This stage involves identifying potential issues and constraints that could impact project feasibility. It sets the foundation for further analysis by highlighting key considerations early in the process.

• Resiliency management system to identify potential flooding concerns

This phase focuses on refining project concepts by conducting an analysis of alternatives and selecting the most viable option. This ensures a preferred alternative aligns with project goals and constraints.

• Review project purpose and need statement. 

• Review Environmental Screening Report to determine that all the environmental constraints have been identified. 

• Determine Environmental Documentation classification (Categorical Exclusion Document, Environmental Assessment, Environmental Impact Statement). 

• Ensure that the Public Involvement Action Plan is being executed. 

• Review alternatives analysis matrix to understand what impacts each of the alternatives will have on the environment ie. threatened and endangered species; environmental permitting; Right-of-Way impacts. Determine that the project meets with the stated purpose while minimizing environmental effects. Consult with Federal and State agencies. The conclusion of this process is the selection of the Preliminary Preferred Alternative (PPA) 

• Participate in the Internal Review Committee (IRC) to evaluate work that has been completed up to the Concept Development phase and determine whether the project can advance to the Preliminary Engineering phase. 

During this stage, initial design plans are prepared, along with detailed cost estimates and necessary environmental documentation to support regulatory compliance.

• Review of project documents including project plans and detailed project description and screening both the project activities and location. 

• Conduct environmental review using screening tools (ie. USFWS IPAC; NJHPO LUCY; NJDEP Geoweb) and coordination/consultation with federal and state agencies (ie. NJDEP; USACE; USFWS). Develop environmental constraint map. 

• Ensure public outreach is being conducted via a Public Information Center (PIC) prior to approval of the Environmental Document. 

• Conduct technical environmental studies as required. 

• Draft environmental document including all of the environmental commitments that were agreed upon with the federal and state agencies during consultation (ie. continuing Section 106 consultation for design elements; USFWS implemented timing restrictions for tree removal). 

• Approval of the NEPA document to authorize for Final Design. 

The final design phase involves completing detailed engineering plans and securing all required permits. This step ensures the project is ready for construction.

• Complete Environmental Reevaluation for right-of-way and ensure there are no additional impacts to environmentally sensitive areas. 

• Coordinate/obtain review from regulatory/permitting agencies. 

• Obtain permits/authorizations as required ensuring terms and conditions are included in the plan sheets and specifications. 

• Review of final design plans to ensure all environmental commitments in the Environmental Document are included on the environmental plan sheet. 

• Ensure mitigation commitments are included in the plan sheets and specifications. 

• Complete Construction Environmental Reevaluation (CON ER) and a Construction Authorization Checklist. 

This stage implements the project design through actual construction activities. It includes managing timelines, costs, and quality to bring the project to completion.

• Attend Pre-Construction meeting to review construction activities and environmental commitments with the project sponsor, Local Aid, the Resident Engineer (RE), and the contractor. 

• Conduct construction monitoring to ensure environmental commitments are being adhered to (ie. erosion control, archaeological monitoring, timing restrictions). 

• Ensure long-term monitoring of mitigation sites, if required, is conducted.