The ongoing strategy for public involvement in the development of the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program involves the following steps. A general invitation to participate is included in the introduction of the multi-year programs and in the Governor s press releases associated with these programs. A notification is mailed to contractors, local officials and interest groups advising them about the opportunity to participate and review the public involvement procedures. Each group or individual is given an opportunity to submit comments to IDOT regarding the procedures. The Department of Transportation sends a press release to the media statewide and places an advertisement in approximately 70 newspapers throughout the state.
Several newspapers are weekly publications.
The ads notify the general public of the availability of the draft STIP for review and comment. The department maintains a telephone number for public inquiries into the program planning process. The number operates 24 hours per day year round. The department responds to telephone inquiries letters and written comments using the Public Review and Comment form. A record of comments and responses are maintained by the Office of Public Affairs.