I-39/90/94 Study - Environmental information

Formal scoping period closed

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) published a Notice of Intent (NOI) to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the I-39/90/94 Corridor Study. The NOI formally began the environmental review process, which included a 30-day public comment period (also known as scoping), where WisDOT and FHWA requested input on issues to consider in the EIS.

The formal public scoping comment period closed August 17, 2023. You can review the Scoping Summary. The summary describes the scoping process and comments received. Outcomes of the scoping process will be provided at the next public involvement meeting anticipated in Fall 2023 and summarized in the Draft EIS.

You can find a link to the NOI, published in the Federal Register here. WisDOT and FHWA also prepared an Additional Information Document, which describes the study purpose and need, alternatives and the alternatives screening process and anticipated impacts.

To understand more about the study scoping phase, you may watch the following presentation.

WisDOT and FHWA encourage comments on any element of the study, including the purpose and need, alternatives and impacts of concern. You can provide comments using this comment form. The comment period will close August 17, 2023.

WisDOT environmental information

WisDOT works to balance the department's transportation responsibilities with environmental impacts, avoiding and minimizing such impacts when possible. When avoidance or minimization is not possible, the department works to mitigate environmental impacts where appropriate. Mitigation efforts could include restoring the project area after construction or designating an off-site “mitigation bank” system to temper wetland impacts. Click the following link to learn more about WisDOT’s environmental processes: Wisconsin Department of Transportation Environmental programs (wisconsindot.gov).

What is National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)?

The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) was signed into law on January 1, 1970. NEPA requires federal agencies to assess the environmental effects of their proposed actions prior to making decisions. The range of actions covered by NEPA is broad, including constructing highways and other publicly-owned facilities. Using the NEPA process, agencies evaluate the environmental and related social and economic effects of their proposed actions. Agencies also provide opportunities for public review and comment on those evaluations.

What is an Environmental Impact Statement?

An EIS is a document that the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requires for federally funded actions that could significantly affect the quality of the human environment. An EIS is a tool for decision-making, detailing a proposed action's positive and negative environmental effects. An EIS typically includes the following content:

  • Purpose and need statement: Identifies the purpose of the study and the issues identified with the project area.
  • Alternatives: Describes alternatives under consideration that could address the purpose and need of the study.
  • Affected environment: Describes the environment of the area the alternatives could affect.
  • Environmental consequences: Discusses environmental effects and their significance.

Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS)

WisDOT is planning to complete a Draft EIS (DEIS) in 2024.

Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS)

WisDOT is planning to complete the Final EIS (FEIS) in 2024.