Federal Surface Transportation Programs and Transportation Planning for Federal Land Management Agencies - A Guidebook

Multiple governmental jurisdictions have responsibilities for the transportation systems that provide access to or within Federal lands. Transportation networks are seamless only when these networks are managed holistically. It is critical that Federal agency transportation planning efforts be integrated with those of the States, other Federal agencies, Tribal governments, Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs), counties, and communities to improve the effectiveness of the entire system. Local communities-and the Federal lands that border them-are intricately linked. Federal lands adjacent to communities contribute significantly to the economy, cultural identity, and quality of life in these communities. They provide scenic beauty and recreational opportunities and help nourish ecological values, benefiting local communities and nearby metropolitan areas. As members of the greater community, Federal land management agency transportation planners and other managers need to work with area leaders to create transportation, land use, and economic development strategies that preserve natural resources while supporting local economic and other community objectives. Better transportation links are emerging between State and local transportation systems including transit systems and Federal land transportation systems to help people access Federal land. As the connection between these systems becomes more seamless, this coordinated transportation network stimulates new Federal land uses and activities for recreation, allows for more effective land management, and enhances rural transportation infrastructure for surrounding private land. However, this increased use creates challenges for maintaining natural resources such as wildlife, fish, plants, cultural resources, water quality, stream function, and environmental quality overall. The guidebook is designed to assist Federal land managers, staff, and partners in developing relationships and in maximizing participation in Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and Federal Transit Administration (FTA) surface transportation programs. With the technical assistance available through the FHWA and the FTA, the agencies can help further regional and local community goals and better fulfill their mission including resource protection and environmental quality. Seamless transportation systems and Federal land management agencies' commitment to building better relationships with States and other partners helps agencies achieve their mission and provide effective land stewardship and public service. The FHWA and FTA funding is very flexible and can be used for many activities beyond just constructing roads including enhancing roadside areas, providing traveler services, constructing trails, and improving environmental conditions alongside roads and trails. Most of the funding available through Federal surface transportation programs cannot be accessed directly by the Federal land management agencies (FLMAs). To benefit from most of these FHWA and FTA funding programs, the Federal agencies must partner with the State or local governments. Agencies must participate in the State's and/or region's transportation planning process to ensure that projects that are important to the agencies are included in the State's project priority list known as the statewide transportation improvement program or STIP. In a metropolitan area, projects must be included in a similar list called the transportation improvement program or TIP, which is ultimately incorporated into the STIP, either directly or by reference. This guidebook outlines the transportation planning process and serves as a primer on: Which activities are eligible for funding; Where to find funding; Actions required for Federal land managers to access and benefit from these funds and programs; Which agencies to partner with; How to integrate Federal land management objectives with State and local objectives.