Federal Environmental And Civil Rights Regulations Impacting Transportation Projects.pdf

## National and State Policies Impacting Transportation Design: Summary

This summary outlines key federal and state policies influencing transportation design in Oregon, focusing on environmental, social, and accessibility considerations.

Federal Policies:

Environmental Protection:
Federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act (1918): Protects migratory birds, requiring avoidance of active nests and eggs during project planning.
Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act (1934): Mandates consultation to prevent harm to fish and wildlife resources.
National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) & Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation Management Act: Requires environmental impact assessments for federally funded transportation projects, promoting mitigation of adverse effects.
Clean Water Act Amendment (1972): Regulates stormwater runoff from roads and highways to protect water quality.
Endangered Species Act (1973): Ensures projects minimize impacts on endangered species and their habitats.
Clean Air Act (1990): Promotes controls on motor vehicle air pollution, aligning with transportation project design.
Social Equity & Accessibility:
Title VI of the Civil Rights Act (1964): Prohibits discrimination based on race, color, and national origin in federally funded programs, including transportation.
Section 4(f) of the Department of Transportation Act (1966): Protects publicly owned parks, historical sites, etc., from unnecessary harm during transportation project planning.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA, 1990): Ensures accessibility for individuals with disabilities in all aspects of public life, including transportation.
Executive Order 12898 (Environmental Justice, 1994): Requires consideration of the effects of federal programs on minority and low-income populations.
Other:
National Historic Preservation Act (1966): Protects historical properties from impacts during transportation projects.

State Policies:

"Bicycle and Pedestrian Bill" (ORS 366.514, 1972): Mandates provision of bicycle and pedestrian facilities on new, reconstructed, or relocated highways. This serves as Oregon's "complete streets" policy.
Transportation Planning Rule (amended 1991): Promotes integrated land use and transportation planning, aiming to reduce vehicle miles traveled. Includes provisions for Multimodal Mixed-Use Areas (MMAs) offering design flexibility.
Oregon Statewide Land Use Planning Goals (1974):
Goal 19: Transportation: Focuses on creating a safe, multimodal system accessible to all Oregonians.
Goal 2: Land Use: Requires comprehensive land use plans for local governments.
Goal 5: Natural Resources: Encourages protection of scenic and historic areas, influencing transportation project siting and design.
Goal 6: Air, Water & Land Resources Quality: Aligns with federal environmental laws, promoting pollution prevention and resource conservation.
Oregon Transportation Plan (2015) & Associated Mode/Topic Plans: Sets vision and policy for a safe, multimodal system, with specific goals like achieving zero deaths and serious injuries.
* Oregon Highway Plan (1999): Defines mobility targets, land use relationships, and highway classifications influencing road design.