(a) The department or the local toll project entity may begin any environmental review process that may be required for a proposed toll project before initiating the process under this subchapter.
(b) If the local toll project entity initiates the process for development of a toll project under Section 373.051(a) and has not begun the environmental review of the project, the local toll project entity shall begin the environmental review within 180 days of exercising the option.
(c) The department or the local toll project entity may begin development of a toll project before the project receives environmental clearance but may not begin construction of the project before the project receives that clearance.