“The statewide [metropolitan] transportation planning process shall provide for the establishment and use of a performance-based approach to transportation decision making to support the national goals…

• support the economic vitality of the metropolitan area, especially by enabling global competitiveness, productivity, and efficiency;
• increase the safety of the transportation system for motorized and non-motorized users;
• increase the security of the transportation system for motorized and non-motorized users;
• increase the accessibility and mobility of people and for freight;
• protect and enhance the environment, promote energy conservation, improve the quality of life, and promote consistency between transportation improvements
  and State and local planned growth and economic development patterns;
• enhance the integration and connectivity of the transportation system, across and between modes, for people and freight;
• promote efficient system management and
  operation; and
• emphasize the preservation of the existing transportation system.”

SOURCE: Pub. L. 112–141: Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (July 6, 2012). Available at http://www. gpo.gov/ as of December 2013.