PD&E Study

The US 41 Venice Bypass PD&E Study was approved by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) in September 1994. A PD&E Study is required when federal funds will be used on a highway improvement project. The PD&E Study is performed to show compliance with the Natural Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The study evaluated various alternatives, including a no build alternative, and roadway alignments before recommending a preferred alternative. The preferred alternative that was approved by FDOT and FHWA was a six lane urban typical section with bike lanes, curb and gutter and sidewalks.

A Categorical Exclusion (CE, Class 2) was determined to be the appropriate Class of Action for the US 41 Venice Bypass project. A CE, Class 2 is prepared for actions which do not individually or cumulatively have a significant environmental effect on the human environment. They are actions which do not induce significant impacts to planned growth or land use for an area; do not require the relocation of significant numbers of people; do not have a significant impact on any natural, cultural, recreational, historic, or other resources; do not involve significant air, noise or water quality impacts; or do not have significant impacts on travel patterns.

A Reevaluation of the CE designation is required prior to the advancement of the project to the next major production phase. In this case, it is the advancement of the project to the preliminary engineering phase. The reevaluation will evaluate and document any changes since the approval of the original PD&E Study and its Location Design Concept Acceptance. The reevaluation will be submitted to FHWA for review and approval.

The reevaluation will have a public involvement component that is similar to a PD&E Study. This project is planned to have three newsletters published and mailed to interested parties, a public information meeting and a public hearing.