FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS   What is a PD&E Study?   In 1972 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.     How are PD&E Studies selected?   The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) works closely with Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) as they develop their Long Range Transportation Plans (LRTPs), which determine transportation improvements that will be required over the next 20 to 25 years. They also work with the MPOs as they develop their Transportation Improvement Programs (TIPs) that identify and prioritize the transportation projects to be implemented within a 10-year period. Once a project has been programmed in the FDOT’s 5-Year Work Program, the PD&E Study phase can begin.     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 Summer 2005.