What is PD&E?

What is a PD&E Study? 

A Project Development and Environment (PD&E) Study is a phase of the Florida Department of Transportation's (FDOT) highway development process. A PD&E Study assists FDOT and local governments in determining the location, conceptual design, and social, economic, and environmental effects of proposed improvements. The process follows procedures set forth in the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969 and federal and state laws and regulations. During the PD&E Study process, feasible alternatives are developed for 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 sidewalk improvements or stormwater will also be evaluated during the PD&E Study phase. The "No-Build" alternative is evaluated throughout the study process. This "No-Build" alternative leaves the existing conditions as is, 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 design phase. The basic activities of a PD&E Study include: 
 

Data Collection 
The first major work effort is the collection of all available data pertaining to the study corridor including existing infrastructure, traffic counts, existing and future land uses, drainage patterns, locations of wetlands and habitat for threatened or endangered species, potential contamination sites, archaeological and historic resources, and population demographics.  
 

Alternatives Development and Analysis 
Once data collection is completed, FDOT develops and evaluates various alignment alternatives, including a “No-Build” alternative. The “No-Build” alternative assumes no improvements other than routine maintenance. The environmental impacts, social impacts and costs of these alternatives are quantified and summarized in an evaluation matrix.  

Alternatives Public Meeting 
Combining the public input with the needs of the corridor, an alternative will be developed and evaluated along with the “No-Build” alternative (which leaves the corridor as is) during the PD&E Study. This meeting presents the environmental and social impacts as well as estimated costs of the alternative as compared to the “No-Build” alternative. The public is provided with an opportunity to view and comment on the alternative under consideration.  

Public Hearing 
After all public comments are reviewed and the analysis of the alternative has been refined, a formal public hearing is held to provide a forum for input from property owners and interested parties on the final recommendations. A final decision is not made until after the public hearing.  
 

Final Acceptance 
After the comments from the public hearing have been received, considered, and addressed, the project reports will be finalized and submitted to FDOT on behalf of FHWA for Location and Design Concept acceptance. Once acceptance is granted, the PD&E Study phase of the project will be complete. The phases that follow the PD&E Study are design of the project, acquisition of right-of-way, if necessary, and construction of the improvements. 

The environmental review, consultation, and other actions required by applicable federal environmental laws for this project are being, or have been, carried out by FDOT pursuant to 23 U.S.C. § 327 and a Memorandum of Understanding dated May 26, 2022 and executed by FHWA and FDOT.