Methods and Benefits of TxDOT Involvement in Local Development Review

The objective of this project is to increase the Texas Department of Transportation's (TxDOT) role in the local development process and to facilitate implementation of TxDOT's access management program through local development review. This objective was achieved by assessing TxDOT's current level of involvement in local development review, examining how TxDOT could most effectively be incorporated into the process, and investigating how a select few other state departments of transportation are involved in the local development process. The project also included a review of existing transportation code provisions relating to access as well as research on how local entities can follow the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) process to accelerate the schedule of a state project that is of high priority to the local community. The results of this research will assist TxDOT districts, cities, and counties across the state by bringing to light the mutual benefits of collaboration between the state and local communities. Increased coordination among these entities will foster the practice of access management and help ensure TxDOT's interests in right-of-way are considered in platting and development along state routes. One product of this research includes recommendations and guidelines on how TxDOT can be involved in the local development process.