Transportation projects are commonly in close proximity to or cross environmentally sensitive areas. The Central Massachusetts region has a wide range of natural resources, and in juxtaposition, the needs of a growing population for more and better transportation infrastructure. In various ways, transportation infrastructure poses a big impact on the natural environment, specifically by causing changes in land cover, forest fragmentation, impacts to water quality (polluted runoff), high levels of noise, increased air pollution, and the list goes on. With this, the CMMPO recognizes that a regional ecosystem approach would help ensure that the Commonwealth’s major conservation goals and objectives are accomplished. The CMMPO will continue to work with local agencies in an effort to improve current processes and maintain promotion of the region’s conservation and preservation goals.

To meet FAST Act guidelines, which encourage early coordination with local communities to address environmental concerns and issues in the transportation planning process for the region, an Annual Environmental Consultation Meeting is hosted by CMRPC Staff to bring state and local environmental stakeholders together to discuss a range of environmental activities and issues associated with the planning region’s Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), and the Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) Mobility2040.

2016 Environmental Consultation Materials

2017 Environmental Consultation Materials