All PD&E Studies require a Public Involvement Program to inform and involve all interested public officials, citizens, and special interest groups in the development of transportation projects. The Public Involvement Program 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.

PUBLIC MEETINGS & PROGRAM

The proposed public meeting program includes the kick-off meeting, HOA meetings, two large scheduled public meetings (one in Broward County and one in Palm Beach County), two Public Workshops (one in Broward County and one in Palm Beach County) and a Public Hearing. All public meetings will be publicized by creating press releases and public notices as well as by placing strategic telephone calls. Camera-ready print ads will be prepared for local media according to Department of Transportation guidelines. The general content of each meeting is described below.

KICK-OFF MEETINGS

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 outline the project schedule with an emphasis on the public participation elements. Input from these individuals will help us identify issues and concerns, and to refine 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 one-on-one meetings. Presentations to the MPO’s may occur prior to public meetings or at other key milestones in the project development process.

PUBLIC WORKSHOPS

Once the project team develops the preferred alternative along with several other alternatives, including a “No Build“ option, a public workshop will be held (one in Broward County and one in Palm Beach County). Members of the community will receive information on the various designs and associated benefits and impacts. 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 the 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 newsletter.

The workshops will be advertised in the local media. Informational newsletters that include an invitation to the workshops will also be mailed to area residents. All comments received at the workshops or through any other avenue will be analyzed and considered by the project team.

PUBLIC HEARING

The public hearing will be held following completion of the PDR, PDSR and the Technical Environmental Reports. The public hearing will be preceded by a presentation to the MPO’s and will provide a brief description of the material to be covered at the public hearing, and will formally invite the officials to attend the hearing. The public hearing will be announced through a formal letter of invitation signed by the District Planning & Environmental Management Engineer on Florida Department of Transportation’s letterhead and will be sent to all property owners within 500 feet of the right of way line. All comments received at the public hearing and 10 days after the hearing will be documented as part of the hearing.