| Abstract: | Federal and state transportation planning statutory and regulatory laws require transportation projects to be consistent with transportation plans and improvement programs before a federal action can be taken on a project requiring one. Significant delays in project delivery can occur if the federal funding is withheld when projects are found to be inconsistent with transportation plans and improvement programs. This issue is especially critical for projects in nonattainment and maintenance areas because an inconsistent project might trigger a conformity failure or delayed determnation for the entire plan and/or program. The researchers found that the main challenges leading to project inconsistencies are insufficent communication over the changes to projects' design concept and shape, cost, and estatmated letting date. The research team developed a Project Consistency Guidebook (PCG), a Supplementary Information Document (SID), and a project consistency checklist. The guidebook explains how project planning and develoopment interact with the regional and project level air quality conformity process, and details procedures and tools that TxDOT and Texas Metropolitan Planning Organization can use to understand and maintain project level conformity and project consistency with applicable transportation plans and programs. The SID provides an overview of the subjects relevant to project consistency. The project consistency checklist serves as a guide to keep track of the changes to a project. |
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