Preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is required by the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969 in order for a project to be eligable to receive federal funding. An EIS is a decision making document that describes:
- The purpose of and the need for the proposed transportation project;
- The screening process to select the alternative(s) that best meet the purpose and need;
- The evaluation of potential impacts – positive and negative – of these alternatives; and
- Mitigation measures to avoid or reduce impacts.
The EIS provides decision makers with key information on the alternatives under consideration with regard to their potential impacts to the built, natural, and social environments that may occur within the project study area.
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