Kern Council of Governments 2026 Regional Transportation Plan

Pursuant to federal metropolitan transportation planning requirements established under 23 U.S.C. § 134 and 23 CFR Part 450, Kern COG must prepare and update a transportation plan for its metropolitan planning area every four years to ensure that the plan adequately addresses future travel needs and is consistent with the federal Clean Air Act. Kern COG’s last RTP was adopted in 2022. The 2026 RTP is the culmination of a multi-year effort with the intent to improve the balance between land use and transportation systems. Kern COG is required by federal law to develop an RTP that determines the needs of the transportation system and prioritizes proposed transportation projects. The RTP is also necessary to obtain and allocate federal funding for regional transportation projects. Kern COG does not implement individual projects in the RTP; these projects will be implemented by local jurisdictions and other agencies. Consultation activities are a part of the 2026 RTP and PEIR development processes.