The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) recognize that a key component in the success of any transportation project depends on many factors, none of which are more essential than the involvement of the local elected and appointed officials and involvement of the public.  Open communication lines between local officials, the public and the Project Management Team are a key component in developing a transportation plan that will best address the concerns of the community.  The Project Management Team involved with this project consists of representatives of the INDOT, FHWA and the consulting engineering firm of Bernardin, Lochmueller & Associates, Inc. (BLA).

The public involvement process begins with the gathering of information from the local officials and community members that will live with the project upon its completion.  The process continues by providing information to these same stakeholders and keeping them informed as to the progress and direction of the project.  This exchange of information is a dynamic process that will continue throughout the life of the project.  Goals of the Public Involvement Program include the following: 

  • Identify potential project stakeholders such as local officials and community members impacted by the project
  • Develop partnering activities that assist with gathering information from stakeholders
  • Foster positive relationships with stakeholders and keep them informed of the project progress
  • Adequately evaluate potential levels of controversy to address specific concerns and develop context sensitive plans
  • Work together to develop a solution to a transportation problem that has broad public support
  •  Provide productive forums for members of the public to provide comments

The US 50 – North Vernon Corridor Planning and Environmental Assessment Project includes an extensive Public Involvement Program.  The purpose of this Public Involvement Program is to keep the local communities informed of the progress of the project and to continually seek input from members of the communities.  This Public Involvement Program consists of this project web site, a series of public meetings, stakeholder meetings and Community Advisory Committee meetings. 

Web site
To provide the public with access to the most current project information available and to provide additional opportunities for public input, the US 50 Project Management Team has established a web site for this project.  This website provides information related to:

  • Project News and Updates
  • Specific Project Information Such As:
    • Project Schedules
    • Listing of Project Meetings
    • Copies of Various Project-Related Documents that are Public Information
  • Electronic Forms for Comments
  • Subscription to a Project Mailing List
  •  Alignment Information (Maps)
  • Link to other websites including INDOT and FHWA 

Public Meetings
Advertised public open houses were held at key points in the projects’ development.  The purpose of these meetings was to provide the public with the most current project information available and to provide additional opportunities for public input at various key points (milestones) throughout the study process.  Three (3) such meetings were held throughout the development of this study.

Stakeholder Meetings
Throughout the project, neighborhood associations, civic organizations, local officials, community and business groups and any other interested individuals were welcome to meet with members of the US 50 Project Management Team to share information and ideas.  To request such a meeting, contact the project office (see below). 

Community Advisory Committee Meetings
Early in the development of this project, a Community Advisory Committee (CAC) was formed.  The CAC established a method of communication that facilitated the distribution of information from the US 50 Project Management Team to the public.  The CAC also provided a central location from which the US 50 Project Management Team could gather public input and feedback on possible solutions.  The CAC consisted of approximately 80 members, representing a diverse cross section of the public, elected officials and appointed officials, and was a valuable source of information and direction to the US 50 Project Management Team.  As the project progressed, new members representing various groups were added to the CAC upon their request. 

The project office address and phone number are:  
US 50 – North Vernon Corridor Planning/EA Project
Bernardin, Lochmueller & Associates, Inc.
ATTN: Carl D. Camacho, P.E.
Project Manager
6125 South East Street (US 31 South)
Indianapolis, IN 46227
(317) 222-3880
(317) 222-3881 (fax)