Foothills Regional Comprehensive Transportation Plan
The Transportation Planning Division of the N.C. Department of Transportation (NCDOT), the Foothills RPO (formerly the Isothermal RPO), McDowell County, Polk County, Rutherford County, and their municipalities began a Comprehensive Transportation Plan (CTP) study for the Foothills Region, which consists of McDowell, Polk, and Rutherford Counties.
The Foothills Regional CTP includes identified transportation system needs, as well as possible solutions, to support anticipated growth and development. Various modes of transportation were evaluated, and recommendations were made, including: highway, public transportation, and bicycle/pedestrian. The impact of other modes of travel, such as airports and rail, play significant roles in moving people and freight in North Carolina and in the CTP.
This plan is updated about every ten years but the group meets regularly pursue the following vision:
“The Foothills Region provides a safe, efficient, well-connected, accessible, multimodal transportation system that enhances the mobility of its residents, supports economic development, sustainable land use patterns and a healthy lifestyle while preserving the region’s natural beauty and heritage.”
