Planning and Environmental Linkages (PEL) · • For TxDOT, a PEL study typically refers to a...
Transcript of Planning and Environmental Linkages (PEL) · • For TxDOT, a PEL study typically refers to a...
Planning and Environmental Linkages (PEL) Texas A&M Transportation Institute 2012 Transportation Short Course October 16-17, 2012
What is PEL? • A new approach to transportation decision-making Considers environmental issues early in the transportation
planning process Utilizes planning decisions and analyses in NEPA
• An FHWA Everyday Counts Initiative Supported by 23 CFR 450.212 and 318, Appendix A Voluntary process
FHWA PEL Tools and Guidance: http://environment.fhwa.dot.gov/integ/index.asp
What is PEL?
• For TxDOT, a PEL study typically refers to a planning study at the corridor or subarea level More focused than
regional or system level planning studies
More general than project-specific NEPA study
When Should You Use PEL?
Helpful for:
In cases of:
• Defining problems, • Identifying potential solutions • Documenting decisions in
planning
To carry forward
NEPA
process
Limited funding
Project complexity
Previous studies that have become outdated
Products from PEL Study • Key products from a PEL Study include:
Purpose and need or goals and objectives statement(s);
General travel corridor and/or general mode(s) definition;
Preliminary screening of alternatives;
Basic description of the environmental setting; and/or
Preliminary identification of environmental impacts and environmental mitigation
Requirements for Use in NEPA
• PEL Studies must include:
Involvement of interested State, Local, Tribal, and Federal agencies and the public;
Review by FHWA and FTA, as appropriate;
Clear documentation;
Public availability of planning documents throughout the NEPA process
Benefits of the PEL Approach • Address complex
environmental challenges early and avoid environmentally sensitive natural resources;
• Design projects that meet mobility, environmental, and community needs; and
• Minimize duplication of efforts and data.
Improves project delivery
times
How is TxDOT Using PEL? • IH 35 San Antonio PEL Study currently underway IH 35 from US 281/IH 37 to FM 1103 IH 410 from IH 35 to IH 10
IH 35 SA PEL Study • IH 35 MIS completed in
1996 and transportation need identified in MPO Plan
• PEL Study initiated in September 2011
• Purpose: to incorporate and update previous analyses and re-engage public to inform NEPA process
IH 35 PEL Study Public Involvement • Public Workshops and Meetings • Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) • Community Advisory Committee (CAC) • Agency Coordination • Social Media
IH 35 PEL Study Results • Need and Purpose • Affected Environment • Reduced number of
alternative concepts to consider in NEPA (from 11 to 2)
• Process Documentation • Re-engagement of
agencies and the public
IH 35 PEL Study Results
• Items to be explored further in NEPA:
Number of Lanes
Engineering and Design Configurations
Project Financing
TxDOT PEL Lessons Learned
• Early and frequent coordination with agencies and the public
• Planning study must meet regulatory criteria to be useful in NEPA
• Documentation of process and results
Future TxDOT PEL Studies
• TxDOT plans to initiate two additional PEL studies in the San Antonio area:
IH 35 from US 281/IH 37 to US 90
IH 35 Bypass Corridor