IDAHO NATIONAL
Idaho
Transportation |
Successful public involvement is based on receiving as well as giving information. That philosophy has been the guiding principle of the award-winning public involvement campaign for the U.S. 95 Thorncreek to Moscow project in District 2. The project team for the controversial project is providing
a wide range of opportunities for public input. Beginning with one-on-one
interviews last July, the team has engaged public participation through
open houses, workshops and breakfast meetings, brochures, monthly newsletters,
a mall kiosk and a Web site. In recent months, speakers have presented data from wetlands studies, microclimates in the project area and potential impacts of the new roadway to wildlife in the area. The May meeting will feature Dr. Stephen Emerson, who will lead a discussion based on his field survey of historic structures in the corridor. Attendance at the early morning meetings averages 50 people. About half the time is spent listening to a formal presentation and half is spent in an active question-and-answer session. The breakfast meetings will continue for the duration of the project. The campaign received a Public Affairs and Consumer Education (PACE) award from the American Association of Motor Vehicles Administrators (Region 4). Ken Helm is the project manager for the Thorncreek to Moscow project and is assisted by public involvement consultant, Rosemary Curtin. Up-to-date information is posted on the project Web site; go to http://www.itd.idaho.gov/GetInvolved/D2/ and click on Thorncreek to Moscow. |