The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently signed an agreement with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to establish a dedicated liaison position within the Office of Water to coordinate, participate in and conduct research activities to identify innovations related to water regulations, programs and planning with respect to the highway program.
“EPA and FHWA are working together for greener highways and cleaner watersheds and this agreement ensures our partnership will continue well into the future," said Assistant Administrator for Water Benjamin H. Grumbles. "It also shows what can result when agencies join forces under E.O. 13423, Strengthening Federal Environmental, Energy, and Transportation Management, to protect wetlands and improve storm water management.”
The liaison will serve as the central point of contact to coordinate activities between the Office of Water and FHWA towards advancing common goals and protecting watersheds, and serve as the chair for an office-wide workgroup. The establishment of a liaison position is a significant step towards supporting stewardship and enhanced environmental protection in highway planning and project development. Under this agreement, the agencies will focus on integrating transportation and watershed planning and incorporating green infrastructure practices for managing storm water. Formalizing the partnership between EPA and FHWA through this agreement builds upon the work already begun under the Green Highways Partnership in the Mid-Atlantic region and offers greater opportunities to support and promote innovative practices nationwide.
Source: EPA