Partnering agencies are project partners with a decision making role at one or more points in the transportation planning process. Their decisions are fiscal and/or legal in nature.
Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)
Part of the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) and serves as the lead agency for federal aid transportation projects.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE)
Regulates the discharge of fill material in waters of the U.S. and provides permitting decisions in compliance with Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act and Section 404 of the Clean Water Act. USACE can also serve as the lead agency for locally funded transportation projects when a permit is required.
SC Department of Health and Environmental Control
Promotes and protects the health of the public and the environment. Their Bureau of Water issues 401 Water Quality Certifications and their Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management (OCRM) issues Critical Area permits.
Commenting agencies are consulted for input and feedback on particular aspects of a project. Their consultation and involvement is essential to project success.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Regulates U.S. air, land, and water and can partner with the USACE and other agencies during the environmental process.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS)
A bureau within the U.S. Department of the Interior (USDOI) that provides consultation on the Endangered Species Act and maintains current listings and occurrences of federal species that are threatened or endangered.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS)
A bureau within the U.S. Department of Commerce (USDOC) that provides review for Essential Fish Habitat in accordance with the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act.
South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR)
Provides consultation on protected species, wildlife, and state preserved lands.
South Carolina Department of Archives and History State Historic Preservation Office (SCDAH SHPO)
Provides consultation under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act.