| Planning Process |
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| Please click the image to see it full size. |
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Initial Studies and Conceptual Engineering,
Public Meeting #1 |
| This initial phase of the project involves learning about the conditions and constraints in the project area. At the first public meeting the project is introduced, and the community is asked to give their input about the project and where it should be located. |
| Develop Line & Grade Alternatives |
| Using the information gathered in the first stage of the project, preliminary alternatives are developed. |
| Initial Impacts Evaluation |
| Environmental investigations are undertaken for the preliminary alternatives to determine if there are any serious problems. |
| Discuss Findings at Public Meeting #2 |
| The preliminary alternatives that are not found to have any serious flaws are presented at the second public meeting. Public opinion of the alternatives is received, and alternatives that do not meet community needs are eliminated. |
| Refine Line & Grade Alternatives |
| In response to the comments received at the second public meeting and further environmental analyses, the remaining alternatives are refined. |
| Further Public Involvement Public Meeting #3 |
| The refined alternatives are presented at the third public meeting, and consensus is sought about which alternatives should be the subject of the Environmental Impact Statement. |
Draft Environmental Impact Statement
and Comment Period |
| A Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) will be prepared and distributed to the public and interested agencies. After distribution, there is an official advertised comment period that includes a public hearing. |
| Final Environmental Impact Statement |
| Following the public hearing, a preferred alternative will be selected and the Final Draft Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) will be prepared. All of the comments received during the official comment period will be addressed in the FEIS. |
| Record of Decision |
| After the publication of the FEIS, a Record of Decision (ROD) may be issued from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). If the ROD is issued, the construction process can begin. |
