SafeRuralRoads.com

Citizen Involvement

EFFECTIVE PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT REQUIRES ORGANIZATION AND KNOWLEDGE.

I know of no safe depository of the ultimate powers of the society but the
people themselves: and if we think them not enlightened enough to exercise 
their control with a wholesome discretion, the remedy is not to take it 
from them, but to inform their discretion.
							Thomas Jefferson, 1820

1. Learn about the road building and community planning processes by reading these materials.
   • Road Work - Public Process
   • Road Work Design Standards
   • Local Land Use Policies (Clallam County Comprehensive Plan)
   • Federal Transportation Policies
   
   
2. Notify your neighborhood about the road project that concerns you.
   • Neighborhood Flier. A local print shop can download this file and cheaply print two sided copies for distribution to your neighbors.
   
   
3. Organize a neighborhood meeting to:
   • Discuss neighborhood concerns.
   • Inform your neighbors about the road building process (refer them here!).
   • Formulate key neighborhood positions. Project Check List
   • Keep a record.
   • Form an action committee.
     
     
   This handbook may help you develope and organize your neighborhood meeting. Neighborhood Charrette Handbook
   
   
4. Define the neighborhood position in written documents. Have a POSITIVE agenda for the neighborhood such as retaining rural character, improving pedestrian and bicyclist safety, and decreasing traffic dangers and noise.
   
   
5. Review the project planning documents:
   • Do they incorporate the "Qualities of Excellence" recommended by the FHWA? They should!
   • Do they discuss the important issues listed in the Project Check List? They should!
   
   
6. Advocate your position to the community at large, elected officials, community planning department, and project engineer.
   • Ask to be a member of the project planning team.
   • Submit petitions
   • Call for and attend public hearings.
   • Write "letters to the editor" and opinion pieces to the local paper.
   
   
7. Remember that you can make a difference! Federal and local land use policies are in place that will help protect your neighborhood from degradation by poorly designed road projects however your involvement and perspective are essential.