1. Home
  2. TRID
  3. View Record
https://nap.nationalacademies.org/catalog/27432/critical-issues-in-transportation-for-2024-and-beyond

Moving Forward, a Review of California's Approaches to the Challenges and Solutions for Successful Regional Advance Mitigation Planning

Incorporating regional planning principals into mitigation processes is recognized as a best practices objective for action agencies such as transportation departments. Some state transportation agencies have already begun taking advantage of the efficiencies and ecological and economic benefits that a regional advance mitigation approach permits, but no state has fully implemented the practice, because significant technical, cultural, regulatory, and financial roadblocks remain. Here the authors examine the challenges and possible solutions to full implementation of this approach, using ongoing projects from California as the point of departure. Three of the main challenges to implementation of regional mitigation plans are: 1) creation of equitable and transparent data development, assimilation, and mitigation estimation procedures; 2) development of trust and coordination between action and regulatory agencies; and 3) finding a funding mechanism to allow mitigation actions to occur in an advanced timeframe. The Caltrans Statewide Advance Mitigation Initiative and a multi-agency working group, the Regional Advanced Mitigation Project (RAMP), have been discussing these issues over a three-year period. To address transparent data development and analysis, the authors developed a two-track system that compiles natural resource and biological maps, and coordinates their use with maps of programmed transportation projects. The two sets of data are combined through the use of a conservation portfolio program, MARXAN, to assess the suitability of parcels or regions for mitigation actions, thereby enabling advance implementation of mitigation efforts. To facilitate communication between the infrastructure and regulatory agencies, an effective means of reaching consensus on their common objectives and acceptable business practices is needed. California agencies have developed a series of memorandums of understanding (MOUs), one signed by the State Department-head leadership, and another by agency staff. These agreements signal a desire from both the top- and field-levels of both types of agencies to improve the overall practice of mitigation and the ‘rules of the road’ to advance regional mitigation. In addition, RAMP stakeholders drafted state legislation to establish a statewide regional advance mitigation program, and agency staff are developing a policy framework identifying attributes and policies for a statewide program. Funding for advance mitigation remains a challenge in California. Because mitigation funding is directly tied to projects, it is typically not available for mitigation actions in advance of project construction. Advance mitigation requires access to a funding stream in the project planning stage. This necessitates the creation of a revolving fund that can be reimbursed as project construction begins. Some areas of the state have initiated their own funding initiatives, such as a sales tax in San Diego and Orange Counties. However, generally the state has not found a single mechanism by which funds can be appropriated and used. If funds can be brought to bear, there is the potential for those to become a revolving fund that can permit proactive mitigation actions such as acquiring high value conservation properties. The authors conclude that while significant obstacles to advance mitigation remain, recognition of its advantages can be used to develop the analyses, business practices, and funding needed for implementation.

  • Summary URL:
  • Supplemental Notes:
    • Abstract used with permission from the International Conference on Ecology and Transportation, organized by the Center for Transportation and the Environment, Institute for Transportation Research and Education, North Carolina State University.
  • Corporate Authors:

    North Carolina State University, Raleigh

    Center for Transportation and the Environment
    Raleigh, NC  United States  27695-8601
  • Authors:
    • Thorne, James H
    • O'Donoghue, Elizabeth
    • Huber, Patrick R
    • McCoy, Mike
  • Conference:
  • Publication Date: 2012

Language

  • English

Media Info

  • Media Type: Digital/other
  • Features: References;
  • Pagination: pp 799-809
  • Monograph Title: Proceedings of the 2011 International Conference on Ecology and Transportation (ICOET 2011)

Subject/Index Terms

Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 01561066
  • Record Type: Publication
  • Files: TRIS
  • Created Date: Apr 24 2015 11:22AM