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Transportation for Communities - Advancing Projects Through Partnerships


Partner Portal

Essential Information

The Integrated Ecological Framework is a step-by-step technical process guiding the integration of transportation and ecological planning. It supports collaboration among resource and transportation agencies.

The Partner Collaboration Assessment is a survey used to pinpoint where process or team dynamics are obstructing collaboration and to find strategies to help.

Partner or Stakeholder

Stakeholders are agencies, organizations, or individuals that do not have a mandated role in decision making. However, stakeholder input and support are essential for successful projects and plans. Visit the Stakeholder Portal for information on collaborating with stakeholders.

Transportation partners are the four agencies with federally-mandated decision-making authority:

FHWA Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) MPO Metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs)
Resource Agency Resource agencies DOT State departments of transportation (DOTs)

Each partner has the power to block the transportation decision-making process. Partner collaboration is essential to making decisions that stick.

The partner portal supports collaboration by answering the questions: Who makes transportation decisions? What do they care about? What are their roles?

Info Three areas of information support partner collaboration:

  1. It is critical that each agency understands what other partners care about. Use Partner Interests to learn more.
  2. There are four possible roles for partners at each key decision. Go to Partner Roles to find out what they are.
  3. There may be others that should be involved as partners for a particular plan, program, or project. Adding Partners provides some guidelines and how-to advice for elevating a stakeholder to a partner.
  • Partner Interests
  • Partner Roles
  • Adding Partners

Partner Interests

Each partner's interests guide their involvement in transportation decision making. Some interests are shared by all partners and others relate to the agency's specific mission and authority. To collaborate it is essential for partners to understand and build from each other’s interests.

All partners share the common interests that transportation decision making:

  • Is collaborative and inclusive
  • Is based on factual information and realistic assumptions
  • Meets all legal requirements
FHWA MPO Resource Agency State DOT
FHWA MPO Resource Agency DOT
Transportation plans and projects are developed in accordance with current laws and regulations. Transportation plans and projects reflect the values, goals, and priorities of the region. Transportation decisions value and support high priority resources. Statewide transportation system interconnectivity and goals are supported across both urban and rural areas.

Info Click on the arrows below for detailed information about each example. [Expand all Details]

  • arrow down image

    Long Range Transportation Planning

    • FHWA wants to ensure that the process and plan reflect the community’s vision and goals, are fiscally constrained, meet air quality conformity standards, and wisely use public funds.
    • MPOs want to ensure that the process and plan support political, geographic, and social equity; reflect the region’s vision and goals; explore all possibilities; are fiscally constrained; and are consistent with growth, land use, and economic development plans and patterns.
    • Resource agencies want to ensure that the process and plan incorporate and document large scale avoidance and minimization, consider indirect and cumulative impacts, and consider land use issues.
    • DOTs want to ensure that the process and plan are consistent with the TIP/STIP; do not adversely impact design, maintenance, and operations; consider interconnectivity; and meet air quality conformity standards.
  • arrow down image

    Programming

    • FHWA wants to ensure programming and the TIP and STIP are fiscally constrained, accurately reflect the plans of the state/MPO, incorporate the TIP in the STIP, and include only projects that are eligible as programmed.
    • MPOs want to ensure the TIP and STIP are consistent with the long range plan, are fiscally constrained, meet project selection criteria and performance measures, and address the needs of the region.
    • Resource agencies want to ensure programming and the TIP and STIP consider environmental issues, provide a project description that clearly indicates when resource agency input is needed, and accurately reflect the plans of the state and MPO.
    • DOTs want to ensure the TIP and STIP are in agreement, use all available funding sources, meet project selection criteria and performance measures, and are fiscally constrained.
  • arrow down image

    Corridor Planning

    • FHWA wants to ensure that the process and plan are consistent with other accepted plans and involve potentially affected federal and state agencies.
    • MPOs want to ensure that the process and plan provide a clear statement of the problem, result in a range of improvements in multiple projects and with various modes, establish a common understanding among partners about implementation responsibilities, and are built on the foundation of the LRTP.
    • Resource agencies want to ensure that the process and plan are consistent with any agreements made in long range planning and can inform NEPA, provide clear expectations of how the results of environmental review will be be used, and use broad-scale geographic information.
    • DOTs want to ensure that the process and plan are conducted such that information can be transferred to the NEPA process, integrate transportation and land use, and build on the foundation of the LRTP where applicable.
  • arrow down image

    Environmental Review/NEPA merged with Permitting

    • FHWA wants to ensure the environmental review process and document are accurate, build on the foundation of previous phases, and are based on meaningful participation.
    • MPOs want to ensure that the environmental review process and document consider the TIP, LRTP, land use plans, and economic development patterns; and are well-documented in order to inform planning processes.
    • Resource agencies want to ensure the environmental review process and document address a true need/deficiency, are based on an agreement among all partners, follow an appropriate sequence (avoid, minimize, mitigate); and are coordinated with permitting requirements.
    • DOTs want to ensure the environmental review process and document build on previous processes, are comprehensive and fully disclosed, are based on meaningful participation, meet both budget and schedule, and have agreement from all partners.

Partner Roles

The role of each partner changes from one key decision to another. Understanding partner roles and how they change throughout the process is essential to successful collaboration. The Decision Guide describes the four possible roles for partners at each key decision:

decision maker decision maker Decision Maker

Mandated to take action at the key decision. Has the authority to block the process.

advisor role decision maker Advisor

Provides input and feedback at the key decision, including support or opposition, to help avoid revisiting issues or decisions later.

observer role decision maker Observer

Does not provide substantive input or direction at the key decision, but is invited to participate and is kept updated.

no role decision maker No Role

Does not participate because the resulting action is outside the agency’s interests and requirements.

Info Explore the graphic below to learn more about partner roles.

Instructions

Dg-darkgrey-titlebar-corner-left LONG RANGE TRANSPORTATION PLANNING

LRP-1

FHWA - Advisor
MPO - Decision Maker
Resource Agency - Advisor
State DOT - Advisor

LRP-1 Approve Scope of LRTP Process
LRP-2

FHWA - Advisor
MPO - Decision Maker
Resource Agency - Advisor
State DOT - Advisor

LRP-2 Approve Vision and Goals
LRP-3

FHWA - Observer
MPO - Decision Maker
Resource Agency - Advisor
State DOT - Advisor

LRP-3 Approve Evaluation Criteria, Methods and Measures
LRP-4

FHWA - Observer
MPO - Decision Maker
Resource Agency - No Role
State DOT - Advisor

LRP-4 Approve Transportation Deficiencies
LRP-5

FHWA - Advisor
MPO - Decision Maker
Resource Agency - Advisor
State DOT - Advisor

LRP-5 Approve Financial Assumptions
LRP-6

FHWA - Advisor
MPO - Decision Maker
Resource Agency - Advisor
State DOT - Advisor

LRP-6 Approve Strategies
LRP-7

FHWA - Observer
MPO - Decision Maker
Resource Agency - Advisor
State DOT - Advisor

LRP-7 Approve Plan Scenarios
LRP-8

FHWA - Advisor
MPO - Decision Maker
Resource Agency - Advisor
State DOT - Advisor

LRP-8 Adopt Preferred Plan Scenario
LRP-9

FHWA - Advisor
MPO - Decision Maker
Resource Agency - Advisor
State DOT - Advisor

LRP-9 Adopt Finding of Conformity by MPO
LRP-10

FHWA - Advisor
MPO - Decision Maker
Resource Agency - Advisor
State DOT - Advisor

LRP-10 Adopt LRTP by MPO
LRP-11

FHWA - Decision Maker
MPO - Observer
Resource Agency - Decision Maker
State DOT - Observer

LRP-11 Approve Conformity Analysis

Dg-darkgrey-titlebar-corner-left PROGRAMMING

PRO-1

FHWA - Advisor
MPO - Decision Maker
Resource Agency - Observer
State DOT - Advisor

PRO-1 Approve Revenue Sources
PRO-2

FHWA - Advisor
MPO - Formal Decision Maker
Resource Agency - Observer
State DOT - Advisor

PRO-2 Approve Methodology for Identifying Project Costs and Criteria for Allocating Revenue
PRO-3

FHWA - Observer
MPO - Decision Maker
Resource Agency - Observer
State DOT - Advisor

PRO-3 Approve Project List Drawn from Adopted Plan Scenario or Solution Set
PRO-4

FHWA - Observer
MPO - Decision Maker (urban), No Role (rural)
Resource Agency - Advisor
State DOT - Advisor (urban), Decision Maker (rural)

PRO-4 Approve Project Prioritization
PRO-5

FHWA - Advisor
MPO - Decision Maker (urban), No Role (rural)
Resource Agency - Observer
State DOT - Advisor (urban), Decision Maker (rural)

PRO-5 Reach Consensus on Draft TIP
PRO-6

FHWA - Advisor
MPO - Decision Maker (urban), No Role (rural)
Resource Agency - Observer
State DOT - Advisor (urban), Decision Maker (rural)

PRO-6 Adopt TIP by MPO
PRO-7

FHWA - Advisor
MPO - Observer (urban), No Role (rural)
Resource Agency - No Role
State DOT - Decision Maker

PRO-7 Approve TIP by Governor and Incorporate into Draft STIP
PRO-8

FHWA - Advisor
MPO - Advisor (urban), No Role (rural)
Resource Agency - No Role
State DOT - Decision Maker

PRO-8 Reach Consensus on Draft STIP
PRO-9

FHWA - Decision Maker
MPO - Observer (urban), No Role (rural)
Resource Agency - Decision Maker
State DOT - Advisor

PRO-9 Approve STIP with respect to Conformity and Fiscal Constraint

Dg-darkgrey-titlebar-corner-left CORRIDOR PLANNING

COR-1

FHWA - Advisor
MPO - Decision Maker (urban), No Role (rural)
Resource Agency - Advisor
State DOT - Advisor (urban), Decision Maker (rural)

COR-1 Approve Scope of Corridor Planning Process
COR-2

FHWA - Observer
MPO - Decision Maker (urban), No Role (rural)
Resource Agency - Advisor
State DOT - Advisor (urban), Decision Maker (rural)

COR-2 Approve Problem Statements and Opportunities
COR-3

FHWA - Observer
MPO - Decision Maker (urban), No Role (rural)
Resource Agency - Advisor
State DOT - Advisor (urban), Decision Maker (rural)

COR-3 Approve Goals for the Corridor
COR-4

FHWA - Advisor
MPO - Decision Maker (urban), No Role (rural)
Resource Agency - Decision Maker
State DOT - Advisor (urban), Decision Maker (rural)

COR-4 Reach Consensus on Scope of Environmental Review and Analysis
COR-5

FHWA - Observer
MPO - Decision Maker (urban), No Role (rural)
Resource Agency - Advisor
State DOT - Advisor (urban), Decision Maker (rural)

COR-5 Approve Evaluation Criteria, Methods and Measures
COR-6

FHWA - Advisor
MPO - Decision Maker (urban), No Role (rural)
Resource Agency - Advisor
State DOT - Advisor (urban), Decision Maker (rural)

COR-6 Approve Range of Solution Sets
COR-7

FHWA - Advisor
MPO - Decision Maker (urban), No Role (rural)
Resource Agency - Advisor
State DOT - Advisor (urban), Decision Maker (rural)

COR-7 Adopt Preferred Solution Set
COR-8

FHWA - Observer
MPO - Decision Maker (urban), No Role (rural)
Resource Agency - Advisor
State DOT - Advisor (urban), Decision Maker (rural)

COR-8 Approve Evaluation Criteria, Methods and Measures for Prioritization of Projects
COR-9

FHWA - Observer
MPO - Decision Maker (urban), No Role (rural)
Resource Agency - Advisor
State DOT - Advisor (urban), Decision Maker (rural)

COR-9 Adopt Priorities for Implementation

Dg-darkgrey-titlebar-corner-left ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW/NEPA MERGED WITH PERMITTING

ENV-1

FHWA - Decision Maker
MPO - Advisor
Resource Agency - Decision Maker
State DOT - Decision Maker

ENV-1 Reach Consensus on Scope of Environmental Review
ENV-2

FHWA - Decision Maker
MPO - No Role
Resource Agency - Observer
State DOT - Advisor

ENV-2 Approve Notice of Intent
ENV-3

FHWA - Decision Maker
MPO - Advisor
Resource Agency - Decision Maker
State DOT - Decision Maker

ENV-3 Approve Purpose and Need/Reach Consensus on Project Purpose
ENV-4

FHWA - Decision Maker
MPO - Advisor
Resource Agency - Decision Maker
State DOT - Decision Maker

ENV-4 Reach Consensus on Study Area
ENV-5

FHWA - Decision Maker
MPO - Advisor
Resource Agency - Advisor
State DOT - Decision Maker

ENV-5 Approve Evaluation Criteria, Methods and Measures
ENV-6

FHWA - Decision Maker
MPO - Advisor
Resource Agency - Decision Maker
State DOT - Decision Maker

ENV-6 Approve Full Range of Alternatives
ENV-7

FHWA - Decision Maker
MPO - Advisor
Resource Agency - Decision Maker
State DOT - Decision Maker

ENV-7 Approve Alternatives to be Carried Forward
ENV-8

FHWA - Decision Maker
MPO - Advisor
Resource Agency - Decision Maker
State DOT - Decision Maker

ENV-8 Approve Draft EIS with Conceptual Mitigation
ENV-9

FHWA - No Role
MPO - No Role
Resource Agency - Decision Maker
State DOT - Observer

ENV-9 Approve Resource Agency Public Notice
ENV-10

FHWA - Decision Maker
MPO - Advisor
Resource Agency - Decision Maker
State DOT - Decision Maker

ENV-10 Approve Preferred Alternative/
LEDPA
ENV-11

FHWA - Observer
MPO - No Role
Resource Agency - Decision Maker
State DOT - Decision Maker

ENV-11 Approve Final Jurisdictional Determination
ENV-12

FHWA - Observer
MPO - No Role
Resource Agency - Decision Maker
State DOT - Decision Maker

ENV-12 Reach Consensus on Avoidance and Minimization for the LEDPA
ENV-13

FHWA - Decision Maker
MPO - Observer
Resource Agency - Decision Maker
State DOT - Advisor

ENV-13 Approve Final EIS
ENV-14

FHWA - Decision Maker
MPO - Observer
Resource Agency - Advisor
State DOT - Advisor

ENV-14 Approve the Record of Decision
ENV-15

FHWA - Observer
MPO - Observer
Resource Agency - Decision Maker
State DOT - Advisor

ENV-15 Render Permit Decision and Approve Avoidance and Minimization
 

Adding Partners

For more information about stakeholders and their roles, visit the Stakeholder Portal.

A plan or project may require approval from more than the four agencies with federally-mandated transportation decision making authority. For example, a local government agency, a financing partner, or an implementing partner such as a transit agency may need to be included in decision making in order to avoid the risk of failure or re-do.

To determine whether a stakeholder should become a partner in this situation, consider if their approval is required to move forward at any decision.

Info To add a new partner to decision making using TCAPP:

  1. Identify the new partner’s interests for each phase in which they will participate
  2. Establish the partner's role at each key decision based on these interests
  3. Identify the questions, data, tools and technologies that are necessary for their interests to be considered and addressed
  4. Reach consensus with all partners on this change in decision making authority
  5. Alert other stakeholders to this change in the partnership as soon as practical
We invite your comments/concerns about this website and its contents. Please send us an email at transportationforcommunities@gmail.com.