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MAP-21 - Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century

Home / MAP-21 / Questions & Answers / Section 1310 Integration of Planning and Environmental Review Questions & Answers

Section 1310 Integration of Planning and Environmental Review Questions & Answers

Posted 9/25/2012

Question 1: Under Section 1310, "Integration of planning and environmental review" will it be possible to use results of the planning process, such as planning decisions, studies, and analyses, in the environmental review process?

Answer 1: Yes. Section 1310 (23 U.S.C. 168) establishes specific authorities that will facilitate the use of planning decisions and documents, that meet specific conditions, in the environmental review process. Detailed guidance is currently under development.

Question 2: What does it mean to "use" the results of the planning process in the environmental review process?

Answer 2: Guidance on this and other implementation questions will be provided in the future.

Question 3: Does MAP-21 limit the FHWA and FTA's ability to use planning products in the environmental review process under other authorities?

Answer 3: No. As indicated in (Section 1310) (23 U.S.C. 168(f)(3)), MAP-21 does not affect the ability, under other authorities, to use planning products in the environmental review process. For instance, FHWA and FTA have the authority under NEPA to incorporate by reference information developed through the planning process into an environmental document.

Question 4: How does Section 1310 affect joint FHWA-FTA projects that include New Starts funds?

Answer 4: Guidance will be provided in the future.

Question 5: How do the requirements of Section 1310 relate to the removal of the requirement for a stand-alone alternatives analysis for New Starts projects?

Answer 5: Guidance will be provided in the future.

Page last modified on September 12, 2013
Federal Highway Administration | 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE | Washington, DC 20590 | 202-366-4000