Legislation, Regulations, and Guidance
In 1991 the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA) extended the opportunity for public involvement into the transportation planning process. Subsequent legislation - the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21) in 1998 and the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU) in 2005 - continued to broaden opportunities for public participation in transportation decision-making.
Public Involvement: Key Legislation, Regulations, and Guidance
Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU), Public Law 109-59 (as passed by Congress and signed by President) August 10, 2005, FHWA SAFETEA-LU
Provisions in SAFETEA-LU
- Representatives of users of pedestrian walkways, bicycle transportation facilities, the disabled are specifically added as parties to be provided with the opportunity to participate in the statewide and metropolitan planning processes
- To enhance the public participation process, the State DOT and MPO should conduct public meetings at convenient and accessible locations at convenient times; employ visualization techniques to describe plans; and make public information available in an electronically accessible format such as on the Web
- The MPO is to develop a participation plan in consultation with interested parties that provides reasonable opportunities for all parties to comment
SAFETEA-LU Defines "interested parties"
Public Involvement Policy: Transportation Project Development and NEPA
Regulation
Past Legislation