This guide discusses the basic provisions of the conformity process, including the following: (1) A description of actions subject to conformity; (2) Frequency of conformity determinations; (3) Key components of a conformity determination; (4) Consequences of a failure to make a conformity determination; and (5) Roles and responsibilities of public agency staff, management, policy officials, and decision makers in the conformity process.

Have you ever wondered how decisions are made about the transportation projects that affect your life? How do government officials decide where to put a bus stop, road, or bridge? How are these and other transportation projects planned? And how can you make sure your opinions are heard and considered by residents, planners, designers, and elected officials? The Federal Highway Administration and Federal Transit Administration created this guide to answer these and other transportation project-related questions. We hope this guide will help you understand how transportation decisions are made at the local, State, and national levels; and that you will take advantage of the opportunities provided to contribute your ideas. We believe that the better the public understand the transportation decisionmaking process, the more certain it is that the transportation system will be safe and efficient, and that the planning process will be responsive to public needs and concerns about their communities and the natural environment.