Problem Statement

Problem Statement (PS) to Purpose and Need (PN) is the first Integration implementation linkage to be completed.  PS Guidance was endorsed by the Interagency Leadership Team on January 13, 2010.  The goal of the PS is to develop a product in the Comprehensive Transportation Plan (CTP) process that can be used as the starting point for NEPA/SEPA. The intent is that this problem statement would:

• form a substantial core of the NEPA/SEPA required purpose and need statement, and

• save time in preparing and/or agreeing to the purpose and need in project development.

The purpose of creating problem statements is to communicate the context, concept and justification for proposed projects included in the CTP.  The format provides two sections, titled ‘Identified Problem’ and ‘CTP Project Proposal’.  

The ‘Identified Problem’ section is intended to provide a clear and concise description of the problem.  This section does not contain a description of the project or any discussion that would limit possible alternatives for consideration.

The ‘CTP Project Proposal’ is intended to provide supporting information about the recommendation on the CTP.  It contains data that has been identified as “good to know” information when making decisions about the PN for a project.  It is not intended to provide information for decisions related to alternatives analysis (this will be included in an Alternatives and Scenario Analysis section of the CTP report which has not yet been defined).

• Problem Statement Guidance
• Purpose and Need Guidance

• Problem Statement Frequently Asked Questions  

Problem Statement / Purpose and Need Class Handouts (note: All handouts have the same material)

• Class Handouts - 2 Slides Per Page (6.5 MB)
• Class Handouts - 3 Slides Per Page (4.5 MB)
• Class Handouts - 6 Slides Per Page (4.6 MB)
• Class Handouts - 9 Slides Per Page (3.9 MB)