ABSTRACT

The key product of Transportation Planning is the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), where a list of projects planned to be carried out for the next four years is generated. Before any project listed in a TIP can be further developed and implemented through design, right of way, construction, and other phases, the project must be in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) in order for the project to be eligible for Federal funding and secure Federal environmental permits for construction. NEPA requires that all branches and agencies of the Federal government give proper consideration to the environment before undertaking any major federal action that could significantly affect it. Federal actions could be granting permits, offering Federal financial assistance, and granting Federal permissions. State and local government agencies are the most likely owners and initiators of the transportation projects.