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Commission hears timeline for possible transfer of NEPA duties from FHWA
Summary
Secretary Joel Jundt said Senate Bill 71 would move some NEPA compliance tasks from FHWA to the state DOT; the Department will study requirements and estimates FHWA approval could take about one to two years depending on scope.
Secretary Joel Jundt briefed the Commission on Senate Bill 71, which would allow the Department to assume certain National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) responsibilities now handled by the Federal Highway Administration. Jundt told commissioners the Department will review requirements and options and that the process to obtain FHWA approval could take "approximately 1-2 years," depending on whether the transfer covers categorical exclusions only or a fuller assignment of NEPA responsibilities.
Jundt said staff will identify needed capabilities and follow FHWA's approval process; commissioners were informed this is an administrative and technical transfer requiring federal concurrence rather than an immediate change in project approvals. No formal decision was taken; the report framed next steps as internal review and coordination with FHWA.
