Dutchess County's population grew by five percent between 2000 and 2006.After extensive study and deliberation, the Poughkeepsie-Dutchess County Transportation Council on Thursday officially endorsed a new metropolitan transportation plan called New Connections. With a horizon year of 2035, New Connections will serve as the central guiding document for improving transportation in the county over the next 28 years. With a horizon year of 2035, New Connections will serve as the central guiding document for
improving transportation in Dutchess County over the next twenty-eight years.

The plan identifies a number of priority actions, including expanding public transportation options, expanding bicycle and pedestrian facilities, focusing new growth in existing centers and along major transportation corridors and support efforts to reduce energy consumption and vehicle emissions.

As the Metropolitan Planning Organization for Dutchess County, the transportation council is responsible for ensuring that federal transportation funds are committed through a locally driven, comprehensive planning process. It provides a forum for state and local officials to discuss transportation issues and, in turn, reach a consensus on transportation plans and various highway and transit projects.