7/13/2010
Federal Highway Administration approves environmental document for U.S. 95, Garwood to Sagle corridor
COEUR d'ALENE - A project to realign and reconstruct 31.5 miles of U.S. 95 north of Coeur dAlene received environmental clearance last week, allowing the development of future construction projects in the corridor, the Idaho Transportation Department announced.
The Federal Highway Administration approved the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) on July 2 for the U.S. 95, Garwood to Sagle corridor project. That approval clears the way for planned right of way purchases and the beginning of preliminary design.
The Garwood to
Sagle corridor serves a rapidly growing population in northern Kootenai and
southern Bonner counties and is an important part of Idaho's primary
north-south highway.
"Environmental clearance is an important part of the process that will lead to major improvements for drivers in northern Idaho," said District 1 Engineer Damon Allen. "We worked closely with the Federal Highway Administration for about seven years to ensure we meet the environmental requirements. FHWAs record of decision is a critical milestone in the process."
That decision includes approval of an alignment for the future highway, which was identified as the Preferred Alternative in the FEIS. Right of way acquisition will focus on the southern end of the corridor, from Boekel Road to Granite Hill, in Kootenai and Bonner counties.
"The transportation board and the Legislature have already authorized funding for the design and purchase of right of way needed for these first stages," Allen said. " Once final design work is completed, bidding packages will be prepared."
Construction will begin when funding becomes available.
The U.S. 95, Garwood to Sagle corridor is one of six transportation corridors throughout the state funded through the GARVEE Transportation Program, which allows Idaho to plan, design and build more highway projects in less time than through traditional transportation funding methods. It uses Grant Anticipation Revenue Vehicle (GARVEE) bonds to fund critical improvements in the six transportation corridors.