Newsletter No.2
September 2000
Eagle County Airport Interchange
Environmental Assessment

This is the second in a series of newsletters reporting on the status of the Eagle County Airport Interchange Environmental Assessment (EA). This newsletter provides you with a summary of agency and public scoping and an update of the EA process.

Introduction
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) are conducting an Environmental Assessment (EA) for the construction of a new interchange along Interstate 70 (I-70) between Eagle and Gypsum to accommodate the recent expansion of the airport and anticipated growth among surrounding communities. Additional benefits that may also result from the project, include:

• Improve the existing and projected congestion at the Eagle and Gypsum Interchanges

• Reduce the projected traffic volumes along I-70 (Eagle Spur Road) and on SH 6

• Potentially reduce air pollution through a more direct connectivity and reductions in motorist delays

• Enhancements to area-wide intermodal transportation (including transit, rail, recreational trails, and park-n-rides per the 1996 Eagle County Master Plan)

The EA will investigate solutions to provide a more direct connection between I-70 and the Eagle County Regional Airport. CDOT has been working closely with local, state, and federal agencies and the public as they move forward through the EA process.


Summary of Public and Agency Scoping
Scoping is the first step in the EA process. The process is conducted early in the project and is open to the public (agencies and general public) to identify the range, or “scope”, of issues and alternatives to be addressed during the environmental studies and in the EA. The initial scoping period is complete. Public input, however, will be sought at key milestones of this study.

Meetings conducted to date are listed as follows:

• One Agency Scoping Meeting was held on May 25, 2000. Twenty-five representatives from various federal, state, county, and local agencies were present at the meeting.

• A Public Open House was held on June 7, 2000 at the Gypsum Town Hall in which thirty-two people attended. The informal event allowed attendees to view graphic illustrations and ask questions of CDOT and the project team. A court reporter was also on hand to accept and record public input and comment.

• A small group meeting was held on July 24, 2000 with property owners within the project study area. The purpose of the meeting was to solicit input, identify the concerns of the residents, and keep the landowners informed of the project and the EA process. Attendees discussed the need for the project, their concerns regarding potential alternatives being considered and potential impacts to the environment.

• A small group meeting with local businesses was held on July 25, 2000 to discuss the local business interests associated with this project. Attendees discussed their traffic concerns, the need to preserve the natural integrity of the area, and the need to sustain the local businesses.

• A small group meeting with the Eagle County Regional Airport representatives and service providers was conducted on July 25, 2000. Concerns expressed included the poor signage on local roadways and the increased need for more parking with the improvements.

The scoping comments received through agency scoping meetings, the public open house, telephone calls, comment forms submitted, and three small group meetings are being compiled and will be reviewed by CDOT and the project team to identify sensitive issues and concerns of the public in relation to the EA. A very brief summary of the comments received to date is provided on the next page.

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