The Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) is a federally required planning document that every Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) must update regularly – within the Kingsport region the LRTP must be updated every five years. The LRTP serves as the region’s roadmap for meeting long-term transportation needs and complying with federal regulations that guide how funds can be spent on transportation projects.

The LRTP evaluates current and future conditions, identifies key challenges and opportunities, and prioritizes investments across all modes—including roads, transit, walking, biking, and freight movement. The plan supports the regional transportation network remaining efficient, resilient, and aligned with the community’s long-term vision and goals while supporting eligibility for federal transportation funding.

The LRTP covers the entire region served by KMTPO, the federally designated Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) for the Kingsport urban area. The KMTPO Metropolitan Planning Area consists of municipalities and counties on both sides of the Tennessee-Virginia state line. The MPO includes the following municipalities and jurisdictions:

This diverse region contains a mix of urban centers, established neighborhoods, major employment corridors, and rural areas. Understanding the geography, demographics, and travel patterns across these interconnected communities is essential to developing an effective long-range transportation strategy that supports mobility, economic vitality, and quality of life throughout the Kingsport area.

The LRTP update began in January 2026 and will continue through May 2027. Throughout this process, the project team will meet regularly with the KMTPO Executive Board and staff to review existing conditions, future-year forecasts, project needs, fiscal constraint development, and environmental and mitigation considerations. Public and stakeholder engagement will also occur at key milestones. Please visit the Events page for the most current information on LRTP outreach activities.

A Preliminary Draft LRTP will be shared with KMTPO staff in November 2026, followed by review of the draft that will be conducted by TDOT, VDOT, FHWA, FTA, and the KMTPO Executive Board. A 30-day public review will also take place in approximately March/April 2027. Following consideration of public and stakeholder feedback, the project team will develop the Final LRTP and present it to KMTPO Executive Board. The Board must adopt the plan no later than May 2027, to maintain federal compliance and support the continuation of the MPO’s long-range planning responsibilities. Once adopted, the Final LRTP will be posted for public access and will serve as the official document to guide regional transportation investment decisions.

The Kingsport Metropolitan Transportation Planning Organization (KMTPO) is the federally designated Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) for the Kingsport urban area. Established in 1977, KMTPO is responsible for carrying out the federally mandated 3‑C planning process—continuing, cooperative, and comprehensive transportation planning for urban areas with populations over 50,000. KMTPO spans the Tennessee-Virginia border and includes counties and municipalities in both states.

KMTPO coordinates regional transportation planning, ensures federal requirements are met, and prepares key documents. In addition to preparing the Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP), KMTPO prepares other documents such as the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) and the Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP). These plans guide how transportation dollars are invested within the region.

Communities Within the KMTPO Boundary

Based on Census-defined urban areas and MPO boundary designations, KMTPO includes the following municipalities and jurisdictions:

KMTPO Committees

Executive Board

The KMTPO Executive Board serves as the MPO’s decision-making body and is responsible for the adoption of major transportation planning documents, including the LRTP and TIP. Member agencies represented on the Executive Board include the municipalities and jurisdictions listed above as well as the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) and the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT).

Technical Coordinating Committee (TCC)

KMTPO also has a Technical Coordinating Committee, made up of professional staff such as planners, engineers, and agency representatives. The TCC provides technical analysis, project evaluation, and recommendations to the Executive Board and supports development of MPO products and compliance with federal planning requirements.

Learn More About KMTPO

More detailed information on KMTPO, its planning responsibilities, past plans, and committee structure can be found on the official KMTPO webpage.