AASHTO
PRACTITIONER’S
HANDBOOK
The Practitioner’s Handbooks are produced by theAASHTOCenter
for Environmental Excellence. The Handbooks provide practical
advice on a range of environmental issues that arise during the
planning, development, and operation of transportation projects.
The Handbooks are primarily intended for use by project managers
and others who are responsible for coordinating compliance with
a wide range of regulatory requirements. With their needs in mind,
each Handbook includes:
▪
key issues to consider;
▪
a background briefing;
▪
practical tips for achieving compliance.
In addition, key regulations, guidance materials, and sample
documents for each Handbook is posted on the Center’s web site
at
http://environment.transportation.orgUTILIZING COMMUNITY ADVISORY
COMMITTEES FOR NEPA STUDIES
A Community Advisory Committee (CAC) is a public participation
technique that can be employed to gain stakeholder feedback, identify
and resolve local concerns, and build community support during the
National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) decision-making process.
Although not required, a CAC can be an effective means of addressing
specific issues and hearing a variety of stakeholder views. A CAC can
also be used in pre-NEPA planning studies.
Issues covered in this Handbook include:
▪
Deciding whether to establish a CAC
▪
Defining the role of the CAC
▪
Selecting CAC members and organizing the CAC
▪
Preparing for and facilitating CAC meetings
▪
Providing for public access to CAC meetings and meeting
materials
American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials
05
December 2006
AASHTO
Center for Environmental Excellence