APPENDIX I PUBLIC MEETING AT PROJECT INCEPTION

APPENDIX I PUBLIC MEETING AT PROJECT INCEPTION

OKLAHOMA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION STATE HIGHWAY 10 ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT (MIAMI, OKLAHOMA) OPEN HOUSE SEPTEMBER 7, 2006 PROJECT OVERVIEW The Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT), with the assistance from the consulting firm Tetra Tech, is developing an environmental assessment (EA) for the proposed widening of State Highway (SH-) 10 beginning just west of the Will Rogers Turnpike (Interstate 44) bridge and extending east approximately 3.5 miles to SH-137, near Miami, Oklahoma. The project proposes to widen SH-10 from two to four lanes (with a 16-foot paved median) and replace three bridges: the SH-10 crossing over Interstate 44, the SH-10 crossing over Little Elm Creek, and the SH-10 crossing over an unnamed creek. Research during the EA process will help determine a preferred alignment for widening the existing highway from two to four lanes and to replace the identified bridges. Many factors will be studied and evaluated, with a goal to minimize impacts on the natural environment, as well as on residents and businesses already present. The EA will address a wide variety of issues, including, but not limited to: Consensus building for project success; Natural and cultural resources; Concerned property owners; Significant utilities with infrastructure in the area; Adequate right-of-way preservation for future construction; Area commercial and residential development; and Other issues. Public Involvement The public will be provided the information it needs to understand issues surrounding the project and is encouraged to provide input. The ODOT s objective is to provide a collaboratively based approach to developing alternatives for widening SH-10. A steering committee and an advisory committee have been developed to assist the ODOT in the EA process. Collaboration will include these committees involvement in planning meetings throughout the EA process, and regular updates on the EA will be provided to the committees. These committees are comprised of representatives from local, state, federal, and tribal agencies, and local organizations and agencies. WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! We encourage you to provide comments and suggestions about the SH-10 widening and bridge replacement project. Your early and continuous input is critical to a successful collaborative process. Issues raised through public participation will help drive the different alternatives that are developed. Please provide comments in writing to the ODOT via US Mail, fax, or email (see below). Project Web Site: www.oksh10-ea.com PROJECT CONTACTS: OKLAHOMA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Kevin Larios, P.E. Planning & Research Division 200 N. E. 21st Street Oklahoma City, OK 73105 klarios@odot.org (405) 522-4420 Fax (405) 521-6917 TETRA TECH Marc Long, P.E. Project Manager Jennifer Zakrowski, Public Involvement Specialist 302 SW 7th Street Oklahoma City, OK 73109

Oklahoma Department of Transportation State Highway 10 Widening and Bridge Replacement (Miami, Oklahoma) Environmental (NEPA) Process Schedule Schedule Environmental (NEPA) Public Involvement Activities Process Milestones August September 2006 Public Scoping & Agency Solicitation Steering Committee Meeting August 17, 2006 Steering & Advisory Committee Meetings September 7, 2006 Public Information Meeting to Kick off Project & Collect Public Feedback September 7, 2006 Fall 2006 Define Problem & Analyze constraints in project area Steering & Advisory Committee Meetings October 12, 2006 October 26, 2006 Winter 2006 Define Highway Reconstruction Alignment & Conduct Special Studies Steering & Advisory Committee Meetings November 9, 2006 November 30, 2006 Spring 2007 Prepare & Publish Environmental Document Potential for Public Hearing (to be determined based on level of environmental documentation required). = Current step FUTURE STEPS (after environmental assessment is completed) 1. Replacement of the two load posted bridges (across two creeks) is a high priority. Right-of-way acquisition, utility relocation, and construction associated with the replacement of these bridges would occur as soon as possible after the environmental documentation process has been completed. 2. The remaining State Highway 10 corridor would be reconstructed upon receipt of future funding.

Oklahoma Vicinity Map Proposed bridge replacement Cr ee k N. Treaty Rd. 44 El Approximate Project Area m Lit tle S. 600 Rd. Proposed bridge replacement S. 592 Rd. S. 590 Rd. Proposed bridge replacement S. 580 Rd. 10 137 ¹ 0 Note: The outline of the project location is approximate and does not reflect the widths of rights-of-way or the area of disturbance. These dimensions will be refined as the design of the project progresses. Tetra Tech 1,100 2,200 3,300 4,400 Feet Project Area Map State Highway 10 Widening and Bridge Replacement Project Miami, Oklahoma

PLANNING & RESEARCH DIVISION The Oklahoma Department of Transportation has prepared this form to give you an opportunity to offer comment on the proposed reconstruction of State Highway 10 in Miami, Oklahoma. You may complete the form at public meetings, return it by mail, or return it by facsimile: Mail: Planning & Research Division Engineer Oklahoma Department of Transportation 200 N. E. 21st Street Oklahoma City, OK 73105-3204 Fax: (405) 521-6917 Proposed Reconstruction of SH-10 in Miami from I-44 east to SH-137, Ottawa County, Oklahoma. Comments: Date: Please add me to the project mailing list: Yes No Name: Phone: Mailing Address: Zip Code: Affiliation (Company, Organization, or Agency you represent):

KICKOFF OPEN HOUSE Environmental Clearance ~ SH-10 From I-44 to SH 137 September 7, 2006

Project Overview Stakeholder input will help define issues City of Miami Ottawa County State & federal regulatory agencies (OWRB, ODEQ, COE, SHPO, FAA) FHWA Quapaw Tribe, Peoria Tribe, Ottawa Tribe, Miami Tribe Business owners (lumber company, car dealerships, etc.) Glen Abbey Memorial Gardens Residential & Agricultural property owners Utility & Pipeline companies

Project Overview Important Future Development Casino at SH-10 and SH-137 Future commercial retail area at SH-10 and I-44 Important Utilities Oil and natural gas pipelines Fiber optics Water lines Overhead power lines

Project Overview Constraints identified should remain within valid shelf life recognized by FHWA Reference constraint mapping to maximize shelf life Utilize GIS technology Conceptual engineering studies must identify adequate right-of-way during the process to preserve corridor for future construction

Project Overview NEPA, Natural Resources, & Social Resources Purpose and Need Cultural Tribal Water, including Wetlands Biological Hazardous Waste Environmental Justice Potential business impacts along SH-10

What is NEPA The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) is our Nation s umbrella environmental law. It is triggered by a federal action that may have impacts on the human environment. It is a full disclosure law that involves the public in federal decision making.

The Objectives of NEPA NEPA spurpose is informed decisionmaking. Two objectives of NEPA: (1) Ensure agencies consider every significant aspect of the environmental impact of the proposed action; and (2) Inform and involve the public of potential impacts and alternatives to the proposed action.

Steps in the NEPA Process 1. Determine the appropriate level of NEPA documentation. An Environmental Assessment will be completed for the ODOT s State Highway 10 project, to evaluate the possibility of significant impacts. 2. Define the purpose and need for the action. 3. Identify the scope of analysis.

Steps in the NEPA Process 4. Identify any federal, state, or local agencies with permitting or funding authority over some aspect of the proposal, or that could help with the environmental analysis. 5. Develop and implement a public involvement strategy. 6. Integrate requirements of other environmental laws.

Steering/Advisory Committees Steering Committee Policy/ Decision Making Group ODOT City of Miami FHWA Consensus throughout the process Advisory Committee Technical Oversight and Input Identify issues Key Stakeholders, Agency Representatives, Steering Committee

Public Involvement Public Involvement Tools Website Brochure Public Meetings MS Access database with user-friendly interface www.oksh10-ea.com

WE WANT YOUR COMMENTS Oklahoma Department of Transportation Kevin Larios, P.E. Planning & Research Division 200 NE 21 st Street Oklahoma City, OK 73105 klarios@odot.org (405)522-4420 Fax (405) 521-6917 PROJECT WEB SITE www.oksh10-ea.com

PUBLIC MEETING Provide input on and learn about the proposed reconstruction of State Highway 10 east of Miami The Oklahoma Department of Transportation invites you to attend a public information meeting concerning an environmental assessment that has just begun for the proposed reconstruction of State Highway 10 from two to four lanes (with a 16-foot paved median). The project would begin just west of the Will Rogers Turnpike (Interstate 44) bridge and extend east approximately 3.5 miles to State Highway 137. Three bridges also would be replaced. We encourage you to provide comments and suggestions about this road widening and bridge replacement project. A come-and-go informational open house will be held (no formal presentations will be made, so come and go as you wish): Date Location Time Miami Civic Center Banquet Room Thursday, 129 5th Avenue NW September 7, 2006 Miami, Oklahoma 6:00 8:00 p.m This public meeting is only one of the opportunities you have to provide input. Written comments can be submitted to Planning & Research Division Engineer, Oklahoma Department of Transportation, 200 N.E. 21st Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73105; Fax 405-521-6917; or Email to klarios@odot.org. If you have special needs, please contact the Oklahoma Department of Transportation at 405-522-4420.

PUBLIC NOTICE ODOT Public Meeting Scheduled for State Highway 10 Widening Project The Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) has begun preparation of an environmental assessment for the State Highway (SH-) 10 Widening and Bridge Replacement project in Miami, Oklahoma. The ODOT is holding a come-and-go informational open house on Thursday, September 7, 2006, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Miami Civic Center Banquet Room, 129 5th Avenue NW, Miami, Oklahoma. The project proposes widening of SH-10 beginning just west of the Will Rogers Turnpike (Interstate 44) bridge and extending east approximately 3.5 miles to State Highway 137. The project proposes to reconstruct SH-10 from two to four lanes (with a 16-foot paved median) and replace three bridges located at Interstate 44, Little Elm Creek, and an unnamed creek. Research during the assessment will help determine a preferred alternative to improve this segment of SH-10. The ODOT is accepting written comments. To submit comments, please do so in writing using one of the following means: (1) By mail to Planning & Research Division Engineer, ODOT, 200 N. E. 21st Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73105-3204; (2) By fax to (405) 521-6917; (3) By completing the comment form on the Website (www.oksh10-ea.com); or (3) By e-mail to klarios@odot.org.

Public Meeting Set: SH-10 Widening and Bridge Project FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 30, 2006 PR# 06-052 Oklahoma Department of Transportation Information Release Public Affairs Division, 4002 N. Mingo Valley Expressway, Tulsa, OK 74116-918-838-9933 ext. 308 The Oklahoma Department of Transportation has begun preparation of an environmental assessment for a widening and bridge replacement project on SH-10 in Miami, OK. ODOT invites you to attend this informational open house on Thursday, September 7, 2006, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Miami Civic Center Banquet Rm. located at 129 5th Ave. in Miami. The project proposal includes widening SH-10 beginning just west of the Will Rogers Turnpike (I-44) bridge, and extending east approximately 3.5 miles to SH-137. The proposal includes the reconstruction of SH-10 from two to four lanes (with a 16-foot paved median) and the replacement of three bridges. The bridges are over I-44, Little Elm Creek, and an unnamed creek. The engineering consulting firm Tetra Tech will conduct the environmental assessment, which is scheduled for completion in June 2007. Research during the assessment will help determine a preferred alternative to improve this segment of SH-10. Many factors will be studied and evaluated with a goal to minimize impacts on the natural environment, as well as on the residents and businesses already present. The project internet site, www.oksh10-ea.com, will be updated with information as it becomes available. Again, ODOT is accepting written comments on the SH-10 widening and bridge replacement project. To submit comments, please do so in writing using one of the following means: (1) By mail to Planning & Research Division Engineer, ODOT, 200 N. E. 21st Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73105-3204; (2) By fax to (405) 521-6917; (3) By completing the comment form on the Website (www.oksh10-ea.com); or (3) By e-mail to klarios@odot.org. With questions, contact Kevin Larios at (405) 522-4420. -End-

Public Website Available: SH-10 Widening and Bridge Project FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 13, 2006 PR# 06-063 Oklahoma Department of Transportation Information Release Public Affairs Division, 4002 N. Mingo Valley Expressway, Tulsa, OK 74116 918-838-9933 ext. 308 The Oklahoma Department of Transportation has begun preparation of an environmental assessment for a widening and bridge replacement project on SH-10 in Miami, OK. An internet site with project information for the SH-10 widening and bridge project has been created to provide interested parties information about the project. Visit the site at www.oksh10-ea.com to access a detailed project description, contact information, public meetings schedules, information on how to become involved, as well as a list of documents and bulletins pertinent to this planning effort. ODOT is accepting written comments on the SH-10 widening and bridge replacement project. To submit comments, please do so in writing using one of the following means: (1) By mail to Planning & Research Division Engineer, ODOT, 200 N. E. 21st Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73105-3204; (2) By fax to (405) 521-6917; (3) By completing the comment form on the Website (www.oksh10-ea.com); or (3) By e-mail to klarios@odot.org. For questions about the project, or if experiencing difficulties accessing the project internet site, contact Kevin Larios at (405) 522-4420. -End-