Phase: Applied learning · Worked scenarios · Calculations · Audit findings · Document drills
Apply what you've read — scenario by scenario, calculation by calculation
NEPA-driven scheduling, alternative public involvement. Each exercise has a hidden solution — work through your answer before revealing.
I
Scenario 01
When is a public hearing required?
Setup
An LPA federal-aid project will widen a 2-lane road to 4 lanes for 1.2 miles. The project requires NEPA review and partial R/W acquisition from 8 property owners.
Question
Is a formal public hearing required? What are the alternatives if so?
Solution
A formal public hearing is required when:
1. The federal-aid project requires an EA or EIS under NEPA (not for most CEs).
2. The project involves significant capacity changes, alignment changes, or significant R/W acquisition.
3. 23 CFR 771 and SER Vol 1 detail the threshold.
For this project (2-to-4 lane widening, partial R/W from 8 owners), an EA is likely the NEPA classification. EAs typically require a public hearing unless an alternative public involvement process is approved.
Alternatives to a formal hearing (LAPM Ch 8):
• Information meeting — less formal, no transcript required.
• Public availability period with comment opportunity.
• Workshop format with stations and project staff.
• Targeted outreach to affected property owners.
The alternative must be documented in the environmental review and approved by Caltrans/FHWA as part of NEPA processing.
For CEs: usually no public hearing required, but the NEPA classification must support that.
Authority: LAPM Ch 8; 23 CFR 771; SER Vol 1
Applied learning · Companion chapter
These exercises apply the procedural framework presented in LAPM Chapter 08: Public Hearings. For the full chapter reference, glossary, and recall quiz, see the deep chapter file.