ODOT’sPublic Involvement Process

PI and the Project Development ProcessMinimum PI Requirements

PI and the PDP

Public Involvement Training Class – Presented by the Office of Environmental Services

The PDP A project management and transportation

decision-making tool Facilitates project development and risk

management Enhances decision-making Eliminates duplicate efforts among

disciplines Minimum PI requirements incorporated

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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

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Project Manager Role The DEC or District Environmental Staff may

act in this role Ensures the level of PI is commensurate

with the project’s type and complexity Ensures stakeholders and the public are

informed appropriately of decisions made Ensures appropriate opportunities to

participate are given Responsible for executing PI Plan

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Minimum PI Requirements

Public Involvement Training Class – Presented by the Office of Environmental Services

Level of PI Minimum requirements are built-in to

assure appropriate PI is conducted Project-by-project Not interpreted to mean that each project

will only require the minimum The PI approach is commensurate with a

project’s type and complexity Anticipated impacts and unusual

circumstances may require elevated PI Ensures legal requirements are met and

decision-making is enhanced

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Level of PI Avoid oversimplifying and failing to

anticipate the need for PI Conversely, do not build more into the

process than is reasonably required Be flexible, as it may become necessary to

elevate the level of PI Be proactive (not just reactive)

Consider and address community needs appropriately as a project progresses

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Path 1 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 Public Notifications

Standard plan notes executed by the contractor (e.g. construction schedule coordination, detours, roadway closures)

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Path 1 Considerations Internal consultation with specific ODOT

divisions may be needed Consultation may be requested by or

needed with local officials or stakeholders Maintenance of traffic concerns Minor local controversy

Circumstances may warrant additional PI Property Owner Notification Letters Resource specific PI

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Path 2 Involve minor ROW acquisitions

Culvert and bridge replacements Addition of turn lanes and shoulders

Property Owner Notification Letters If impacted by the project

Access restrictions, ROW acquisition A PI activity

Not just right-of-entry notification Stakeholder Consultation Public Notifications

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Path 2 Considerations Internal consultation with specific ODOT

divisions may be needed Consultation may be requested by or

needed with local officials or stakeholders Maintenance of traffic concerns Minor local controversy

Circumstances may warrant additional PI Resource Specific PI

Section 106, Noise, or Aesthetic Design

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Path 3 Involve a higher level of complexity

ROW acquisition/minor utility impacts Can be Non-Complex or Complex, depending

on the range of technical issues and impacts Property Owner Notification Letters

If impacted by the project A PI activity Potential exists for increased contact with

property owners

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Path 3 Stakeholder Consultation

As appropriate Press Release Public Notifications

May require a higher level of District PIO involvement than for a Path 1 or Path 2

May include project updates via e-mail list, direct mailings, fliers, as appropriate

Public Meeting, as appropriate

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Path 3 Considerations Complex Path 3 projects generally require

preparation of a Feasibility Study Stakeholder consultation occurs at the

completion of the Feasibility Study Stakeholder consultation occurs at the

completion of an AER (if needed) Stakeholder meetings may be appropriate

prior to presenting Feasible Alternatives to the public

Comments received are addressed as the project continues through the PDP

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Path 4 Involve complex roadway/structure work

May add capacity May involve substantial utility and ROW

impacts or relocations Typically involve multiple alternatives

Property Owner Notification Letters If impacted by the project or as

appropriate A PI activity Increased contact with property owners

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Path 4 Stakeholder Consultation

More involvement than Path 2 or Path 3 Press Release

More numerous and specific in nature Potential for local media attention

Public Notifications Greater emphasis on providing project

updates via e-mail list, direct mailings, fliers, newsletters, surveys, etc.

Use of social media more prominent

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Path 4 Public Meetings

Open House or Formal format recommended

Open mic strongly encouraged for higher level CEs; required for EAs and EISs

Public Hearings are required for Path 4 projects that are an EA or EIS

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Path 4 Considerations Stakeholders are provided an opportunity

to review Feasibility Studies and Alternative Evaluation Reports (AERs)

Stakeholder consultation typically occurs after the Feasibility Study and the AER have been completed

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Path 5 A higher level of complexity and the

potential to involve a high level of impacts Substantial ROW relocations and impacts Involve multiple alternatives

Property Owner Notification Letters If impacted by the project or as

appropriate Treat as PI related activity Increased contact with property owners

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Path 5 Stakeholder Consultation

Potential more involvement than Path 4 Involves multiple stakeholder meetings

Press Release Numerous and specific in nature High level of local media attention

Public Notifications Higher level of project updates via direct

mailings, fliers, newsletters, surveys, etc. Use of social media prominent

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Path 5 Public Meetings

Open House style or formal presentation Open mic strongly encouraged for higher

level CEs; required for EAs and EISs Public Hearings are required for Path 5

projects that are an EA or EIS

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Path 5 Considerations Stakeholders are provided an opportunity

to review Feasibility Studies and Alternative Evaluation Reports (AERs)

Stakeholder consultation typically occurs after the Feasibility Study and the AER have been completed

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Summary District Environmental Staff, the PM and the

Project Management Team ensure the appropriate level of PI is conducted

The level of PI is commensurate with a project’s type and complexity Anticipated impacts and unusual

circumstances may require elevated PI

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