USTA starting and info?

I am 15 years old, about to be 16 in a month. im about a 3.5 level player. Ive never played usta before and i really want to start, but i don't know how to. any info on how to get into usta tournaments and how much they cost. i don't have an unlimited amount of money but im not poor. i can afford a lot but not to drive up to the opposite side of the sate and stay in hotels for x amount of days for a couple tournaments a month. that wont work. can I just do tournaments in my area? plus, once you've signed up, how do you arrange the tournaments? these and any additional information will help! please and thank you!