November 25, 2015 3:37 PM

Feds issue generally favorable audit of TxDOT's new role in environmental reviews

It’s the first of several audits over the next few years under an agreement with the Federal Highway Administration

The Texas Department of Transportation’s oversight of the federal environmental review process made “reasonable progress” with some observations for improvement, according to an initial audit from the Federal Highway Administration.

TxDOT contractors have raised delays in federal environmental reviews as a top concern at the annual Texas Transportation Forum. Under the National Environmental Policy Act, TxDOT signed a memorandum of understanding last December to assume those reviews. According to the Act, TxDOT completes environmental reviews and deals with various federal agencies, with FHWA acting as program oversight and review.

The initial audit, conducted on site in April, notes TxDOT’s efforts are appropriately focused on establishing policy, training staff and assigning roles. The report was filed Nov. 19 with no substantial comment. This is the first of a number of audits over the first two years under the memorandum of understanding.

By Kimberly Reeves