Why “scoping” sessions differs from public hearing

The heading of an announcement reads, “Public hearings Begin to Plan for the Future of Atlanta-Charlotte Passenger Rail Service.” But a representative of the South Carolina Department of Transportation today explained why it’s better to refer to next week’s events as public “scoping” sessions in place of public hearings. “It’s more general in nature, more informal in nature as opposed to a public hearing which in itself is a much more formal meeting and more structured, “ said Doug Frate. Main thing is that the DOT encourages the public to have a say about the prospects for high speed rail service. The scoping session nearest to 96.3/WGOG will be Greer—from 4 to 7 o’clock Tuesday night in Hall “C” at 301 East Poinsett Street.