AASHTO | Roadmap for Developing Programmatic Agreements

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Despite these benefits, and their availability for many
years, not everyone takes advantage of them. The
Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA)
has identified PAs as a focus
for expanded adoption and implementation. Expanded
use of PAs can improve and expedite transportation
project delivery processes across the Nation as well as
improving environmental outcomes.
PAs are encouraged to eliminate repetitive discussions
of the same issues between relevant Federal agencies
and State resource agencies, State Departments of
Transportation, and tribal governments. PAs previously
implemented by FHWA include, but are not limited to:
• Programmatic agreements that address process relat-
ed to consultation, coordination, and decision-making;
• Review of individual impacts of a particular resource
at a regional/national level for certain categories of
projects for reference in subsequent project-level
environmental reviews;
• Resource-focused agreements (e.g., mitigation for wet-
land, water quality, and endangered species impacts); or
• Section 404/NEPA merger agreements.
Expanding the use of PAs requires creating a usable guide-
book or roadmap to their development and implementa-
tion. This document does just that, providing examples and
recommendations on developing various types of PAs.
ROADMAP FOR DEVELOPING AND IMPLEMENTING
PROGRAMMATIC
AGREEMENTS
Programmatic Agreements (PAs) reduce project delivery time by specifying the roles and
responsibilities of all parties involved. PAs also standardize coordination and compliance
procedures, facilitate trust relationships between a Department of Transportation (DOT) and
regulatory agency staff, and help limited staff and resources to be more focused and pro-
ductive by promoting better project decisions and more positive outcomes. Using PAs
also improves compliance efficiency by establishing consistent expectations for review
times and processing options. They also encourage communication and are instrumental
in building cooperative relationships
The content of the roadmap is presented in a sequential manner with each section informing the next, providing a tutorial on considering,
developing and implementing a PA. However, each section can stand on its own should the reader have questions about specific topics.
Just click on a section above to go directly to that content.
WHAT’S IN THE ROADMAP? The roadmap consists of six sections: