The PROJECT MANAGEMENT UNIT is responsible for authorization of funds for Preliminary Engineering, Right of Way Acquisition and Utility Relocation, Construction and Landscape Development for TIP projects. The Unit analyzes all projects as to the type of funding for each major activity to maximize the utilization of all available revenue. Work Breakdown Structure Elements (WBS) are established to accumulate charges for all activities related to TIP project development. This requires approval by the Federal Highway Administration (federal funds) and the Board of Transportation (federal and state funds).

 The PROJECT MANAGEMENT UNIT prepares the items dealing with authorization of funds for the Board of Transportation agenda: Item J (State Funds), Item K (State Trust Funds – Intrastate and Urban Loops or State Bond Funds– Intrastate and Urban Loops), Item L (Spot Safety Funds) and Item M (Federal Aid Funds). The Unit is responsible for assuring that all legal and regulatory requirements are met before making funding authorizations. Projects are monitored and additional funds are obligated for changes in project scope, or if expenditures exceed the previously authorized budget. The Unit recommends closing the WBS elements upon project completion or when they are no longer required.

 Another duty of the PROJECT MANAGEMENT UNIT is the management of information on the status of projects. The Unit publishes a monthly 12-Month Tentative Letting List that is used to coordinate contract lettings for the next year. Projects are closely monitored to ensure schedules are met. The 12-Month Tentative Letting List is extremely valuable to the construction industry as well as the Division of Highways construction staff for planning manpower and equipment needs. It also provides the basis for short-term budget projections.