HomeMy WebLinkAboutWhat is NEPAThe Iowa City Gateway
Project is led by Iowa
City in coordination with the U.S. Economic
Development
Administration, the
Iowa Department of
Transportation and the Federal Highway
Administration and in
cooperation with the
University of Iowa.
More information about
Iowa City Gateway can be
found at:
iowacitygateway.org or by
phoning 319-356-5140.
February, 2011
Immediately after federal approval is received, design and engineering of the Iowa
City Gateway preferred alternative will begin.
Community Input
Agency Review
Community Input
Impact Evaluation
Community Input
Purpose and Need
Mulple inial alt ernaves a re developed.
Inial alt ernaves a re evaluated. From those,
Reasonable alternaves a re idenfied.
Reasonable alternaves a re evaluated.
From those,
A preferred alternave is idenfied.
The recommendaon and evaluaon process
is documented for review by partnering
federal agencies.
Federal approval is recieved, allowing the
project to move to the next phase.
Phase 1 - Plan
Phase 1 of the Iowa City Gateway project will be completion of the National
Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) planning process. NEPA is required for
projects that will seek federal funds and/or federal permits.
Beyond legal requirements, however, the NEPA process helps governmental
agencies and local communities make well-informed decisions about future
projects. Additionally, the process gives the community (1) access to information
used by agencies in selecting a preferred alternative and (2) a chance to have
input into those public decisions. The NEPA process requires that the following
questions be answered before they receive federal approval:
• What is the problem? What is needed? The study’s Purpose and Need
serves as a guide throughout the evaluation process.
• How might the improvement impact the natural environment like water, air
and threatened and endangered species?
• How might the improvement project impact neighborhoods and businesses?
How would historic or archaeological sites be impacted? How would
economically disadvantaged groups be affected?
• How would the proposed improvement work? Does it address the Purpose
and Need? What will it cost construct and to maintain?
The NEPA process