The Federal Statewide Planning Rule requires that the STIP contain projects consistent with the statewide long-range transportation plan. New Jersey's statewide plan was prepared and submitted to the State Legislature on March 1, 2001. Following a public review and addressing of comments, the final plan was submitted to FHWA and FTA in January 2002.

The process to develop Transportation Choices 2025 went far beyond typical planning efforts, incorporating website technology in concert with traditional methods in plan preparation, public involvement, and overall project management. The New Jersey Long Range Transportation Plan website offers valuable transportation information and is designed to encourage the exchange of information between users of the state's transportation system and the Department.

The developmental work for Transportation Choices 2030 provided the foundation for development of the FY 2008-2012 Capital Investment Strategy that shaped the investment priorities for this STIP. The projects and programs in the STIP are consistent with the Long Range Transportation Plan.

The Department and NJ TRANSIT are now preparing Transportation Choices 2030, an update to Transportation Choices 2025. The agencie's staffs are working with consultant assistance to conduct extensive public outreach and inter-agency coordination along with technical assessments to examine the state's transportation system; describe a vision for the future; identify goals, objectives, strategies and actions; identify needs and resources; and develop a set of performance indicators and a reporting system to identify success at achieving the goals and objectives of the plan. Results of the work are being posted on the Long Range Plan website so it can be an easily accessible source of information on the development of the Long Range Plan and as well as a way for the public to offer their input on the Long Range Plan to the Department and NJ TRANSIT.

Unlike the previous plan, Transportation Choices 2025 is more than a "policy plan." It identifies future transportation needs and offers strategic direction on a systems level that is based on technical analysis, the use of alternative scenarios evaluation, and extensive public involvement. The Plan contains 5-, 10-, and 25-year elements to help guide the investment agenda for the state's future transportation expenditures.