Source: https://www.nossaman.com/newsroom-insights-Final-Rule-Amends-FHWA-FTA-and-FRA-Regulations-to-NEPA-and-Section-4f
Timestamp: 2020-04-05 15:40:52
Document Index: 445658595

Matched Legal Cases: ['art 771', '§ 1302', '§ 1304', 'art 774', '§ 1119', '§ 1303']

Final Rule Amends FHWA, FTA & FRA Regulations to NEPA and Section 4(f): Nossaman LLP
On November 20, 2015, the FHWA and FTA issued draft amended regulations intended to conform their regulations with the NEPA and Section 4(f) requirements in MAP-21 and the FAST Act, and after receiving and considering public comments, the FHWA, FTA, and FRA (collectively, referred to as the Agencies) issued the Final Rule. Specifically, the Agencies changed NEPA implementing regulations at 23 CFR Part 771 – Environmental Impact and Related Procedures – to implement various procedural changes, such as combining final environmental impact statement/record of decision (FEIS/ROD) documents, and to improve readability and reflect current practice. (See Pub. L. 112-141, 126 Stat. 405 (MAP-21), §§ 1302, 1305, 1315, 1319, 1320(d), 20003, 20016, and 20017; Pub. L. 114-94, 129 Stat. 1312 (FAST Act), §§ 1304 and 11503). The Final Rule also amends Section 4(f) implementing regulations at 23 CFR Part 774 – Parks, Recreation Areas, Wildlife and Waterfowl Refuges, and Historic Sites to reflect exceptions created by MAP-21 and FAST Act. (See MAP-21, §§ 1119(c)(2) and 1122; FAST Act, §§ 1303 and 11502).
Cross-Agency Categorical Exclusions. The Agencies are now allowed to use each other’s Categorical Exclusions (CE) where the CE approved for an operating administration is applicable to the proposed action. (See Final Rule, 83 Fed. Reg. 54480 (to be codified at 23 CFR 771.116(d), 771.117(h) and 771.118(e. This approach provides increased efficiencies while not expanding the type of projects for which the CE was originally established. It also allows for consultation as necessary to ensure appropriate application of the CE.
Combined Final Environmental Impact Statement/Record of Decision. The Agencies now require the combined FEIS/ROD be publicly available after filing the document with the Environmental Protection Agency. However, the public availability notice will not establish a waiting period or a period of time for the return of comments on a combined FEIS/ROD. (See Final Rule, 83 Fed. Reg. 54480 (to be codified at 23 CFR 771.124(b.
Coordination Plan and Schedule requirement. The lead agencies must establish a coordination plan, including a schedule, within 90 days of publishing the notice of intent publication. (See Final Rule, 83 Fed. Reg. 54480 (to be codified at 23 CFR 771.123(b)(2.
Operational Right-of-Way (ROW) CE. The existing operational ROW definition at 23 CFR 771.117(c)(22) and 771.188(c)(12) has been broadened to mean all real property interests acquired for the construction, operation or mitigation of a project. This revision aligns language in MAP-21, which provides that the ROW CE should apply to any project within an existing right-of-way, providing further consistency between the implementing regulation and statute.
New Section 4(f) Exemptions. Allows for the use of historical transportation facilities in limited circumstances. (See Final Rule, 83 Fed. Reg. 54480 (to be codified at 23 CFR 774.13(a.