| |
California State Department of Transportation
|
| Go to Top of Document |
Narrative
For projects with a Negative Declaration/FONSI, a proposal was presented in the environmental document and at the public hearing (if held). A summary of the public hearing and conclusions reached should now be included in the Project Report.
For projects with a DEIR/DEIS, and for projects with alternatives identified in a Negative Declaration/FONSI, the Preferred Alternative, including the results of the hearing and the conclusions reached, are included in the Project Report.
Initiator
Sub-Tasks
- Project description
- Description of proposed changes in project design that resulted from circulation of the document or from the public hearing process
- Current right of way and construction costs, including a comparison with programming costs
- Public hearing comments and conclusions reached
- Position of local entities; project's compatibility with local and regional plans
- Certification that the local entities have been involved and are in accordance with the project
- Title VI considerations
Task Duration
References
| Go to Top of Document |
Narrative
After selection of the Preferred Alternative, the Final environmental document (FED) should be prepared, based on the Preferred Alternative.
A Section 4(f) Evaluation is necessary when the selected Alternative involves the use of a publicly owned park, recreation area, wildlife refuge, or land from a historical site. The Evaluation documents the considerations and studies supporting the conclusion that there are no feasible and prudent alternatives to the use of a 4(f) resource. The Section 4(f) Evaluation is either included in a separate section of the FED or presented in a separate report.
Initiator
Sub-Tasks
Task Duration
References
| Go to Top of Document |
Narrative
After preparation of the Project Report and the Final environmental document (FED), they should be circulated to affected district units, the Environmental Division, and the FHWA, if appropriate.
Initiator
Sub-Tasks
Task Duration
References
| Go to Top of Document |
Narrative
A draft Right of Way Relocation Impact Study was prepared for inclusion in the Draft environmental document. The impact study identifies who is to be relocated and what issues must be resolved through the Relocation Assistance Program (RAP). These studies are not intended to evaluate the broad impact of the RAP as it affects the community; they are meant to provide specific project data: special issues, timing considerations, relocation phasing, and general relocation alternatives should be identified.
Initiator
Sub-Tasks
- Number and types of residential and nonresidential displacements
- Current and anticipated availability of relocation resources
- Specific relocation issues
Task Duration
References
| Go to Top of Document |
Narrative
The California Legislature establishes the framework for the State Highway System by describing each route in the Statutes. The CTC adopts the location of the routes.
Route adoption usually occurs at regularly scheduled CTC meetings, following district approval of the project and environmental document. As a matter of policy, CTC route adoption action and CEQA clearance occur prior to submittal of the request to the FHWA for location and design approval and approval of the NEPA document. However, where no alternative is proposed, these actions can take place concurrently.
When the project lacks a consensus of community support, a CTC hearing may be scheduled at a regular CTC meeting or at a specially arranged meeting in the involved community. In either case, route adoption occurs at a subsequent CTC meeting.
Initiator
Sub-Tasks
Task Duration
References
| Go to Top of Document |
Narrative
The Freeway Agreement complies with Section 100.2 of the Streets and Highways Code, which states that no city or county highway shall be closed by the construction of a highway without an agreement between the State and the local jurisdiction authorizing such a closure. It also states that no local road shall be connected to a freeway without the consent of the CTC. Normally, it is Caltrans' policy that no freeway will be built without agreement from the local government.
Initiator
Sub-Tasks
Task Duration
References
| Go to Top of Document |
Narrative
The draft Freeway Agreement must be reviewed by the local entity prior to submittal to OPPD.
Initiator
Sub-Tasks
- Proposed work on local and frontage road systems
- Future connections to road systems nonexistent at the present time
Task Duration
References
| Go to Top of Document |
Narrative
The Project Report and Final environmental document were reviewed by district units, OPPD, Environmental Division, and FHWA. After comments have been received, both documents should be revised.
Initiator
Sub-Tasks
Task Duration
References
| Go to Top of Document |
Narrative
The Environmental Unit prepares and signs the CEQA certification, after the Final environmental document has been revised. This mandatory certification states that the Final EIR has been completed in compliance with CEQA.
Initiator
Sub-Tasks
Task Duration
References
| Go to Top of Document |
Narrative
The project approval is by signature of the district director of a project report recommending project approval.
Projects not requiring an environmental document must have a CE form attached or if permitted a statement that the project is a Categorically Exempt/Categorically Excluded or Statutorially Exempt. Projects with no significant effects, but requiring an environmental document must have a Negative Declaration and Initial Study attached to the Project Report.
Projects with significant effects must have the FEIR attached to the Project Report.
Initiator
Sub-Tasks
Task Duration
References
| Go to Top of Document |
Narrative
District Directors are authorized to approve projects. The signature date approving the Project Report constitutes the official project approval date used in project records (including the reporting milestone to the Legislature).
Initiator
Sub-Tasks
Task Duration
References
| Go to Top of Document |
Narrative
The draft Freeway Agreement was prepared and sent to OPPD for approval. As part of the approval process, the draft agreement is checked for conformance to the adopted route and approved geometrics, and to verify references to existing agreements. A legal review is conducted. After approval by OPPD, the final Freeway Agreement is prepared. Submittal to local entities should be subsequent to FHWA approval of new access to an Interstate route and prior to CTC approval of a new public road connection.
Initiator
Sub-Tasks
Task Duration
References
| Go to Top of Document |
Narrative
The route adoption map and draft request and/or the request for new public road connection was prepared and transmitted to OPPD for processing. Preparing the reports for the CTC is an OPPD function. The route adoption process is completed before submittal of the Final environmental document (FED) to the FHWA, while the new connection request is submitted after FHWA approval of the FED.
Initiator
Sub-Tasks
Task Duration
References
| Go to Top of Document |
Narrative
If route adoption is required, the request is placed on the CTC agenda. The placement should be made three weeks prior to the scheduled CTC meeting. Projects with new public road connections are placed on the agenda after FHWA's approval of the Final environmental document.
Initiator
Sub-Tasks
Task Duration
References
| Go to Top of Document |
Narrative
For projects requiring a route adoption, State CEQA Guidelines require that a Joint Notice of Determination (NOD) be filed with the State Office of Planning and Research (OPR). The NOD is called "joint" because it is filed jointly by Caltrans and the CTC. See Task P207 for projects not requiring a route adoption.
Initiator
Sub-Tasks
Task Duration
References
| Go to Top of Document |
Narrative
After project approval by the District Director, the Final environmental document (FED) is transmitted to FHWA for approval. The District also transmits a draft Record of Decision (ROD), when an EIS has been prepared. The ROD must thoroughly explain the reasons for the project decision, summarize mitigation measures to be incorporated in the project, and document required Section 4(f) approval.
Initiator
Sub-Tasks
- Eight copies of the FED
- Original EIS Title Sheet signed by the District Director
- Two copies of the Project Report (including CEQA certification)
- Two copies of the draft ROD
Task Duration
References
| Go to Top of Document |
Narrative
Obtaining FHWA approval of the Final environmental document, and when applicable Section 4(f) Evaluation, requires ongoing coordination. The FHWA Transportation Engineer should have been involved in reviews throughout the project development process. If so, the approval can be routine with minimum reviews.
Initiator
Sub-Tasks
Task Duration
References
| Go to Top of Document |
Narrative
After approval of the FEIS by FHWA, it is distributed to the public. Distribution must be made no later than the time the document is filed with the Environmental Protection Agency for publication in the Federal Register, and must provide a minimum 30-day review period before approval of the Record of Decision.
There is no formal distribution of the FONSI. Normally, copies are sent to individuals, groups, and entities who made substantive comments during the circulation period of the Draft environmental document.
Initiator
Sub-Tasks
Task Duration
References
| Go to Top of Document |
Narrative
Concurrent with public distribution of the FEIS, the FHWA initiates publication of Notice of Availability of the FEIS in the Federal Register. No administrative action can be taken on Federal projects until 30 days after publication.
Initiator
Sub-Tasks
Task Duration
References
| Go to Top of Document |
Narrative
Following the 30-day review period and the successful resolution of objections raised, the FHWA approves the location and design features of the project by issuing the Record of Decision (ROD). Issuance of the ROD gives authorization to proceed with project design.
Initiator
Sub-Tasks
Task Duration
References
| Go to Top of Document |
Narrative
The Notice of Determination (NOD) for a project with a new connection is prepared in the same manner as the Joint NOD with a route adoption.
When a project is totally funded by others and does not involve a new connection or a route adoption, the district prepares the NOD and files it with the State Office of Planning and Research. CTC approval is not needed. The district also files the NOD if the CTC's only action is to vote for funds. In both of these actions, the Chief of the Environmental Unit is the only signatory to the NOD.
Initiator
Sub-Tasks
Task Duration
References
| Go to Top of Document |
Narrative
Filing of the Notice of Determination (NOD) with the Office of Planning and Research (OPR) completes the CEQA environmental process and starts a 30-day statute of limitations on court challenges to project approval under CEQA. Projects without Federal involvement can proceed immediately.
Initiator
Sub-Tasks
Task Duration
References
| Go to Top of Document |
Narrative
The draft Freeway Agreement was transmitted to OPPD for procedural and legal approval. The draft was returned to the District with comments and the final agreement was prepared. Execution of the agreement is the final step.
Initiator
Sub-Tasks
- District sends two copies of the approved final agreement to local entities for execution
- Execution including resolution designating executor
- Return executed copies to District
- District sends local-entity executed copies and additional copy of the agreement map to OPPD
- After CTC adopts route or approves new connection to freeway and/or FHWA approves the location and design features, new Interstate points of access, and Final environmental document; Chief, OPPD executes agreement for Caltrans
- OPPD obtains legal approval and arranges for filing the original in HQ Central Files (OPPD retains extra map)
Task Duration
References
| Go to Top of Document |
Narrative
During preliminary engineering and environmental studies, surveys were conducted to identify and assess project features. Once the project has been approved, additional survey needs should be reviewed.
Initiator
Sub-Tasks
- Can preliminary base maps or as-built plans be used to prepare geometric plans?
- If aerial contour maps are not available, they should be ordered at this time
- Identify field controls for aerials and coordinates, including benchmarks
- Staking construction centerline
- Staking ties to existing local roads
- Property corners, section lines, etc.
- Improvements that may be affected
- Additional maps, such as assessors, record of surveys, subdivision maps, etc.
- Hydraulics: controls to local drainage facilities, etc.
- Structures: bridge site plans
- Materials: borrow sites, disposal sites, etc.
Task Duration
References
| Go to Top of Document |
Narrative
After identifying survey requirements, they should be prioritized and then conducted.
Initiator
Sub-Tasks
Task Duration
References
| Go to Top of Document |
For questions or feedback concerning this web site email:
This web site last modified August 11, 1997.
| Go to Top of Document |