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Georgia DOT Pursues NEPA Review Authority, Seeks Public Feedback
ATLANTA - The Georgia Department of Transportation (Georgia DOT) is applying to take on additional environmental review responsibilities from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) through the Surface Transportation Project Delivery Program (23 U.S.C. § 327). As a result, the department is seeking public comment.
Georgia DOT has formally initiated the process of seeking a full National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) assignment program with some caveats notated in the application and the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). While Georgia DOT currently has limited NEPA review authority, the department has taken great strides to create opportunities for collaboration amongst its environmentally focused federal and state partners. In 2019, the department established the Interagency Office of Environmental Quality (IOEQ) to strengthen coordination between agencies involved in environmental review and permitting, including partners responsible for wildlife, water resources, historic preservation and environmental protection.
"The creation of the Interagency Office of Environmental Quality was a natural step toward pursuing NEPA Assignment," said Amber Phillips, State Environmental Administrator. "By strengthening coordination with our federal and state partners, developing transparent processes and fostering collaboration, we entered the application process with a strong foundation already in place, helping us improve project delivery while handling transportation needs with the protection of Georgia's environmental and cultural resources for the communities we serve."
Once the NEPA assignment program is approved, Georgia DOT would become responsible for carrying out the NEPA and other federal environmental compliance reviews and all other applicable Federal environmental laws for Georgia DOT-administered highway projects.
There are currently nine states that have full NEPA assignment programs with FHWA, Alaska, Arizona, California, Florida, Maine, Nebraska, Ohio, Texas and Utah. These states have reported significant benefits, including faster project delivery and cost savings.
"We're pursuing NEPA Assignment to reduce project delays, improve communication and provide more reliable project schedules, and the opportunity to learn from states that have already implemented the program through peer exchanges has been extremely beneficial in strengthening Georgia DOT's application and preparing us for these additional responsibilities," Phillips said.
Georgia DOT's application for NEPA assignment is now available for public review and comment on Georgia DOT's website.
Public involvement is encouraged and comments will be accepted until the close of business on August 23, 2026. Comments may be submitted via mail, email or through the online submission form available at the website.
Direct all comments to:
Amber Phillips, State Environmental Administrator
Georgia Department of Transportation
One Georgia Center, 16th Floor
600 West Peachtree Street NW
Atlanta, Georgia 30308
Email: [email protected]
The public comment period runs through August 23, 2026. All public comments will be included in Georgia DOT's Final application to FHWA.
Georgia Department of Transportation plans, constructs, and maintains Georgia's state and federal highways. We're involved in bridge, waterway, public transit, rail, general aviation, bike, and pedestrian programs. And we help local governments maintain their roads. Georgia DOT and its nearly 4,000 employees are committed to delivering a transportation system focused on innovation, safety, sustainability, and mobility. The Department's vision is to boost Georgia's competitiveness through leadership in transportation.
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