Metro Atlanta Project Delivery Task Force Overview GAMPO Annual Work Session October 29-30, 2015

PDTF Background

“To accelerate Metro-Atlanta transportation project delivery through improved collaboration between transportation planning and project delivery activities.” Proposed Mission Statement

Project Expectations by Phase Planning Initial Purpose/Need Preliminary Cost Preliminary Scope Logical Termini Elected Official/Public Expectations Initial ROW Estimate Environmental Screening Project Champion(s) Local Government/ Public/Stakeholder Support Programming Firm Purpose/Need Funding Source(s) Funding Partner(s) Budget Commitment(s) Production Schedule Final Scope Environmental Fatal Flaws Refined ROW estimate Cost Estimate (by phase) Local Government/ Public/Stakeholder Support NEPA/Design Project Funding Agreements Correct Contract Requirements and Certifications Refined ROW estimate NEPA Document/ Class of Action Refined Project Cost (by phase) Funding/Budget Commitments Local Government/ Public/Stakeholder Support

Key Topics Identified in Technical Training/Technical Support 2.Early Vetting of Environmental Issues/Data- Sharing 3.Scheduling Protocols and Templates 4.Improved Project Descriptions/Concepts 5.Project Delivery Case Studies 6.ROW/UTIL Review and Coordination

7.Scoping Phase Requirements 8.Expediting Project Framework Agreements (PFAs) 9.Changes in Ground Rules After the Project Starts 10.Project Cost Threshold for Federal Aid/Streamlined Process for Small Projects 11.Engaging Elected Officials and Managing Expectations Key Topics Identified in 2014 (Cont’d)

Project Delivery Task Force (PDTF) Focus Areas 1.Streamlined Environmental Analysis/Data-Sharing 2.Project Feasibility and Programming 3.Dealing with Change 4.Less Complex Projects 5.Transit Expansion Delivery

PDTF Issue Group Strategies

Project Programming and Feasibility Screening Phase Funding the Screening Phase Outstanding Issues – Criteria – Process – Requirements

Dealing with Change Education and Accountability of Elected Officials and Local Staff Consultant Procurement Waiver Process Project History Documentation Explore Abbreviated PFAs for Studies

Limited Scope Projects

Problem: When is it not cost effective to use Federal Funds? Strategies: (1)Set funding thresholds, and (2)Implement fund swaps or trades, and flexing

Problem: Costly & lengthy ROW process for projects requiring only temp. cst easements Strategies: (1)Revise “3’” rule, (2)Changes to cost estimation tool, (3)More training

Problem: NEPA process for CEs take an average of 18 mos. (GDOT est.) to 27 mos. (LCI average) Strategies: Streamline process through programmatic agreements, fund flexing, waiver procedures and/or reduced requirements (when possible), and more.

Problem: Extensive plans required for limited scope projects Strategies: Reduce Plan requirements for certain project types, when possible, as is currently the practice for Quick Fix and maintenance projects.

Problem: Local gov’ts and even some consultants often lack resources, staff and experience to implement projects. Strategies: Improve local capacity to implement projects through a variety of actions, including training, ARC technical assistance, and advanced planning/scoping

Streamlining Environmental Analysis

Create/ Refine Joint Environmental Database Streamlined Environmental Analysis Develop Planning Requirement for Environmental Screening  Definition and Process for Screening Being Developed by the Project Feasibility and Programming Group Provide Technical Resources to Help Local Jurisdictions & Create Checklists to Help Local Sponsors to Comply with Environmental Requirements  Focus less on Checklists and More on Mitigation  Strategies to Better Plan Projects (Scope, Schedule, Budget) Develop Process to Build on Environmental Screening in NEPA Analysis  Meeting with Environmental Review Consultants  Update of GDOT OES Manual & Improvements to Internal Tracking

For additional information… Jean Hee Barrett Principal Planner – Transportation Access & Mobility Division - Project Implementation and Partner Services Kofi Wakhisi Section Supervisor – ARC Transportation Access & Mobility Division - Project Implementation and Partner Services