Public Involvement. Why? Who Cares? –What we do matters to the public –Effective PI enables...
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Transcript of Public Involvement. Why? Who Cares? –What we do matters to the public –Effective PI enables...
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 [email protected]