A Project Development and Environment (PD&E) Study is conducted to meet the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act. During the study, we determine the location and conceptual design of feasible build alternatives for roadway improvements and their social, economic and environmental effects. A No-Build Alternative, which considers leaving the roadways in their present state with routine maintenance, remains a viable alternative throughout the study. A PD&E study is finalized when the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), reviews the documentation and recommendations then provides a Location and Design Concept Acceptance (LDCA).

A PD&E Study is required even if federal funds are not used. The Study would need to meet state requirements which are similar to federal requirement in analyzing the effects of the proposed improvements. The state equivalent document is called a State Environmental Impact Report (SEIR) or a Non-Major State Action (NMSA) and the document is signed by the FDOT District Secretary/ Delegated Authority or designee. The FHWA would not be involved in this process.

If the study results in a Build Alternative selection, the project may proceed to the next phase, which is the Design Phase.

Five Steps in the Transportation Development Process

1. Long Range Planning: The FDOT and local governments conduct long-range transportation planning on an ongoing basis to identify and prioritize individual projects.
2. Project Development and Environment Study (PD&E): During this step, design options and their social and environmental effects are examined.
3. Design: During design, detailed construction plans are prepared.
4. Right-Of-Way Acquisition: This phase entails acquisition of necessary right-of-way, based on the construction plans.
5. Construction: The roadway is built during this phase.

The US 41 / SR 54 project is in the PD&E study phase of the FDOT’s 5-step 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 stormwater and environmental mitigation is also evaluated during the PD&E study phase. The “No Build” alternative is considered to be a viable alternative and will remain so for the duration of the study. This “No-Build” alternative leaves the existing roadways as they are, with only routine maintenance as required.

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