6/8/2006
Public input sought on Environmental Assessment for the U.S. 95 Council Alternate Route Project
COUNCIL - A public hearing to record testimony on the Environmental Assessment (EA) for the U.S. 95 Council Alternate Route Project is scheduled from 4 - 7 p.m. on Thursday, June 22 at Council Elementary School, 202 Highway 95 in Council, the Idaho Transportation Department announced.
The hearing is the public's opportunity to provide testimony regarding the EA and the "preferred alternative" design concept for the U.S. 95 Council Alternate Route Project.
Copies of the EA are currently available for review at Council City Hall and Council Public Library. In Boise they are available at the ITD District 3 office, ITD Headquarters information desk and the Federal Highway Administration offices. Copies of the EA on compact disk are available by request, or the document can be downloaded at itd.idaho.gov - choose Get Involved, then Southwest Idaho on the map and click on U.S. 95 Council Alternate Route.
The purpose of the project is to improve pedestrian and traffic safety, reduce congestion, and reduce U.S. 95 through-traffic within the downtown and southerly areas in Council. U.S. 95 is an important highway for the local community and for motorists traveling between northern and southern Idaho. The highway makes two 90-degree turns within Council's city limits. Parked cars create problems for trucks and recreational vehicles trying to make the turns. The turning trucks create additional hazards for other vehicles and pedestrians.
Displays illustrating the design of the preferred alternative, environmental impacts and other project information will be available for review at the hearing. ITD staff will answer questions about property acquisition, alternative impacts and environmental issues.
A hearing officer will be available to record oral testimony or written testimony and/or exhibits can be submitted at the hearing, by e-mail (comments@itd.gov), by fax (208-334-8563), or sent by postal mail to Public Involvement Coordinator, P.O. Box 7129, Boise, ID, 83707-1129. Items postmarked by July 6, 2006, will become part of the official record for this project.