Department of Transportation 4(f) Requirements

Description

Participants in this workshop will learn the specific requirements for the analysis of 4(f) and how to comply with the Section 4(f) of the Department of Transportation Act of 1966 as amended (Pub. L. 89-670, 80 Stat. 931) (DTA). They will learn how to conduct the 4(f) analysis by identifying lands and resources subject to the 4(f) requirements, how to conduct the analysis, and to document findings.  We also explore how these 4(f) requirements intersect with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) and the Land and Water Conservation Act (LWCA). 

Objectives

Upon completion of this workshop, participants will be able to do the following:

  • Define the 4(f) compliance terminology, processes and outcome paths.

  • Understand the integration of 4(f) with  NEPA, NHPA, and LWCA.

  • Interpret existing regulations and policies for selecting the appropriate 4(f) determination level.

  • Know how to prepare proper documentation of 4(f) determinations.

Content

The basic format of the one-day workshop includes the following components:

  • Defining the historic context for the requirements of the 4(f) analysis.

  • The intersection of the 4(f) requirements with the NEPA, the NHPA, and amendment to the DTA.

  • How to comply with the analysis requirements for 4(f) with specific emphasis on de Minimis analysis, programmatic determinations, and project specific analysis requirements.

  • The development of feasible and prudent alternatives

  • The 4(f) environmental analysis requirements under the Administrative Procedure Act.

  • The involvement of the public and interest groups in completing the 4(f) analysis.

  • Document requirements under 4(f), NEPA, and NHPA.

 

Audience

Participants for this training generally include DOT employees and contractors that participate in the planning and environmental analysis for highway, railroad, and Federal transit projects as well as public land managers and NEPA coordinators.

Process

This workshop is interactive intended to explore specific problems and questions faced by practitioners in managing the 4(f) analysis. Specific case studies are presented that require thinking on the part of workshop participants.  However, and in-depth understanding of the DTA NEPA, or NHPA are not required.  For optimal learning, class size is limited to 30 participants. This one-day workshop consists of a carefully designed combination of the following components:

  • 40% Lecture

  • 20% Group Discussion

  • 40% Exercises

Materials

Participants receive the following:

  • Workshop manual of materials presented

  • Workshop resources workbook

  • Case study handouts