Shortening Project Delivery Toolkit

This initiative will set up a framework for considering and incorporating planning documents and decisions from the earliest stages of project planning into the environmental review process. It represents an approach to transportation decision–making that takes environmental, community, and economic information collected early in the planning stage and carries it through project development, design, and construction. This can lead to a seamless decision–making process that minimizes duplication of effort, promotes environmental stewardship, and reduces delays in project implementation.

Helpful Resources

http://www.environment.fhwa.dot.gov/integ/index.asp

The PEL website provides information developed and compiled by FHWA and its partners to assist in strengthening planning and environmental linkages, including: benefits; implementation tools; effective practices; publications; training and workshops; data and analysis tools; and legislation; regulations; and guidance.

PEL Legislation, Regulations, and Guidance

SAFETEA-LU includes several provisions intended to enhance the consideration of environmental issues and impacts within the transportation planning process and encourage the use of the products from planning in the NEPA process. Specifically, Sections 6001 and 6002 now require many of the activities that were previously considered "good" practices to strengthen linkages.

AASHTO Center for Environmental Excellence – Environmental Considerations in Planning

This website provides an overview of environmental considerations in transportation planning, including: background; SAFETEA-LU provisions; FHWA planning rules and guidance; implementation; conservation planning; and laws, regulations, and guidance.

NEPA Community of Practice