# Forest Highway Project Inception

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  **Responsible Branch:** Planning and Programming Branch              

  **Perform:** Forest Highway Program Coordinator                      

  **Review:** Planning & Programming                                   

  **Coordinate:** Forest Highway Program Coordinator                   

  **Assist:** Project Manager                                          

  **Deliverable:** Project Description and Funding Request             

  **Next Step in Project Initiation Process:** [Project                
  Selection](../Template_ProjectSelectionProcess.doc)                  
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Project inception, for the Forest Highway Program (FH), is jointly
shared by the FHWA -- Office of Federal Lands Highway (FLHO), the State,
and the Forest Service (FS) under a set of Tri-Party Agreements for each
state. Projects can be proposed on any designated FH routes by the State
and/or the FS. County/Borough projects are proposed through the State.

**Role of the Forest Service**

1.  Identifies needs and provides forest resource information as
    required for route and project support.

2.  Proposes routes for FH designation.

3.  Reviews routes proposed by the State for designation.

4.  Coordinates with the State and counties/boroughs on proposed FH
    routes and projects.

5.  Proposes projects for inclusion in the FHP.

6.  Jointly selects projects for inclusion in the FHP with FHWA and the
    State.

7.  Appoints a member to the Social, Economic, and Environmental (SEE)
    Team to study location alternatives and to obtain environmental
    clearance for a project.

8.  Enters into a project agreement with FHWA.

9.  Concurs in project PS&E.

10. Inspects and approves final construction.

11. May contribute cooperative funds to assist in the construction or
    improvement of a FH Project.

**Role of the State**

1.  Proposes routes for FH designation.

2.  Reviews routes proposed by the FS for FH designation.

3.  Identifies needs and provides information on State FH routes and
    projects.

4.  Represents the counties\'/boroughs\' interests in proposing FH
    routes and projects.

5.  Proposes projects for inclusion in the FHP.

6.  Jointly selects, with FHWA and the FS, projects for the FHP.

7.  Appoints a member to the SEE Team to study location alternatives and
    to obtain environmental compliance for a project.

8.  Obtains necessary ROW (for State FH projects) at State expense and
    maintains completed construction.

9.  If applicable, enters into a project agreement with FHWA.

10. Concurs in FH project PS & Es on State routes.

11. Inspects and approves final construction on State routes.

12. May contribute cooperative funds to assist in the construction or
    improvement of a FH Project.

**Role of FLHO and the FLH Divisions**

1.  Administers program funds.

2.  Reviews and designates proposed FH routes.

3.  Jointly selects projects for the FHP with the State and the FS.

4.  Approves the program of projects.

5.  Drafts project agreement.

6.  Appoints a member to the SEE Team to study location alternatives and
    to obtain environmental compliance for a project.

7.  Designs the project and approves the Plans, Specifications, and
    Estimates (PS&E).

8.  Advertises, awards, and administers the construction contract.

9.  Makes final acceptance of FH construction projects.

10. In charge of the environmental compliance process

**Role of the County (or other local agency)**\
\
While counties/boroughs do not have a direct role in the decision making
process of the FHP, they are involved in the program because many of the
present FH needs are on roads under the jurisdiction of and maintained
by counties/boroughs. The county/borough:

1.  Works with the local forest engineer and State Highway
    representatives in identifying candidate FH routes and projects and
    coordinates with the local forest engineer and State to ensure that
    they support the proposed route or project. The State Highway agency
    will propose the county/borough project or route to the Tri-Agency
    group.

2.  May contribute cooperative funds to assist in construction or
    improvement of a FH project.

3.  Role will expand to include the following when a project on a
    county/borough road is selected for FH funding:

    a.  Enter into a project agreement with FHWA.

    b.  Cooperate with FHWA in the development of the project.

    c.  Appoint a member to the SEE Team to study location alternatives
        and to obtain environmental clearance for a project.

    d.  Concur in the Plans, Specifications, and Estimates (PS&E).
        (borough county at projects) FH (for ROW necessary)

    e.  Inspect and approve final construction.

    f.  Accept jurisdiction of and maintain the project when
        construction is completed.

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