| TO: | FHWA-#ALLDA-OfficialMailbox; FHWA-#ALLDA-PersonalMailbox; FHWA-#ALLFLH-OfficialMailbox |
|---|---|
| Cc: | Nadeau, Gregory (FHWA); Kim, David (FHWA); Echikson, Thomas (FHWA); Everett, Thomas (FHWA); FHWA-#ALLDFS-OfficialMailbox; FHWA-#ALLADA-PersonalMailbox; HEPODs; HEPTEAMS; HEPRCTeams; All Planners; Shepherd, Gloria (FHWA); HEPALL; Lopez-Cruz, Marisel (FHWA) |
| From: | Shepherd, Gloria (FHWA) |
| Date: | November 2, 2016 |
| Subject: | INFORMATION: Planning and Environmental Linkages – Questions and Answers |
TO THE ATTENTION OF: DIVISION OFFICE AND FEDERAL LANDS PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENTAL STAFF
The purpose of this message is to provide "Planning and Environmental Linkages (PEL) - Questions and Answers" to help field staff with the implementation of PEL. The discussion contained within the questions and answers is a reiteration of existing FHWA policy, current statutes, and regulation. The information clarifies what PEL is, how it can be used to address authorities in 23 U.S.C. 168 as amended by the FAST Act, and can be shared with your MPOs and State DOT.
PEL represents a collaborative and integrated approach to transportation decision-making that considers environmental, community, and economic goals early in the transportation planning process, and uses the information, analysis, and products developed during planning to inform the environmental review process, including the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA).
The use of PEL is not required; however, FHWA encourages its use. Potential outcomes of PEL include: creating one cohesive flow of information, avoiding duplicative efforts in planning and NEPA processes, improving relationships, consulting and collaborating early among stakeholders to identify potential impacts, accelerating project delivery, ensuring better environmental outcomes, and reaching timely permit decisions.
The Questions and Answers highlight agency coordination, public involvement, Title VI, and American with Disabilities Act considerations that have an increased emphasis within PEL. For additional information, please visit the PEL website or contact Jody McCullough at jody.mccullough@dot.gov or Marisel Lopez-Cruz at marisel.lopez-cruz@dot.gov.
