Latest Project Update (September 2008)
After a
review of the FEIS and the comments received, the FHWA issued a Record of
Decision (ROD) on September 23, 2008 that approved a Selected Alternative for
the proposed bypass. Based on environmental studies, agency coordination, the
public input process, and in accordance with the National Environmental Policy
Act, the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) Preferred Alternative was
identified as the Selected Alternative. Click here to see a map of the Selected Alternative.
Based upon
consideration of all the social, economic and environmental evaluations
contained in the Supplemental Draft Environmental Impact Statement and FEIS,
FHWA has determined the Selected Alternative is the environmentally preferred
alternative. This alignment provides the best transportation solution that
minimizes harm to the environment to the maximum extent practicable while also
sufficiently addressing the Purpose and Need for action. The Selected
Alternative also incorporates extensive measures to avoid, minimize, and
mitigate potential harm to the region's natural and human environment. The
United States Environmental Protection Agency has given a Lack of Objection
rating to the proposed project as described in the SDEIS.
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