Virtual Public Involvement Practices in the National Environmental Policy Act: MDTA Chesapeake Bay Crossing Study, Tier 1 The MDTA’s Chesapeake Bay Crossing Study, Tier 1 was selected by the FHWA to be used as a case study of exemplary virtual public involvement. The Chesapeake Bay separates most of Maryland between Eastern and Western shores. Currently, the William Preston Lane Jr. Memorial Bridge (Bay Bridge) serves as the only crossing of the Chesapeake Bay in Maryland. The MDTA is following a tiered NEPA process to evaluate reasonable alternatives for providing adequate capacity and access to improve travel reliability, mobility, and safety across the Chesapeake Bay and along the US 50/301 corridor. This case study describes the Tier 1 portion of this effort, which took place from 2017 to 2022. The MDTA conducted initial assessments across a nearly 100-mile study area to select a corridor alternative for the new crossing. The MDTA conducted an extensive outreach strategy to ensure that stakeholders knew about the study and how to provide comments. The strategy included advertisements in print and digital media, press releases, social media, email blasts, and paper mail. The study team also sent notices to elected officials and community leaders (such as places of worship, community centers, school officials, and Chambers of Commerce) to share with their communities. The MDTA advertised widely to reach underserved populations and environmental justice communities. The study team ran ads in 23 newspapers, including four minority and Spanish-language papers as well as smaller papers, and digital ads on 13 websites, including four minority and Spanish websites. Visitors could view the study website in 59 languages and view the public hearing
displays in Spanish. For stakeholders without internet access, the MDTA offered hard copies of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for viewing at 13 public libraries. The MDTA also arranged to deliver hard copies of the DEIS and additional information upon request. The MDTA ensured that community members without internet access could provide public testimony via phone at all virtual testimony sessions. Nice/Middleton Bridge Project The MDTA’s major infrastructure project to replace the US 301 Nice/Middleton Bridge in southern Maryland spanned 2020 to 2024. A comprehensive outreach plan was developed to communicate information and project updates to local stakeholders and the traveling public. Engagement efforts were focused initially on the bridge’s design and construction, including informing motorists and waterway users of significant travel impacts. As the project progressed, outreach efforts then focused on the completion and opening of the new bridge, and finally on the demolition of the old bridge. Activities included launching a new website for the project; developing fact sheets and other informational materials; developing and distributing regular traffic and mariner alerts; managing a hotline and email box to handle public inquiries in real time; developing content for the MDTA’s social media channels; routinely briefing various stakeholders, including first responders and Virginia government entities, on construction activities and impacts; conducting specialized Make No Wake safety outreach to boaters; holding a dedication ceremony for the opening of the new bridge; and coordinating with bicycle and pedestrian groups on the bridge’s new safety technologies. All wrap-up for the project is expected to be complete in early 2025.
25 Environmental, Social, and Governance Report
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