About Us

The Southern Illinois Metropolitan Planning Organization (SIMPO) was created to perform and carry out a continuing, cooperative, and comprehensive transportation planning process for the U.S. Census determined urbanized area (2010 Census – Urbanized Area Reference Map: Carbondale, IL) in accordance with applicable federal laws, policies and procedures, and with the cooperation and assistance of its members and the U.S. Department of Transportation. Unless otherwise specified by the subsequent amendments to MAP-21, the duties of SIMPO shall include:

  1. Providing a forum for cooperative transportation planning and decision-making, and establishing a public involvement process that ensures opportunities for early and continuing involvement of local governmental units, transit operators, and the general public in the review and evaluation of all transportation plans and programs.
  2. Formulating, approving, and periodically updating a multi-modal transportation plan for the metropolitan area which shall conform to all applicable federal requirements and schedules to make more efficient use of existing and proposed transportation systems.
  3. Formulating and annually approving the Transportation Improvement Program (“TIP”) for the metropolitan planning area, which shall cover a period of not less than three (3) years consistent with the transportation plan.
  4. Complying with all applicable federal, State, and local laws, policies, and federal requirements regarding transportation planning and programming.
  5. Formulating and annually approving a transportation planning work program which shall identify all transportation-related planning activities funded with State and federal financial aids and technical assistance, including transit planning and programming, in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement.
  6. Other planning and project development activities necessary to address transportation issues in the metropolitan planning area.

The work of SIMPO is guided by the Policy Committee.  The Policy Committee has final authority over all matters within the jurisdiction of SIMPO.  The Technical Committee was established for the purpose of providing technical advice and recommendations to the Policy Committee.  The Technical Committee conducts and guides the technical planning functions and duties of SIMPO.  An Advisory Committee may be formed to include non-voting members from Federal and State transportation agencies and other stakeholder group.  Establishment will be for the purpose of providing technical assistance, as needed, to the Policy and Committees regarding transportation and related issues.  For administrative purposes, Greater Egypt Regional Planning and Development Commission shall serve as the local Lead Agency.