July 8, 1997
HPG-IN

Mr. Curtis A. Wiley
Commissioner Indiana Department of Transportation
Indianapolis, IN

Attention: Ms. Darlene Bauman

Dear Mr. Wiley:

Subject: INDOT Public Involvement Procedures

We have completed our review and hereby approve the revised INDOT Public Involvement Procedures forwarded by Ms. Christine Baynes of your staff by letter dated June 18, 1997.

We believe the updated procedures foster a "seamless" public involvement process which makes sense to the public, identify and address critical environmental issues early in project development, minimize duplication of public involvement efforts, and meet the need of the public and resource/regulatory agencies to provide early and continuing input to the project development process. These procedures address the requirements in the statewide planning regulations (23CFR450.212). They also fulfill the requirement in 23CFR771.111(h)(1) that FHWA approve the State’s "public involvement/public hearing" procedures.

These procedures also enable local public agencies to assume an increased responsibility in the conduct of public hearings for their respective project. This should help to foster increased involvement by local elected officials in meeting with their respective constituents to listen to their concerns.

These procedures replace the procedures which were approved on November 17, 1994. Enclosed is a copy of the approved cover-sheet. Per your June 18, 1997 letter, we understand that you will distribute copies of the revised INDOT Public Involvement procedures to consultants and local officials, and issue a statewide news release stating their availability.

Enclosures

cc:
Debra Simmons Wilson, INDOT Rm. N755
Steve Cecil, INDOT Rm. N848
Jim Juricic, INDOT Rm. N848
Christine Baynes, INDOT N755
Curtis A. Wiley, INDOT Rm. N755
MPOs LDT, AAF, FEC, CNJ, DNH, VVS
File 423.313
LMHeil.dwb
EF:SPUBLIC.NP3