How will the final alternative be selected?
The lead agencies for the US 301 project are SHA and the FHWA. While these two agencies must be in agreement with the selection of the preferred alternative, both are responsible for balancing the opinions of the cooperating and participating agencies (environmental and resource agencies), county and city governments, community interests groups, and the public. No single entity's opinion out weighs another, therefore the SHA will identify and consider all factors relevant to the US 301 project and analyze public comments and public hearing transcripts in accordance with the Maryland Streamlined Environmental and Regulatory Process to make a final recommendation to FHWA for concurrence. Factors that are considered in the final decision include:
- Fulfillment of the US 301 Purpose and Need
- Safety
- Travel Efficiency
- Environmental Impacts
- Public Support for the project and/or a particular alternative
- Cost
- Impact to project and/or funding schedule
