How is NEPA related to the Transportation Planning Process?
The NEPA process is designed to promote environmentally sound transportation decisions and cannot be used as a justification for decisions already made. Therefore, a coordinated approach between planning and project development contributes to the selection of transportation investments that reflect community needs, have benefited from an active public involvement process and are sensitive to the environment. The first stages of the NEPA process—development of project purpose and need—should build upon the transportation needs identified during planning and will be the basis for the final selection of an alternative for design and construction. Another direct link between NEPA and transportation planning is the requirement that a project be included in a conforming plan and TIP before it can be advanced; a major change in the project scope and design as it evolves during the NEPA process triggers a conformity and plan reassessment. In addition, other information gathered during the plan
