1	US 93 Whitefish - West November 2007
2	History Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) & Record of Decision (ROD) Completed 1994 Somers to West of Whitefish Corridor Preliminary Design Completed 2006 Identified specific issues related to Urban & West projects
3	Environmental Re-Evaluation Purpose Assess whether the 1994 U.S. Highway 93 Somers to Whitefish West FEIS is still valid, up-to-date, and complete
4	Environmental Re-Evaluation Primary Questions Are there changes to the proposed action that would result in new significant impacts that were not evaluated in the FEIS? Are there changes to the affected environment, such as new information, circumstances, laws, regulations, or local ordinances that would result in new significant impacts that were not evaluated in the FEIS?
5	Environmental Re-Evaluation Citizens Working Group (CWG) Formed to offer comment on critical issues and design details Represent local interests benefiting and impacted by the project Develop recommendations for the decision-makers
6	Environmental Re-Evaluation Decision Team City – Mayor County – Commissioner MDT – District Administrator FHWA – Operations Engineer
7	Draft Re-Evaluation Findings There are substantial changes to the proposed action and affected environment within the Whitefish Urban area, which would result in potential new significant impacts, including: Additional turn lanes and widening to provide desired level of service and traffic operations Adoption of the Whitefish Downtown Business District Master Plan which identifies goals for land use, social, economic, and pedestrian facilities which were not compatible with the proposed action
8	Draft Re-Evaluation Findings There are changes to the proposed action and affected environment within the Whitefish West project area, however, these changes would not result in new significant impacts that were not previously evaluated in the FEIS. These include: Changes to the proposed action to provide improved safety and meet current design standards Additional wetlands and threatened and endangered species that were not identified in the FEIS
9	Draft Re-Evaluation Findings Whitefish Urban The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) determined that additional study was needed for US 93 in the urban area. Whitefish West The FHWA determined that the Whitefish West project could proceed with a Re-Evaluation of the FEIS.
10	Current Proposed Action
11	CWG Recommendations November 14^th Meeting Cost is an overwhelming factor Underpasses are essential for safety of the bike path Speed limits need to be lower Bike facilities should contribute to the “system” and a sense of connection throughout the community.
12	CWG Recommendations November 14^th Meeting Community character and values should be reflected in the design - Two lane bridge - Narrower Lane widths in the urban area - Maintenance of local businesses - Appreciation and sensitivity to land owners who may be impacted by the Highway’s design The project should explore and accommodate the possibility of future mass transit
13	What’s Next? Decision Team Meeting (Jan ’08) Final Re-Evaluation (March ’08) Final Design (’08-’09) Right-of-way Acquisition (’09-’11) Construction (2011*)
14	For More Information… www.wgmgroup.com Jeremy Keene, P.E. jkeene@wgmgroup.com 406.728.4611