Identification of Public Participants and Issues
Eastgate's Long Range Transportation Plan Public Involvement Program will initially recognize participants that may be interested in or affected by the activities linked to the LRTP. The goal of this identification phase will be to develop a mailing list that will be used and updated throughout the public involvement process, enhancing the strategy of direct public contact. Indirect contact with the general public will be accomplished through more universal methods such as advertisements and notices in newspapers, press releases and other mass-media associated activities.
Identification of the public and thereby creation of a mailing list will primarily be accomplished through a brainstorming process within EASTGATE's Technical Advisory Committee, seeking responses to the following questions.
- What geographical area will be involved?
- What local governmental groups will be involved?
- What regional, state, or local groups might be interested?
- What special interest groups are interested or involved?
- What state agencies have interest in LRTP issues?
EASTGATE will also contact county and local planning commissions and transit agencies for input to this listing. Finally, general notices and materials will be produced which will include an invitation for the general public to be placed on the direct mail list.
The resulting list will be updated as necessary to assure maximum coverage and opportunity for involvement.
Resources
Constraints such as staffing and available financial resources may influence the techniques used to involve the public for the LRTP. However, care will be taken to ensure that the program is followed as closely as possible.
Magnitude and Type of Proposal
The LRTP is an all-encompassing transportation plan compiled for Mahoning and Trumbull counties. This plan is to serve as the blueprint where federal funding is to be used for major transportation projects, improvements and enhancements within EASTGATE's planning jurisdiction. Due to the significance and complexity of the LRTP, sufficient notification, adequate information and opportunities for resolution of conflicts must be available.
Federal and State Guidelines
Due to mandates contained in the Federal Transportation Bill, the federal government now requires public participation in long range planning activities. EASTGATE believes that public participation in such activities is essential to improve both the quality of planning and the degree of acceptance and implementation of the LRTP recommendations by affected communities.
Information and Education
One of the purposes of the LRTP PIP is to inform and educate the public regarding the purpose and development of the LRTP. Information distributed must be clear, concise, and represent a solid foundation that allows for the public to provide their input to recommendations that will result from the planning process conducted by EASTGATE.
