"One of the Vital Few strategies is for FHWA to provide guidance,information, and training to States on 'integrating the planning and environmental processes' and encouraging context-sensitive solutions/context-sensitive design (CSS/CSD)."

"As we strive to improve the quality of transportation decision making by promoting strategies that establish a better link between transportation planning and environmental review processes at the systems planning level as well as the project level, one of the key strategies is the CSS approach to project development. One of the Vital Few strategies is for FHWA to provide guidance, information, and training to States on "integrating the planning and environmental processes" and encouraging context-sensitive solutions/context-sensitive design(CSS/CSD). Guidance and training for CSS/CSD is evolving. Both FHWA and AASHTO have recently initiated actions to develop CSS/CSD training. Also, the NCHRP report on the experiences of the five pilot States in implementing CSS/CSD has been completed and will be issued later this year. Much of the training developed will be based on the findings in this report. However, given the identified need for training within FHWA and State DOTs at multiple levels, and given the strategic goals of the Vital Few, we should not wait for the FHWA or AASHTO training development to be completed. Some training and guidance resources developed by other organizations are already available and we, FHWA and State DOTs, should take full advantage of them in order to become familiar with and trained in CSS/CSD concepts and implementation as early and quickly as possible. As listed in the attachment, the American Society of Civil Engineers, the Project for Public Spaces and the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet through the Kentucky Transportation Center already have training available. The listing is only for major efforts we are aware of and includes those applicable on a nationwide basis. Many State DOTs have developed State specific training for their own people. However, they may or may not be applicable or available to other States."

Further Reading:

Context Sensitive Design/Thinking Beyond the Pavement