1. Public Involvement

2. 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

3. 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

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

5. Public Involvement PI and the PDP

6. 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

7. 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

8. Public Involvement

9. 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)

10. 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

11. Public Involvement

12. 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

13. 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.

14. Public Involvement

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

16. 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.

17. Public Involvement

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

19. 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

20. Public Involvement

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

22. 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

23. 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

24. 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

25. 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

26. 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

27. 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.

28. 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!

29. 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!

30. Public Involvement OES Public Involvement Training Next Class: February 17, 2016 OES Training Web Site: http://www.dot.state.oh.us/Divisions/Planning/Environment/training/ Pages/default.aspx 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.govJacque.Annarino@dot.ohio.gov