1. The PDP and Decision-Making
FHWA
Of NEPA
Ohio Department of Transportation
The PDP
The PDP and Decision-Making

3. PDP Phased Approach
Streamlined to meet the objectives of ODOT’s core program
Allows for more flexibility between phases
Pulls Stage 1 and Stage 2 Engineering into PE and Environmental
Redefines how alternatives are developed
Proactive merger of Design and NEPA
Project Development Process

4. PDP Paths
Project Development Process

5. PDP Milestones Typical Milestones Typical Deliverables
Choose milestones based on Critical Path Management and common-sense decision making
Milestones should be evaluated and selected at scoping
Flexibility is needed on a project specific basis
Project Development Process

6. Project Development Process

7. Flexibility is Key!

8. ODOT’s PDP is designed to allow the PM to develop the design and decision detail to the level necessary for a good decision.
Project Initiation
Feasibility Study
Alternative Evaluation Report
PE Design-Stage 1-2
NEPA Document

9. PDP- Solid Decision Faster/Cheaper
New scoping process (Project Initiation Package) ensures that only necessary work gets scoped and that the projects are properly planned out.
During the Preliminary Engineering (PE) Phase of the PDP, the “Feasibility Study” focuses on the narrowing of Alternatives and hopefully, get’s to a preferred.
The Alternative Evaluation Report addresses environmental and design issues, then recommends a Preferred Alternative.
Once a Preferred Alternative is chosen, Stage 1/Stage 2 can begin and additional environmental studies/permits can occur concurrently.

10. What was our Goal in producing these decision products?
Concise! (Feasibility study can be 1 page to 100 pages.)
Readable. (If it wasn’t an impact, say it and move on. If we did a study, summarize and attach- not repeat. Use graphics, tables and charts!)
We wanted it to contain everything! (Thank you DVD’s!)

11. Decision-making within the PDP is Unique.

12. ODOT’s PDP and Decision-making
Each Project can have different detail needed to make the decision…
Environmental
Preliminary Engineering
Each PDP report (feasibility Study, AER, etc.) can have different level of detail to make the decision…
Still have core issues that need to be addressed to meet legal requirements…

13. PDP Documentation- How much is too much?
Tell the Story
Keep it Brief
Keep it Legal

14. PDP- Solid Decision Faster/Cheaper
PDP redefined how alternatives are developed and to what level of detail – early review of alts.
Proactive merger of design and NEPA. Focused on balance of when NEPA/design studies are needed. (Stage I/II redesigned)
Common sense decision-making.
New emphasis on Critical Path Management and scheduling of milestones.
Requirement for new department-wide project manager training.

15. PDP Decisions
Be Flexible
Risk Management
Make good decisions…

16. Questions and Discussion