- [Narrator] The South Carolina Department of Transportation's mission is to find solutions that provide adequate, safe, and efficient transportation services for the public that minimize impacts to the natural and human environment. Once a transportation issue is identified, South Carolina DOT's project development process begins, and the study area is determined. The project team will evaluate potential solutions and identify impacts to the surrounding communities and environment, while considering existing and future travel demands. When federal funds are used, the DOT is required to follow the National Environmental Policy Act, or NEPA, which provides a framework for how to make decisions. This federal process is very similar to the steps we take on all our projects. It is South Carolina DOT's responsibility to consider the potential environmental consequences of the proposed project. We must provide this information to the public, you, in order to solicit your input to help inform our decision making, and all of this happens before the project can break ground. Our technical experts will go into the field to examine the natural resources, cultural sites, and other points of interest that could be affected. Your involvement is vital to our project development process because you know the areas where you live, work, and travel. We need your help to identify the ways the project could potentially impact your community and environment. Throughout every project, we value your comments at key decision-making points in order to find the best solution. The process and your input help South Carolina DOT shape the future of transportation in South Carolina.