An area transportation planning organization would get startup funds through the North Dakota Department of Transportation under a contract approved on the city’s side by the Minot City Council Tuesday.

The Central Dakota Metropolitan Planning Organization was formally authorized by North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum on Nov. 23, making the MPO an official organization. The organization is expected to be able to receive federal funding in a few months, but in the meantime, the NDDOT is making $92,742 in federal dollars available through the State Planning and Research account to match $23,186 in city funds to support the MPO’s startup costs.

The MPO plans to advertise for an executive director and obtain necessary supplies to support its operations.

Having been federally recognized as achieving a 50,000 population, the area from Burlington to Surry is required to create an MPO to oversee transportation planning. The MPO policy board includes representatives from Minot, Ward County, Burlington and Surrey.

The MPO will oversee all transportation planning in its area. It also has established a technical advisory committee that will hold its first meeting Tuesday.