Awards

Exemplary Ecosystem Initiatives — 2012

U.S. Department of Transportation
Federal Highway Administration

Memorandum

The purpose of this memorandum is to announce the recipients of the 2012 Exemplary Human Environment Initiatives (EHEI) and the Exemplary Ecosystem Initiatives (EEI).

The EHEIs recognize outstanding examples of transportation projects that either create or improve conditions for human activities while protecting the natural environment.

The EEIs identify exemplary ecosystem and habitat projects that are unique or highly unusual in their geographic scope; use cutting-edge science or technology; attain high levels of environmental standards; achieve high-quality results; and/or promote environmental interests that are particularly valuable or noteworthy.

As environmental achievements often support both natural environment and human activities components, the joint EHEI and EEI award recognizes projects that demonstrate a strong focus on these two features. This year, one initiative is being recognized as both an EHEI and an EEI:

• Oregon: West Coast Electric Highway. For creating a widespread network of electric vehicle charging opportunities between Oregon's major population centers and on arterials radiating from them.

Thirteen projects were selected as the 2012 EHEIs. They are, by category:

Education and Training Programs

• Georgia: Avondale Burial Place. For developing a comprehensive strategy to educate the public on the discovery and relocation of a historic cemetery.
• Rhode Island: Rhode Island Department of Transportation Stormwater Education Outreach Program. For offering a cooperative education program that promotes public awareness of stormwater impacts and provides training to government staff and local officials on current stormwater management practices.
• Washington: Milepost 31, Alaskan Way Viaduct Replacement Program. For establishing a history center that informs and educates visitors about Seattle's historic district and the archeological and engineering aspects of the viaduct tunnel project.

Enhancing the Environment for Human Activities

• Delaware: Lightship Overfalls in Lewes Canalfront Park. For using a mix of private and public funds to protect a historic ship anchored at Lewes Canalfront Park and to develop a network of trails within the Park.
• New York: Center Street over Allegheny River - Bridge Replacement Project. For incorporating threatened/endangered species protection, and bicycle and pedestrian considerations into bridge reconstruction efforts.
• New York: Ithaca Carshare. For expanding transportation access and decreasing carbon emissions through a small car sharing program, creating a model program for other small urban communities.
• Puerto Rico: Dos Hermanos Bridge. For addressing cultural, environmental, and archeological considerations in the demolition and replacement of the Dos Hermanos Bridge.
• Washington: Inspiration Point Overlook Reconstruction. For restoring a historic overlook to maintain its heritage and to enhance the recreational opportunities along a scenic byway.

Encouraging Nonmotorized Transportation

• California: Model Design Manual for Living Streets. For developing a comprehensive street design manual, including extensive guidance for active transportation and environmentally sustainable design practices.
• New Jersey: Route 36 Highlands Bridge Bicycle and Pedestrian Enhancements. For incorporating bicycle and pedestrian accommodations into the design and construction of a new bridge, and increasing access to the local beach and nearby National Park.
• Ohio: How We Roll Bicycle Safety Education Campaign. For implementing an innovative, peer-based strategy to teach college students road cycling etiquette and increase safe bicycling behaviors.

Process Improvements

• New York: New York State Department of Transportation Asset Management Team. For developing innovative methods to increase New York State Department of Transportation's sustainability and attainment of the triple bottom line of economic competitiveness, social equity, and environmental stewardship.

Other

• Oregon: Oregon Solar Highway Program. For developing the nation's largest solar highway project that uses public rights-of-way to reduce carbon emissions and creates jobs in the green energy sector.

Four projects were selected as the 2012 EEIs. They are:

• Maryland: Intercounty Connector Project - Wildlife Passage. For creating innovative solutions to wildlife crossing and ecosystem connectivity issues as part of the development of a multi-lane highway.
• Maryland: Lizard Hill Wetland Creation. For establishing a sand seepage wetland habitat and improving water quality to the St. Martins River.
• New York: New York State Department of Transportation Route 3 Emergency Contract. For coordinating an effort to reestablish normal, safe traveling conditions along the Route 3 corridor in Clinton County, NY, after extensive river flooding.
• Oregon: Wildlife Passage Undercrossing Structures. For implementing two wildlife passage corridors to assist large and small wildlife crossings along U.S. State Highway 97.

Congratulations to all of the agencies and division offices whose efforts are represented in this year's EHEI and EEI selections, and thank you to all who submitted projects for this year. We will be soliciting nominations for our next round of EHEIs and EEIs in April 2013. If you have further questions regarding the EHEI program, please contact Mr. Gabe Rousseau at (202) 366-8044 or gabe.rousseau@dot.gov. For questions about the EEIs, please contact Ms. Marlys Osterhues at (202) 366-5052 or marlys.osterhues@dot.gov.

Sincerely,

Kenneth N. Petty, II, Acting Director
Office of Human Environment

Gerald Solomon, Director
Office of Project Development and Environmental Review