All PD&E studies require a Public Involvement Program (PIP) to inform and involve all interested public officials, citizens and special interest groups about the development of transportation projects. The PIP starts at the beginning of the study phase to get input from all concerned parties along the project corridor. As the study progresses, input from the public will be used in the analysis of the various alternatives and in refining the viable alternatives.

The proposed public meeting program will include the following meetings:

• Public Kick-off Meeting (one in Broward County and one in Palm Beach County)
• Homeowners Association (HOA) Meetings
• Alternatives Public Workshop (one in Broward County and one in Palm Beach County)
• Public Hearing (one in Broward County and one in Palm Beach County)

All public meetings will be publicized by creating press releases and public notices. Camera-ready print advertisements will be prepared for local media according to FDOT guidelines. The general content of each meeting is described below. Public participation is solicited without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability or family status. 

The purpose of this meeting is to provide the community a forum to learn about the improvements being studied as well as the PD&E process in general, and to provide the FDOT with initial concerns and areas to look into as part of the study. Numerous exhibits and project information material will be provided for public review. A newsletter describing the purpose and progress of the I-95 PD&E Study will be distributed to all the attendees.

In addition to the public kick-off meetings, one-on-one meetings with key public officials, city staff and influential community groups will be scheduled early in the study process. These meetings will serve to acquaint them with the I-95 PD&E Study. The one-on-one meetings will include an explanation of the study objectives, introduction of the project team and will outline the project schedule with an emphasis on the public participation elements. Input from these individuals will help us identify issues and concerns and will aid refining our public involvement strategy. These meetings will provide an opportunity to create strong liaisons with key decision makers and community leaders. The personalized exchange will present these individuals with all the necessary information required to address questions and concerns from their respective constituencies.

The local public officials and city staff will be kept informed on a regular basis through the PD&E study. Presentations to the Broward and Palm Beach Metropolitan Planning Organizations may occur prior to the public meetings and/or at other key milestones in the project development process.

The purpose of this meeting is to present the potential highway improvement concepts for public review. The workshop will provide an opportunity for neighbors, stakeholders, corridor users and other interested persons to review and comment on the potential improvements for the I-95 corridor before the selection of a preferred alternative. Numerous exhibits and project information will be provided for public review. A newslettter describing the purpose and progress of the I-95 PD&E Study will be distributed to all the attendees.

The public will review the various alternatives and will be asked to provide feedback. The project team will be present to answer any question posed by the public. Public input will enable the consulting team to refine and select a preferred alternative according to the comments and concerns expressed at the workshops. Information stemming from these workshops will be documented, summarized and presented on the website and in the final study newsletter.

The workshops will be advertised in the local media. All comments received at the workshops or through any other avenue will be analyzed and considered by the project team.

The purpose of this meeting is to present the preferred alternative and afford all interested persons the opportunity to express their views concerning the location, conceptual design, social, economic and environmental effects of the proposed corridor improvements. The public hearing will be held following the completion of the environmental and engineering reports. The public hearing will be preceded by a presentation to the Broward and Palm Beach Metropolitan Planning Organizations to provide them a brief description of the material to be covered at the public hearing, and will formally invite the officials to attend the meeting. All comments received at the public hearing and 10 days after the meeting will be documented as part of the public hearing on the engineering and environmental documents.