A PD&E Study is the formal process that the FDOT uses to ensure that consideration is given to environmental impacts, social impacts, public input, engineering design and project costs when evaluating the considered improvements. A PD&E Study is required in order to satisfy the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process. These measures are a prerequisite for receiving approval from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), an essential step in qualifying for the federal funds needed to implement the proposed improvements.

The PD&E Study process is an integrated work effort involving engineering analysis and environmental evaluation, all accomplished within the context of a public participation program. The study process begins with a gathering of data and a refinement of the project needs and objectives. Public involvement during this phase of the study includes kick-off type meetings, workshops, meetings with stakeholders and elected officials as well as news releases to the media. The information gathered will be used by the consulting team to develop preliminary design alternatives for the corridor. Another intergral part of the PD&E process includes the performance of a noise study which in turn evaluates the need and feasibility of noise wall construction.

At the inception of this study, a number of meetings will be planned to inform elected officials, municipal staff, Broward and Palm Beach County Metropolitan Planning Organizations, and other local transportation providers about the objectives, time frame and future coordination for this study. They will be asked to provide input on the design concept for the proposed improvements.

The general process of this study is briefly described below.

Public Participation
The public participation effort is woven throughout the study process and involves a series of public meetings and a continuing process of public outreach and information gathering. The following public meetings are anticipated as part of this study:

• Elected Officials / Agencies Kick-off Meeting
• Public Kick-off Meeting
• Alternatives Public Workshop
• Public Hearing

Additional collateral materials are involved in this effort. These public participation techniques are discussed more thoroughly in the subsequent sections.

Meetings with Homeowners Associations (HOA)
This phase involves citizen's participation through the establishment of homeowner associations' contacts for advisory purposes. The HOA is a forum for hearing people's ideas. It provides a continuing forum for bringing people's ideas directly into the process and a known opportunity for people to participate.

Data Assembly
This process will involve assembly of all relevant data, completion of several surveys, collection of traffic data, and completion of much of the environmental field survey effort. Before the alternatives are developed, the study team needs to understand the existing conditions of the corridor as well as the anticipated future changes. Information is collected from existing sources, as well as through field reviews and interviews with local community leaders. The information collected will provided guidance in how the transportation improvement is going to be developed.

Conceptual Design Analysis
This work effort will include analyses of different improvement configurations and different alternatives, utilizing data collected and considering the results of the environmental impact analysis.

Engineering Analysis & Concept Plans
All preliminary engineering analysis requirements are completed and a conceptual set of project plans is prepared, including a key sheet, typical sections and plan sheets.

Environmental Analysis & Reports
All environmental impact analysis and associated memorandums or reports are prepared in draft form and in accordance with the PD&E Manual. In addition, the data base information will be compatible for use on base maps.

Draft Reports
A Project Development Engineering Report (PDER), Project Development Summary Report (PDSR) and Technical Environmental Reports are assembled in preparation for the Public Hearing.

Final Documents
The final PDER, PDSR and the appropriate Environmental Documents are prepared following the Public Hearing. In order to obtain FHWA approval to move forward with the proposed improvements.