|
Downtown Brookings - Highway 101 Project
|
|
|
Article Content
|
 |
| News Releases |
|
December 1, 2004
Study for downtown Brookings set for Dec. 16 public release
BROOKINGS — The Environmental Assessment (EA) for the Downtown Brookings – Highway 101 Transportation Solutions project is scheduled for public release on Thursday, Dec. 16.
The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT), in cooperation with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), City of Brookings staff, the project Stakeholder Committee, and local citizens, developed the EA to identify and evaluate long-term solutions to transportation congestion and safety problems in downtown Brookings.
The need for the EA was prompted by existing and projected traffic, pedestrian, and safety issues associated with U.S. Highway 101 from mile post 356.5 (near Arnold Lane) to mile post 357.7 (near Constitution Way). The EA document assesses project alternatives in terms of negative and positive impacts that could affect the human and natural environment.
The EA also includes a Section 4(f) Evaluation, which discusses potential project impacts to local parks.
Public comment
In January, ODOT will host two public meetings – the first an open house and the second a formal public hearing – in Brookings to discuss the project and additional opportunities for public comment. Dates and times for these meetings will be announced later this month.
Following the EA review period, comments received will be analyzed and discussed by the Stakeholder Committee, the Project Development Team, and FHWA. A recommendation will also be sought from the Brookings City Council, after which a "preferred alternative" will be identified. Following any necessary revisions to alternative design and/or the impact analysis, a Revised Environmental Assessment will be prepared and released.
Copies available
Beginning Thursday, Dec. 16, copies will be available for review at the Brookings City Hall, 898 Elk Drive, and Chetco Public Library, 405 Alder Street.
On Friday, Dec. 17 the EA and Draft Section 4(f) Evaluation will be available at ODOT’s southwest Oregon Web site (Home Page). Declared interested parties will automatically receive a copy of the document.
The public has a 50-day review and comment period to respond. The comment period will close on Friday, February 4. Comments can be submitted via the Web site or directly to ODOT Project Manager Greg Holthoff via e-mail (Greg.Holthoff@odot.state.or.us) or regular mail:
Greg Holthoff
ODOT Geo-Environmental Section
355 Capitol St. NE, Room 311
Salem, OR 97301-3871
For more information:
Jared Castle
Public Information Specialist
Voice: (541) 957-3656
Jared.B.Castle@odot.state.or.us
Matt Malone
Project Leader
Voice: (541) 957-3503
Richard.Malone@odot.state.or.us
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|