Integrated Planning and Preliminary Design
The differences between a green highway and a traditional highway begin at the very first stage of the lifecycle process: planning. The scope of green planning is expansive; it must incorporate each and every perspective that will be impacted by the construction of a highway. Therefore, a green highway is built on a foundation of integrated planning, which facilitates and optimizes communication between all GHP partners. In order to accomplish this daunting planning process, GHP often utilizes a charrette process. Charrettes bring in a diverse background of participants to assure full discussion of issues, interrelationships, and impacts. Its time limits challenge people to rapidly, openly, and honestly examine the problem and help potential adversaries reach consensus on an appropriate solution. For more information on the charrette process, visit the Federal Highway Administration website.
The following presentations were delivered by representativese of various partners at the Green Highways Charrette and Forum. As experts in their respective fields, these representatives provide deep insight into the first step of the Green Highway process.
| Presentation Name | Synopsis |
| Integrated Planning, (Chester Fung, ICF Consulting) | The sharing of information, resources, and priorities is the heart of GHP. This presentation discusses how to build interorganizational collaboration into the planning stage. |
| Solutions on the Horizon: Integrated Planning in the 21st Century (Trisha White, Defenders of Wildlife) | All too often, the gap between resource and transportation agencies creates dramatic inefficiencies. Here is an analysis of planning integration with respect to preserving biodiversity through state wildlife programs. |
| Using GIS for Resource Identification (Wesley Mitchell, Maryland State Highway Administration) | Before commencing any federally-funded project, NEPA requires a full assessment of potential impacts. Thus, GIS becomes a powerful and important tool--not only for compliance assurance but also for overall planning. |
| Greening the District Transportation System (John Deatrick, P.E, AICP Deputy Director and Chief Engineer District Department of Transportation) | This presentation maps out the Anacostia Waterfront Initiative, an effort to revitalize and harness the potential of a long neglected and abused natural resource in the nation's capital. Here we have a strong example of the power of methodical, multidimensional planning. |