Steps in the Process

A critical first step in the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) process for the Portal Bridge Capacity Enhancement Project is scoping, the process by which the lead agency for preparation of the EIS seeks comment and input from the public, stakeholders, members of local, state, and federal agencies, and others on the alternatives considered, range of studies, and issues to be addressed in the Draft EIS (DEIS). Throughout the scoping process, the FRA seeks comment and input on the purpose and need and related goals for the proposed bridge replacement or rehabilitation; the studies to be conducted; the types of alternatives to be considered; and the significant project-related issues to be addressed in the DEIS.

The FRA will initiate scoping with publication of a Notice of Intent (NOI) to prepare an EIS for the project. Following publication of the DEIS, the FRA will issue a Notice of Availability (NOA) in the Federal Register announcing that the DEIS is available for agency and public review and comment. The NOA will also identify the period during which comments should be submitted and provide information about public hearing dates and locations.

The FRA will assess and consider all comments on the DEIS and respond to them in a Final EIS (FEIS). Substantive comments received on the DEIS will be addressed in the FEIS, and the FEIS will identify the selected alternative.