Streamline Transit Projects Act

Local transit agencies decide environmental reviews

This bill would let the Secretary of Transportation assign, and let qualifying local transit agencies assume, decisions on whether certain transit activities are categorically excluded from NEPA. To be eligible, an agency would need chapter 53 funds, be in an urbanized area with more than 200,000 people, and show legal, technical, and financial capacity to the Secretary. The Secretary and the agency would sign a public MOU that sets the assigned duties and terms (generally up to 3 years; 5 years for agencies with 10 years of assumed responsibility). The Secretary could also assign related federal review duties except tribal government-to-government consultation; the recipient would be solely responsible and solely liable. The Secretary would monitor performance, offer technical help on request, and could terminate the assignment after giving notice and at least 120 days to fix problems. An agency could stop assuming responsibilities with at least 90 days' notice. Agencies could use chapter 53 funds to pay attorneys' fees directly tied to the project.