, Small Urban and Rural areas. There are some differences between the scoring criteria for Small Urban and Rural areas and the guidebook provides further details on this. Small Urban and Rural Area projects are located within the AMPA but outside of the Albuquerque Urbanized Area. This includes projects in the Los Lunas Urbanized Area that are eligible for STP-Small Urban funds, as well as projects eligible for STP-Rural or other funds that may be applied outside of the urbanized areas.

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