The Mid-East Rural Planning Organization (MERPO) is a regional transportation planning organization serving Beaufort County, Martin County, and the areas of Pitt County not within the planning boundaries of a Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO). MERPO works in coordination with local governments and the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) to plan for, prioritize, and implement aviation, bicycle & pedestrian, ferry, highway, public transit, and rail projects. The Mid-East RPO is a program of the Mid-East Commission, funded by NCDOT, Beaufort County, Martin County, and Pitt County.
Upcoming Events
TCC-TAC Joint Meeting
5-14-2026 | 10:00 AM | Martin County
TCC-TAC Joint Meeting
July 2026 | 10:00 AM | Beaufort County
Quick Links
Click here to view the Adopted 2026-2035 STIP Map in separate tab
Click here to download the Draft 2026-2035 STIP in Excel
Click here for more about the Draft 2026-2035 STIP
Click here to view map in separate tab.
Click here for more about Prioritization
Click here to view the Washington-Greenville Greenway Feasibility Study final report
Region
Beaufort County
Aurora ● Bath ● Belhaven ● Chocowinity, Pantego ● Washington ● Washington Park
Martin County
Bear Grass ● Everetts ● Hamilton
Hassell ● Jamesville ● Oak City ● Parmele Robersonville ● Williamston
Pitt County
Bethel ● Falkland ● Farmville ● Fountain Grifton ● Grimesland
History
In 2000, the State of North Carolina recognized the need for more coordinated transportation planning in rural North Carolina areas not within a Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) by enacting Chapter 136, Article 17, Section 136-210-213 of the General Statutes. This provided for the development of Rural Planning Organizations (RPOs).
In 2002, the Mid-East Rural Planning Organization (MERPO) was created through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Beaufort County, Martin County, Pitt County, and the North Carolina Department of Transportation. The MOU designated the Mid-East Commission, a Regional Council of Governments, to serve as the Lead Planning Agency (LPA) for MERPO.
The Mid-East RPO is one of 18 Rural Planning Organizations in North Carolina, and provides the following core services to Beaufort County, Martin County, and the non-MPO areas of Pitt County:
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Coordinate, assist and develop local and regional plans
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Provide a forum for public participation in the transportation planning and implementation process
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Provide transportation-related information to local governments
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Develop and prioritize projects the organization believes should be included in the State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP)
