Maine Bids to Handle Its Own Highway Eco-Reviews
Published Date: 11/2/2025
Notice
Summary
Maine wants to take charge of some environmental reviews for its highway projects instead of the federal government doing it. If approved, MaineDOT will handle these reviews with FHWA keeping an eye on things, speeding up project delivery and giving the state more control. People have until December 3, 2025, to share their thoughts on this plan.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
MaineDOT to Assume NEPA Review Authority
FHWA has a draft Memorandum of Understanding to assign to the Maine Department of Transportation (MaineDOT) responsibility for making project-level NEPA decisions and conducting environmental reviews for Title 23-funded or FHWA‑approved highway projects in Maine under 23 U.S.C. 327. The proposed assignment would cover categorical exclusions, environmental assessments, and environmental impact statements for many projects within the State, and the FHWA will consider public comments submitted by December 3, 2025 when deciding whether to finalize the MOU.
FHWA Keeps Government-to-Government Tribal Role
The proposed MOU does not assign the Secretary's responsibility for formal government-to-government consultation with federally recognized Indian tribes to MaineDOT. FHWA will retain responsibility for formal government-to-government tribal consultation, while MaineDOT will conduct routine consultation and tribes may request FHWA government-to-government consultation.
Certain Projects Are Excluded From Assignment
The draft MOU would not let MaineDOT assume FHWA responsibilities for specified project types, including: projects authorized under 23 U.S.C. 202 and 203; 23 U.S.C. 204 projects unless designed and built by MaineDOT; projects that cross State or international boundaries; recreational trails under 23 U.S.C. 206; and projects advanced by direct recipients other than MaineDOT (for example, competitive grant projects, direct recipient tribal projects, and TIFIA Credit Program projects).
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-16719, Notice of Final Federal Agency Actions on Proposed Project in Hawaii
This notice announces actions taken by FHWA, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) that are final. The actions relate to a proposed bridge project, the Ala Wai Bridge Project, which crosses the Ala Wai Canal, Waikiki, City and County of Honolulu, State of Hawaii. These actions grant licenses, permits, and approvals for the project.
2026-16746, Notice of Final Federal Agency Actions on Proposed Highway in Tennessee
This notice announces actions taken by FHWA that are final. The actions relate to a proposed highway project, Interstate I-24, from I-40 in Nashville to I-840 near Murfreesboro, in Davidson County and Rutherford County, Tennessee, for approximately 26 miles. Those actions grant licenses, permits, and approvals for the project. The FHWA's Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) provides details on the Selected Alternative for the proposed improvements.
2026-14473, Notice of Final Federal Agency Actions on the State Route (SR) 361 Realignment Project in Nevada
Nevada is getting a new and improved 13-mile stretch of State Route 361 between Gabbs and Middlegate to make way for the Navy’s Fallon Range Training Complex expansion. This means smoother travel for local folks and better road safety. If you want to challenge this project, you’ve got until December 14, 2026, to speak up—after that, it’s a done deal!
2026-13876, Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement, Washington County, Maine
The Maine Department of Transportation is planning big upgrades to the Machias Dike Bridge on Route 1 in Washington County, Maine. They’re starting an Environmental Impact Statement to explore the best ways to improve the bridge while protecting the environment. Everyone’s invited to share their thoughts by October 31, 2026, so don’t miss your chance to weigh in!
2026-13794, Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement, Onondaga County, New York
The Federal Highway Administration and New York State DOT are planning big changes to roads and interchanges in Onondaga County, including parts of Route 31, Route 11, I-81, and Route 481. They’re getting ready to study how these changes might affect the environment and want your thoughts by August 14, 2026. This project aims to make travel safer and easier, so keep an eye out for updates and get involved!
2026-13627, Notice of Final Federal Agency Actions on Proposed Interstate Bridge Replacement Program in Portland, Oregon and Vancouver, Washington
The Federal Highway and Transit Administrations have given the green light to replace the Interstate Bridge connecting Portland, Oregon, and Vancouver, Washington. This big project will improve highways and transit across the Columbia River, making travel smoother for everyone. If you want to challenge these decisions, you have until December 4, 2026, to speak up!
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-19742, Commission Meeting
The Susquehanna River Basin Commission is holding a business meeting on December 4, 2025, in Harrisburg, PA, both in person and online. They’ll decide on the 2026 fee schedule, approve contracts and grants, extend an emergency certificate, and review 14 important projects. This affects local businesses, project sponsors, and anyone using the river basin, with potential fee changes and project approvals coming soon.
Next: 2025-19744, Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request; Multiple Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau Information Collection Requests
The Treasury Department is asking for public feedback on forms used by wine and alcohol producers to get approval for their special recipes and processes. This helps keep wines safe, properly labeled, and taxed right. Businesses have until December 3, 2025, to share their thoughts before the forms get renewed without changes.