PROBLEMS AND OPPORTUNITIES

    The problem definition step is critical, since one can't possibly have a good solution if working on the wrong problem!  Different viewpoints will certainly yield different problem definitions.  At the earliest possible time, the stakeholders must be assembled and a problem definition consensus sought.   A related task is determining the project and study's objectives.  The objectives will be used to determine the  effects and outputs--how a particular alternative meets an objective is the output--in the plan comparison.  "Decisions with multiple objectives cannot be resolved by focusing on any one objective*."  Objectives are key to determining the decision criteria and the study's recommendation.  The problem definition must be reviewed after inventory of the conditions and evaluation of the alternative plans' effects.

    During the initial study phase, a public involvement process must be thought through and designed.  Given today's problem complexity and heightened public awareness, most of the study effort will be carried out using multi-agency teams.  A concerted public involvement process must early bring together all the various stakeholders with the goal of making a decision that enjoys broad public support.

Comments?  Last update: 06 February 2003