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CHAPTER 6: NEXT STEPS <br />6.3 Environmental <br />Analysis and <br />Documentation <br />1-90 is a federal facility and is maintained and <br />operated by WSDOT. Because of this federal <br />nexus (and potential federal funding) federal <br />environmental regulations must be followed. <br />As funding becomes available the County, in <br />partnership with WSDOT and in consultation <br />with the Federal Highway Administration <br />(FHWA), will prepare environmental <br />documentation pursuant to the National <br />Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). In addition, <br />because of state and county involvement, the <br />Washington State Environmental Policy Act <br />(SEPA) and Healthy Environment for All (HEAL) <br />Act would also be part of the environmental <br />and approval process. <br />Historically, FHWA has encouraged agencies <br />to prepare a Planning and Environmental <br />Linkages (PEL) study prior to moving forward <br />with NEPA. However, WSDOT has determined a <br />PEL is not necessary for this project since the <br />purpose of such a study is to reduce the range <br />of alternatives by identifying those that are not <br />feasible (i.e., those that have fatal flaws) or do <br />not meet the purpose and need for the project. <br />Because this feasibility study narrowed down <br />the alternatives and identified those that are <br />not feasible and do not meet the purpose and <br />need, preparation of a PEL would be a costly <br />and unnecessary step. Therefore, the next step <br />in environmental review is to identify the NEPA <br />documentation (class of action) required for <br />this project. <br />Preliminary engineering will be developed <br />to help identify potential impacts for key <br />environmental areas including, but not limited <br />to: noise, wildlife connectivity, fish passage, <br />and cultural resources. <br />Once preliminary design and environmental <br />screening has occurred, the County will work <br />with WSDOT to prepare information for FHWA <br />regarding how to move forward with NEPA. <br />Consultation with FHWA will be critical to <br />determine the appropriate NEPA documentation. <br />The necessary NEPA documentation can range <br />from a Categorical Exclusion (CE) (a checklist <br />which is often accompanied by technical <br />studies) to an Environmental Assessment (EA) <br />(more robust than a CE and requires a formal <br />public comment period) to an Environmental <br />Impact Statement (EIS). An EIS requires lengthy, <br />in-depth analysis and formal public comment <br />periods and hearings. The County will work with <br />WSDOT and FHWA to determine which class of <br />action is appropriate for this project. <br />The County will determine the level of <br />documentation to comply with SEPA. If it is <br />determined a SEPA Checklist will be completed <br />(with technical studies), the County may choose <br />to adopt the NEPA documentation as part of <br />their SEPA process. <br />6.4 Outreach and <br />Engagement <br />This feasibility study will be widely available <br />via the STEER 1-90 website to the general <br />public and stakeholders to review and provide <br />comments. Comments received on this <br />document will be compiled and reviewed and <br />will be a key consideration when designing the <br />scope of work and analysis approach for the <br />NEPA/SEPA process. <br />It is the County's and WSDOT's intent to <br />re -initiate and expand upon the community <br />and stakeholder outreach that was completed <br />as part of this feasibility study as the project <br />moves into the NEPA/SEPA process. <br />VOLUME I: FEASIBILITY REPORT 1-90 Corridor - Easton to Cle Elum Feasibility Study 184 <br />