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The Environmental Assessment Worksheet that was done for the project extending County Road 17 from the freeway to County Road 14, is sufficient and there is no need for an Environmental Impact Statement.  The County Board issued this “negative declaration” as the responsible governing unit for the project, and has voted that the extension does not have the potential for significant environmental effects.

The easterly extension was also out for public comment and regulatory agencies had an opportunity to make suggestions on the worksheet,  ending early April.  There were 11 comments noted for input on the EAW but none requested that an Impact Statement be required.

The EAW becomes necessary when there is road work over one mile in length, in a new location, according to County Engineer Joe Triplett. The project also impacts more than one acre of wetlands, additionally triggering the worksheet.  

Triplett reminded the Board the designation to not do an EIS is not “approval” for the extension.   This action completes the environmental documentation needed.  The project has no firm timeline yet.  

The county’s Transportation Improvement Plan is on the Board agenda for this month, and Triplett said he will present one TIP version that includes #17 and one that does not.

The county proposes the easterly extension of #17 creating a collector route, constructing a round-about intersection at Forest Blvd., where #17 ends now— and another round-about intersection where it will meet Lincoln Trail or #14.

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