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Ohio Transportation and Engineering Conference Session 58 - October 29, 2014

Public Involvement: A Process Renewed Kevin E. Davis Office Of Environmental Services Ohio Department of Transportation. Ohio Transportation and Engineering Conference Session 58 - October 29, 2014. Revitalization Was Needed. Original PI Manual developed in 2001

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Ohio Transportation and Engineering Conference Session 58 - October 29, 2014

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  1. Public Involvement:A Process RenewedKevin E. DavisOffice Of Environmental ServicesOhio Department of Transportation Ohio Transportation and Engineering Conference Session 58 - October 29, 2014

  2. Revitalization Was Needed • Original PI Manual developed in 2001 • The appropriate level of PI not always commensurate • Enough effort given to say we did something • PI only initiated when controversy arose • Underserved populations not always included • Comments ignored or treated with condescension • No formal training Ohio Transportation and Engineering Conference – Session 58– October 29, 2014

  3. Changing the Mindset • Not us vs. them • Does not necessarily stop a project • PI doesn’t start with a meeting • PI not just dependent on impacts • Being inclusive and providing feedback is good! Ohio Transportation and Engineering Conference – Session 58– October 29, 2014

  4. PI Matters • Required by NEPA • Communities have a vested interest in shaping transportation decisions • Discover, address, and mitigate potential impacts to quality of life and day-to-day activities • Enhances decision-making • Stakeholder and public input is valued • Early and continuous engagement • Concerns can be raised and addressed • Alternate perspectives can be given Ohio Transportation and Engineering Conference – Session 58– October 29, 2014

  5. Instill Core Principles • Plan and prepare with diligence • Demographic diversity and inclusion • Collaborative and shared learning • Transparency and trustworthiness • Be proactive • Sustain engagement • Participatory culture Ohio Transportation and Engineering Conference – Session 58– October 29, 2014

  6. Bottom Line Ohio Transportation and Engineering Conference – Session 58– October 29, 2014

  7. Integrating NEPA • 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 Ohio Transportation and Engineering Conference – Session 58– October 29, 2014

  8. PI/PDP Relationship • Projects categorized as one of five paths • Each path advances through five phases • PI is “right-sized” to support decision-making • Part of each phase • Provides flexibility • Ensures appropriate PI activities are conducted Ohio Transportation and Engineering Conference – Session 58– October 29, 2014

  9. Planning • PI begins here! • PI from TIP/STIP development is factored in • Analysis determines type of project or solution needed to solve existing transportation problem • High level planning and development • Stakeholders and the public are provided preliminary information on the need for a transportation project • Opportunities to provide input at the onset assists in the development of viable transportation solutions • A wide range of input and decisions may exist Ohio Transportation and Engineering Conference – Session 58– October 29, 2014

  10. Planning • Specific details regarding impacts not known • An overview of potential social, economic, and environmental impacts is presented • Conducting outreach during this stage is critical • Can make or break project development • Strategic outreach • Understand community needs • Residents, businesses, industries, etc. Ohio Transportation and Engineering Conference – Session 58– October 29, 2014

  11. Preliminary Engineering • Process of collecting more detailed information begins • First level technical and environmental studies • Feasible alternatives developed • Stakeholder consultation initiated, as needed • Contact with property owners initiated, as needed • Public notifications/PI activities, as needed • PI activities during this phase may include presenting feasible alternatives to stakeholders and the public Ohio Transportation and Engineering Conference – Session 58– October 29, 2014

  12. Environmental Engineering • Detailed analysis conducted on feasible alternatives • May have a preferred alternative at this point • Technical and environmental data • High level of design (Stage 1/maybe Stage II) • Concentrate on stakeholder and public needs • Higher level of interaction • PI activities become more focused during this phase • Public notifications/PI activities, as needed • May include stakeholder and public meetings Ohio Transportation and Engineering Conference – Session 58– October 29, 2014

  13. Final Engineering/Construction • Completing detailed design for preferred alternative • Stage 3 plans • ROW acquisition begins • Majority of PI activities have been completed • Status updates provided, as needed • Resource specific PI activities may occur • Section 106, Noise PI, Aesthetic Design • Resource specific PI process is slightly different • Obtain input to enhance decision-making Ohio Transportation and Engineering Conference – Session 58– October 29, 2014

  14. PI Strategy • Avoid oversimplify the need for PI • Every project requires some level of PI • Do not do more than what is reasonably required • Be flexible – know when to elevate the level of PI • Be proactive (not just reactive) • Consider community needs appropriately as a project progresses Ohio Transportation and Engineering Conference – Session 58– October 29, 2014

  15. Level of PI • Minimum requirements integrated into the PDP • Assures appropriate PI is conducted • Project-by-project • Not interpreted to mean each project will only require the minimum • Ensures legal requirements are met • Enhances decision-making • Commensurate with a project’s type and complexity • Anticipated impacts and unusual circumstances may elevate the level of PI needed Ohio Transportation and Engineering Conference – Session 58– October 29, 2014

  16. Path 1 - Minimum PI • Traditional maintenance type actions • No right-of-way (ROW) or utility impacts • Include PI conducted per the STIP process • List active projects on district website • Provide contact information • Provide public notifications • Standard plan notes executed by the contractor • Construction schedule coordination, detours, roadway closures, etc. Ohio Transportation and Engineering Conference – Session 58– October 29, 2014

  17. Path 2- Minimum PI • Involve minor ROW acquisitions • Culvert/bridge replacements • Turn lanes, shoulders, simple widening • Property Owner Notification • ROW impacts and access restrictions • Counts as a PI activity • Potential stakeholder consultation • Maintenance of traffic concerns • Minor local controversy • Provide appropriate public notifications Ohio Transportation and Engineering Conference – Session 58– October 29, 2014

  18. Path 3 - Minimum PI • More complex type projects • Broader range of technical issues and impacts • Utility relocationsand ROW acquisition • Increased involvement with property owners • Stakeholders more involved • Increased emphasis on public notifications • Press release • PIO involvement • Project updates via fliers, emails, • Public meetings, as appropriate Ohio Transportation and Engineering Conference – Session 58– October 29, 2014

  19. Path 4/5 - Minimum PI • High level and complex roadway/structure work • Adding capacity • Substantial utility relocationsand ROW acquisition • Higher level involvement with property owners • Higher level of stakeholder consultation • Higher level of public notifications • Press releases more numerous and specific • Local media attention • Multiple project updates via different mediums • Use of social media more prominent • Public meetings and public hearings Ohio Transportation and Engineering Conference – Session 58– October 29, 2014

  20. Renewed Process • Level of PI dependent on project type and complexity • Identified stakeholders stay involved • Issues and concerns are addressed • Establish early and continuous communication with stakeholders and the public • Understand and address diverse concerns, needs, values, interests, and desires of the community • Consider needs of underserved populations • Conduct PI in accordance with Title VI Ohio Transportation and Engineering Conference – Session 58– October 29, 2014

  21. A Renewed Process • Identify 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 • Updated PI Manual approved in June 2014 • Minimum PI requirements defined • Underserved population outreach better defined • Emphasis on how/when to conduct PI Ohio Transportation and Engineering Conference – Session 58– October 29, 2014

  22. PI Training • Part of the Project Manager Training Program • Internal to ODOT • First class was held on August 5, 2014 • Three additional classes next year • Online registration via OES training webpage • Developing a second-tier class • The “how-to” of PI • More hands on and interactive Ohio Transportation and Engineering Conference – Session 58– October 29, 2014

  23. PI Relief Center • Kevin E. Davis • Environmental Supervisor - OES Policy • 614-752-2788 • Kevin.Davis@dot.state.oh.us Ohio Transportation and Engineering Conference – Session 58– October 29, 2014

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