NEPA Public Involvement
A major goal of NEPA is that state and federal transportation agencies develop a process that provides an opportunity for stakeholders and the public to actively participate in transportation decision-making. MaineDOT is required to consider and assess the social, natural, cultural, and economic impacts a project may have on a community. The overall goal is to gain meaningful input from stakeholders, the public, and interested parties. MaineDOT’s Public Involvement Plan and NEPA Public Involvement Plan guide projects through the public process.
Environmental Process - Public Review and Comment
NEPA
The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requires agency officials to assess the effects of their proposed actions on the environment. These resources include, but are not limited to, cultural resources (Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act) and Section 4(f) properties (Department of Transportation Act).
- Address: MaineDOT Environmental Office, 16 SHS, 24 Child St, Augusta, ME 04330
- Online: Submit Comments
Projects available for public review and comment
Comments regarding the Environmental Assessment can be submitted via the website or be directed to the attention of Chris Mayo, Maine Department of Transportation, Port and Freight, 16 State House Station, Augusta, Maine 04333-0016
Section 106
The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requires agency officials to assess the effects of their proposed actions on the environment. These resources include, but are not limited to, cultural resources (Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act) and Section 4(f) properties (Department of Transportation Act). Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act requires agency offiicals to provide the public with information about a project, its effects on historic properties, and seek public comment and input. Maine Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration will also consult with the State Historic Preservation Officer, federally recognized Tribes in Maine, and local government officials regarding the project and its effects on historic properties. Comments may be addressed to the Environmental Office at the following:
- Address: MaineDOT Environmental Office, 16 SHS, 24 Child St, Augusta, ME 04330
- Online: Submit Comments
Projects available for public review and comment
Section 106 Programmatic Agreement
The Programmatic Agreement (PA) is a document that outlines standardized procedures to complete the Section 106 process in a way that mutually benefits an agency and its partners. PAs provide many benefits such as: specifying roles and responsibilities of those involved in the Section 106 process; standardizing coordination and compliance procedures; facilitating the development of greater trust and transparency and allowing staff and resources to be focused on highest need projects.
This Programmatic Agreement outlines steps MaineDOT must take when consulting with other participating agencies and the public on potential effects to historic properties. The programmatic only applies to projects where MaineDOT has received federal funding or there is a federal approval action.
Section 4(f)
Section 4(f) of the Department of Transportation Act requires the Maine Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration to provide public notice and an opportunity for public review and comment concerning the effects on public parks and public recreational areas. Comments may be addressed to the Environmental Office at the following:
- Address: MaineDOT Environmental Office, 16 SHS, 24 Child St, Augusta, ME 04330
- Online: Submit Comments
