Public hearing to collect comments scheduled for Sept. 28, 2011
NEW ORLEANS, LA – On Sept. 28, 2011, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New Orleans District, is holding a public hearing in Abita Springs, La. to collect comments on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development’s proposed I-12 to Bush highway project. This environmental document is currently available for public review through October 24, 2011.
"The purpose of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement is to evaluate the potential environmental impacts of the proposed project," said Dr. James Barlow, Corps Environmental Manager. "Public review and input is an important component of this evaluation."
Community members and stakeholders are invited to comment on the DEIS which contains a description of the proposed project, maps of the proposed project area, an evaluation of alternatives and an analysis of potential environmental impacts. DEIS provides the public and interested public agencies the opportunity to review the proposed project and provide comments on the proposed project and the DEIS.
Public Hearing Details:
When: Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2011
6:00 to 6:30 p.m. - Open House and opportunity to provide one-on-one comments to a certified court reporter
6:30 to 6:45 p.m. – Brief presentation outlining content of the DEIS
6:45 to 8:30 p.m. – Acceptance of oral comments only
Where: Abita Springs Town Hall
22161 Level St.
Abita Springs, LA.
In addition to comments received during the public hearing, the Corps will accept written comments on the DEIS between Sep t. 9, 2011 and Oct. 24, 2011. Comments on the proposed project should be directed to:
James A. Barlow, Jr., PhD
Project Manager
New Orleans District, Corps of Engineers
P.O. Box 60267
New Orleans, Louisiana 70160-0267
Comments may also be sent by email to: I-12toBush@usace.army.mil
Copies of theDEIS are available for public review during regular business hours at the following locations:
· Louisiana State Library, 701 North 4th Street, Baton Rouge, LA
· University of New Orleans, Louisiana Collection, 2000 Lakeshore Drive, New Orleans, LA
· Bogalusa Public Library, 304 Avenue F, Bogalusa, LA
· Franklinton Public Library, 825 Free Street, Franklinton, LA
· Bush Public Library, 81597 Hwy 41, Bush, LA
· Slidell Public Library, 555 Robert Blvd., Slidell, LA
· Pearl River Public Library, 64580 Hwy 41, Pearl River, LA
· Covington Public Library, 310 W 21st Ave, Covington, LA
· Abita Springs Public Library, 71683 Leveson Street, Abita Springs, LA
· Mandeville Public Library, 844 Girod Street, Mandeville, LA
· Lee Road Public Library, 79213 Hwy 40, Covington, LA
The DEIS may also be accessed online at the project website: www.i12tobush.com or the New Orleans District website:
http://www.mvn.usace.army.mil/ops/regulatory/Bush.htm
Directions to Public Hearing: From I-12 West: take Exit 59 for LA 21 N toward Covington, turn left onto LA 21 N/S Tyler Street, continue to follow LA 21 N, turn right onto W 21st Avenue, Continue onto LA 21 N/E Boston Street, continue to follow LA 21 N, turn right onto LA 36 E, at the traffic circle take the 3rd exit onto Level Street, destination will be on the left.
From 1-12 East: take Exit 65 to merge onto LA 59 N toward Abita Springs, at the traffic circle take the 2nd exit onto Level Street, destination will be on the left.