Public Involvement Overview

The South Metro Connection Study area lies within unincorporated area of Johnson and Cass counties and includes diverse land uses — agricultural, large lot rural development, and small clusters of residential. Successful resolution of project issues requires the involvement of the area’s residents, business owners, and other stakeholders in developing a proposed solution.

There are many solutions to address the need in the South Metro corridor. Working with the community, the study team hopes to develop a solution that meets the needs of the region while maintaining the quality of life enjoyed by residents. At this time there is no determination on whether new roads should be built or, if so, what type of roads they should be or where the alignments would go.

The public involvement plan outlines activities that will help make sure stakeholders have had opportunities to understand the challenges, provide their input, and develop a sense of ownership in the final solution.

Public Involvement Activities

Public involvement and information activities are targeted ways to communicate and gather input from the various audiences in the study area. The public involvement process for the South Metro Connection includes a series of activities linked to the identification of future land use, purpose and need for the project, and the corridor selection process. Each stage of the public involvement process will provide stakeholders, residents, elected officials and community leaders the opportunity to learn about the project and provide input at strategic points in the process. Activities include:

Database of Interested Parties – The database will include contact information for elected officials, stakeholders, property owners, potentially impacted interests, businesses and citizens public participating in the project plan via meetings, letters, phone calls and/or the internet. The database will be used to communicate meeting notices and other study information.

Partnership Advisory Board – The partnership board will serve as an advisory committee to provide input and enhance communication between the study team’s efforts and the local issues.

Media Relations – Media relations will be used to promote coverage of the project process and develop relationships within the communities.

Listening Session – In the early stages of the project, a listening session will introduce the project and gather input from local residents and citizens on issues and concerns in the study area.

Purpose and Need Workshop – A public workshop will be held to discuss and develop the purpose and need statement for the study. This workshop will be facilitated and will include breakout groups to discuss values, attitudes, beliefs and tradeoffs in order to determine what issues are critical to people.

Public Meetings – Public meetings will provide interested parties and the public with project information and solicit input on alternatives, effects, and issues of concern.

Corridor Alternatives Public Meeting – This meeting will present the corridor transportation investment alternatives to the public for review and comment.

Individual Meetings with Property Owners (kitchen table meetings) – In order to refine the recommendation, individual meetings with property owners will be held to discuss specific project impacts in an informal setting to answer individual questions and concerns.

Preferred Alternative Public Meeting – Once recommendations are developed, a public meeting will be conducted to present the preferred alternative.

Public Officials Communication – Special communications with elected and public officials will be developed to keep them informed on study activities and progress.

Written Materials – Written materials may be produced to inform and involve the public, which may include: newsletters, fact sheets, frequently asked questions, meeting notices, etc.