Performance Reporting

Timeliness of NEPA Data

• Studies and collections of data that identify and explain the amount of time required to complete the NEPA Process
  • Estimated Time Required to Complete the NEPA Process (includes Fiscal Year 2011)
    (compiled by FHWA Office of Project Development and Environmental Review)
  • NEPA Baseline Study for Evaluating the Performance of Environmental Streamlining (by the Berger Group for FHWA)
    Baseline studies have been completed to measure the length of time for routine and complex environmental reviews. The results provide a valid and reasonable baseline against which to evaluate future environmental streamlining efforts and to establish target timeframes for reducing delays.
  • NEPA Baseline Study for Evaluating the Performance of Environmental Streamlining - Phase II (by the Berger Group for FHWA)
  • Successful Efforts in Environmental Streamlining--Eight Case Studies in Project Development (by the Berger Group for FHWA)
  • Reasons for EIS Project Delays
    (compiled by FHWA Office of Project Development and Environmental Review)
  • Information on Timeliness on Completing the NEPA Process Projects Completed in FY 02

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FHWA Environmental Tracking System

• Environmental Document Tracking System (EDTS) – currently replaced by Project and Program Action Information System (PAPAI)
  In 2002, FHWA developed and implemented an internal environmental document tracking system (EDTS) for Environmental Assessments (EA), and Environmental Impact Statements (EIS). The system was developed to support the Environmental Streamlining and Stewardship “Vital Few” objectives. The ability to accurately track the length of time required to complete the NEPA process is an essential component of the environmental streamlining performance measure. This system is now being replaced by the Project and Program Action Information System (PAPAI), which will help FHWA identify some of the factors that may affect the efficiency of the NEPA process. PAPAI will aid FHWA's ability to monitor project progress between major milestones throughout project delivery. In addition, PAPAI will also accurately determine the total processing time from initiation of EIS, EA, and Categorical Exclusion (CE) to the approval of the final decision document. For the first time, CEs are now part of reporting requirements outlined in MAP-21 and should be entered in PAPAI in addition to EAs and CEs.

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Florida Peer Exchange Report: Strategies and Approaches for Effectively Moving Complex Environmental Documents Through the EIS Process

• FDOT and the FHWA Florida Division Office organized a Peer Exchange to identify successful strategies and approaches for effectively moving complex environmental documents through the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process in a timely manner. This report provides a summary of the presentations and discussions that took place during the Peer Exchange. View the report.

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FHWA/Gallup Study on Implementing Performance Measurement in Environmental Streamlining

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) contracted with The Gallup Organization to conduct a study that would obtain insights into the environmental streamlining process. The study included a qualitative component involving focus group research, and two quantitative components, a pilot study of Region 5, and a comprehensive national study that was both regional and national in scope. Discussions from focus group participants revealed common themes concerning relationships among the counterpart transportation and resource permitting agencies.

For more information on the Study, click here.

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State Transportation Liaison Funded Positions Study, October, 2009

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) contracted with the Volpe National Transportation Systems Center to conduct a study on funded positions programs. The purpose of the study was to assess trends in the use of funded positions and provide recommendations to State DOTs and resource agencies to support more effective utilization of these programs. The study revealed common benefits, challenges, and decisionmaking steps that are involved in developing and managing funded positions programs.  View the report.  View PDF.

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