U.S. Department of Transportation
Federal Highway Administration
1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
Washington, DC 20590
202-366-4000
MAP-21 - Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century
Posted 9/25/2012
Question CE-1: How does MAP-21 change the program for State Assumption of Responsibilities for Categorical Exclusions (CE) in 23 U.S.C. 326?
Answer CE-1: MAP-21 Section 1312 amends 23 U.S.C. 326 with provisions that:
Question CE-2: Does MAP-21 create a need to modify the template MOU that serves as a basis for new States to assume responsibilities under 23 U.S.C. 326, and for States that desire to renew their MOUs?
Answer CE-2: The template MOU will be revised to cover the new provisions of MAP-21. Any new MOUs developed, or any existing MOUs that are renewed, would integrate the new provisions.
Question ER-1: What early coordination activities does MAP-21 Section 1320 require?
Answer ER-1: All actions within this section are highly encouraged. Section 1320(b )requires the Secretary and other Federal agencies with relevant jurisdiction, upon request of a State or local planning agency, "…to the extent practicable and appropriate, as determined by the agencies, provide technical assistance to the State or local planning agency on accomplishing the early coordination activities described in subsection (d)." Section 1320(c) provides that the lead agency may establish memoranda of agreement (MOA) with project sponsors, State, and local governments, and any other appropriate entities to accomplish the early coordination and section 1320(d) describes those activities that, to the maximum extent practicable, shall be included in such an MOA.
Question ER-2: Will the technical assistance requirement (Section 1320) also apply to non-DOT Federal agencies?
Answer ER-2: Section 1320(b) states "[i]f requested at any time by a State or local planning agency, the Secretary [of Transportation] and other Federal agencies with relevant jurisdiction in the environmental review process, shall, to the extent practicable and appropriate, as determined by the agencies, provide technical assistance to the State or local planning agency on accomplishing the early coordination activities described in subsection (d)" of Section 1320.