17-229-103 Me. Code R. § I-1
This rule is adopted pursuant to the Sensible Transportation Policy Act, 23 M.R.S.A. §73. The decisions made in the transportation sector are of critical importance to the people of Maine. The field of transportation is diverse ranging from pedestrian to motorized vehicles to telecommunications. This rule reflects the diversity in the decision-making which occurs in the planning and development of Maine's transportation network.
The rule provides a framework for examining a range of choices. It recognizes there are benefits and costs (social, financial, energy, and environmental quality) to transportation decisions. The safety of the traveling public is of paramount importance, but transportation as a resource needs to be both supplied as well as conserved. The livability of a community can be significantly influenced by transportation and land use decisions. The rule identifies policies and management strategies for the analysis of these diverse issues.
This rule has been developed in response to the Sensible Transportation Policy Act, as amended. There are other state and federal statutes that significantly affect the Maine Department of Transportation's activities. These statutes (e.g. 23 USC §101et seq., Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991, ((ISTEA)) Pub. L. No. 102-240, 105 Stat 1914 and its subsequent authorizations, the National Environmental Policy Act, 42 U.S.C. §4321et seq.; Clean Air Act, 42 U.S.C. §7401et seq. and the Clean Water Act 33 U.S.C. §1251et seq.) and others have specific processes and evaluations which may require a substantial commitment of resources by the Maine Department of Transportation (MaineDOT). To the extent possible MaineDOT shall avoid duplication when utilizingthe processes and evaluations set forth in this rule to meet its obligations under other state and federal laws.
17-229 C.M.R. ch. 103, § I-1