The next step after the development of the Purpose and Need in the study process is to work with the public and project stakeholders to identify possible improvement alternatives and potential evaluation criteria. This phase concludes with the selection of those improvement alternatives that should be evaluated in detail. Under the provisions of NEPA, alternatives, including the “no build” alternative, will be examined during this process and impacts to the surrounding community and environment will be evaluated. Public involvement and context sensitivity will continue to be applied throughout this part of the study.
View an enlarged version of the Phase I Study Process graphic [pdf / 90 kb]
The further detailed analysis of selected alternatives includes an evaluation of the potential effects on the environment. These findings, in addition to the findings from previous steps, are reported in the Environmental Impact Statement document. The last step in this process includes further detailed technical and design evaluation associated with the alternatives, resulting in a recommendation of a preferred alternative.
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