Interstate System Plan: Meetings
Purpose
Public and stakeholder involvement were important to the success of the study. A public involvement process was established for the GDOT Interstate System Plan to ensure appropriate input from stakeholders and the general public and to promote understanding, cooperation, and support for the Interstate System Plan. The public involvement program was proactive and focused on information sharing, input, and interaction to ensure that the Interstate System Plan meets Georgia's diverse needs and is widely supported.
Vision and Guiding Principles
The overall goal for stakeholder and public involvement was to develop a common vision for continued development of Georgia’s interstate system, achieve mutual understanding of objectives among all concerned “stakeholders” and to build support and consensus among these various groups for the recommendations of the Interstate System Plan. The guiding principles for stakeholder and public involvement were as follows:
- Promote an active role for the stakeholders in the plan development process.
- Provide for stakeholder involvement in each major phase of the plan development process.
- Establish and maintain dialogue among local elected officials and community leaders in developing the Interstate System Plan.
- Foster an attitude of cooperation and build credibility and support for the Interstate System Plan development process.
- Strive for consensus on plan goals, alternatives, and the recommendations.
- Ensure an educational and informational component for stakeholders and the general public.
- Learn from stakeholders and the general public about their ideas for Interstate System improvements and expansion.
Participants
Project Steering Committee
A Project Steering Committee was established to guide project development and provide ongoing direction and advice to the Consultant Team throughout the project.
Technical Advisory Group
A Technical Advisory Group was established to provide technical advice to the Project Steering Committee and Consultant Team throughout the project. This group served as the mechanism for technical information and input.
Stakeholder Advisory Group
The Georgia Department of Transportation identified a group of approximately 250 key stakeholders that are impacted by, or have influence on, the operations and future development of Georgia’s Interstate System.
Meetings
Several stakeholder and public meetings were held throughout the development of the Interstate System Plan. Information from these meetings is below.
Public Outreach Activities
The public involvement process for the Georgia Interstate System Plan included a wide range of activities to involve the general public and obtain feedback.
- Website
- Newsletter Articles
- Public Information Meetings
- GDOT District Outreach Activities
- Media Outreach