Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), will prepare the environmental documents for review by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). The FHWA is the Federal Agency responsible for final approval of the environmental document. This study, and the supporting environmental documents, will be governed by the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and state regulatory requirements. Opportunities exist for the public to provide input into the alternatives and project-related environmental impacts.
NEPA guides federally funded projects and projects that require a Federal permit to lessen potential damges to the environment. IDOT is required to evaluate alternative ways of accomplishing and meeting study needs. They will assess the natural, built, and human environment to determine the extent of impacts that may arise from constructing and operating a project. Environmental factors such as air quality, wildlife, vegetation, water quality, wetlands, geology, neighborhoods, park/recreation areas, utilities, visual quality, and cultural resources will be assessed. Public comments that are received during the alternative analysis phase are considered in the draft environmental document. Following NEPA guidelines, a document called an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) will be prepared. The process calls for continuous environmental evaluations as alternatives are analyzed.
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