Subject:

INFORMATION:  Participation in Funding
for Ecological Mitigation

From:

Associate Administrator
  for Program Development

To:

Regional Administrators
Federal Lands Highway Program Administrator

The ISTEA provides new authority and encourages flexibility in mitigating ecological impacts caused by transportation projects. Although such authority has been assumed in the past as part of the NEPA objectives, the ISTEA specifically identifies mitigation of impacts to natural habitats and ecosystems as eligible for Federal-aid funding participation.

The ISTEA also encourages incorporation of ecological considerations early in the transportation system planning and development process. Statewide and Metropolitan Transportation Planning should include considerations of the protection of important natural ecosystems and biological resources.

The following guidance establishes minimum conditions and requirements for Federal-aid funding of ecological mitigation, including development of ecological mitigation banks along the same general concepts as wetland banks (presented in the memorandum, "Funding for Establishment of Wetland Mitigation Banks," dated October 24, 1994). This approach can be especially useful when mitigating impacts to endangered species.

The FHWA field offices are encouraged to use the full authority of the ISTEA, coordinate with State and Federal resource management agencies, and cooperate with State DOTs to the greatest extent practicable in exploring and implementing innovative approaches for reducing and mitigating ecological impacts of transportation projects.

(Original signed by)
Thomas J. Ptak

Attachment