Discovering context-specific integration practices for integrating NEPA into statewide and metropolitan project planning processes

When the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process and the transportation project planning process are not streamlined, the NEPA process may lead to duplication of work and project delays. This paper presents research work in discovering state-suitable integration practices for integrating NEPA into statewide and metropolitan transportation project planning processes for the state of Illinois. The discovery of practices was based on an analytical review of existing integration guidelines and efforts in other states and using a survey of experts from relevant federal, state, and metropolitan planning, regulatory, and resource agencies. Two types of integration practices were identified: process-oriented and collaboration-oriented integration practices. The selected practices were integrated into existing transportation project planning processes and formalized into an integrated process flow with detailed implementation guidance. The integrated process was validated through a second expert survey. The validation results indicate that the integrated process, including its implementation detail and process representation, provides appropriate guidance for integrating NEPA into transportation project planning processes in Illinois. The implementation of the integrated process would improve interagency coordination and communication, enable early identification of potential environmental issues, reduce duplication of effort, and enhance project delivery in terms of time and cost.