FAQs

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 Florida. The PD&E Study phase provides an interface between the Planning and Design Phases to evaluate and document solutions 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 need.

What is "Public Involvement"?
The City is committed to engaging and informing the public of our progression during the life of a project. 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 included this web site, meetings and workshops with interested stakeholders, and newsletters. Public involvement started at the beginning of the PD&E process to obtain input from citizens and agencies within the project area and continued 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.

When will design start?
The design phase is expected to begin in November 2008.

When will construction start?
The earliest that construction could possibly start would be in the fall of 2009.

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.

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 matrix 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.