North Texas Tollway Authority updates its environmental policy statement

by PegNews wire

At its regularly scheduled board meeting Thursday, July 16, the North Texas Tollway Authority Board of Directors adopted a revised Environmental Policy Statement aimed at supporting the NTTA's goal of sustainability and demonstrating the NTTA's proven commitment to the communities it serves.

"This policy statement establishes a standard for providing a safe, economically viable and environmentally sound transportation system that reliably meets customer needs and supports sustainable, vibrant community development," said NTTA Director of Project Delivery Elizabeth Mow.

Upon its formation in 1997, the NTTA inherited the existing Environmental Policy of the Texas Turnpike Authority. Since then, the evolution of the transportation industry and environmental requirements associated with it has contributed to identifying the need to formally update and adopt the policy and supporting procedures.

The revised policy statement will accompany an Environmental Manual, which will address the roles and responsibilities of all parties involved in the NTTA's environmental process; update environmental documentation procedures for federal, state and locally-funded projects; and establish technical procedures for impact assessments, permitting, mitigation and environmental compliance.

"An updated policy statement and the supporting draft environmental procedures manual will provide consistent guidance to the NTTA's staff and consultants for the environmental assessment of future projects, provide for the improved quality and consistency of environmental deliverables, and provide a uniform standard for NTTA's environmental documents," said Mow.

NTTA Environmental Policy Statement:

It is the mission of the North Texas Tollway Authority (NTTA) to enhance mobility through responsible and innovative tolling solutions. The NTTA shall design, construct, and maintain its tollways and infrastructure in a manner that ensures corridor consistency and environmental sustainability and sets the course for future sustainability initiatives. The NTTA is specifically committed to minimizing impacts on North Texas' communities, including their natural resources and cultural values, by effectively streamlining the process required to provide approvals for transportation infrastructure projects, in compliance with applicable law, while maintaining safety, public health, and environmental protection.

Source: NTTA