Public Involvement Program

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (Department) would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who participated in the study and offered their ideas and comments. Most especially, the Department would like to thank the study Advisory Committee for their participation and valuable input throughout the study process. Many of the study recommendations contained in this Administrative Report were refined as a result of their efforts. The Department is pleased and excited about some of the innovative ideas that have emerged from the Study. See the Documents page for the final study report.

The study was guided by an Advisory Committee with broad representation from planning agencies, municipalities, and other stakeholders. In addition to Public Information Meetings, which were held in August and September 2007, there were also a series of newsletters keeping the public informed about the study’s progress.  Extensive interviews and a series of focus groups have also been utilized to reach out to stakeholders.

The following is a more detailed summary of public outreach methods:

Steering Committee

A Steering Committee, comprised of Connecticut Department of Transportation staff, was been formed to help provide direction to the study team. The Steering Committee help guide and make recommendations for the study, and reviewed and provided comments on study findings. Steering Committee meetings were held about once a month.

Advisory Committee

An Advisory Committee (AC) representing a broad range of agencies, municipalities, and stakeholder groups was formed to provide key input and guidance in carrying out this study. The AC made suggestions and reviewed and provided comments on some of the study products. Several AC meetings were scheduled during the study process.

Public Information Meetings

Public Information Meetings were held in August and September 2007 to allow an even broader range of input, as well as a wider dissemination of information about study status and results. Here is a summary of the verbal comments received at the Public Information Meetings.

Focus Groups

Three Focus Groups were organized to reach out to key rest area users to find out more about their travel needs. Ideas and discussion generated at these Focus Group sessions have provided critical information to the project team. The three Focus Groups included representatives from tourism and the commercial truck and bus industry, as well as the traveling public.

The Focus Groups confirmed that a wide range of safety and security issues, including addressing truck parking shortfalls, are a top priority. Food choices and good maintenance were also identified as important, as are sensitivity to community and environmental concerns. Providing a well-trained and accessible tourism staff and a range of technology-based travel services will not only improve Connecticut’s image, but will also boost the state’s economy.

Survey

In late summer 2005, Connecticut conducted a survey of visitors to the state’s rest areas and service plazas. The objective of the survey was to find out who is using Connecticut’s rest areas and service plazas, why they are stopping, how well the existing facilities meet their needs and what additional services or facilities they would like to see there. The survey also included an evaluation of existing services. Understanding the needs and desires of visitors at Connecticut’s rest areas and service plazas will help create facilities that best serve the traveling public. The results are documented here in the user survey tech memo.

Coordination Meetings

Small group meetings were conducted with regions and municipalities that currently host roadside facilities. The purpose of these meetings was to find out about local and regional issues and suggestions for Connecticut's rest areas and service plazas.  For a summary of the meetings held, click here.

Mailing List

The study mailing list was used to disseminate information about the project and invite those on the list to attend Public Information Meetings.