Contact: Doug Hecox
(202) 366-0660
FHWA 04-08

Formal environmental review process begins today, officials say

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of Transportation today invited the American public to formally comment on proposed design and route alternatives for the Detroit River International Crossing (DRIC).

With the publication of the project's draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) in today's Federal Register, seen by many as a critical milestone for this historic bi-national project, the American public has 60 days to provide input.

The EIS is a central part of the federal environmental review process, and allows for public participation in analyzing and disclosing environmental impacts. At less than four years, preparation of this document took approximately half the time needed for similar projects of this size.

When completed, the DRIC will span nearly seven miles. In addition to improving commercial traffic flow across the international border at Detroit and Windsor, Ontario, the new crossing will fulfill the needs of a 30-year transportation improvement plan developed jointly by the Federal Highway Administration, Michigan Department of Transportation, Ontario Ministry of Transportation and Transport Canada.

The public review period for the draft EIS will end April 29, 2008. Two public hearings are planned for mid-March in Detroit.

Copies of the draft EIS and supporting materials are available online at www.partnershipborderstudy.com/reports_us.asp.

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