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Introduction:
ODOT recognizes the value of interacting with all
members of the general public before proceeding with major
construction projects. Public input ensures that major projects
have broad public support; comply with all applicable federal and
state regulations; meet the needs of the community; and are a wise
investment of taxpayer dollars.
In order to meet these essential goals, ODOT has
developed a public involvement process that weaves together the
technical aspects of a study with the necessary level of public
participation.
This draft Public Involvement Plan (PIP) for the
North Outerbelt Interchange Study uses the ODOT four-step process
as its organizational basis. The chart at the end of this PIP
provides a summary of the key steps and activities throughout the
PIP. Click here for a general time line chart
for the PIP.
Portions of this plan will be modified as needed
throughout the study.
Step 1, Step
2, Step 3, Step 4
Step 1:
ODOT will work with various stakeholders to confirm and clarify
the problem, any issues, community goals and needs.
Given the vast number of motorists that use the
North Outerbelt interchanges, there will be a large number of
individuals, groups and businesses that need to be included to
some degree in the study. However, the level of interest – and
subsequent participation – in the study will vary widely
depending upon many factors, most notably, proximity to the target
area.
The stakeholders for this study will be separated
into two tiers: primary and secondary audience. The Primary
Audience will be made up of those directly impacted by
eventual construction and whose personal lives or businesses could
be significantly altered by the solution. It will also include
individuals, groups, businesses or agencies that may not be
located in the immediate vicinity but may be significantly
impacted by the eventual solution.
An Advisory Committee will also be formed
from this primary audience. The Advisory Committee will be an
integral part of the process, providing insight and guidance
throughout the process to ensure that the needs and concerns of
the public are being met. One of the initial tasks of the
committee will be to review and enhance the Public Involvement
Plan.
The Advisory Committee will also help in
confirming and clarifying the problem in the target area and will
work with ODOT and the general public in determining any
outstanding issues, community goals and specific needs.
A Secondary Audience or list of
stakeholders will also be developed to involve those individuals
that have an interest or stake in fixing the area, but their level
of interest in the project may not require active participation in
the study. However, they must be kept abreast of developments
since their interest level may change as additional information
about the project is developed.
Products from Step 1:
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PIP including stakeholder list (EJ
Populations)
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Public meeting to introduce the study and
discuss the process (held within the study area)
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Fact sheet, web site, newsletter and other
supporting materials stating the goals of the study
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Media briefings about the study.
Step 2:
To determine existing conditions along the corridor by collecting
and analyzing all relevant data.
Once existing data is compiled, the information
should be shared with the public to educate them and allow them to
provide input. This is important to setting the stage for Step 3,
when ODOT and the public begin developing concepts to address the
problems.
Products from Step 2:
Step 3:
ODOT will use the data and public input to identify and evaluate
possible alternatives or solutions to the corridor needs.
As the project proceeds and more information is
developed and studied, possible alternatives will emerge. To fully
explore these alternatives – and why they have emerged and the
benefits of each of them – more public outreach and input will
be needed to build broad-based consensus and support for an
eventual solution.
Because the public has been involved from Step 1,
it will be more clear to them why certain alternatives have been
presented and why they have been explored further or rejected.
Although it may not be possible to get every segment of the public
to fully support a single solution, the goal will be to build
broad consensus.
Products from Step 3:
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At least one Advisory Committee meeting
(held within the study area)
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At least one Public meeting (held
within the study area)
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Community presentations as needed
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Update fact sheets, newsletter, web site etc.
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Media update
Step 4:
ODOT will recommend the best strategy for improving the corridor.
The final Advisory Committee meeting and the final
Public Forums will be held to discuss the best strategy for moving
forward with the necessary improvements to the corridor.
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