Public Involvement
Overview
Public involvement is essential in designing new bridges and roads that meet the community’s needs and desires. Through public meetings, newsletters and the project Web site, this communication effort will provide information to the public and offer them a chance to comment on key design issues.
Beginning in 1998 with the environmental phase of the project, the project team has maintained open lines of communication with the public using several methods and tools. That effort will continue throughout this phase of the project, allowing people to provide feedback on the bridge type selection and aesthetic elements.
The multifaceted public involvement program includes the following elements:
Regional Advisory Committee: This team, consisting of representatives of key government, civic and community groups on both sides of the river, reviews project work and ensures that regional needs are addressed.
Area Advisory Teams: These four groups, corresponding to each of the four areas where a bridge approach will be built, meet with the project team and provide feedback on design and aesthetic plans with the specific needs of their communities in mind. The diverse organizations on these groups include environmental organizations, government agencies, neighborhood associations and preservation groups.
Historic Preservation Advisory Teams: The definition and formation of the Historic Preservation Advisory Teams (HPATs) is detailed in the Section 106 Memorandum of Agreement for the Project. The HPATs were organized to ensure that the Project is designed in a manner that respects the historic qualities, landscapes, buildings and features within the Alternative - Specific Area of Potential Effect. The role of the members is to review and comment on project design details, thereby assisting the Bi-State Historic Consultation Team and the Bi-State Management Team implement the stipulations of the MOA.
Public Meetings: Throughout the design process, the project team will present information to the public about design concepts, bridge types and aesthetics and offer the community an opportunity to provide feedback. Notification of public meetings will be posted to this Web site, e-mailed to the project database and distributed to the media.
Newsletter: A project newsletter will be issued periodically to provide the community with project updates including concepts for bridge types, historic preservation and upcoming events.
Mail and e-mail database: The project database is used to share information about major project developments, distribute the newsletter and announce upcoming events. If you would like to join the project mailing list or e-mail list, click here.
Web site: The project Web site, www.kyinbridges.com, is an up-to-date source of project information. On this site you can access project maps, schedule information and an on-line contact form.
Click here to see a list of upcoming events and meetings.