Unless the project sponsor and department delegate agree in the project scope to alternative roles and responsibilities in accordance with §2.44(d) of this subchapter (relating to Project Scope), the project sponsor for a highway project is responsible for:     
       (1) preparing the project scope, in collaboration with the department delegate, in accordance with §2.44 of this subchapter;      
       (2) preparing any environmental reports identified in the project scope that support an environmental review document or documentation of categorical exclusion, and performing all related studies and surveys identified in the project scope;      
       (3) preparing the environmental review document or documentation of categorical exclusion in accordance with Subchapter D of this chapter (relating to Requirements for Classes of Projects);      
       (4) preparing all materials for and obtaining or implementing all required permits and commitments;      
       (5) preparing necessary materials for any required coordination and, if both the department and the entity with whom coordination is being conducted agree, conducting the coordination;      
       (6) preparing all materials for and conducting all required and appropriate public participation in accordance with Subchapter E of this chapter (relating to Public Participation); and      
       (7) arranging, paying for, and performing all mitigation of project impacts undertaken in accordance with §2.13 of this chapter (relating to Mitigation).      
     Source Note:        The provisions of this §2.43 adopted to be effective April 16, 2012, 37 TexReg 1727; amended to be effective April 16, 2014, 39 TexReg 2941; amended to be effective September 19, 2018, 43 TexReg 5987