The purpose of this program is to provide federal funds directly
to member subregions for the advancement of projects through the
National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and preliminary engineering,
thereby developing a solution to a defined problem and making
the project eligible for inclusion in the Statewide
Transportation Improvement Program (STIP). The STIP is a list
of proposed improvements developed through the planning process
and scheduled for implementation within a five-year period. A
subregion is a county and the cities of Jersey City and Newark.
Municipalities are eligible for the Local Scoping Program but
must work through their appropriate subregion. Projects must be
part of the National Highway System or be designated a Federal
Aid road.
A project is considered to be "Scoped" when it has
received a Categorical Exclusion, a Finding of No Adverse Affect,
or a Record of Decision under NEPA from the Federal Highway Administration,
and a Design Report including any design exceptions and that the
preliminary engineering is completed. An important aspect of Scoping
is the public involvement process that is required under NEPA.
A decision to either advance a project for inclusion in the STIP
and an eventual final design, right-of-way purchase and construction,
or a decision to discontinue the project will be the result of
the Scoping process. If a decision is made to advance the project
to construction, funding will be provided either through the Local
Lead Program, the New Jersey Department of Transportation, or
other sources. A completed Scoping project does not guarantee
construction funding.
Since the Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPO) administer
this program, all subregions are encouraged to contact their respective
MPO for more detailed information concerning the program. The
information provided in this handbook is only presented as a general
guide. Each of the MPO may have different procedures for the completion
of the Scoping process.
A list of the Metropolitian
Organizations located in the State of New Jersey and the subregions
covered is provided in the Federal
Aid Handbook (pdf 480k)
