Public Involvement
Process Overview
The Department is committed to reaching the public and being responsive to their concerns during project development. As a result, though the NEPA section of Office of Environmental Services takes the lead on public involvement, all offices and employees may be involved.
Early in the project development process, the Office of Environmental Services coordinates with federal, state and local agencies, local officials, and interested stakeholders. Department personnel may hold outreach meetings to involve individuals, neighborhoods, business groups, special interest groups, citizen advisory committees and Environmental Justice communities. These meetings may be advertized to the public or they may be directed to specific individuals or groups.
Public Meetings
Public Information Open House (PIOH)
A PIOH may be held at any time during project development. A PIOH may be held to gather input on multiple project alternatives early in development, to present the public with the projects detour requirements during construction, or to describe the project’s potential impact to community resources.
Public Hearing Open House (PHOH)
A PHOH is required by NEPA for all projects requiring an EA or an EIS. A PHOH is held following FHWA’s approval of the draft environmental document. Georgia state law requires that a PHOH be advertized twice: once no less than 30 days prior to the meeting, and again no more than 5 days prior to the meeting. Attendees of the PHOH will receive a handout offering the purpose and need statement, the project description, a location map, a right-of-way summary, and an environmental impact summary.
Resources