Approved by the Infrastructure and Research Policy Committee on March 25, 2010
Approved by the Policy Review Committee on May 7, 2010
Adopted by the Board of Direction on July 10, 2010
Policy
The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) urges the creation of strategies to expedite the regulatory process for infrastructure projects at federal, state and local levels. The goal is to allow critical infrastructure projects to proceed in a timely manner.
ASCE also recommends the following strategies to streamline the regulatory process for infrastructure development:
- Mandate concurrent reviews;
- A single administrative processing/permitting agency to shorten and improve the approval process; and
- Time limits for approvals of infrastructure projects.
Issue
Federal, state and local regulations that are intended to achieve beneficial individual goals may, significantly delay approval due to conflicting stakeholder objectives and have a negative impact on the development and renewal of the nation’s public works infrastructure. Stakeholder expectations and acceptable outcomes need to be identified early and integrated into the project effectively.
Rationale
Inefficient regulatory approval processes delay implementation of needed infrastructure improvements. Delays and changes in project scopes increases costs and adversely affects safety and economic benefits of the project.
ASCE Policy Statement 427
First Approved in 1994