Regional transportation planning organizations in rural and small metro areas can benefit from incorporating environmental considerations into the transportation planning process. Often referred to as Planning Environment Linkages (PEL), this work entails planning for environmental, community, and economic goals early in transportation decision-making process. PEL has the potential to decrease project cost, schedule times, and redundant efforts. Interagency partnerships and robust public involvement are two steps that regional organizations can take to enhance PEL in their work.
In this webinar, attendees learned: PEL information and resources available from the Federal Highway Administration, how interagency coordination works in one state-regional-local partnership, and successes and challenges of public engagement in a rural and small city region.
Panelists included:
- Lana Lau, Environmental Specialist, Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Office of Project Development & Environmental Review
- Brian Hare, Director of the Center for Program Development and Management, Pennsylvania Department of Transportation
- Beth Burks, Executive Director, Humboldt County Association of Governments
Who should attend: regional transportation professionals from rural and small metropolitan organizations, state DOT planning and environmental staff, local government planning and public works staff in small and medium-sized communities, consultant partners, and other stakeholders.