It is in the interest of the State of Texas to encourage and promote the safe and efficient management, operation, and development of transportation systems that will serve the mobility needs of people and movement of freight, and foster economic growth and development in both rural and urbanized areas of the state, while minimizing transportation related air pollution. These goals can be advanced through a continuing, cooperative, and comprehensive transportation planning process that includes the state, metropolitan, rural, rail, and public transportation organizations, and promotes plans, programs, and policies that consider all transportation modes and support community development and social goals. This chapter prescribes minimum standards for metropolitan and rural transportation planning and program development, describes how the state and planning organizations will develop coordinated transportation planning processes, plans, and programs, and ensures the eligibility of the state to continue to receive federal transportation funds. The ultimate goal is to establish a transparent, well-defined, and understandable system of planning and programming that integrates priorities, financial forecasts, and project milestones.