The Building Blocks of Public Involvement Presented By Kevin E. Davis Environmental Supervisor ODOT Office Of Environmental Services The Ohio Planning Conference – Session 5C July

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 The Ohio Planning Conference – Session 5C – July 16, 2014  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

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  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   The Ohio Planning Conference – Session 5C – July 16, 2014