This handbook provides recommendations on defining a project’s purpose and need in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and determining a range of alternatives. Practical tips include understanding the legislative and planning context, determining the needs, defining the project purpose, screening alternatives, and involving agencies and the public.
Handbook Resources
CEQ, “Forty Most Asked Questions Concerning CEQ’s NEPA Regulations” (Mar. 16, 1981)
https://dot.ca.gov/-/media/dot-media/programs/environmental-analysis/documents/ser/g-ceq-40questions-a11y.pdf
FHWA, “The Importance of Purpose and Need in Environmental Documents” (Sept. 18, 1990)
https://www.environment.fhwa.dot.gov/projdev/tdmneed.asp
Connaughton, Chairman, CEQ, Letter to N. Mineta, Secretary, USDOT (May 12, 2003)
https://www.environment.fhwa.dot.gov/guidebook/Gconnaughton.asp
Peters, Administrator, FHWA, and J. Dorn, Administrator, FTA, “Guidance on ‘Purpose and Need’” (July 23, 2003)
https://www.environment.fhwa.dot.gov/guidebook/Gjoint.asp
D.J. Gribbin, Chief Counsel, FHWA, “NEPA Analysis for Toll Roads” (Oct. 15, 2004)
https://www.environment.fhwa.dot.gov/guidebook/NEPA_tollroads.asp
E.O. 13274 Purpose and Need Work Group, “Baseline Report” (March 15, 2005)
http://www.dot.ca.gov/ser/downloads/general/pn_report_eo13274.pdf
FHWA, et al., “Synchronizing Environmental Reviews for Transportation and Other Infrastructure Projects: 2015 Red Book” (Sept. 2015)
https://www.environment.fhwa.dot.gov/strmlng/Redbook_2015.asp