What is one key requirement for the Long-Range Transportation Plan (LRTP)?

The requirement for the Long-Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) to be fiscally constrained and consistent with the air quality plan is crucial for ensuring that the transportation strategies identified within the plan are realistic and achievable given the available funding. Fiscal constraint means that the plan must identify sufficient financial resources to implement the proposed projects, ensuring that local, state, and federal funding sources are accurately taken into account.

Ensuring consistency with the air quality plan is also important as it aligns transportation improvements with environmental regulations and public health standards. This requirement supports sustainable development and helps in meeting federal air quality standards, thus promoting cleaner air and improved public health outcomes. By mandating these two aspects, the LRTP can effectively guide regional transportation investments while supporting broader land use and environmental goals.

In contrast, other options do not encompass the critical elements that ensure a comprehensive and compliant transportation plan. Focusing only on major highway infrastructure or solely on public transportation improvements would lead to an unbalanced approach to transportation planning. Lastly, developing the LRTP without public involvement would eliminate essential community input and could result in strategies that do not meet the needs of the population, thus undermining the plan's effectiveness and acceptance.