Public-private partnerships (P3s) are often used to build, operate, and maintain transportation projects. But environmental compliance issues can sometimes slow down or complicate these projects. TRB hosted a webinar on Wednesday, April 21, 2021 from 1:00-2:30 PM Eastern that discussed how to effectively integrate private sector involvement in the environmental process. This webinar focused specifically the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process for P3 projects. Presenters discussed the extent of permissible project developer involvement in the early project development process and how this affects NEPA and other environmental compliance issues. They identified how private developers and federal agencies can remain unbiased throughout an environmental evaluation.

This webinar was organized by the TRB Standing Committee on Environmental Issues in Transportation Law.

The slides and recording are available. 

Webinar agenda and presenters

1. The role of P3 projects in bridging the funding gap: Andrée Blais, Nossaman LLP
2. NEPA compliance and P3 project delivery: Janet Myers, Federal Highway Administration
3. Policy Trends with P3s: Eric Beightel: WSP
4. Question and answer session: David Miller, Nossaman LLP

The first 60 minutes of the webinar will be for presentations and the final 30 minutes will be reserved for audience questions.

Learning Objectives

At the end of this webinar, participants will be able to:

1. Identify how P3 projects bridge transportation funding gaps
2. Discuss how to effectively integrate private sector involvement in the NEPA process

Professional Development Hours

Professional Development Hours (PDHs) earned on completion of this program were reported to the Registered Continuing Education Program (RCEP). Certificates of Completion are issued to all participants via the RCEP.net online system. Complaints about registered providers may be addressed to RCEP, 1015 15th Street, NW, 8th Fl., Washington, DC, 20005.

Continuing Legal Education Credits

TRB offered 1.25 CLE credits for this webinar. TRB did not seek approval for this workshop from the state board. Registered webinar attendees who signed in and viewed the entire webinar received a link to a certificate that they can fill out and provide to the appropriate MCLE Board(s) or Commission(s) within 30 days of activity.