1/23/2013
More than 300 attend U.S. 95, Thorncreek to Moscow public hearing
BOISE - The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) held a public hearing Wednesday to gather comments on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the U.S. 95, Thorncreek to Moscow project.
The project proposes to widen and realign the 6.5-mile section of highway to four lanes from Thorncreek to Moscow, improving the route’s capacity and safety. The Draft Environmental Impact Statement is an analysis of the potential environmental effects of the routes being considered.
Approximately 350 people attended the hearing, which was held in Moscow. There were approximately 175 comments submitted.
During the hearing, participants gave comments verbally to public hearing officers, in written form and during open-microphone testimony at 3 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.
Those attending the open-mic sessions expressed support for the alternatives they thought would improve safety, maintain the area’s scenery, protect native prairie grass and preserve the area’s farmlands.
Pat Rathmann, who moved to Moscow 4 ½ years ago from Cincinnati, said she favors widening the existing U.S. 95 section south of Moscow, or adding passing lanes. Her second choice is the C-3, or Central Alternative. She’s concerned the E-2, or Eastern Alternative, will be close to an area where she says fog is a regular occurrence and would reduce visibility.
Del Hungerford also spoke at one of the open-mic sessions. Hungerford, who lives south of Moscow, favors the E-2 alternative even though the route comes close to her home.
“I’ve read the entire DEIS,” she said. “To me, it’s the safest.” She pulls off of U.S. 95 onto Eid Road to get home, and is concerned about being hit by other vehicles that don’t slow down. She also supports limiting access points to U.S. 95.
Participants also had the opportunity to speak with technical experts about the Draft Environmental Impact Statement, learn about the project’s background and view maps of each alternative presented in the DEIS.
After the Draft Environmental Impact Statement comment period ends on Feb. 23, ITD will begin to prepare the Final Environmental Impact Statement and Record of Decision.
The Final Environmental Impact Statement will address public comments, make corrections to the Draft Environmental Impact Statement and identify the Federal Highway Administration’s and ITD’s selected alternative. The Record of Decision will announce the selected alternative, state why it was selected and the mitigation that will be done to offset environmental impacts.
For anyone who was unable to attend the public hearing, comments can be e-mailed to comments@itd.idaho.gov or sent by mail to: Office of Communications, P.O. Box 7129, Boise, ID 83707-1129.