Scoping and Public Involvement Mid Spring 2000 - Early Summer
2001
Scoping is an open public process initiated at the beginning of the EA to help identify
the public's concerns and possible solutions. The Public Involvement Program, which is
on-going throughout the EA, provides opportunities for public participation in refining
the Purpose and Need of the project, the range of alternatives to be considered and the
issues to be addressed. CDOT will provide a wide range of forums to encourage agency
and public involvement throughout the EA. |
Alternative Analysis Late Spring 2000 - Fall
2001
Alternatives proposed through the scoping process will be screened to determine how
well each meets the project's Purpose and Need. Evaluation criteria developed through
EA scoping will be used to screen the alternatives. Alternatives examined during the
Alternative Analysis stage either will be screened out or advanced to the Environmental
Analysis stage of the EA. |
Environmental Analysis Fall 2000 -Spring 2001
Alternatives advanced through the Alternative Analysis process will be studied at an
appropriate level, relative to the environmental issues and according to the NEPA
process. A period for agency and public review will follow the publication of the Draft
EA. |
Preferred Alternative Summer 2001
The alternative that is proposed by the EA as the course of action (this could include a
recommendation of “no action”) is the Preferred Alternative. The Preferred Alternative
has been selected after having conducted the Alternative and Environmental Analysis. |
EA Document Preparation
Fall 2001 - Spring 2002
The EA Document Preparation will begin at the initiation of the project and will explain
the Purpose and Need for the project, Alternative Analysis, Environmental Analysis and
the selection of a Preferred Alternative. A 30-day public review and comment period
followed by a public hearing is required to conclude the EA. The Federal Highway
Administration (FHWA), as Lead Agency may determine a Finding of No Significant
Impact (FONSI) based on findings and the recommendations proposed by the EA. A
FONSI indicates that the proposed alternative has no significant impact on the
environment. |
