Project Overview
The West Bay Parkway PD&E Study will be divided into two segments (refer to the map on the inside of the handout containing more information on the project, available HERE), with each segment having its own PD&E study. Segment 1 project limits are from US 98 (SR 30) in Walton County, east of Peach Creek, to SR 79 in Bay County, in the vicinity of CR 388. Segment 1 will consider various alternative alignments where the roadway could be located. These alignments will include controlled and limited access alternatives. The alternatives developed will be presented to obtain design approval for a new four-lane roadway alignment with a bridge over the Intracoastal Waterway. The findings of the PD&E Study for Segment 1 will be documented in an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and submitted to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) for approval.
The project limits for Segment 2 are CR 388 from SR 79 to SR 77 in Bay County. Segment 2 will consider improvement alternatives along and near the existing CR 388 corridor, along with alternatives on new alignment for the intersections at SR 77 and SR 79. The findings of the PD&E study for Segment 2 will be documented and submitted to FHWA for approval in the form of an Environmental Assessment (EA).
The benefits of the new facility include improving mobility and interconnectivity in the regional transportation network and enhancing traveler safety. Additionally, the improvements will provide better access to the new Panama City-Bay County International Airport, improve hurricane evacuation and emergency response capabilities, promote economic development in the region, and increase capacity and relieve existing and anticipated traffic congestion, particularly along the US 98 corridor.
A comparative analysis of the alternatives, including the No-Build alternative (no roadway improvements), will be conducted to determine the alternatives that best meet future transportation needs while minimizing impacts to the socioeconomic, natural, and physical environment. This analysis, together with input received from the public, will serve to develop the best alternative to meet your community's transportation needs.
LSM
The Land Suitability Mapping (LSM) Analysis is a process which is used to help analyze and design corridors that are an optimal fit within the study area. Through the use of Geographic Information System (GIS) technology, the Florida Department of Transportation is able to identify the locations of documented sensitive resources (examples include: historic and archaeological sites, recreational areas, wetlands) which may be in or around the study area. By overlaying this GIS data with a map of the study area, the project team is able to develop corridors that have less of an impact on these sensitive resources.
Project Development & Environment (PD&E)
A Project Development & Environment (PD&E) Study is the process that ensures early consideration is given to engineering design, project costs, and environmental and social impacts, along with input from the public in the development of a proposed transportation improvement project. When a transportation improvement is considered, the improvement options (called alternatives) are developed with input from the public, local government, and environmental and planning agencies. These alternatives are then analyzed to determine their involvement with the social, natural, and physical environment. The goal of the PD&E process is to select the best alternative that meets both the purpose and needs of the project as well as having the least impact on the environment.
Environmental Assessment (EA)?
An Environmental Assessment (EA) is a public document that provides evidence and analysis for determining the significance of impacts from a proposed action, in this case the construction of a new roadway. An EA is prepared when it is unclear whether the proposed action will have a significant effect on the social, economic, and/or natural environments.
If it is determined that the action will not have a significant impact on the environments mentioned above, then a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) is prepared. If it is determined that the action will have significant impacts on the social, economic, and/or natural environments, then an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) would be prepared to document those impacts and any measures to minimize or offset the impacts.
Ultimately, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) would be responsible for approving the EA/ FONSI or the EIS.
Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)
An Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is a comprehensive public document that analyzes and documents the impacts of a proposed Federal action, in this case the construction of a new roadway. Within the EIS, measures to minimize or mitigate impacts are also identified. An EIS is prepared when it is determined that an action will have a significant impact on the social, economic, and/or natural environments.
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