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Decision Guide

The Decision Guide connects to everything in PlanWorks. Each Key Decision supports the involvement of partners and stakeholders. Issues identified in assessments can be addressed using the Decision Guide structure and information. Applications support individual topics using a subset of Key Decisions.

The Decision Guide streamlines the process by systematically building in collaboration. It was developed from examples of successful practice and with input from all partners in transportation decision making.

Decision Guide Instructions Table

hover-instructions Hover over a Key Decision for a brief snapshot of its purpose.

click-instructions Click on a folder to find the purpose and outcome, roles, questions that support decision making, data needs, input from stakeholders, and more.




LRP-1

Approve Scope of LRTP Process

https://fhwaapps.fhwa.dot.gov/planworkst/DecisionGuide/Step/LRP-1

The scoping Key Decision involves a broad assessment of the data, decisions, and relationships to consider, acquire, or make throughout the entire long range transportation plan (LRTP) process.
LRP-2

Approve Vision and Goals

https://fhwaapps.fhwa.dot.gov/planworkst/DecisionGuide/Step/LRP-2

At this Key Decision, the community's values, whether stated as a vision and goals or simply agreed upon by the stakeholders for the planning area, are used to guide the transportation-specific vision and goals.
LRP-3

Approve Evaluation Criteria, Methods and Measures

https://fhwaapps.fhwa.dot.gov/planworkst/DecisionGuide/Step/LRP-3

At this Key Decision the evaluation criteria, methodology and performance measures are approved that will allow decision-makers to compare scenarios to the vision and goals and to one another.
LRP-4

Approve Transportation Deficiencies

https://fhwaapps.fhwa.dot.gov/planworkst/DecisionGuide/Step/LRP-4

The approved list of specific corridors, roads and areas which are deficient identified at this Key Decision serves as a basis for problems and opportunities addressed in both the corridor planning and environmental review processes.
LRP-5

Approve Financial Assumptions

https://fhwaapps.fhwa.dot.gov/planworkst/DecisionGuide/Step/LRP-5

At this Key Decision information from the Programming / Fiscal Constraint Phase is introduced into the LRTP decision making process.
LRP-6

Approve Strategies

https://fhwaapps.fhwa.dot.gov/planworkst/DecisionGuide/Step/LRP-6

Strategies are developed to address the deficiencies identified in LRP-4. A strategy is a specific tactic or policy employed or recommended by an organization.
LRP-7

Approve Plan Scenarios

https://fhwaapps.fhwa.dot.gov/planworkst/DecisionGuide/Step/LRP-7

Scenarios are based on approved strategies and are compared using the evaluation criteria, methodology and performance measures.
LRP-8

Adopt Preferred Plan Scenario

https://fhwaapps.fhwa.dot.gov/planworkst/DecisionGuide/Step/LRP-8

At this Key Decision, a preferred plan scenario is adopted for inclusion in the Draft LRTP.
LRP-9

Make Conformity Determination by MPO

https://fhwaapps.fhwa.dot.gov/planworkst/DecisionGuide/Step/LRP-9

In nonattainment and maintenance areas for the transportation-related pollutants, transportation conformity analysis is done in order to determine that the preferred scenario meets current conformity requirements.
LRP-10

Adopt LRTP by MPO

https://fhwaapps.fhwa.dot.gov/planworkst/DecisionGuide/Step/LRP-10

At this Key Decision a final plan is adopted by the MPO board.
LRP-11

Make Conformity Determination

https://fhwaapps.fhwa.dot.gov/planworkst/DecisionGuide/Step/LRP-11

In nonattainment and maintenance areas for the transportation-related pollutants, FHWA/FTA must make a Federal conformity determination.

PRO-1

Approve Revenue Sources

https://fhwaapps.fhwa.dot.gov/planworkst/DecisionGuide/Step/PRO-1

This Key Decision establishes the revenue basis for both the fiscal constraint of the long range plan as well as the funding sources for the TIP.
PRO-2

Approve Project Cost and Revenue Allocation Approach

https://fhwaapps.fhwa.dot.gov/planworkst/DecisionGuide/Step/PRO-2

This Key Decision establishes a consistent methodology for estimating project costs for both the long range transportation plan and the TIP.
PRO-3

Approve Project List from Adopted Plan

https://fhwaapps.fhwa.dot.gov/planworkst/DecisionGuide/Step/PRO-3

This Key Decision establishes the list of projects drawn from the long range plan or corridor planning process that will be considered for funding in the TIP.
PRO-4

Approve Project Prioritization

https://fhwaapps.fhwa.dot.gov/planworkst/DecisionGuide/Step/PRO-4

At this Key Decision, the approved project list is prioritized using the methodology previously developed.
PRO-5

Reach Consensus on Draft TIP

https://fhwaapps.fhwa.dot.gov/planworkst/DecisionGuide/Step/PRO-5

At this Key Decision project priorities are compared to available funding within program restrictions to select those projects to be included in the TIP.
PRO-6

Adopt TIP by MPO

https://fhwaapps.fhwa.dot.gov/planworkst/DecisionGuide/Step/PRO-6

At this Key Decision, the MPO adopts the TIP and makes a conformity determination in nonattainment and maintenance areas. Before the MPO can do this, comments on the draft TIP must be addressed and a final TIP must be produced.
PRO-7

Approve TIP by Governor and Incorporate into Draft STIP

https://fhwaapps.fhwa.dot.gov/planworkst/DecisionGuide/Step/PRO-7

The Governor or designee should ensure that the TIP meets other state and federal requirements so that the TIP can be incorporated into the STIP and be in agreement with the state document.
PRO-8

Reach Consensus on Draft STIP

https://fhwaapps.fhwa.dot.gov/planworkst/DecisionGuide/Step/PRO-8

At this Key Decision the draft STIP is developed to release for public comment.
PRO-9

Approve STIP with respect to Fiscal Constraint

https://fhwaapps.fhwa.dot.gov/planworkst/DecisionGuide/Step/PRO-9

In order to meet federal requirements, the STIP must meet fiscal constraint requirements.

COR-1

Approve Scope of Corridor Planning Process

https://fhwaapps.fhwa.dot.gov/planworkst/DecisionGuide/Step/COR-1

This is a crucial first step of corridor planning.
COR-2

Approve Problem Statements and Opportunities

https://fhwaapps.fhwa.dot.gov/planworkst/DecisionGuide/Step/COR-2

The full range of deficiencies and opportunities within a corridor are defined at this Key Decision.
COR-3

Approve Goals for the Corridor

https://fhwaapps.fhwa.dot.gov/planworkst/DecisionGuide/Step/COR-3

At this Key Decision a broad range of transportation, community, and environmental goals are considered which are specific to the corridor.
COR-4

Reach Consensus on Scope of Environmental Analysis

https://fhwaapps.fhwa.dot.gov/planworkst/DecisionGuide/Step/COR-4

In order to provide a clear linkage to the environmental review process, this Key Decision defines the acceptable level of detail for the corridor study analysis.
COR-5

Approve Evaluation Criteria, Methods and Measures

https://fhwaapps.fhwa.dot.gov/planworkst/DecisionGuide/Step/COR-5

At this Key Decision, evaluation criteria, methodology and performance measures are approved that will allow decision-makers to compare solutions that address the corridor's opportunities and problems and are consistent with the approved corridor goals.
COR-6

Approve Range of Solution Sets

https://fhwaapps.fhwa.dot.gov/planworkst/DecisionGuide/Step/COR-6

A range of approved solution sets for the corridor results from this Key Decision.
COR-7

Adopt Preferred Solution Set

https://fhwaapps.fhwa.dot.gov/planworkst/DecisionGuide/Step/COR-7

At this Key Decision, a preferred solution set is adopted for inclusion in the Corridor Plan.
COR-8

Approve Implementation Criteria for Prioritizing Projects

https://fhwaapps.fhwa.dot.gov/planworkst/DecisionGuide/Step/COR-8

At this Key Decision priorities for implementation of the individual solutions are established.
COR-9

Adopt Priorities for Implementation

https://fhwaapps.fhwa.dot.gov/planworkst/DecisionGuide/Step/COR-9

Individual projects within the adopted preferred solution set are ranked in order to identify the appropriate sequencing for implementation.

ENV-1

Reach Consensus on Scope of Environmental Review

https://fhwaapps.fhwa.dot.gov/planworkst/DecisionGuide/Step/ENV-1

Consensus is reached on the data, decisions and relationships that need to be considered, acquired or made throughout environmental review and permitting. The scope is informed by the adopted plans and current information from plans in process. Relationships with planning partners are formed.
ENV-2

Approve Notice of Intent

https://fhwaapps.fhwa.dot.gov/planworkst/DecisionGuide/Step/ENV-2

This Key Decision is required to satisfy the legal requirement of publishing a Notice of Intent (NOI) to inform partners and the public of the commencement of the environmental review phase.
ENV-3

Approve Purpose and Need/Reach Consensus on Project Purpose

https://fhwaapps.fhwa.dot.gov/planworkst/DecisionGuide/Step/ENV-3

Document the agreed to purpose and need for both NEPA and the Section 404 permitting process. Integration with land use partners and stakeholder input are important at this step, to substantiate and refine the project purpose and need. There is a strong relationship between this Key Decision and the planning processes.
ENV-4

Reach Consensus on Study Area

https://fhwaapps.fhwa.dot.gov/planworkst/DecisionGuide/Step/ENV-4

Consensus on an initial geographic area of study (the area within which any alternatives will fall) is reached. The study area is closely linked to the purpose and need and is informed by transportation and other planning processes.
ENV-5

Approve Evaluation Criteria, Methods and Measures

https://fhwaapps.fhwa.dot.gov/planworkst/DecisionGuide/Step/ENV-5

Evaluation criteria, methods and measures are used to compare how alternatives meet the purpose and need. The criteria used in long range and corridor planning as well as land use, ecological planning and capital improvement data are considered.
ENV-6

Approve Full Range of Alternatives

https://fhwaapps.fhwa.dot.gov/planworkst/DecisionGuide/Step/ENV-6

A full range of possible project alternatives to meet the purpose and need is identified. Information about both selected and eliminated scenarios and solution sets from long range transportation planning and corridor planning inform the range of alternatives approved at this step.
ENV-7

Approve Alternatives to be Carried Forward

https://fhwaapps.fhwa.dot.gov/planworkst/DecisionGuide/Step/ENV-7

This shared step between the NEPA and permitting processes involves the approval of the alternatives that are suggested to be carried forward. There is essential information created in long range planning and corridor planning that informs this decision.
ENV-8

Approve Draft EIS with Conceptual Mitigation

https://fhwaapps.fhwa.dot.gov/planworkst/DecisionGuide/Step/ENV-8

This is a formal approval point at which the Draft EIS with conceptual mitigation is approved and circulated for public review. Land use partners indicate their support of any land use policy changes that would be required to implement the recommendations in the Draft EIS.
ENV-9

Approve Resource Agency Public Notice

https://fhwaapps.fhwa.dot.gov/planworkst/DecisionGuide/Step/ENV-9

This Key Decision is required to satisfy the regulatory requirement for Section 404 permitting that the public receive notice of a permit application.
ENV-10

Approve Preferred Alternative / LEDPA

https://fhwaapps.fhwa.dot.gov/planworkst/DecisionGuide/Step/ENV-10

Decision makers approve a preferred project alternative/LEDPA using input from stakeholders, planning partners, and detailed information about potential impacts, and validate that the preferred alternative is consistent with the LRTP and TIP/STIP.
ENV-11

Approve Final Jurisdictional Determination

https://fhwaapps.fhwa.dot.gov/planworkst/DecisionGuide/Step/ENV-11

This decision is a required procedural step in the Section 404 permitting process. At this step, a final determination of jurisdictional waters of the United States in the project area is made.
ENV-12

Reach Consensus on Avoidance and Minimization for the LEDPA

https://fhwaapps.fhwa.dot.gov/planworkst/DecisionGuide/Step/ENV-12

Following selection of the preferred alternative/LEDPA, partners reach consensus on additional avoidance and minimization measures not included in the preliminary design.
ENV-13

Approve Final EIS and Record of Decision

https://fhwaapps.fhwa.dot.gov/planworkst/DecisionGuide/Step/ENV-13

A final EIS is approved that meets all legal requirements and addresses comments received on the Draft EIS.
ENV-14

Render Permit Decision and Approve Avoidance and Minimization

https://fhwaapps.fhwa.dot.gov/planworkst/DecisionGuide/Step/ENV-14

At this final step in the environmental review phase, the final permit decision is rendered.