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The Building Blocks o f Public Involvement Presented By Kevin E. Davis Environmental Supervisor odot Office Of Environmental Services. The Ohio Planning Conference – Session 5C July 16 2014. Why PI Matters. Required by NEPA Provides information in a timely manner
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The Building Blocksof Public InvolvementPresented By Kevin E. DavisEnvironmental Supervisorodot Office Of Environmental Services The Ohio Planning Conference – Session 5C July 16 2014
Why PI Matters • Required by NEPA • Provides information in a timely manner • Involves stakeholders and the public • Engaged early and continuously • Concerns can be raised and addressed • Alternate perspectives can be given • Fosters trust and transparency The Ohio Planning Conference – Session 5C– July 16, 2014
Setting the Stage • Communities have a vested interest in decisions made during project planning and development • A myriad amount of factors can influence existing and planned transportation systems • Program/planning level decision-making can impact how PI is conducted during NEPA The Ohio Planning Conference – Session 5C– July 16, 2014
Advance Planning • What’s the goal? • 30,000 foot perspective • What opportunities will be given to provide input? • Promote meaningful dialogue in order to develop viable transportation solutions • A wide range of input and decisions may exist • Specific details regarding impacts not known • An overview of social, economic, and environmental concerns is presented The Ohio Planning Conference – Session 5C– July 16, 2014
Advance Planning • Conducting outreach during this stage is critical • Impacts project development • Strategic methods and techniques • Understand the needs of a community • Residents, businesses, industries, etc. • How will the input be used/implemented? The Ohio Planning Conference – Session 5C– July 16, 2014
Integrating NEPA Principles • Identify and document potential impacts to the human and natural environment • Acquaint with or be made aware of key stakeholders or members of the public • Balance transportation, stakeholder, public, and environmental resource needs The Ohio Planning Conference – Session 5C– July 16, 2014
Overall Goal • Using research and analysis, as well as input obtained through PI, to focus on: • Overall and planned transportation network • Demographics • Travel trends • Land use/economic development • Ensure compliance with NEPA and a variety of environmental regulations • Generally incorporated during project development, rather than long-range planning The Ohio Planning Conference – Session 5C– July 16, 2014
The Hand-Off Can Begin… • Comprehensive PI in planning further enhances decision-making throughout the NEPA process • Trends and changes in environmental issues can impact overall transportation decision-making • Based on input received, a project is programmed and design activities begin • Sets the stage for continuing PI during project development The Ohio Planning Conference – Session 5C– July 16, 2014
Project Development • Feedback received can be used to develop additional PI approaches that may impact: • Project scope/PDP Project Path • Schedule • Costs • Environmental coordination • Right-of-way impacts The Ohio Planning Conference – Session 5C– July 16, 2014
Nuts and Bolts • Planning level PI is incorporated into the Project Development Process (PDP) • Level of PI needed is dependent on a project’s type and complexity • Identified stakeholders stay involved • Issues and concerns from planning carried over • PI becomes more specific and detailed The Ohio Planning Conference – Session 5C– July 16, 2014
ODOT’s PI Process • Establish early and continuous communication with stakeholders and the public • Convey project needs in regards to existing transportation problems • Understand and address diverse concerns, needs, values, interests, and desires of the community • Consider and address minority and low-income population needs • Conduct PI in accordance with Title VI The Ohio Planning Conference – Session 5C– July 16, 2014
ODOT’s PI Manual • Provides guidance on how to properly implement, plan for and conduct PI • Satisfies requirements in accordance with NEPA and other pertinent laws, regulations, and policies • Identifies the means, methods, and opportunities to solicit and gather input during decision-making • What regulatory steps to follow • Who should be involved • How to deliver the message effectively The Ohio Planning Conference – Session 5C– July 16, 2014
ODOT’s PI Manual • Minimum PI requirements • Chapter 1 • PI and ODOT’s Project Development Process (PDP) • Chapter 2 • Developing a PI Plan • Chapter 3 • Identifying Stakeholders • Chapter 4 • Involving Underserved Populations • Chapter 5 The Ohio Planning Conference – Session 5C– July 16, 2014
ODOT’s PI Manual • Delivering the Message • Chapter 6 • Public Meetings and Public Hearings • Chapter 7 • Resource Specific PI • Chapter 8 The Ohio Planning Conference – Session 5C– July 16, 2014
PI Training • Part of the Project Manager Training Program • Internal to ODOT • First class to be held on August 5, 2014 • Visit OES Training webpage to register • http://www.dot.state.oh.us/Divisions/Planning/Environment/training/Pages/default.aspx • Additional classes next year The Ohio Planning Conference – Session 5C– July 16, 2014
Need Help? Questions? • Kevin E. Davis • Environmental Supervisor - OES Policy • 614-752-2788 • Kevin.Davis@dot.state.oh.us The Ohio Planning Conference – Session 5C– July 16, 2014