Summary: | This course considers FHWA's policies and procedures for applying the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) to the project development and decisionmaking processes related to transportation facilities. The course examines the evolution of environmental policy and the integration of social, environmental, and economic factors into the framework of laws, regulations, policies, and guidance, which assist in achieving a decision on a transportation project that is in the best overall public interest.
The course emphasizes using the Council on Environmental Quality and FHWA's regulations and guidance for implementing NEPA and Section 4(f) of the Department of Transportation Act, as well as initiatives for interagency coordination and streamlining the project development process. Also emphasized are public involvement, Title VI/Environmental Justice, FHWA's policy for mitigation and enhancement, and the role of transportation in achieving sustainable development.
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Learning Outcomes: | Upon completion of the course, participants will be able to:
-Describe the NEPA principles in the development of transportation projects
-Describe the NEPA umbrella concept in transportation decisionmaking
-Explain the roles and responsibilities of participants in the NEPA process
-Describe the importance of a reasoned, collaborative process when developing and evaluating alternatives
-Discuss balancing an array of interests and values in making transportation decisions
-List the milestones in transportation planning that link to the NEPA project development process
-Describe documentation requirements of the NEPA process
-Discuss environmental streamlining, leadership, and stewardship in managing the NEPA process
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Teaching Method: | Instructor Lead
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Target Audience: | FHWA, State departments of transportation (including consultants acting on behalf of the State), Federal and State environmental resource agencies, local governments, and metropolitan planning organizations who participate in the transportation decisionmaking process.
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Final Exam: | Yes |
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