What is a PD&E Study?

A Project Development and Environment (PD&E) Study is a phase in the Florida Department of Transportation’s (FDOT) highway planning and development process. The PD&E process was developed to ensure that the design of transportation projects appropriately reflects and incorporates the unique engineering and community characteristics of the area.  FDOT created the process to ensure that transportation projects follow the policies and procedures outlined in the National Environmental Policy Act. The PD&E Study phase consists of the preliminary engineering and environmental analysis of viable Build Alternatives that are developed to address the purpose and need objectives of the project. The study evaluation also considers the No-Build Alternative, which involves no changes to the transportation facilities within the project study area beyond currently planned and programmed (tentatively funded) projects.  The No-Build Alternative forms the basis of the comparative analysis for each of the Build Alternatives. Community input is solicited throughout the PD&E process. 

The intent of the PD&E Study process is to study each viable alternative to the level of detail necessary to accurately assess any potential impacts associated with the proposed improvements and to make a recommendation of the preferred alternative(s). This process is mandated by federal and state laws.