How does CIA differ from public involvement?
CIA is a process that involves gathering data. Public involvement is a tool used during CIA for gathering, assessing, and analyzing data. CIA helps inform and involve agencies and the public about the possible social and economic impacts of proposed transportation plans and projects. The practitioner collects data; community members can verify the accuracy of this data and provide additional information, along with explaining community values, needs, and preferences. The community can help project planners by providing useful information that cannot be obtained elsewhere, such as: an unmarked graveyard, buried fuel tank (once common on farms), historic properties, and who to contact for certain information. This type of information can help speed the process and avoid project slowdowns.
