Public Involvement
This project was featured at Open Houses in 2001, March 2004, May 2005, June 2006, and January 2008.
Environmental Protection
This study will define the final alignment and identify impacts to both natural and human environments, which could include endangered/threatened species, wetlands, geologic hazards, aquifers, air/noise issues, cultural/historic impacts, and the McNary Wildlife Refuge.
This study will include an environmental inventory, document existing environmental conditions, and complete the environmental documentation.
Please visit the WSDOT Environmental Services Web site for more information.
Will this project impact tribal resources?
WSDOT seeks to address the concerns of the tribal nations using the process outlined in Section 106 of The National Historic Preservation Act and the WSDOT Tribal Consultation Policy adopted in 2003 by the Transportation Commission as part of the WSDOT Centennial Accord Plan.
WSDOT has involved area tribal representatives to avoid culturally sensitive areas within the corridor. The following tribes were contacted as an important part of the Section 106 process of the National Historic Preservation Act: Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Nation, Confederated Tribes of the Yakama Nation, Confederated Tribes of the Colville Nation, Confederated Tribes of the Nez Perce Nation, and the Wanapum Tribe. The Umatilla Nation and the Yakama Nation have been actively involved in the Interagency Project Team (IPT) efforts to avoid impacts to culturally sensitive areas and to the habitat of endangered species.
For more information visit our WSDOT Tribal Liaison website.