Purpose and Need

1
Purpose and Need

• Mary Ann Rondinella
• FHWA Resource Center

2
Where Does P/N Come From?

• NEPA and Section 404 of the Clean Water Act
  specifically address P/N.
• Section 404 USACE must define the purpose of
  the project.
• Applies to permits for discharge of dredged or
  fill material into waters of the U.S. (33 CFR
  325).

3
Where P/N Comes From (continued)

• P/N, however, is crucial to compliance with many
  other laws and E.O.s.
• Example Section 4(f).
• An alternative that does not meet purpose and
  need is NOT FEASIBLE AND PRUDENT.

4
Practical Guidance

• P/N statements should be concise.
• No more than one or two paragraphs.
• Purpose why the project is being proposed (note
  why, not what.)
• Need describes the problem to be addressed.

5
Sample Structure

• Introduction/Background
• Purpose
• Need
• Other Goals and Objectives

6
Practical Guidance on Preparing P/N

• P/N statement should not discuss alternatives.
• That is, it shouldnt say, The purpose of this
  project is to build a six lane expressway on the
  current alignment of Main Street from Avenue A to
  Avenue D.

7
Where Do Data for P/N Statements Come From?

• Ideally, from the transportation planning
  process.
• In reality, the planning process varies greatly
  across the U.S.
• Some MPOs are including short P/N statements in
  their TIPs.

8
Economic development sometimes seems like an
indigestible problem.
9
The Challenge

• We need P/N statements that are understandable to
  the lay public.
• The LRTP calls for a Class A facility with peak
  hour LOS D or better.
• The V/C ratio is 1.1, indicating unstable flow.
• To provide needed throughput, BRT will need to
  operate at 15 minute headways.
• Huh?

10
Summary

• Need clear, concise P/N statements
• Move supporting data to reports, appendices
• Use transportation and other plan information
• Others?