The board responsible for all transportation planning projects, plans and services in the urban area was the latest to sign an agreement with the Tennessee Department of Transportation to monitor development along a major highway.

The Cleveland Urban Area Metropolitan Planning Organization on Wednesday joined the City Council as signatories to the agreement. Approval of the Bradley County Commission is pending.

The purpose of the agreement is to provide the framework of collaboration in the management of State Route 60 from the Georgia line to the Eureka Road/Freewill Road intersection. The goal is to promote safe and efficient operation, enhance and sustain economic development while supporting environmental conservation along Dalton Pike and Georgetown Road, as S.R. 60 is commonly known.

The Highway 60 project was chosen as one of only two corridor management agreement pilot programs in the state. The model was developed through grant funds from the National Governors Association Center for Best Practices.

The Highway 60 Corridor was chosen primarily because of a strong history of local planning and coordination with the state. The agreement would be with the state of Tennessee, city of Cleveland and Bradley County if it joins the compact.

The pilot program is not attached to funding at this point, but participating agencies might have a better chance at receiving funds in the future.

According to the resolution, the planning prepares for growth and anticipates problems rather than dealing with them when they become a major issue.