HB 2229 - DIGEST

     Declares an intent to demonstrate that state environmental objectives can be achieved while improving the decision making and delivery processes of transportation projects.  This can be achieved by improving the working relationship between those charged with transportation project delivery and those working in resource agencies charged with environmental protection.

     Declares an intent to both achieve transportation permit reform to expedite the delivery of transportation projects of statewide significance and to strive to increase environmental benefits through a watershed-based approach to aquatic and natural resource management.

     Provides that, in order to optimize the limited resources available for transportation system improvements and environmental protection, state regulatory and natural resource agencies, public and private sector interests, Indian tribes, and the department of transportation must work cooperatively and with greater trust to establish common goals, minimize project delays, develop agreed upon standards, and maximize environmental benefits through coordinated investment strategies, increased certainty and consistency of actions through the development of agreed upon environmental standards, and the elimination of duplicative processes.