Frequently Asked Questions
What is a PD&E Study?
In 1970 the federal government passed the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), which mandates that prior to obtaining federal funding for a project a study must be prepared that evaluates impacts to the environment that may result from the proposed improvement.
The FDOT follows the Project
Development and Environment (PD&E) Study process to
define the most appropriate location and design for
major transportation improvements on federal and state
facilities in the state of
to transportation needs that are compatible with the human and natural environment.
The PD&E Study determines if there is an engineering, socially acceptable, and
environmentally feasible alternative to meet projected future travel demands.
The study process includes identifying potential project issues; the development of alternative location and design concepts; and the analysis of potential social,
economic, and environmental impacts. Engineering design concepts are developed and evaluated for environmental compatibility and satisfaction of the transportation needs.
What is "Public Involvement"?
The PD&E process includes a Public Involvement Program (PIP) to inform and involve
all interested parties in the development of the planned transportation project. The program for this project includes this web site, meetings and workshops with interested stakeholders, and newsletters. Public involvement starts at the beginning of the PD&E process to obtain input from citizens and agencies within the project area and continues through the duration of the project. The public's input is an essential part of the PD&E Study. By working together, transportation improvements can be provided that are beneficial to the community and minimize impacts to the environment. The PIP
concludes with a formal public hearing, which is scheduled for Spring 2009.
When will design start?
The design phase of the project is scheduled to begin early 2009 and is estimated to
take three years to complete.
When will construction start?
The earliest that construction could possibly start would be sometime in 2013. It is estimated that the entire project will take approximately three years to complete.
Why are environmental factors evaluated?
Environmental impact evaluation was introduced into the analysis of federal aid projects
in 1970 through the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), along with other state
and federal environmental statutes ensure that environmental issues are considered along with engineering factors and socio-economic concerns for all construction projects using federal dollars.
What factors are evaluated?
Amount and quality of wetlands (including seagrasses) potentially affected, endangered species habitat encroachment, traffic noise impacts, air quality impacts, identification
of historic and archaeological sites, recreation/conservation areas, floodplain encroachment, and identification of potentially contaminated sites are normally
evaluated for roadway and bridge projects.
How will this environmental information be used?
Selection of a preferred alternative is based on trying to balance environmental, engineering and socio-cultural issues. To assist in the decision-making, a project Evaluation Matrix will be completed. This will outline the impacts for each alternative
in a comparative manner. Another important element in the selection of the preferred alternative is public input. This information is used in considering the potential social, cultural and economic benefits/impacts of the alternatives under consideration.