In order for any project to receive federal funding from the MPO, it must go through MassHighway's project initiation process. Most roadway projects begin at the local level with the identification of a particular need or deficiency by submitting a project need form (PNF) to MassHighway. If the city or town is seeking state or federal participation, the project must be coordinated through MassHighway. To initiate the process, the city or town must contact the appropriate MassHighway district office.

Assuming the district and the community agree on the parameters of the project, the district submits a project initiation form to MassHighway's central office. The project request is then submitted to MassHighway's Project Review Committee (PRC) for a determination of funding eligibility and project feasibility. If the project is approved by the PRC, it is entered into MassHighway's internal project information system and assigned to a project manager.

The Montachusett Regional Planning Commission created a document that outlines this process:
Process Required to Successfully Implement A City or Town Initiated,
Federal-Aid Funded Highway Project