What is the PD&E/EIS Study Process?

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What are the Study Requirements?

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What is an EIS?

EIS is the acronym for Environmental Impact Statement which is the highest level of environmental documentation for a project. As described in the Florida Department of Transportation’s Project Development and Environment Manual, an EIS is prepared for actions that significantly affect the environment. The types of actions which would normally require an EIS are:

In order to accurately and effectively assess the impacts of a project on the natural, physical, cultural and social environments, allow sufficient time for reviews of the many documents that are mandated by the EIS process, and provide sufficient time for coordination and input by the numerous agencies and public; a project that has been classified as an EIS typically takes many years to complete.

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What is a PD&E Study?

A Project Development and Environment (PD&E) Study is a step in the Florida Department of Transportation’s (FDOT) highway development process. A PD&E Study assists the FDOT in determining the location, conceptual design and social, economic and environmental effects of the proposed roadway improvements. During the PD&E Study process, feasible alternatives are developed for roadway improvement projects. These “Build” alternatives are evaluated based on environmental, engineering and socioeconomic conditions, safety needs and public input. The need for additional right-of-way for storm water and environmental mitigation will also be evaluated during the PD&E Study phase. The No Build alternative is evaluated throughout the study process.

If the Study results in a “Build” alternative being selected, the project may proceed to the next phase, which is the Design Phase.

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What is the No Build Alternative?

In the evaluation and screening of various alternatives for meeting the purpose and need for a project, a No Build Alternative, sometimes referred to as a “No Project Alternative” must be equally evaluated in the process. The No Build Alternative is, generally a “do nothing” option that involves no construction. The No Build Alternative may sometimes include Transportation System Management Alternatives which may provide improvements by way of adding turn lanes, improving intersections and signalization, improving signing and pavement markings reducing high crash locations, or other techniques that require no or minimal construction. The No Build alternative is a valid alternative throughout the Project Development process including the public hearing and the final selection process.

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How do I get Involved?

Public Involvement is encouraged throughout the project development process. There are a number of ways to keep informed about the project and become actively involved. These include:

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Project Acronyms

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Agencies/Roles

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