Integrating Transportation and Resource Planning to Develop Ecosystem based Infrastructure Projects: Eco-Logical Grants

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Integrating Transportation and Resource Planning
to Develop Ecosystem based Infrastructure
Projects Eco-Logical Grants

• FHWA National Environmental Conference
• June 17, 2008 Session PEL and Eco-Logical
• Washington DC

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Eco-Logical Pilot Projects

• Developed in consideration of the 8-step
  integrated planning process described in the
  Eco-Logical document
• Build Strengthen Collaborative Partnerships
• Identify Management Plans
• Integrate Plans
• Assess Effects
• Establish Prioritize Opportunities
• Document Agreements
• Design Projects Consistent with the Regional
  Ecosystem Framework
• Balance Predictability Adaptive Management

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Eco-Logical Grant Solicitation

• Collaborative effort of HEPE, HEPP, and HEPN
• 1.4 Million available for first round of pilot
  projects, to be funded via cooperative agreements
• Open to Federal/ State/local Govts, Tribes, NGOs,
  colleges/universities
• Expected to make 10 awards of 100,000 each ?
  Received 40 requests for 4.9 million
• Interagency review panel included EPA, FWS, USDA
  FS, BLM, several staff members from HEP and the
  Resource Center

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Eco-Logical Announcements

• Grant recipients announced Dec 2007
• Recipients included State/Local DOTs, MPOs,
  Federal/State Resource Agencies, NGOs, and a
  university
• Agreements awarded March-June 2008
• Projects range from 24,500 177,500 12-36
  months

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Distribution of Awarded Eco-Logical Grants
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Some Sample Eco-Logical Projects

• Chicago DOT Chicago DOT will develop a
  demonstration project on two miles of city
  streets, applying "green" principles to
  conventional urban streetscapes. The project will
  use green design practices to improve stormwater
  management, conserve water and energy, enhance
  bus stops and bicycle lanes, recycle construction
  materials, reduce ambient temperatures, and
  educate the public.

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Some Sample Eco-Logical Projects

• Mid-America Regional Council (MARC) MARC will
  use its grant to (1) formulate educational
  programs structured to foster stronger
  interagency relationships and understanding of
  Eco-Logical approaches, (2) develop a highly
  collaborative and integrative environmental-transp
  ortation planning and consultation process, and
  (3) create a framework to support the creation of
  a regional, ecosystem-based green plan for
  infrastructure conservation, restoration, and
  mitigation.

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Some Sample Eco-Logical Projects

• Houston-Galveston Area Council (H-GAC) H-GAC
  will develop a geographic information systems
  (GIS)-based environmental resource identification
  map for its eight-county region. This effort will
  assess critical conservation areas, integrate
  resource and conservation planning through a
  regional decision-support system, and identify
  high-priority mitigation locations. It represents
  the area's first regional, systematic
  identification of critical environmental
  resources on a scale that is necessary for
  transportation and conservation planning.

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(Modified from FHWA HQ slide)
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What Next?

• Final awards expected this month
• First set of quarterly progress reports arrive
  July 2008
• Provide ongoing monitoring technical assistance
  to applicants via the FHWA COTRs as well as the
  interagency team
• Next solicitation expected in FY 2009
• We could really use your support with the current
  awardees as well as encouraging future applicants
• Volunteer to participate on the next review panel

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For More Information

• http//environment.fhwa.dot.gov/ecological/eco_ent
  ry.asp
• Contact me! Bethaney Bacher-Gresock
• 202-366-4196 or find me in Outlook