1. (a) Meetings with the public and other entities. A project sponsor may hold one or more public meetings with local public officials, interested citizens, the general public, and local, neighborhood, or special interest groups for the purpose of exchanging ideas and collecting input on the need for, and possible alternatives to, a project. The decision to hold a public meeting should be based on the project's type, complexity, and level of public concern that is based on environmental issues. A public meeting will be held during the drafting of a DEIS.

2. (b) Requirements for public meeting. If the project sponsor elects to hold a public meeting or if this section requires a public meeting, the requirements of this subsection apply.

   1. (1) The project sponsor will hold the meeting as early as it determines feasible to assure public input into project planning.
   2. (2) The meeting will provide a free exchange of project views and concerns.
   3. (3) The meeting will be held during project planning and development in order to keep the public informed.
   4. (4) The meeting will be held at a time and place convenient to the public in the vicinity of the project.
   5. (5) Notice of a public meeting will be appropriate for the anticipated audience to maximize attendance.
   6. (6) The project sponsor will maintain a list of elected public officials, individuals, and groups interested in transportation projects, and will provide notification to these individuals and groups of a public meeting.
3. (c) Summary of meeting. After a public meeting the project sponsor will prepare a written summary of the meeting, including the comments received, responses to comments, and modifications, if any, to the project resulting from comments. The summary will be forwarded to the department delegate for review.

Source Note:The provisions of this §2.107 adopted to be effective April 16, 2012, 37 TexReg 1727.