Community Impact Assessment: A Quick Reference for Transportation. (Status: completed, Completed: Sept. 1996)
Performer(s):
Apogee Research, Inc.
Sponsor(s):
FHWA
To order:
FHWA, Office of Human Environment. U.S. DOT, FHWA, HEPH-40, 400 Seventh St. SW., Washington, DC 20590. Tel: 202-366-0106; Fax: 202-366-3409; Email: Brenda.kragh@fhwa.dot.gov;
Order No.:
Rept. No. FHWA-PD-96-036,
Abstract
This guide was written as a quick primer for transportation professionals and analysts who assess the impacts of proposed transportation actions on communities. It outlines the community impact assessment process, highlights critical areas that must be examined, identifies basic tools and information sources, and stimulates the thought process related to individual projects. The goals of the primmer are to increase awareness of the effects of transportation actions on the human environment and emphasize that community impacts deserve serious attention in project planning and development-attention comparable to that given the natural environment. Finally, this guide is intended to provide some tips for facilitating public involvement in the decisionmaking process.
For more information:
Brenda C. Kragh, U.S. DOT, FHWA, HEPH-40; 400 Seventh St. SW., Washington, DC 20590. Tel: 202-366-2064; Fax: 202-366-3409; Email: Brenda.kragh@fhwa.dot.gov.

Environmental Guidebook. (Status: ongoing, Completed: FY 2000)
Performer(s):
Science Applications International Corp. (SAIC)
Sponsor(s):
FHWA, Planning & Environment CBU
To order:
URL: http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/guidebook/contents.htm.
Abstract
The purpose of this guidebook is to collect and present, by subject and chronological order, FHWA's guidance on implementing National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the project development process, through policies, procedures, memoranda, and other documentation.
For more information:
Lamar Smith, U.S. DOT, FHWA, HEPE; 400 Seventh St., SW., Washington, DC 20774. Tel: 202-366-8994; Fax: 202-366-7660; Email: Lamar.smith@fhwa.dot.gov.

Excellence in Highway Design--Graphic Database CD [See entry 182 for previous CD]. (Status: completed, Completed: 1997)
To order:
U.S. DOT, FHWA, HEPH-10, 400 Seventh St., SW., Email: Cynthia.williamson@fhwa.dot.gov;
Abstract
A multimedia database of approximately 600 photos of transportation enhancement projects of nominated and winning projects submitted for the biennial Excellence in Highway Design Awards from the years 1984-1994. Information about the projects includes a written description, photographs, and some video clips. Useful to highway designers and the public.
For more information:
Howard Peaks, U.S. DOT, FHWA, HEPH-10; 400 Seventh St., SW., Washington, DC 20590. Tel: 202-366-1598; Fax: 202-366-3409;

Flexibility in Highway Design. (Status: completed, Completed: 1997)
Performer(s):
FHWA
Sponsor(s):
FHWA
To order:
Benita Smith. U.S. DOT, FHWA, HEPH-10, 400 Seventh St., SW., Washington, DC 20590. Tel: 202-366-2065; Fax: 202-366-3409; Email: Benita.smith@fhwa.dot.gov;
Order No.:
Rept. No. FHWA-PD-97-062,
Abstract
This guide is about designing highways that incorporate community values and are safe, efficient, effective mechanisms for the movement of people and goods. It is written for highway engineers and project managers who want to learn more about the flexibility available to them when designing roads. Congress stressed preserving historic and scenic values and provided dramatic new flexibilities in funding. The guide does not establish any new or different laws or geometric design standards or criteria for highways and streets.
For more information:
Harold Peaks, U.S. DOT, FHWA, HEPH-10; 400 Seventh St., SW., Washington, DC 20590. Tel: 202-366-1598; Fax: 202-366-3409; Email: Harold.peaks@fhwa.dot.gov.

Guidance on NEPA and Transportation Project Development. (Status: ongoing, Completed: 2000)
Performer(s):
FHWA
Sponsor(s):
FHWA
To order:
Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ), Old Executive Office Bldg., Room 360,
Abstract
Since issuance in 1987 of FHWA Technical Advisory 6640.8a--"Guidelines for Preparing and Processing Environmental and Section 4(f) Documents," much has changed in the factors agencies need to consider in addressing the environmental impacts of transportation projects. Given the new emphasis for improving the way State Departments of Transportation (DOTs) consider community and environmental resources in their transportation decisionmaking process, the FHWA has seen the need to update this Technical Advisory (TA) in relation to National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The new TA will focus on applying environmental analysis to transportation decisionmaking. Ultimately, the TA must reflect the new environmental regulations that will replace 23 CFR 771 and will be revised concurrently with the new regulations.
For more information:
Fred Skaer, U.S. DOT, FHWA, HEPE-1; 400 Seventh St., SW., Washington, DC 20590. Tel: 202-366-2058; Fax: 202-366-7660; Email: Fred.skaer@fhwa.dot.gov.

Historically Black College and University (HBCU) Project with South Carolina State University--Environment Curriculum Development. (Status: completed, Completed: 1996)
Performer(s):
South Carolina State University
Sponsor(s):
FHWA; FHWA, SC Div. Office; South Carolina Dept. of Transportation (SCDOT)
To order:
Val Burroughs. South Carolina Dept. of Transportation (SCDOT), P.O. Box 191, Columbia, SC 29202-0191. Tel: 803-737-6361; Fax: 803-737-2021; Email: Beaglebd@dot.state.sc.us;
Abstract
The environmental curriculum study involves the feasibility of initiating a bachelor degree program in environmental transportation studies. It involved surveys of high school students and environmental firms to determine their needs. Also, about 150 universities across the country provided data on their environmental studies curricula. The final report for this effort is entitled "Development of a Model for a Bachelor of Science program in Environmental Studies." The university curricula data collected for this effort have been put in a user-friendly database.

Historically Black College and University (HBCU) Project with South Carolina State University--Social Impact Assessment for Beaufort, SC. (Status: completed, Completed: 1996)
Performer(s):
South Carolina Dept. of Transportation (SCDOT); South Carolina State University
Sponsor(s):
FHWA, SC Div. Office; South Carolina Dept. of Transportation (SCDOT)
To order:
Val Burroughs. South Carolina Dept. of Transportation (SCDOT), P.O. Box 191, Columbia, SC 29202-0191. Tel: 803-253-6361; Fax: 803-737-2021; Email: Beaglebd@dot.state.sc.us;
Abstract
A social impact assessment was conducted in the town of Beaufort, SC, concerning anticipated impact from a Federal-aid highway project. The final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)/Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) was completed January 22, 1996.

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Innovative Techniques for Public Involvement in Transportation Planning and Project Development. (Status: completed, Completed: 1997)
Performer(s):
Parsons, Brinckerhoff, Quade & Douglas
Sponsor(s):
FHWA; Federal Transit Admin. (FTA)
To order:
Cynthia Williamson. U.S. DOT, FHWA, HEPH-1, 400 Seventh St., SW., Washington, DC 20590. Tel: 202-366-2051; Fax: 202-366-3409; Email: Cynthia.williamson@fhwa.dot.gov;
Abstract
The study's purpose was to identify and make available to practitioners innovative and effective public involvement and consensus building techniques. There were five products: Public Involvement Techniques for Transportation Decisionmaking"--a collection of short descriptions of over 100 public involvement techniques (this is available on the Internet); three short case studies of field use of those techniques; and the revision/update of "Improving the Effectiveness of Public Meetings and Hearings"--the resource book used in FHWA's basic National Highway Institute (NHI) public involvement course. The techniques collection incorporates all the techniques in "Innovations in Public Involvement for Transportation Planning." The three case studies include 1) "South Sacramento, CA, Light Rail Transit/La Lineal Del Sur," which describes proactive involvement of large and diverse ethnic populations during project development; 2) "Public Involvement at Oregon Department of Transportation" which describes how a State DOT uses a variety of public involvement techniques in both project development and statewide planning; and 3) "Metroplan (Little Rock, AR) 'Pouring Water on Dry Ground,' " which illustrates how a mid-sized metropolitan planning organization used varied techniques to begin public involvement early in long range transportation planning. "Improving the Effectiveness of Public Meetings and Hearings" was updated to reflect additions to the state of the art since original publication in 1978.
For more information:
Florence Mills, U.S. DOT, FHWA, HEP-30; 400 Seventh St., SW., Washington, DC 20590. Tel: 202-366-2062; Fax: 202-366-3409; Email: Florence.mills@fhwa.dot.gov.

A Look at Our Nation's Highways. (Status: completed, Completed: 1993)
Performer(s):
FHWA
Sponsor(s):
FHWA
Order No.:
Rept. No. FHWA-PD-94-016 FHWA-PD-94-017 FHWA-PD-94-018,
Abstract
A series of 3 brochures containing descriptions of 13 highway projects that used creative and thoughtful approaches to help resolve difficult design challenges. Subjects include linking transportation and recreation, preserving urban and historic districts and rebuilding bridges and communities. Titles: Preserving Urban and Historic Districts (#016); Linking Transportation and Recreation (017); Rebuilding Bridges and Communities (#018).
For more information:
Harold Peaks, U.S. DOT, FHWA, HEPN-10; 400 Seventh St., SW., Washington, DC 20590. Tel: 202-366-1598; Fax: 202-366-3409; Email: Harold.peaks@fhwa.dot.gov.

Public Involvement Techniques for Transportation Decisionmaking. (Status: completed, Completed: 1996)
Performer(s):
Federal Transit Admin. (FTA)
Sponsor(s):
FHWA; Federal Transit Admin. (FTA)
To order:
Cynthia Williamson. U.S. DOT, FHWA, HEPH-1, 400 Seventh St., SW., Washington, DC 20590. Tel: 202-366-2051; Fax: 202-366-3409; Email: Cynthia.williamson@fhwa.dot.gov; URL: http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/pubstats.html.
Order No.:
Rept. No. FHWA-PD-96-031, NTIS No. PB97181085.
Abstract
One of five products under "Innovative Techniques for Public Involvement in Transportation Planning and Project Development." An expanded collection of short descriptions of 37 public involvement techniques or groups of related techniques, it also incorporates all techniques in "Innovations in Public Involvement for Transportation Planning." Includes initial steps to implement groups of related techniques. Three case studies: 1) South Sacramento, CA, Light Rail Transit/La Linea Del Sur (1997); 2) Metroplan (Little Rock, AR) "Pouring Water on Dry Ground" (1997); and Public Involvement at Oregon Department of Transportation (1997). [This is the product of item 228 in database--Innovative Techniques for Public Involvement in Transportation Planning and Project Development.]
For more information:
Florence Mills, U.S. DOT, FHWA, HEPH-10; 400 Seventh St., SW., Washington, DC 20590. Tel: 202-366-2062; Fax: 202-366-3409; Email: Florence.mills@fhwa.dot.gov.

A System that Serves Everyone--Attracting Nontraditional Participants into the Regional Transportation Planning Process. (Status: completed, Completed: 1996)
Performer(s):
Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (WASHCOG)
Sponsor(s):
FHWA; Metropolitan Washington Council of Government (WASHCOG)
To order:
Cynthia Williamson. U.S. DOT, FHWA, HEPH-1, 400 Seventh St., SW., Washington, DC 20590. Tel: 202-366-2051; Fax: 202-366-3409; Email: Cynthia.williamson@fhwa.dot.gov;
Abstract
In 1995, the National Capital Region Transportation Planning Board conducted a public outreach effort among low-income, minority and non-English-speaking residents in four communities in Maryland, DC, and Virginia, and senior citizens attending an adult education program in Virginia. The project reached 350 persons through meetings, a traveling van exhibit, and questionnaires. Participants expressed concerns about bus service, fares, pedestrian safety, and the need for better transit information. The report discusses the lessons learned related to the outreach techniques used and the overall approach of target communities and their concerns. "Reaching Out to Everyone: Attracting Nontraditional Participants into the Regional Transportation Planning Process," is a 20-minute videotape made available in fall 1998. It describes the practical lessons learned from an intensive effort to reach a broader range of citizens than have usually participated in its long-range transportation planning. The video can be used by highway agencies nationwide to develop transportation projects that enhance community values and increase public satisfaction with highway projects as a beneficial part of the community.
For more information:
Florence Mills, U.S. DOT, FHWA, HEPH-10; 400 Seventh St., SW., Washington, DC 20590. Tel: 202-366-2062; Fax: 202-366-3409; Email: Florence.mills@fhwa.dot.gov.

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Traffic Calming: State of the Practice. (Status: completed, Completed: Sept. 1996)
Performer(s):
Institute of Transportation Engineers
Sponsor(s):
FHWA
To order:
FHWA, Office of Human Environment. U.S. DOT, FHWA, HEPH-30, 400 Seventh St. SW., Washington, DC 20590. Tel: 202-366-0524; Fax: 202-366-0106;
Order No.:
Rept. No. FHWA-RD-99-135,
For more information:
Keith Moore, U.S. DOT, FHWA, HEPH-30; 400 Seventh St. SW., Washington, DC 20590. Tel: 202-366-0524; Fax: 202-366-0106; Email: Keith.moore@fhwa.dot.gov.

Transportation Enhancement Conference Notebook. (Status: completed, Completed: 1994)
Sponsor(s):
FHWA
To order:
Cynthia Williamson. U.S. DOT, FHWA, HEPH-1, 400 Seventh St., SW., Washington, DC 20590. Tel: 202-366-2051; Fax: 202-366-3409; Email: Cynthia.williamson@fhwa.dot.gov;
Abstract
The workshop notebook includes a series of issue papers developed to stimulate discussion during small group sessions. It also includes a status report on the implementation of transportation enhancements, and a state-by-state summary.
For more information:
Harold Peaks, U.S. DOT, FHWA, HEPH-10; 400 Seventh St., SW., Washington, DC 20590. Tel: 202-366-1598; Fax: 202-366-3409; Email: Harold.peaks@fhwa.dot.gov.

Visual Database of Transportation Enhancements CD-ROM. (Status: completed, Completed: 1996)
Performer(s):
FHWA
Sponsor(s):
FHWA
To order:
Benita Smith. U.S. DOT, FHWA, HEPE-1, 400 Seventh St., SW., Washington, DC 20590. Tel: 202-366-2065; Fax: 202-366-3409; Email: Benita.smith@fhwa.dot.gov;
Order No.:
Rept. No. FHWA-PD-96-025 HEP-30/5-96(12M)E,
Abstract
A multimedia database containing over 200 transportation enhancement projects from around the country on CD-ROM. The photos of nominated and winning projects were submitted for the biennial Excellence in Highway Design Awards from the years 1984-1994. Information about the projects includes a written description, photographs, and some video clips. Last updated July 1996. Useful to highway designers and the public.
For more information:
Harold Peaks, U.S. DOT, FHWA, HEPH-10; 400 Seventh St., SW., Washington, DC 20590. Tel: 202-366-1598; Fax: 202-366-3409; Email: Harold.peaks@fhwa.dot.gov.