What is a C.A.G. and a R.A.G.?
An important component of the Context Sensitive Solutions process is the development of the Advisory Groups. Advisory groups serve as representatives of the public or stakeholders. As an example, the Ramsey Community’s Advisory Group is comprised of approximately 12 citizens of Ramsey who represent a diverse cross section of the community. These 12 representatives attend meetings where topics discussed range from existing transportation problems to community context, or what is important the community of Ramsey. By working with the communities through the CAG, we hope to identify potential positive and negative impacts.
CAG’s have been established for communities where expanding US 51 to four lanes could have significant impacts. The 70 miles of study corridor, however, are not comprised solely of towns, villages, and cities. The majority of the corridor runs through unincorporated farmland, woodland, and sparse residential areas. An advisory group is needed to look at these areas in addition to the individual communities. To accomplish this, a Regional Advisory Group or RAG was developed to assist in identifying US 51 expansion impacts to these areas outside of the separate communities. The RAG is made up of representatives of the various CAG’s throughout the corridor. The diagram below depicts the relation between the CAG’s, the RAG and agencies. The first RAG meeting was held on August 21st, 2008.
More information on the advisory groups can be found in the Stakeholder Involvement Plan. If you have additional questions about the advisory group work, call the project study team at 217-373-8951 or send an e-mail to US51EIS@clark-dietz.com.
