Date: January 1, 2014
Author(s): Martin Wachs, Jaimee Lederman, Nathan Holmes
Abstract
Mitigating the environmental impacts of transportation projects is among the most complex issues facing transportation agencies. Since 1994, a comprehensive strategic model known as a Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) has become popular in environmental planning efforts. The HCP consists of an early assessment and plan for environmental impacts in infrastructure projects, rather than the traditional late-stage planning that occurs at the end of a transportation planning process. This study involved interviews with three types of stakeholders: transportation agencies, HCP representatives, and staff from the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS). It was found that transportation agences using HCPs experienced benefits such as streamlined permitting and reduced frequency of lawsuits. HCPs also provide analysis required under NEPA, saving time. However, HCP planning was often lengthy and costly. The use of facilitators, consultants and other professionals with experience in HCPs or collaborative planning is recommended as a valuable asset given frequent personnel turnover in government agencies.