News & Public Involvement

Public Survey Garners Over 1,280 Responses

Local residents, business owners, community leaders and commuters completed the first public survey and shared their interests and concerns regarding this critical regional project. This valuable feedback will be used to inform the project team early in the environmental study and preliminary engineering processes.   

Survey results show that top environmental interests include minimizing impacts to the local communities, the river, wetlands or streams, trails, the canal, and threatened and endangered species. Respondents also shared that bicycle and pedestrian connections are important community features to preserve and enhance.  

Feedback related to project updates identified email, the project website, direct mail, and social media posts from trusted community networks as preferred methods of communication. In addition, public surveys, public meetings (virtual and in-person), and community-based presentations are preferred opportunities for engagement. 

More detailed survey findings will be presented at a public meeting early this spring. Please join the mailing list for email alerts.  

Public Involvement Plan

Overview

The public and impacted stakeholders will continue to be engaged throughout the process, which includes Preliminary Engineering, Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement, Final Design, and Construction.

Goals and Objectives

Inform and Engage the Communities

• Partner with local legislators, elected officials, and stakeholders to provide presentations, collect feedback, and prepare them with information and opportunities to assist with promotions.
• Provide clear and concise information to the public regarding the environmental impacts to be addressed through the NEPA process.
• Share and document how public input was considered in the decision-making process.

Provide Equal Access to the Planning Process

• Provide equal access to public information and engagement opportunities in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
• Reduce participation barriers, especially for historically underrepresented communities through grassroots outreach by using multiple communication channels including:

• Traditional public meetings and virtual engagement opportunities
• Website and web-based mapping and survey tools
• Mobile phone-friendly engagement options
• Pop-up meetings and tabling in low-income and minority communities
• Translation services for products and events
• Share the stage opportunities, as indicated through public requests
• Promotions through local community partners that support low-income populations such as libraries, food distribution centers, churches, and grocery stores