Develop an Asset Management Tool for Collecting and Tracking Commitments on Selected Environmental Mitigation Features

Book excerpt: Wisconsin has constructed many environmental mitigation projects in conjunction with transportation projects that have been implemented according to the National Environmental Policy Act. Other mitigation projects have been constructed pursuant to discussions and negotiations with Wisconsin DNR. These projects offset or replace a certain environmental function(s) lost as a result of construction of the transportation project. Examples include storm water management facilities, wetland replacement projects, stream restoration projects, reforestation projects, construction of sound walls, replacement of parklands and wildlife crossing structures. In order for the environmental mitigation projects to continue to provide long term functionality intended when they were first constructed, they must be properly maintained, and when necessary, rehabilitated or reconstructed. These environmental mitigation projects may be considered as assets similar to other transportation features. Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) has identified the need for better understanding the costs of selected features in the overall scheme of project development and ongoing maintenance.