The intent of this interim policy is to make early coordination more efficient by reducing and streamlining the flow of early coordination between USFWS, INDOT and other coordinating agencies. The potential to impact wildlife habitat is the guiding criteria on when and how coordination should be initiated with the USFWS. This policy is intended to fulfill legal requirements for coordination under Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act (ESA). This policy can be used by all state, local and/or county highway agencies within the State of Indiana to fulfill early coordination with the USFWS.

This interim policy is an excerpt from the 09-27-2010 Draft Programmatic Agreement developed between INDOT and the USFWS and has been modified to reflect our current policy direction for the review of highway transportation projects in Indiana.