The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) requires a project-level Environmental Assessment (EA) under their regulations before the ARRA funding can be made available for construction. The EA process examined all the various aspects of this project including impacts on roadway traffic, public safety, impacts on community development plans, and other environmental impacts.
WSDOT and the FRA completed the EA in early October and the information is available online and in local libraries. WSDOT hosted two meetings where the public could review project study findings, speak with project staff, and view project maps and displays and offer offer official comments.
To ensure meaningful engagement and to maintain steady progress on the project, we invited key stakeholders and municipalities within the project area to be part of two advisory teams - a technical team and an executive team. Learn more about the Advisory Teams.
WSDOT continues to consult with local tribes, the cities of Tacoma, DuPont and Lakewood, Pierce County, Camp Murray, and Joint Base Lewis-McChord.
The formal comment period is now closed. WSDOT and FRA are currently evaluating the comments received. FRA’s decision is expected by the end of 2012, WSDOT’s decision will follow. If approved, the project would move into the preliminary engineering and permitting phase. Construction would likely begin in Spring of 2015 and conclude by Spring 2017.
For Point Defiance Bypass Environmental inquiries:
Larry Mattson
State Rail and Marine Office
larry.mattson@wsdot.wa.gov