Public Involvement

Public Involvement

Why? Who Cares?– What we do matters to the public– Effective PI enables proactive input and enhances the decision-

making process– Manage expectations– Gather input to consider– Build consensus– Required by law

Public Involvement

Engaging the Public– Identify early– Level of effort should be commensurate with project scope and

intensity– Provide opportunity for comment– Consider comments – Respond to comments– Document how comments were addressed

Public Involvement

Underserved Populations– Minorities– Low-Income– Older Adults– Individuals with Disabilities– Non-English Speaking Residents– Ethnic Groups

Public Involvement

PI and the PDP

Public Involvement

Project Manager’s Role– DEC or District Environmental Staff may act in this role– Ensures level of PI is commensurate with project type and

complexity– Ensures stakeholders and public are informed appropriately of

decisions (including underserved populations)– Ensures appropriate opportunities to participate are provided– Responsible for executing PI Plan

Public Involvement

A Phased Approach

• Projects categorized as one of five paths• Each path advances through five phases

• PI is “right-sized” within each phase to better support decision making– Provides flexibility– Appropriate PI activities conducted

Public Involvement

Public Involvement

PI During PL• The public is provided information on the need for a

transportation project– High level planning and development– Technical information and analysis

• Public input helps develop a Statewide Transportation Plan (STIP)– Planning organizations solicit input when developing

Transportation Improvement Plans (TIPS)

Public Involvement

PI for STIP• Once projects are proposed, the document is released for

public review and comment– May include meeting with local and regional stakeholders– Extensive PI activities may be needed

• Based on input, a project is programmed and authorized for design activities to begin

• PI opportunities continue as a project progresses through NEPA and the PDP

Public Involvement

Public Involvement

PI During PE• Feasible Alternatives, first level environmental, design

and traffic studies• Alternative Evaluation Report, second level decision-

making• May still be trying to define the project problems and

rough solutions

Public Involvement

PI During PE• Property owner notification letters, construction

notification, etc.• One-on-one/small group meetings• Web, email, social media, etc.• Attendance at regular city/township meetings• Broad PI meetings, workshops, etc.

Public Involvement

Public Involvement

PI During EE• Preferred alternative identified• High level of design – Stage I/II• Traffic and environmental data• Public/stakeholder needs• Schedule and budget known

Public Involvement

PI During EE• One-on-one/small group meetings• Attendance at regular city/township meetings• Higher level of Web, email, social media, etc.• Broad PI meetings, workshops, etc.• Specific PI meetings/hearings, etc.

Public Involvement

Public Involvement

PI During FE• Preferred Alternative• Detail design is being completed• ROW is being bought• Bid documents are being prepared• Schedule and budget are finalized

Public Involvement

PI During FE• One-on-one/small group meetings• Attendance at regular city/township meetings• Higher level of Web, email, social media, etc.• Specific PI meetings

Public Involvement

Public Involvement

PI During CO• Constructing Project• MOT• One-on-one property owner issues

Public Involvement

PI During CO• One-on-one/small group meetings• Attendance at regular city/township meetings• Higher level of Web, email, social media, etc.• Specific PI meetings

Public Involvement

Minimum PI Requirements– Chapter 1 of Public Involvement Manual– Defines minimum level of PI by Path (1-5)– More can be done if it makes sense

• Based on project scope and intensity

http://www.dot.state.oh.us/Divisions/Planning/Environment/NEPA_policy_issues/PUBLIC_INVOLVEMENT/Pages/Manual.aspx

Public Involvement

PI and ODOT’s PDP– Path 1, Path 2, and Non-Complex Path 3

• Path 1 and Path 2 do not require a PI Plan– As appropriate for Non-Complex Path 3

• PI meetings typically not required• Internal ODOT consultation may be needed• Stakeholder consultation and PI activities based on project type and

complexity– Maintenance of traffic concerns– Minor local controversy

Public Involvement

PI and ODOT’s PDP– Complex Path 3, Path 4 and Path 5

• PI Plan required– Adjusted as project progresses– PI activities correspond to decision-making points

• Stakeholder consultation– Separate meetings– Focus groups, workshops

• Public Meetings and/or Public Hearings

Public Involvement

PI Plan• Outlines decision-making process• Defines strategic PI objectives

– Identifies issues to consider– Identifies stakeholders– Identifies means and methods of disseminating information– Identifies appropriate outreach efforts/activities– Identifies decision-makers– Identifies staff, budget, and other resources

Public Involvement

PI and ODOT’s PDP– PI continues after approval of the environmental document

• Provide status updates • Manages controversy• Specific PI

– Section 106– Noise– Etc.

Public Involvement

PI Documentation is vitally important!– We must document

• How we met minimum PI requirements• How comments were considered/incorporated into the project

If it’s not in the Online CE System…

IT DIDN’T HAPPEN!

Public Involvement

SUMMARY– Required by law to give opportunity to comment and provide input

• Stakeholders, underserved populations, general public all equally important but consider each perspective

• Can result in better project– Begins in Planning Phase of PDP and continues throughout process– Level of PI is commensurate with scope and intensity of project

• See minimum requirements and adjust if necessary• District Environmental Staff, the PM and the Project Management Team

ensure appropriate level of PI is conducted– If it’s not in the Online CE System = IT DIDN’T HAPPEN!

Public Involvement

OES Public Involvement TrainingNext Class: February 17, 2016

OES Training Web Site: http://www.dot.state.oh.us/Divisions/Planning/Environment/training/Pages/default.aspx

Jacque Annarino, NEPA Assignment Coordinator

(614) 466-1484 or Jacque.Annarino@dot.ohio.gov