The Mineta Transportation Institute (MTI) has released a technical report intended to serve as a template for individual states to use in the development of their Continuity of Operations and Continuity of Government (COOP/COG) plans. This type of planning ensures that state DOTs can continue their essential functions through a wide range of emergencies and disasters.

The report, titled Generic Continuity of Operations/Continuity of Government Plan for State-Level Transportation Agencies, describes the necessity of states to anticipate major catastrophic disasters, including natural and technological hazards and enemy attack, by setting out emergency procedures and specific responsibilities. The term “continuity of government” has been defined as the preservation, maintenance, or reconstitution of the civil government’s ability to carry out its constitutional responsibilities.

“The current threat environment and recent natural, technological, and human-caused emergencies demonstrate the need for COOP/COG capabilities and plans at the local, regional, state, and federal levels,” MTI states. “This planning is recognized as a ‘good business practice’—part of the fundamental mission of all federal, state, and local agencies as responsible and reliable public institutions.” It includes a succession to office procedure with accompanying authority in the event a disruption renders agency leadership unable, unavailable, or incapable of assuming and performing their authorities and responsibilities of office.

The full document can be downloaded.