Summary: This project will develop strategies and programs to encourage a more robust review and consideration of environmental impacts as well as develop mitigation strategies during the long-range transportation planning process to mitigate potential environmental impacts associated with transportation infrastructure. One such initiative is to develop a conceptual framework for integrating environmental and infrastructure plans across agency and geographical boundaries. The objective of this project is to conduct an integrated planning effort and develop ecosystem-based approaches for transportation related efforts as outlined in the Eco-Logical document.

Project Status: The NCTCOG signed its contract with FHWA and held its official kick-off meeting.

As of November 2008 the status of the NCTCOG Regional Ecosystem Framework Development included:

Using the recently updated Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) 12 digit Hydrologic Unit Codes (HUC) subwatershed geography as the foundation of a REF for the North Texas region. By using the subwatershed geography, it is hoped that collaborative environmental planning among local, State, and Federal agencies will be streamlined and transportation infrastructure planning will be able to integrate environmental considerations in a more efficient and meaningful manner and at an ecosystem scale (versus the project level).
Selecting three Transportation Corridors (two roadway and one transit) that are currently in the Metropolitan Transportation Plan for the Dallas-Fort Worth region to be used as pilot corridors to carry through the development and implementation of the REF.
Completing an assessment of Federal and State management/strategic plans and summarizing the conservation goals and strategies of each agency. The identified conservation priorities and goals (with an emphasis on those specific to the Dallas-Fort Worth region) will serve as a foundation for the identification of important environmental resources and environmental priorities nationwide and in Texas. Through consultation with local resource agency representatives, these larger, overarching State and Federal goals will be tailored to provide meaningful conservation priorities and measures for the Dallas-Fort Worth region.

Contact:

Dan Lamers
Senior Program Manager
(817) 695-9263
dlamers@nctcog.org

Tamara Hollowell
Senior Transportation Planner
(817) 608-2395
thollowell@nctcog.org

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