The goals of Step 8 are:
- Link the early planning processes to the project implementation phase.
- Incorporate tools and approaches into a monitoring and adaptive management strategy.
- Provide accurate recordkeeping and tracking of all commitments by the transportation agency in project delivery.
With a view of mitigation requirements for foreseeable projects, and documented agreement with the agencies on mitigation requirements and priority sites, the transportation agency can pursue advanced mitigation. Priority sites that may not be accessible by the transportation agency alone may be accessible in concert with other stakeholders.
Analysis of alternatives for avoidance and minimization must still be practiced at the project level, in accordance with agreements and protocols established in Step 7. The commitments and agreements must be translated to the project level. Design standards to minimize impact must be included in the project design. It is likely that many will be incorporated as environmental commitments in the NEPA document, as well as conditions of regulatory authorizations and permits. The transportation agency will ideally have a system for recording all mitigation requirements by project, actions taken, and monitoring completion that is available to the regulatory agencies for verification.
Stakeholders can contribute to the success of the process by monitoring the outcomes of mitigation, design standards, and other specifications for opportunities to improve the outcome and benefits to the ecosystem.
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