Expediting the NEPA process via a Document Management System and Virtual GIS-Based NEPA platform

ABSTRACT Developing efficient and effective tools for navigating the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process is becoming increasingly important as Federal and State agencies have limited resources (staff and funding) and are required to review and process documents in an expedited fashion. To carry a project through the NEPA process, a skilled team with tools to streamline the interagency review process as well as community input process is highly beneficial. There are numerous approaches to streamlining the NEPA process. This article highlights two potential transformative tools. The tools have not been proven for NEPA application, but they have been successful in other industries. In Fall 2017, the Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) is launching a pilot study to test the tool’s effectiveness with respect to NEPA. The first tool is a Document Management System for agency coordination and comment periods to expedite the review and approval time. The second tool is the development of a Virtual NEPA GIS-Based Platform to reduce the number of pages in an Environmental Assessment (EA) and Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) document and improve the transparency of the NEPA process. Too often projects are delayed or over budget as a result of poor coordination processes and lack of transparency during the public review process. This article discusses the importance of and tools to improve project communication, both internally and externally, and the public involvement process.