Federal Permitting Optimization

A Strategic Approach to Accelerating Infrastructure Projects and Unmatched Collaboration

Challenge

For large-scale infrastructure projects, there was a significant need to reduce timelines and improve project outcomes. As a bi-partisan initiative, the Permitting Council was established under Title 41 of the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act (FAST-41) to enhance the efficiency of permitting decisions. As an independent federal agency, the Permitting Council’s mission is to streamline the permitting process by strengthening collaboration among multiple federal regulatory agencies, enhancing oversight and transparency, and emphasizing concurrent permit processing for large and complex infrastructure projects.

Solution

Aretum provided comprehensive support to the Permitting Council, enhancing the permitting process through interagency coordination, data analysis, and performance metrics. By identifying best practices and process improvements, we increased the efficiency, predictability, and transparency of federal permitting for major projects. Our approach included analyzing complex data sets, developing detailed process maps for lengthy processes, and performing cost-benefit analyses to reduce timelines while ensuring thorough environmental reviews and positive community outcomes.

Outcome

Through a more streamlined permitting process, significant time reductions were achieved for major infrastructure projects. A notable example is the Mid-Barataria Wetland Project, where the Permitting Council coordinated closely with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and 11 other federal and state regulatory agencies. This collaboration led to a 22-month reduction in the permitting schedule, leveraging each agency’s expertise to maintain a thorough yet efficient review process without altering any federal statutes, regulations, or mandatory review statuses.