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New move could speed delivery of US transport projects

A recent decision by the US Army Corps of Engineers could help speed the delivery of transportation projects. The decision was to exempt the Nationwide Permit (NWP) programme from an Executive Order freezing regulatory activity by federal agencies. And the American Road & Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA) believes that this will clear a path for the development of transportation projects, helping to boost the construction sector as a result. The NWP program, which was reauthorised by the Obama
February 14, 2017 Read time: 2 mins
A recent decision by the US Army Corps of Engineers could help speed the delivery of transportation projects. The decision was to exempt the Nationwide Permit (NWP) programme from an Executive Order freezing regulatory activity by federal agencies. And the 920 American Road & Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA) believes that this will clear a path for the development of transportation projects, helping to boost the construction sector as a result.

The NWP program, which was reauthorised by the Obama administration in January 2017, saves time on transportation construction projects. It frees up regulated industries from having to obtain individual permits for projects that “cause only minimal adverse environmental effects.” NWPs are usually obtained in an average of 10 months, while individual permits can take more than two years.

ARTBA has been involved in NWP program issues for decades, most recently supporting it in a comprehensive January 2017 report entitled, “Ripe for Reform: Federal Regulatory Issues Impacting Transportation Project Delivery,” which has been shared with leaders in the Trump administration and Congress. In the report, ARTBA said, “…an effective Nationwide Permit Programme is essential in reducing regulatory delay and keeping transportation construction projects moving.”

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