Program Development and Management Division
Municipal Solicitation:
Around January of every even-numbered year, MaineDOT works with the statewide Regional Planning Councils (RPCs) to distribute a package requesting project candidates for the upcoming Work Plan, and to gather information on a municipality’s interest in the Competitive Transportation Programs. Each municipality shall work with the applicable RPC in order to submit projects to the MaineDOT for consideration for funding in the upcoming Work Plan.
Environmental Coordination:
The Program Development and Management Division provides environmental coordination and analysis throughout the planning process in the areas of highway traffic noise, air quality conformity, consultation with Native American Tribes, and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) compliance.
Tribal Consultation
As the result of a recent Executive Order, MaineDOT is in the process of developing a Tribal Consultation Policy that promotes government-to-government communication and collaboration with Maine’s Native American Tribes. The department-wide policy is intended to encourage communication between MaineDOT and Maine’s Native American Tribes and establish a method for the tribes to provide meaningful input into the department’s decision making processes.
National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)
The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) is a United States environmental law that requires consideration of potential impacts of major federal actions on the environment, including historic and cultural resources. The division provides review and oversight of NEPA procedures and coordinates the Categorical Exclusion process.
Highway Traffic Noise Analysis
Traffic noise is an important consideration that must be taken into account during the environmental review of major highway improvements. For these projects, a noise analysis is required to evaluate existing noise levels and predict potential noise impacts. MaineDOT’s Noise Policy provides guidance for decision-makers on the evaluation and abatement of highway traffic noise impacts.
Air Quality Conformity
Transportation conformity is required under the Clean Air Act (CAA) and the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 (CAAA). The purpose of the transportation conformity process is to ensure that federally funded or approved transportation projects, programs and plans are reviewed and evaluated for their impacts on air quality.
For more on highway traffic noise, to view a copy of MaineDOT’s Highway Traffic Noise Policy, or to view a copy of MaineDOT’s most recent air quality conformity analysis please click the link: http://www.maine.gov/mdot/aqn/index.htm
This page last updated on
12/4/12
