When must sponsors submit NEPA information to the FAA for a proposed project?

The requirement for sponsors to submit NEPA (National Environmental Policy Act) information to the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) is oriented around ensuring that all necessary environmental reviews occur in a timely manner, particularly before any funding requests. By submitting this information 12 months prior to a funding request, sponsors ensure that the FAA has adequate time to perform its required environmental assessments and reviews, which can be quite extensive depending on the nature of the project. This timeline is essential for aligning the project's schedule with the necessary regulatory processes and funding approvals.

Submitting NEPA information early in the project's lifecycle, ideally a year ahead of requesting funding, facilitates a smoother review process and helps avoid potential delays that could arise from insufficient information or unaddressed environmental concerns. This advance preparation is crucial for meeting project timelines and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations.