Which Agencies are the Merger Processs primary signatories (i.e. process owners), and what are their roles and responsibilities?
NCDOT, FHWA, NCDENR and USACE are the Merger Prcocess’s primary signatories, also known as the process owners or sponsors. They are responsible for the successful implementation of the Merger Process. They are the primary decision-making authority with regard to NEPA and Section 404 permitting and are responsible for conflict or dispute resolution. • Do N.C. Turnpike Authority projects go through the Merger Process? The answer to this question has not been resolved as of early 2006. The USACE and other agencies have been meeting with NCTA representatives to discuss their participation in the Merger Process for their identified candidate projects. Several Merger projects that were in the process have been ‘removed’ by the NCTA for candidate turnpike projects (e.g., Gastonia Garden Parkway, Monroe Bypass, and Currituck Sound Area Transportation Study). • Does the August 2005 transportation bill (SAFTEA-LU) affect the Merger Process? The new transportation bill may affect certain aspects
