context sensitive solutions guide

Idaho Transportation Department

2006

Context Sensitive Solutions Guide

I. Introduction and background .................................................................................................... 1

Idaho Transportation Department’s Mission Statement, Vision and Board Policies ............. 1Principles of Idaho’s Vision ................................................................................................... 1Priorities of the Vision ........................................................................................................... 2Idaho’s Vision at Work ........................................................................................................... 3An Environmental Ethic ........................................................................................................ 3Environmental Responsibilities ............................................................................................. 4Purpose of the Context Sensitive Solutions Guide ................................................................ 4Board Adoption ...................................................................................................................... 5

II. Context Sensitive Solutions Approach .................................................................................... 6

What is it? .............................................................................................................................. 6What are the Context Sensitive Solutions Principles? ........................................................... 6How are they applied? ........................................................................................................... 7

Through Vision, Purpose and Need Statements ......................................................... 7 Through Public Involvement ...................................................................................... 7 Through Designs Compatible with Environmental Context ...................................... 8

So what’s different at the Idaho Transportation Department? ............................................... 8 Idaho Transportation Department Public Involvement .............................................. 9 Idaho Transportation Department Environmental Functions ..................................... 9 Idaho Transportation Department Corridor Planning ................................................ 10 Idaho Transportation Department Construction and Maintenance Activities ............ 11

What are some Department examples of Context Sensitive Solutions? ................................ 11 Urban Area Example .................................................................................................. 11 Large-scale Corridor Example ................................................................................... 12 Environmentally Sensitive Area Example ................................................................. 13 Multidimensional Example ........................................................................................ 13

III. Idaho Transportation Department Partners .......................................................................... 15

Federal Highway Administration ........................................................................................... 15Environmental Cooperation between Department and Federal Highway Administration .... 15Other Federal Transportation Agencies ................................................................................. 16Federal Resource Agencies .................................................................................................... 16State Resource Agencies ........................................................................................................ 18Local Agencies........................................................................................................................ 18Interagency Coordination ....................................................................................................... 19Implementation of Context Sensitive Solutions .................................................................... 19References .............................................................................................................................. 19

Table of Contents

Context Sensitive Solutions Guide

Cover photographs and guide layout by Pauline Davis, ITD Environmental

The mission of the Idaho TransportationDepartment is:

I. Introduction and Background

The integrated approach to transportation of the futurewill need to address mobility for a diversity of users.Mobility would be increased by providing a broadervariety of transportation modes. For example, whilethe highway system will remain a dominantcomponent of the surface transportation system, theprovision of other modes (rail, truck, air, informationtransmission or exchange, public transportation,pedestrian, and bicycle) will play an increasing role.

Principles of Idaho’s VisionThe principles of Idaho’s vision parallel and supporta Context Sensitive Solutions approach in the IdahoTransportation Department. The vision principlesaddress the fundamental questions related to mobility,community benefit and stewardship of the systemalong with exploring new methods to coordinatetransportation planning and multimodal corridorpreservation activities in the corridor planning process.Idahoans can assist the Idaho TransportationDepartment in developing focus areas, strategies, andaction plans to address economic, social, andenvironmental impacts; in interacting with the businesscommunity and each other; and jointly searching forflexible funding alternatives.

The vision principles for Idaho’s transportation systemof the future are shown in the graphic below. Eachof these principles reflects and emphasizes an aspectof the Context Sensitive Solutions approach.

The Idaho Transportation Board adopted the followingvision for the Department in 2004 at the request ofIdaho’s transportation partners:

“To provide high quality, cost-effectivetransportation systems that are safe, reliable

and responsive for the economical and efficientmovement of people and products.”

“The citizens of Idaho aspire to have atransportation system that provides convenientaccess throughout the state and region. Theywant different means of transport to supportthe vitality of the state’s economy, an abundanceof family-wage jobs, and ‘the Idaho way of life.’They recognize the need for the efficient flowof freight and other ‘through traffic’ along

highways and between airports. They appreciatethe ability to slow down to enjoy recreationalopportunities afforded by Idaho’s natural beauty.Across every region, they desire well-connectedpedestrian and bicycle facilities so they do not

always have to move in vehicles.”

Idaho TransportationDepartment’s Mission Statement,Vision and Board Policies

The intent of the vision is to successfully guide futureplanning, funding and decision-making for the localand statewide transportation system. Idaho’s transportation partners will explore newmethods to coordinate transportation planning andmultimodal corridor preservation activities. Idahoanswill develop focus areas, strategies, and actionplans to address economic, social, andenvironmental impacts; interact with the businesscommunity and each other; and jointly search forflexible funding alternatives.

•Mobility for all usersMobility in an effective transportation system meansthe ability to move freely in order to be successful

in life, whether attending school, shopping, playing,moving goods and services, or sharing information.“Meet the mobility need” addresses the issue ofeffectiveness of the transportation system fromfinancial and user perspectives. The financialperspective speaks to affordability and focus.

•Compatibility with the environmentIdaho’s history is strongly associated with its naturalresources. The theme of respect and value for ournatural environment continues today and into thefuture. Using Context Sensitive Solutions providesa means to achieve mobility goals while serving asstewards of our natural and historically builttreasures in Idaho. Balancing transportation needsand environmental goals is a fundamental tenet ofthis approach.

•Preservation of community assetsEach community is responsible for defining itselfand what constitutes success for its transportationsystem. Idaho’s existing transportation infrastructureis a unique asset that will require continued operation,maintenance, and modification to serve future systemneeds. Modification and/or expansion to addresssystem needs must be done within the scale andcontext of the community to maintain the asset value.This vision principle and corridor planning practicedirectly reflect the Context Sensitive Solutionsapproach of utilizing a collaborative publicinvolvement process. Collaborative publicinvolvement is a process that involves citizens andaffected agencies early and continuously in order tofind the balance in safety, mobility, community andenvironmental goals.

•Flexibility and responsivenessWith this principle comes the recognition that whileaddressing the future, time is passing. Many newneeds, ideas, opportunities, and realities will arise inthe next 30 years. Constant and committed effortsmust be taken toward Idaho’s vision of a fullybalanced transportation system. This means that thevision and the corridor plans must be open to options,opportunities, and community input as time passes.

Priorities of the VisionMany of the following vision priorities have elementsthat reflect the principles of Context SensitiveSolutions.

•Integrate the transportation systemA balanced transportation system where modalchoices exist beyond private vehicles embodies thenotion of meeting all the varied needs of a community.Although transportation plans are created withattention to existing local and regional plans andpublic needs, a Context Sensitive Solutions approachwill affirm the community’s needs in bothtransportation and other civic ventures. Involvementby all interests in the community will better insurea robust transportation system.

•Support quality of life throughendorsement and acceptance

This priority recognizes the importance oftransportation to the economic, social, andenvironmental health of the state. Context SensitiveSolutions recognizes the broad interpretation of“quality of life” in meeting the competing prioritiesof a diverse community by engaging all interests inthe community and emphasizing the importance offinding solutions that preserve environmental values.

•Provide flexible fundingThe notion that communities need support forexpanding available funding to address transportationsolutions needed for economic vitality and livablecommunities underscores the importance of utilizinga Context Sensitive Solutions approach. Havingflexibility in funding solutions outside traditionalgrant programs enhances a community’s ability tomeet their diverse objectives.

•Integrate transportation and land useplanning at state and local levels

Under this priority, Idaho’s transportation partnerssee the interdependence of all the priorities—againreinforcing the need for a strong partnership approachamong all the participants. Context Sensitive Solutionswill assist in developing those partnerships.

Context Sensitive Solutions Guide: Introduction and Background 2

•Support choices for all individualsAs noted above, Context Sensitive Solutionsinvolvement by a broad cross-section of communityinterests better guarantees that the choices for allindividuals will be met in the transportation planningand development process.

Idaho’s Vision at Work

The priorities are strongly related not only to eachother, but also to the principles. When applied to thetransportation system needs and attributes, they createa comprehensive framework for achieving thetransportation system of the future. These operationalprinciples and priorities remain fixed, while focusareas change over time. Focus areas, strategies, andaction plans will be developed to accompany eachpriority and provide accountability and forethought.Context Sensitive Solutions will accommodate andpromote continued citizen and stakeholderinvolvement and education for achieving thisoperational portion of the Vision.


An Environmental Ethic

Since the early 1970s, environmental factors havebecome an important consideration in thetransportation planning, development, construction,operations and maintenance processes. New federaland state environmental laws, regulations, judicialdecisions and administrative interpretations haveadded new requirements to these processes over thepast three decades demanding greater accountabilityand compliance. State departments of transportationhave adjusted to these new mandates and enhancedtheir environmental knowledge and capabilities tomeet the challenge and to become better stewards ofthe environment. Central to this new approach hasbeen the recognition and adoption of a publiclyenunciated and acknowledged environmental ethicfor the policy and decision-makers and the employeesof these organizations.

The Idaho Transportation Department has adoptedan environmental ethics statement to guide its workand accomplish its mission in a manner that employsa Context Sensitive Solutions approach. The IdahoTransportation Department environmental ethic isas follows:

“The Idaho Transportation Department respectsand values the many facets of Idaho’s naturaland human environment and will protect and

enhance those assets while providing highquality, fiscally responsible transportation

systems for the citizens of Idaho.”

This environmental ethics statement was developedfrom the mission and vision of the IdahoTransportation Department. It embodies conceptsof respect and value for our natural and humanenvironment and the responsibility of the IdahoTransportation Department to protect and enhancethose assets whenever possible while providinghigh quality transportation systems and services tothe citizens.

1 CEQ Regulations, 40 CFR §§1500 et seq.2 23 CFR §§771 et seq.3 The term “environment” as used in this Context Sensitive Solutions Guide includes the natural environment, the built environment, the cultural

and social fabric of our communities, and the quality of life of the people who live in Idaho.


Environmental Responsibilities

There are more than 40 federal and stateenvironmental laws that affect the IdahoTransportation Department transportation decisions.A unifying federal environmental law is the NationalEnvironmental Policy Act, which provides aframework for addressing the various environmentalstatutes, regulation and policies. The NationalEnvironmental Policy Act sets the tone for the federalgovernment’s environmental ethic by recognizingthe need for systematic, interdisciplinary planningand decision-making that considers environmentalfactors for major federal actions that couldsignificantly affect the quality of the humanenvironment. It set a new standard for federaldecision-making based on thorough environmentalanalysis, consideration of alternatives to proposedfederal actions and public disclosure and reviewbefore action is taken.

National Environmental Policy Act regulationsmandate that transportation decisions involving federalfunds and approvals consider environmental as wellas technical and economic factors in the assessmentand decision-making process.1 It also requires thatthe federal agency consider all reasonable alternativesto a proposed action and the social, economic andenvironmental impacts. The National EnvironmentalPolicy Act mandates that the public have anopportunity to participate in the process. The FederalHighway Administration regulations2 require theenvironmental process be coordinated into a singleeffort: compliance with all applicable requirementsis to be indicated in the National EnvironmentalPolicy Act document.

Accordingly, the Idaho Transportation Departmentis committed to embracing the spirit of the NationalEnvironmental Policy Act for all transportationactivities, regardless of whether or not they arefederally funded. Although non-federal projects willnot require federal agency approval, the NationalEnvironmental Policy Act process is an excellentframework for ensuring social, economic and

environmental factors are considered consistent withthe Idaho Transportation Department environmentalethic. The guiding principles of the NationalEnvironmental Policy Act have been incorporatedinto the Idaho Transportation Departmenttransportation planning and project developmentprocess, as well as maintenance and operations ofthe state transportation system. It is the responsibilityof all the Idaho Transportation Department employeesto recognize and consider these essential principlesand to appropriately include them in the transportationdecision-making process to assure accountabilityacross the department.

Purpose of the Context SensitiveSolutions Guide

The Idaho Transportation Department ContextSensitive Solutions Guide has been developed tointroduce and explain the Idaho TransportationDepartment environmental ethic and an approachthat embodies the principles of Context SensitiveSolutions. This Context Sensitive Solutions approachshould permeate all aspects of transportation includingpolicy development, systems planning and projectdevelopment, and the design, construction,maintenance and operations of the transportationsystem. This Context Sensitive Solutions Guide isdesigned to educate and assist both internal andexternal users to better understand the considerationsgiven to our environment3 and in the use of ContextSensitive Solutions approaches to implementing theIdaho Transportation Department environmental ethic.

The Context Sensitive Solutions approach is morethan just processing environmental clearances andensuring regulatory compliance for transportationprojects. It embodies the notion of “going beyond”legal requirements and being responsive to communitydesires. A Context Sensitive Solutions approachmeans that the Idaho Transportation Department


employees are always environmentally conscientiousand strive to ensure that the statewide transportationsystem is constructed, operated and maintained inan environmentally responsible, sustainable andcompliant manner consistent with the desires of thecommunity.

The Idaho Transportation Department considersenvironmental and community factors to be animportant part of every plan and decision in the sameway that engineering, economic, social and otherfactors are considered. The Idaho TransportationDepartment’s environmental ethic establishes afoundation for environmental responsibility that helpsguide policy and systems planning decisions. As theplanning and decision-making process becomes moreproject oriented, this environmental ethic is realizedthrough environmentally responsible engineering,context-sensitive design and implementation, andthrough various best management practices.

Board Adoption

The Idaho Transportation Board adopted the ContextSensitive Solutions approach as a policy statementon December 17, 2005. Following the formal adoptionof this new policy, the Director issued a memoranduminstructing the Department to implement the ContextSensitive Solutions approach in all of its programs.

What is it?Context Sensitive Solutions is a new approach totransportation planning and project development thatrecognizes the wide societal impacts of transportation.Context Sensitive Solutions has been pioneered bya number of state Departments of Transportation --with the blessing and support of the Federal HighwayAdministration and transportation professionalorganizations. The emerging national-consensusdefinition of Context Sensitive Solutions is:

“... a collaborative, interdisciplinary approachthat involves all stakeholders to develop atransportation facility that fits its physical setting,and preserves scenic, aesthetic, historic andenvironmental resources, while maintainingsafety and mobility.”

Transportation Influence on SocietyTransportation is the most potent shaper of urbanform, land use, environmental quality, communitycohesion, and quality of life. The planning,construction and use of transportation facilities haveshaped the human-built and natural environmentsmore forcefully than any other human endeavor.Inevitably, then, transportation investment decisionsare broad, not technical, decisions. They are value-laden. They pose issues of choice and public policy,particularly in the earliest stages when the mostfundamental decisions are made -- where to put a road,or whether a highway or a transit line will be built.

Awareness of Community NeedsAs citizens’ expectations for better, safer roads haveincreased, a growing awareness of communities’needs has also emerged among designers. Thesefactors contributed to bringing about thistransformation in highway design and construction.Congress, the Federal Highway Administration,governors, state legislatures, and state transportationagencies have all played an integral part in thisimportant evolution of highways. Meanwhile, publicinterest groups have worked to make developingbetter methods of highway design a major part oftheir agendas.

The sustaining qualities of a project produced througha Context Sensitive Solutions approach using acommunity-oriented process are gaining favor withstate departments of transportation. The ContextSensitive Solutions approach questions some of themost fundamental assumptions of the culture of roadbuilding, and requires engineers and communityleaders alike to reinvent how they think abouttransportation. It recognizes that transportationplanners are community builders, and that the publichas an important role to play.

Idaho Transportation Department’s FutureThe transformation to Context Sensitive Solutionsrequires no less than the transformation of the highwaydevelopment process–a new philosophy, culture andorganizational structure. Responsive solutions mustaddress both sides of the design process: what canbe done technologically, and what may be done toimprove the lives of the surrounding citizens andtheir environment. There is a need for more and bettercommunication within the industry and with thepublic. Consensus-building techniques and processimprovements must also be implemented so thatstandard design and planning procedures will produceexceptional transportation facilities with minimalnegative impact on the environment and thecommunity.

What are the ContextSensitive Solutions Principles?The hallmark principles of the Context SensitiveSolutions approach can be summarized as follows:

◆ To address the purpose and need of the projectby considering the safety and mobility needsfor improvement, ensuring financial feasibilityand sustainability, and addressing all modesof travel.

◆ To use collaborative public involvementprocesses involving citizens and affectedagencies early and continuously throughoutthe process and finding the balance in safety,mobility, community and environmental goals.

II. A Context Sensitive Solutions Approach

◆ To consider the total context and design withnature by using an interdisciplinary teamtailored to project needs, applying the flexibilityinherent in design standards and incorporatingaesthetics as an integral part of good design.

How are they applied?

Through Vision, Purpose and NeedStatementsA project vision, including purpose and need, mustbe developed and clearly documented with theinvolvement of project stakeholders early in theprocess. This vision should then guide the projectdevelopment decisions. Project team members,from project planning, design, right-of-way,construction, maintenance, and operations mustappreciate the importance of each function and buyin early to the project vision in order to successfullyachieve that vision.

The purpose and need statement required by NationalEnvironmental Policy Act for new transportationprojects addresses the fundamental reason orjustification for proposing a transportationimprovement. The project “need” is often documentedby the safety and/or mobility deficiencies of anexisting transportation system as identified in acorridor plan. These deficiencies should be describedand quantified, to the extent possible, in the purposeand need statement. This statement becomes thecornerstone for project evaluations and decisions inthe planning and development process.

However, the project “purpose” can also includeother secondary but important factors to thecommunity that may influence the design, choice orsuccess of the solutions. For example, the aestheticappearance of safety improvements in thetransportation system can affect the use and hencethe intended benefit of such features as cross walksor bridges.

The potential solutions must also consider alternativemodes and approaches to meeting the transportationneeds. For example, in some cases, non-structuralsolutions may be the most efficient and sustainableanswer to capacity problems.

Context Sensitive Solutions Guide: A Context Sensitive Solutions Approach 7

And finally, the solutions must be based upon soundfinancial and technical considerations. Atransportation solution that lacks good engineering,design and financial feasibility cannot be sustainableor useful to the community.

Through Public InvolvementThe cornerstone of successful Context SensitiveSolutions is public involvement. Effective publicinvolvement encourages the exploration of issuesfrom a variety of perspectives. Stakeholders need tobe identified at the beginning and during the planning,programming and development processes.Stakeholders need to be involved throughout theseprocesses. Open collaboration and exchange ofinformation and concerns between the transportationplanners and designers and stakeholders promotesbuy-in to project outcomes and trust amongstakeholders. All projects need some form of publicoutreach. On smaller projects, at the very least, thepublic should be notified of upcoming projects thatwill affect them.

This process includes talking and listening, teachingand learning. While projects are not expected to beunanimously endorsed by every citizen, thetransportation department is committed to providingusers with projects that meet their needs and fit intotheir communities. Good communication throughoutthe project, using appropriate tools, such as consensus-building techniques to develop consensus amongproject stakeholders helps achieve support.

A project schedule and budget should be determinedonly after the team has developed the project vision,completed conceptual design, and initially involvedthe stakeholders. For example, communities shouldbe consulted when determining construction scheduleswhere possible conflicts with other community affairsmight occur.

Dialogue is a fundamental part of the decision-makingprocess. From town hall to “store-front” meetings,to advisory groups and public hearings, the processencourages interaction. Decisions must balance theneed for safe and efficient transportation with theneed to preserve economic, social and environmentalconditions. Effective public involvement creates a

legitimate basis for making those trade-off decisionsin light of the community’s goals and objectives.

The transportation department strives to be a goodprovider, steward and caretaker and a good neighbor.Open lines of communication stimulate a sense ofshared ownership and a common vision. Theinformation collecting and sharing process begins atthe grassroots level, is passed through the IdahoTransportation Department’s professional staff andis conveyed to the Transportation Board. Concernsare addressed. Decisions are made. Action is taken.

Through Designs Compatible withEnvironmental Context

Context Sensitive Solutions embraces the idea ofdesigning transportation systems compatible withnature. Design with Nature, by Ian McHarg, is theforerunner to Context Sensitive Solutions. McHargspelled out the need for urban planners to consideran environmentally-conscious approach to land use,and provided a new method for evaluating andimplementing it.

“[The engineer’s] competence is not the designof highways,” McHarg explained, “merely ofthe structures that compose them -- but onlyafter they have been designed by persons moreknowing of man and the land.” He further noted“the task of the highway was to intervene withthe least possible damage, to exploit and revealthe visual qualities of the landscape while meetingtraffic requirements.”

Context Sensitive Solutions uses collaborativeplanning, stakeholder involvement, environmentalconsciousness and appreciation coupled with naturaldesigns to find transportation solutions that becomesustainable. Context Sensitive Solutions can affectall design elements; therefore project costs mayincrease, decrease or be unchanged as compared tothe traditional design approach. Cost issues must stillbe addressed during project development, as is thecase with all technical and environmental constraints.Context Sensitive Solutions adds value to the processby helping to identify and work with stakeholders


to develop projects that are sensitive to their context.The Context Sensitive Solutions approach does notimply that there will always be unanimity amongstakeholders, nor does it eliminate the Department’sresponsibility to exercise sound engineering judgmentin balancing trade-offs.

So what’s different at theIdaho TransportationDepartment?Context Sensitive Solutions implementation nowapplies to all Idaho Transportation Departmentprograms, and details of application vary dependingon the community and the issues. However, a ContextSensitive Solutions approach generally follows theseguidelines:

◆ Full commitment to the new Context SensitiveSolutions process by all of the Department’semployees.

◆ Early establishment of interdisciplinary teams,beginning at the corridor planning stage andcontinuing through construction, operation andmaintenance.

◆ Development of responsive public involvementplans in consultation with the Department’s PublicInvolvement Coordinator that meets thecommunities’ needs.

◆ Identification of and agreement on project areaproblems before determining project objectivesand solutions.

◆ Understanding of the landscape, the communityand valued resources before closure on Scopingactivities.

◆ Use of a full range of tools as appropriate tocommunicate project information (visualizations,internet, etc.).

◆ Consideration of multiple project alternatives,including fully considered community proposals.

◆ Maintenance of continuous and effectivecommunication with stakeholders in thecommunity.

Idaho Transportation DepartmentPublic Involvement

The Idaho Transportation Department aims for early,effective and continuous public involvement fosteringmeaningful participation and a sense of ownershipin the process and the end product. This publicinvolvement process explores the issues surroundingproposed transportation improvements, identifiespotential solutions and limitations, asks questions ofthe community about their values and concerns,estimates the scope of the Department’s efforts andbegins to understand the level of effort and timeneeded to design and implement effective solutions.

Public involvement is an important component ofevery transportation project. “The Guide to PublicInvolvement” and the Public Involvement Coordinatorare resources for determining the appropriate levelof stakeholder outreach.

The Public Involvement Coordinator is available toassist District Engineers, Program Managers, andHeadquarters’ managers with their responsibilitiesfor incorporating public involvement activities intotheir project development processes. DistrictEnvironmental and Transportation Planners are alsoresources on Context Sensitive Solutions principlesand public outreach. The Environmental Section isresponsible for updating guidelines and the exchangeof best practices information pertaining to ContextSensitive Solutions and public involvementapproaches in consultation with the PublicInvolvement Coordinator and Public Affairs.

In the end, transforming the highway developmentprocess comes down to individuals cooperating witheach other and making decisions about highwayelements. Everyone has a role in this process, whetheras an agency administrator setting policy; as aprofessional engineer, planner, or landscape architectmaking decisions on behalf of an agency or client;or as a regulatory reviewer, community activist,environmental advocate, or interested citizen.Transforming the highway development process willrequire new skills in understanding values, incommunicating, in creating innovative solutions, andin funding and implementing context sensitive


solutions. Design excellence is the result of anexcellent design process. Through public outreach,better projects are constructed – projects that reflectthe values of communities and engineering excellence.

Idaho Transportation DepartmentEnvironmental Functions

The Idaho Transportation Department’s environmentalfunctions at Headquarters are located within theEnvironmental Section. This section is responsiblefor assisting the Districts in identifying environmentalissues and impacts associated with the location,design, construction, operation and maintenance oftransportation projects within the state of Idaho.Further, it also:

◆ provides training, technical expertise andadministrative support;

◆ provides environmental mitigationrecommendations to the Districts and assists themwith environmental clearance responsibilities;

◆ reviews and approves appropriately documentedprogrammatic environmental evaluationssubmitted by Districts;

◆ reviews and transmits appropriately documentedEnvironmental Impact Statements,Environmental Assessments, and EnvironmentalEvaluations requiring the Federal HighwayAdministration approval;

◆ provides a liaison with federal agencies andothers regarding environmental policy andprocedure;

◆ assists the Idaho Transportation Departmentofficials and Board Members in establishingenvironmental policy and procedures; and

◆ maintains a documented filing system on allproject environmental submittals, clearances,and reevaluations involving the IdahoTransportation Department.

The Idaho Transportation Department District Officeshave Environmental Planners who support the Districtstaff on environmental matters and provide acommunications link with the Headquarters’Environmental Section. The environmental plannersperform or oversee the National Environmental PolicyAct process for project development and rely on the

Headquarters’ office for specialized social, economicand environmental expertise.4 They also work closelywith the public, interest groups, partners, FederalHighway Administration and the federal and stateresource agencies in coordinating review andconsultation processes. They may be involved withHeadquarters in developing working agreementswith resource agencies. Environmental Planners alsooversee and manage the environmental workperformed by consultants on projects.

Communication between Headquarters and theDistricts is critical to ensure a coordinated andconsistent approach to environmental work.Headquarters will provide the policy and proceduralguidance to the Districts and monitor compliance onprojects and on-going activities. Regular meetingsof the environmental planners with Headquarters’staff to discuss project issues are important tomaintaining consistency and quality of environmentalservices. Periodic meetings provide a forum fordiscussing common environmental issues among theDistricts and with Headquarters.

Idaho Transportation DepartmentCorridor Planning

With Board Policy B-09-04 and Administrative PolicyA-09-04, titled Corridor Planning for IdahoTransportation Systems, the Idaho TransportationBoard adopted a Context Sensitive Solutionsmethodology for developing long-range plans forthe state transportation system corridors. Accordingto B-09-04,

Through the corridor planning process, the departmentshall:

◆ Develop collaborative partnerships;

◆ Involve local land use, highway jurisdictions,and other stakeholders in the identification oftransportation issues and problems;

◆ Allow stakeholders to articulate specific corridorsolutions and resolve major planning issues beforeproject development begins;


The corresponding administrative policy calls forthe department staff to seek close cooperation withall governmental agencies, to promote a community-based planning effort, to develop a public involvementprogram to ensure that all local government agencies,the private sector, and the general public are involvedduring the corridor planning process, and to providea forum to resolve planning issues.

These principles are embodied in the “CorridorPlanning Guidebook,” which serves as a practicalreference for the District Transportation Plannerswho develop and manage corridor planning projectsin the Districts. The corridor planning program andguidebook were produced and continue to beadministered through a cooperative workingrelationship between the Division of Highways andDivision of Transportation Planning at the IdahoTransportation Department. Corridor plans functionas a bridge between the statewide Idaho TransportationVision and Statewide Transportation ImprovementProgram – or –STIP, which consists of the five-yearschedule of improvement projects.

In addition to an emphasis on collaboration withstakeholders, Context Sensitive Solutions principlesare reflected in additional elements of theDepartment’s corridor planning methodology andpractice. For example, the detailed research andanalysis represented by the “Existing and FutureConditions” and “Environmental Scan” reportsprovide a basis for corridor-wide, as well as projectpurpose and need statements. Along with contributionsfrom stakeholders, these reports also create a basisfor determining feasible and recommendedimprovement options, identifying and developingimprovement projects and obtaining environmentalcompliance. The land use and zoning element,demographic profile, and determination of corridorfunctions also make essential contributions todeveloping a comprehensive understanding of thepresent and future needs and desires of the variedcorridor communities, and thus a firm foundation forfuture project identification and development.

4 See the Idaho Transportation Department Environmental Process Manual for a detailed description.

Idaho Transportation DepartmentConstruction and Maintenance Activities

In addition to project development activities, ContextSensitive Solutions principles are applicable toconstruction and maintenance operations. Theseoperations are important because they employ themajority of the transportation work force, are thefocus of some of the most significant environmentalimpacts and opportunities, and are the most visibileto the public. Moreover, many of the environmentalcommitments and mitigation measures identified andadopted in the planning and project developmentprocesses must be implemented and maintained bythose responsible for construction and maintenanceactivities.

Many state departments of transportation haveadopted “best management practices” or“environmental stewardship practices” to provideguidance to construction and maintenance personnelon practices and procedures designed to better carefor the environment.5 Practitioners are often facedwith specific problems that require them to take intoaccount the settings in which the practices are applied,and usually tailor a more general practice to fit aspecific context. Some of these stewardship practicesare by necessity highly local, such as roadsidevegetation management, while others, such as shopmaintenance, have greater consistency andperformance across an organization.

Communication and involvement among the varioustransportation functions and units are critical toinsuring that good practices are understood andimplemented. For example, inviting construction andmaintenance representatives to attend critical projectdevelopment meetings or final design reviews inorder to provide early input into planning and projectdevelopment decisions is helpful. Early notificationto and consultation with maintenance of projectmitigation commitments or design changes to aproject that create long term maintenance obligationsis necessary to insure those responsibilities areadequately funded and implemented as intended.

5 See the Idaho Transportation Department Erosion and Sediment Control: Best Management Practices Manual.


What are some IdahoTransportation Departmentexamples of Context SensitiveSolutions?The Idaho Transportation Department has severalexamples of projects that have incorporated ContextSensitive Solutions principles. Following are briefdescriptions of some of these examples.

Urban Area Example:Communities in Motion

Communities in Motion is a six-county, 20 plus yearplan that addresses issues on the regionaltransportation system, evaluates the needs for futurecorridors and addresses the effects of growth ontransportation. The Ada County work was beingcoordinated with the “Blueprint for Good Growth,”a Boise City comprehensive land use planning projectso that results could be shared between the twoplanning efforts. The Idaho Transportation Departmentis emphasizing the need to expand the planning areato better address issues on a regional basis. Reasonsfor expanding the area include:

1. Focus on regional/corridor level issues.2. Use as a basis for seeking major federal assistance.3. Integrate with Idaho Transportation Department

plans.4. Address “beyond the border” transportation

issues.

Context Sensitive Solutions Principle:Public Involvement in Planning Phase

The early planning and involvement with the public,governments, and resource agencies to assess optionsand get community input in regards to the quality oflife qualify this project as an example for a contextsensitive solution to the growth problems. Residentsof six counties were encouraged to become involvedand offer opinions about land use and the futuretransportation system by attending one of four

Involving the community in an interactive way togather ideas on future land use and growth facilitatedcommunity support for the project. It served toeducate the community about the challenges one isfaced with when planning for growth. Even thoughthe project had budgeted for public involvementwork, this project required significantly more publicinvolvement work as compared to other projects.This long range plan is now being used to developpriorities for project development.

Large-scale Corridor Example:Timmerman to KetchumEnvironmental Impact Statement

A National Environmental Policy Act process isunderway for a 27-mile corridor on Idaho 75 inBlaine County from the Timmerman Junction toKetchum through the Wood River Valley to a resortdestination. It is very mountainous terrain with onlyone throughway (Idaho 75) which is experiencingsevere congestion during peak-hour commute times.The National Environmental Policy Act processbegan in November, 2000 and the DraftEnvironmental Impact Statement is under review bythe Federal Highway Administration. Because thisproject is highly contentious, it has required astutecommunity “bridge building.”


Context Sensitive Solutions Principle:Public Involvement

The Idaho Transportation Department has tried toimprove the highway in this valley for nearly 30years. Because of recent expanded public involvmentefforts, the Department’s relationship with thecommunity is at an historic high and was well worththe time and cost. The project has made every effortto address and review community needs and desires.Community input has been thoroughly reviewed andconsidered including roundabouts, separated grades,high occupancy vehicle lanes, mass transitalternatives, traffic calming and demand managementopportunities. The public outreach and involvementhas been extensive including grocery stores, Hispanicmedia, preferred mode study, transit study,community-based work groups, local planning workgroups, open houses, website access, neighborhoodmeetings, and council meetings. The Wood RiverValley communities had a very important role to playin the development of purpose and need, particularlywith respect to their adopted land use andtransportation plans, goals, and objectives.

Boise Community Team Workshop

the time and cost of this effort has been insignificant in that

workshops. The workshops featured an interactivegame that allows participants to use regional mapsto plot future residential development, industrialdevelopment and main streets using “chip” sets. Theproject team used completed maps to develop futureoptions. Final workshops and public input developeda consensus for growth.

The resulting transportation improvements will betterreflect this special part of Idaho while providing theneeded improvements in transportation. The efforthas also given rise to a number of local studies forvarious needs such as parking and circulation, safetyimprovements in downtowns and enhanced publictransit system.

Environmentally Sensitive AreaExample: Warm Springs to MontanaState Line

The purpose of this project was to provide an overlayand seal coat to approximately 23 miles of U.S. 12.Within the project limits there were two culverts thatwere deemed complete and/or partial barriers toresident and migratory fish species listed under theEndangered Species Act as well as other aquaticorganisms.

The purpose of the in-water work portion of thisproject was to replace existing highway culverts withlarge baffled counter-sunk culverts that would retaina natural stream bottom. The intent of this actionwas to facilitate movement and dispersal of fish andamphibians to upstream habitats blocked by theexisting culverts.

Context Sensitive Solutions Principle:Design with Nature

This project occurred adjacent to the Lochsa Riverand within a Wild and Scenic River and Scenic


culvert design, permitting and purchasing of theculverts. The Idaho Transportation Department wasresponsible for installation, inspection and some non-federal contribution of funds. Other entities involvedwith this project included the Nez Perce Tribe, PlumCreek Timber Company, Trout Unlimited and BringBack the Natives. Since the completion ofconstruction in the summer of 2000, migratory fishhave passed through the culvert locations to upstreamspawning areas for the first time in more than 40 years.

The project was an excellent example of a cooperativeeffort between agencies to enhance and restoreexisting facilities and the natural environment. Theproject was achieved with no delay to projecttimeframes at a cost of approximately $20,000 to theIdaho Transportation Department.

Multidimensional Example:Sand Creek Byway

The Sand Creek Byway concept was first conceivedsometime during the late 1940’s. Since then it hasalways been a coffee shop discussion and viewed asa project that would never really happen. In the mid-1990s, the Idaho Transportation Department beganan Environmental Impact Statement process toByway

corridor. U.S.12 is generallyconsidered achallengingand difficultcorridor towork withindue tonumerousenvironmentalregulationsandrestrictionsand highpublicvisibility. TheClearwaterNational

Forest approached the Idaho TransportationDepartment and asked that the department partnerwith them in a cooperative effort to replace theculverts. The Forest Service was responsible for

determinethe bestalignmentfor athrough-traffichighway inor aroundSandpoint.TheEnvironmental Impact Statement process was verychallenging as the community was well divided andit appeared that unless the community could cometogether behind a feasible alternative, the projectwould never happen. The City of Sandpoint, followedby a strong majority of the community, decided tocome out in favor of the Sand Creek route pavingthe way for a Federal Highway Administration Recordof Decision on the Environmental Impact Statement.Upon publication of the Record of Decision, designwork began.

North Interchange

meetings took place and where the public interactedwith a full-time staff person.

Context Sensitive Solutions Principle:Public Involvement in Design Phase

The design team created a public involvement planfor the project area to guide the design process andassist surrounding communities to obtain fundingfor satellite projects. The team developed thefollowing mission statement for the project duringthe initial team chartering session:

“Our mission is to provide an aestheticallypleasing and functional Sand Creek BywayProject. We are committed to meaningful publicinvolvement through understanding andresponding to the community’s vision for theSand Creek Corridor.”

The Sand Creek Conceptual Master Plan was createdwith input from hundreds of citizens around thecommunity. The plan was a statement to land ownersabout what the community at-large wanted for theSand Creek peninsula outside of the establishedproposed highway and existing railroad track. Duringthe master planning process, citizen task forces onland use and circulation were formed to guide theprocess and prepare for larger communityinvolvement. Upon completion of the master plan,the team had a community-driven design frameworkfor context sensitive design.


Another off-shoot of the master planning processwas the Citizens Design Advisory Committee. Thecommittee was formed to provide oversight bycommunity leaders to the more specific task forcegroups. Opponents and proponents of the projectwere willing to participate on the committee. Thisgave solidity to the decisions of the Citizens DesignAdvisory Committee and their recommendations tothe design team. Over the course of the project, newcommittee members replaced old, providing freshideas and energy to the project. The design team usedthe Citizens Design Advisory Committee as asounding board for ideas.

Members of the design team often made presentationsat the Bonner County Area Transportation Team,Chamber of Commerce, Rotary, Kiwanis, and othercommunity group meetings using artist and computerrenditions to describe the vision the community haddeveloped for the project. Public meetings were heldto provide information and get input on the project.

Overall, the design process on the Sand Creek Bywaywas one of openness and community engagement.The team went beyond the standard “public meeting”form of involvement to create an atmosphere forhonest, open interaction.

After selecting a consultant to assist in the designprocess, a public information office entirely dedicated

to the SandCreekBywayProject wasopened.The officewas a placewheredesignteam

Bridge Street

In implementing the Idaho TransportationDepartment environmental ethic and the ContextSensitive Solutions approach, it is important tounderstand that the Idaho Transportation Departmenthas many partners in planning, developing andimplementing the transportation system. Thesepartners can assist in meeting the Department’svision, mission and environmental ethic. The primaryfederal partner for the Department is the FederalHighway Administration. The federal governmentprovides significant funding for transportationprojects in Idaho.

These partners work with the Departmentimplementing Context Sensitive Solutions at variousstages in the transportation process from programmingthrough construction and maintenance. Theycontribute to the environmental evaluations andcommunity outreach efforts.

Federal Highway Administration(U.S. Department of Transportation)

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) isheadquartered in Washington, DC, and maintainsfield offices in every state, the District of Columbia,and Puerto Rico. The Federal HighwayAdministration Division office in each state worksclosely with the state transportation agency in theirrespective states. The Federal HighwayAdministration is charged with the broadresponsibility of ensuring that America’s roads andhighways continue to be the safest and mosttechnologically up-to-date. Although state, local andtribal governments own most of the nation’shighways, the Federal Highway Administrationprovides financial and technical support to them forconstructing, improving and preserving America’shighway system. Federal-aid highway funds derivefrom the Highway Trust Fund, which is funded byfederal fuel and motor vehicle excise taxes. TheFederal Highway Administration has two majorprograms: federal-aid funding to state and localgovernments; and Federal Lands Highways fundingfor roadways in national parks, national forests,Indian lands, and other land under federal stewardship.

The Federal-aid Highway Program administered bythe Federal Highway Administration provides federalfinancial and technical assistance to the states to plan,construct, and improve the federal-aid highwaysystem, urban and rural roads, and bridges. Theprogram also addresses economic and socialassistance to communities and regions of each statethrough planning, development, safety and operationalcategories of funding. The program fosters thedevelopment of a safe, efficient, and effective highwayand intermodal system nationwide. The FederalHighway Administration has primary responsibilityfor compliance with the National EnvironmentalPolicy Act and other federal environmentalrequirements. The Federal Highway Administrationis the lead federal agency for projects developed withfederal-aid highway funds.

The Federal Highway Administration has identifiedthree primary focus areas, referred to as the “VitalFew.” These are environment, safety, and congestionmitigation. More information is available at theFederal Highway Administration’s website,www.fhwa.dot.gov. This website also providesextensive information on project development,fulfillment of the National Environmental Policy Actrequirements, and the Federal HighwayAdministration policies and guidance.

Environmental Cooperation betweenIdaho Transportation Departmentand Federal Highway Administration

The Federal Highway Administration and the IdahoTransportation Department have entered into anOversight Agreement6 that identifies the duties andresponsibilities of each entity for the Federal-aidHighway Program. The guiding principle of theOversight Agreement is the partnership between theFederal Highway Administration and the IdahoTransportation Department for oversight of Federal-aid highway projects.

III. Idaho Transportation Department Partners

6 The current version (11-17-03) of the Oversight Agreement is currently under revision.

Through the Oversight Agreement, the FederalHighway Administration and the Idaho TransportationDepartment management pursue - within state andfederal laws, regulations and policies - alternativemethods for providing quality services andtransportation products and services. The partnershipalso ensures that federal funds will be expended cost-effectively and implementation provides justificationfor continued disbursement of federal funds.

The project and program-level responsibilities ofeach agency are presented in the Idaho TransportationDepartment-Federal Highway AdministrationStewardship and Oversight Agreement. TheAgreement, and attached matrix, outline whichprojects/project types will be administered by theIdaho Transportation Department, and which willremain under “full oversight” of the Federal HighwayAdministration. For state-administered projects, theIdaho Transportation Department agrees to fulfillall responsibilities for compliance with federal lawsand regulations, and the Federal HighwayAdministration conducts periodic program reviewsto verify this compliance.

Context Sensitive Solutions Guide: Idaho Transportation Department Partners 16

Other Federal TransportationAgencies

The Federal Transit Administration, the FederalAviation Administration and the Federal RailroadAdministration are all subject to the NationalEnvironmental Policy Act. Although in manyinstances the implementing regulations adopted varyfrom those of the Federal Highway Administration.As a result, they have different internal requirementsand review/approval processes. If an IdahoTransportation Department project involves federalfunds or approvals from these other federal agencies,the Headquarters’ Environmental Section should beconsulted to determine specific requirements.

Federal Resource Agencies

Many federal resource agencies must be consultedduring the National Environmental Policy Act process.Early consultation with these agencies assists theplanning process by identifying key concerns forassessment and helps develop a partnership approachfor expediting their involvement. These agencieshaving jurisdiction for specific environmentalresources can assist in advising the Department withregard to avoiding, minimizing or mitigating potentialadverse impacts.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service(U.S. Department of the Interior)

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service works to protectendangered and threatened species, migratory birds,freshwater fish and wildlife habitats in Idaho. It alsoworks with many other private and public partnersto preserve and protect living resources of the Idahoecosystems. They administer provisions of theEndangered Species Act and other wildlife laws.

The Federal Highway Administration has

stewardship and oversight responsibilities for

all Federal Highway Administration programs

and program responsibilities under Title 23 and

non-Title 23 program areas. Federal Highway

Administration is ultimately accountable for

ensuring that the Federal highway program is

delivered consistent with national environmental

law and implementing regulations…

U.S. Forest Service(U.S. Department of Agriculture)

The U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service’sfundamental responsibility is focused on stewardshipand sustainability of the land, water and communities.Much of the work today involves collaboration withother federal and state agencies, local communities,private and tribal landowners, university researchcenters, and international organizations.

National Oceanic and AtmosphericAdministration Fisheries/National MarineFisheries Service(U.S. Department of Commerce)

The National Oceanic and AtmosphericAdministration (NOAA) Fisheries is charged withprotecting and preserving marine resources, includinganadromous fish species. These include ocean-goingsteelhead and salmon species listed under theEndangered Species Act (ESA). These fish can bepresent in four of the six ITD Districts. NOAAFisheries and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service haveissued joint regulations for administration of theESA. Section 7 of the ESA requires consultationwith NOAA Fisheries on all actions which couldaffect species of anadromous or marine fishes listedor proposed for listing under the ESA which have afederal nexus.

Bureau of Land Management(U.S. Department of Interior)

It is the mission of the Bureau of Land Management(BLM) to sustain the health, diversity and productivityof the public lands for the use and enjoyment ofpresent and future generations. The Bureau of LandManagement’s task is to recognize the demands ofpublic land users while addressing the needs oftraditional user groups.


U.S. Army Corps of Engineers(U.S. Department of Defense)

The United States Army Corps of Engineers becomesinvolved when an Idaho Transportation Departmentimprovement incorporates the placement of fillmaterial into a water of the U.S. In those instances,a Clean Water Act Section 404 permit from theRegulatory Branch of the U.S. Army Corps ofEngineers must be obtained. For projects requiringindividual 404 permits, Section 404(b)(1) Guidelines(40 CFR Part 230), the Corps serves as a co-leadagency for the National Environmental Policy Actdocuments. Projects or actions with minor effects towaters of the U.S. (including wetlands) can typicallyuse one or more of the Nationwide Permits establishedby the Corps.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

The mission of the Environmental Protection Agency(EPA) is to protect human health and the environment.Since 1970, EPA has been responsible foradministering many of the nation’s federalenvironmental laws and regulations. TheEnvironmental Protection Agency provides oversightto the Idaho Department of Environmental Qualityin administering the Clean Water Act, the Clean AirAct and provisions of the Resource Conservationand Recovery Act. The Environmental ProtectionAgency is often consulted in the NationalEnvironmental Policy Act process on possibleenvironmental impacts and mitigation measures. TheEnvironmental Protection Agency also reviewsEnvironmental Impact Statements and rates the degreeof impact and the adequacy of the document.

State Resource Agencies

Idaho Department of Environmental QualityThe mission of Idaho Department of EnvironmentalQuality (DEQ) is to protect human health and preservethe quality of Idaho’s air, land, and water for use andenjoyment today and in the future. The IdahoDepartment of Environmental Quality is the stategovernment agency responsible for ensuring cleanair, water, and land in the state and for protectingIdaho citizens from the adverse health impacts ofpollution. As a regulatory agency, the IdahoDepartment of Environmental Quality is responsiblefor enforcing various state environmental regulationsand administering a number of federal environmentalprotection laws, including the Clean Air Act, theClean Water Act, and the Resource Conservation andRecovery Act. The Idaho Department ofEnvironmental Quality oversees Idaho TransportationDepartment projects to insure that they have thenecessary environmental permits and clearances.

Idaho Department of Water ResourcesThe Planning and Technical Services Division of theIdaho Department of Water Resources deal withwater resource issues. Their programs includegroundwater protection, floodplain management,stream channel protection, water allocations andwater planning.

Idaho Department of Fish and GameThe Idaho Department of Fish and Game, as a stateresource agency, has a role of advising and providingtechnical information regarding wildlife and fish.Unlike U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which hasdirect involvement primarily with threatened andendangered species, the Idaho Department of Fishand Game is involved with all animal species in thestate. This includes game and non-game species aswell as those considered “sensitive” or at-risk. TheIdaho Transportation Department has agreements inplace with the Idaho Department of Fish and Gameto provide consultation services, and the IdahoDepartment of Fish and Game is also a participantin interagency coordination for transportation projectsunder development.


State Historic Preservation OfficeThe Idaho State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO)is a division of the Idaho State Historical Society.The Idaho State Historic Preservation Office is thestate clearinghouse for documentation from allrecorded historic and archaeological sites in Idaho.The National Historic Preservation Act requiresfederal agencies to consult with the State HistoricPreservation Office during the planning of any federalaction that may affect cultural resources. The role ofthe State Historic Preservation Office in federalproject review is to reflect the interests of the Stateand its citizens in the preservation of Idaho’s richcultural heritage. This process provides an importantplanning function by assisting federal agencies inthe recognition and protection of sites, buildings,and structures that are important to Idaho’s past.

Local Agencies

The Local Highway Technical Assistance Council(LHTAC) was formed by the Legislature to assistlocal government in developing transportationprojects. The Surface Transportation Programs-LocalRural, Local Urban and Local/Off-system Bridgeprograms are managed by the Local HighwayTechnical Assistance Council in Idaho. Theseprograms are funded by the Federal HighwayAdministration through the Idaho TransportationBoard. The Local Highway Technical AssistanceCouncil assists the Local Highway Jurisdictions inpreparing for future transportation needs through asystematic planning approach. They report directlyto the Idaho Transportation Department headquarters.

Implementation of ContextSensitive SolutionsImplementation of the Context Sensitive Solutionsapproach in all areas of the Idaho TransportationDepartment (ITD) will take time, education,experimentation, commitment, awareness of changingvalues and attitudes, and a constant reassessment ofthe best ways to provide for the public benefit throughthe development and implementation of transportationsystems. A successful approach will pay dividendsin terms of cost savings, greater public acceptance,and expedited programs.

The Context Sensitive Solutions Guide has beenpresented to the ITD Districts for explanation,discussion and feedback. Each District shouldconsider developing an implementation plan tointegrate the ideas and approaches outlined in thisguide so that they become standard Departmentoperating procedures.

Principal ITD manuals and guidance documents havebeen amended with the Context Sensitive Solutions(CSS) concepts and examples that can assist ITDstaff. Although explanations and examples have beenprovided, the application of CSS principles can bea creative process and will depend greatly on theproject and its context. Below are some key links tointernet sites that can provide more information onthe use of a CSS approach for different projects.


References: Context Sensitive Solutions LinksBoth federal and state transportation agencies have developed Context Sensitive Solutions programs andillustrated examples of Context Sensitive Solutions. The following are some links to their web sites:

• Federal Highway Administration Context Sensitive Solutions: http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/csd/index.htm• Project for Public Spaces Context Sensitive Solutions: http://www.pps.org/CSS/cssonline.htm• Context Sensitive Solutions Network: http://www.contextsensitivesolutions.org/network/?party_

type=organization• AASHTO Center for Environmental Excellence CCS: http://environment.transportation.org/

environmental_issues/context_sensitive_solutions/overview.htm• Caltrans Context Sensitive Solutions: http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/oppd/context/• WSDOT Context Sensitive Solutions: http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/biz/csd/• UDOT Context Sensitive Solutions: http://www.udot.utah.gov/esd/CSS/CSSMain.htm• A Guide to Best Practices in Context Sensitive Solutions: http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/csd/020703.htm• Michigan DOT Context Sensitive Solutions: http://www.michigan.gov/documents/MDOT_

ContextSensitiveSolutions_v4_94490_7.pdf

Interagency Coordination

The transportation agencies, the Idaho TransportationDepartment and the Federal Highway Administration,have a history of working with the resource andregulatory agencies. In May 1995, an Accord forIntegrating the National Environmental Policy Actand Section 404 Permit process on Federal-AidHighway Projects in the State of Idaho (commonlyreferred to as the “merger accord” or “mergerprocess”) was enacted to coordinate the processingof National Environmental Policy Act documentsand Clean Water Act Section 404 permits. Ninefederal and state agencies signed this agreementwhich outlined how agency participation intransportation projects would be conducted underthe National Environmental Policy Act. In June 2003,a meeting of those agencies convened to review the1995 merger accord and discuss whether thatagreement should be extended, modified, orterminated. Subsequent to that meeting, an effortwas commenced to develop a revised, improvedprocess for interagency involvement and coordinationon federal-aid transportation projects in Idaho. Atthe time of this writing, a draft of this revised process,referred to as the National Environmental Policy ActCoordination Process is under review by agencymanagement.

BOUNDARY

BONNER

KOOTENAI

SHOSHONEBENEWAH

CLEARWATER

LATAH

LEWIS

IDAHO

VALLEY

LEMHIADAMS

WASHINGTON

PAYETTE

GEM

BOISE

ELMORE

CANYON

ADA

OWYHEE

TWINFALLS CASSIA

JEROME

GOODING LINCOLN

MINIDOKA

CAMAS

BLAINE

CUSTER

BUTTE

CLARK

JEFFERSON

FREMONT

TETON

BONNEVILLE

BINGHAM

MADISON

POWER

CARIBOU

BEARLAKE

BANNOCK

ONEIDAFRANKLIN

NEZPERCE

5

6

4

3

2

1

District 1

600 West PrairieCoeur d’Alene, ID 83815-8767Phone: (208) 772-1200 District 2

PO Box 837(2600 Frontage Road)Lewiston, ID83501-0837Phone: (208) 799-5090 District 3

PO Box 8028(8150 Chinden Blvd.)Boise, ID83707-2028Phone: (208) 334-8300 District 4

PO Box 2-A(216 S. Date Street)Shoshone, ID83352-0820Phone: (208) 886-7800 District 5

PO Box 4700(5151 South 5th Ave.)Pocatello, ID83205-4700Phone: (208) 239-3300 District 6

PO Box 97(206 N. Yellowstone Ave.)Rigby, ID83442-0097Phone: (208) 745-7781

For more information contactIdaho Transportation Department

PO Box 7129(3311 West State Street)Boise, ID 83707-1129Phone: (208) 334-8000

Online at: itd.idaho.gov

context sensitive solutions guide

Documents