Public Involvement
Public Involvement is a critical component of the PD&E study process and we encourage you to become and stay involved throughout the entire project. Please visit this website often to get the most up-to-date information on the West Bay Parkway study. Any Public Meetings will be advertised on this website, in addition to updated project information.
To see a proposed schedule of upcoming Public Meetings,, please visit the Project Schedule page of this website.
If you have questions or concerns regarding this project, please contact Project Manager Brandon Bruner. He can be reached via email at Joseph.Bruner@dot.state.fl.us or via telephone at toll free (888) 638-0250. If you would prefer to mail your comments, you may send them to Mr. Bruner's attention at Florida Department of Transportation, 1074 Highway 90; Chipley, FL 32428. If you would like to fax your comments, you can do so by sending them to (850) 415-9486.
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LSM
The Land Suitability Mapping (LSM) Analysis is a process which is used to help analyze and design corridors that are an optimal fit within the study area. Through the use of Geographic Information System (GIS) technology, the Florida Department of Transportation is able to identify the locations of documented sensitive resources (examples include: historic and archaeological sites, recreational areas, wetlands) which may be in or around the study area. By overlaying this GIS data with a map of the study area, the project team is able to develop corridors that have less of an impact on these sensitive resources.
Project Development & Environment (PD&E)
A Project Development & Environment (PD&E) Study is the process that ensures early consideration is given to engineering design, project costs, and environmental and social impacts, along with input from the public in the development of a proposed transportation improvement project. When a transportation improvement is considered, the improvement options (called alternatives) are developed with input from the public, local government, and environmental and planning agencies. These alternatives are then analyzed to determine their involvement with the social, natural, and physical environment. The goal of the PD&E process is to select the best alternative that meets both the purpose and needs of the project as well as having the least impact on the environment.
Environmental Assessment (EA)?
An Environmental Assessment (EA) is a public document that provides evidence and analysis for determining the significance of impacts from a proposed action, in this case the construction of a new roadway. An EA is prepared when it is unclear whether the proposed action will have a significant effect on the social, economic, and/or natural environments.
If it is determined that the action will not have a significant impact on the environments mentioned above, then a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) is prepared. If it is determined that the action will have significant impacts on the social, economic, and/or natural environments, then an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) would be prepared to document those impacts and any measures to minimize or offset the impacts.
Ultimately, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) would be responsible for approving the EA/ FONSI or the EIS.
Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)
An Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is a comprehensive public document that analyzes and documents the impacts of a proposed Federal action, in this case the construction of a new roadway. Within the EIS, measures to minimize or mitigate impacts are also identified. An EIS is prepared when it is determined that an action will have a significant impact on the social, economic, and/or natural environments.
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