Juniper Dunes final EA

[Grumpy]

Juniper Dunes Access Road Project

FHWA published a Final Environmental Assessment (EA) and a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for the Juniper Dunes Access Road Project. These documents indicate that while there are impacts and benefits from the project, the project does not have a significant environmental impact, and the National Environmental Policy Act compliance phase of the project is complete. The project will now move forward with design and engineering.

FHWA selected Alternative 2 in the EA as the best alternative to meet the purpose and need for the project. Alternative 2 will build a new road from Pasco-Kahlotus Road to the Juniper Dunes Off-Highway Vehicle Area. It will start at Pasco-Kahlotus Road about 1 mile east of the intersection with Peterson Road and travels generally north 4.2 miles to the designated endpoint.

The selected alternative best addresses the project’s purpose and need, is less expensive than the other build alternatives analyzed in the EA, and has the fewest risks to increased cost and schedule. FHWA, in collaboration with the BLM and Franklin County, developed this alternative with consideration of issues raised through the scoping process and comment period from area residents, federal, state, local agencies and Indian Tribes. This decision includes consideration of the EA analysis and evaluation, including best scientific information, and the extent that each of the alternatives met the purpose and need for action .

To view the Final EA and FONSI documents, please see the FHWA website:
http://www.wfl.fhwa.dot.gov/projects/wa/juniper-dunes/

Seth English-Young
Environmental Specialist
Federal Highway Administration
Western Federal Lands
610 East Fifth Street
Vancouver, WA 98661