Frequently Asked Questions

The Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP) is

BTPO's work program and budget that outlines the planning activities that will be carried out by BTPO over the course of a fiscal year (October 1 - September 30). It outlines how federal, state, and local funds will be used for planning projects that advance the goals BTPO. The UPWP includes a description of each project and resulting products, responsible parties, time frames for completing the work, the cost of the work, and the source(s) of funds.


The UPWP clearly defines how funding is allocated and staff hours assigned for each project, task or activity.

The UPWP is one of several key planning documents required by federal law. It is closely related to the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), which lists specific projects to be funded and implemented and the Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP), which outlines long-term transportation goals and strategies. The UPWP details the planning work that supports the development and implementation of the MTP

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Most of the funding available for UPWP projects comes from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) for transportation-related projects. This funding typically requires a 7.34% non-federal match (in many other states,, the local match is 20% but in recognition of Idaho's large amount of public lands and inability to develop and generate tax revenues, the local match is decreased to 7.34%).

The UPWP is updated annually. However, informal adjustments can be made throughout the year if new priorities emerge or if additional funding becomes available.

Every year, BTPO staff, the Policy Board, and the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC), develop the draft UPWP after considering local perspectives, priorities, and required processes/updates. The Idaho Transportation Department provides input and ensures alignment with state goals for transportation-related projects and FHWA ensures eligibility with federal funding restrictions and accuracy of the proposed budget for transportation-related projects.