Environmental Assessment: FAQ
The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) was signed into law on January 1, 1970, and requires federal agencies to assess the environmental effects of their proposed actions prior to making decisions. The range of actions covered by NEPA is broad and includes:
- Making decisions on permit applications
- Adopting federal land management actions
- Constructing highways and other publicly-owned facilities
More NEPA Resources
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)
Purpose: to provide a safe, reliable, and sustainable transportation facility that supports mobility needs and is flexible for all users.
Need: KDOT has identified the following initial needs along the K-96 Improvements Project corridor being studied:
- Improve safety and address crash frequency and severity within the corridor
- Replace aging pavement
- Reduce congestion and improve traffic operations to meet existing and future travel demands
- Provide flexible choices by promoting a transportation system that accommodates the needs for all users and modes
- Support local and regional growth through coordinated transportation improvements consistent with planned and proposed community land use
The K-96 Improvements Project includes upgrades to the K-96 and Woodlawn Blvd Interchange near Chisholm Creek Park, which sees monarch butterfly activity during annual migration. To ensure the design of the K-96 Improvements Project does not negatively affect these butterfly easements, KDOT conducted a review as part of the ongoing project Environmental Assessment and will coordinate with the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) and consult the Kansas Monarch Conservation Plan for any required mitigation measures.
Section 4(f) De Minimis Impacts to Parks and Trails in the Study Area
De minimis impacts involve the use of Section 4(f) properties (for this project, parks and trails) that are generally minor in nature. A de minimis impact is one that, after taking into account avoidance, minimization, mitigation and enhancement measures, results in no adverse effect to the activities, features, or attributes qualifying a park, recreation area, or refuge for protection under Section 4(f).
Learn More About Section 4(f)
The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requires federal agencies, including the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), to consider the environmental effects of projects that use federal funds or require federal agency approvals. Since KDOT is using federal funds on this Project, they're required to do an Environmental Assessment.
Environmental Studies Include, but are not limited to:
Stormwater runoff and management issues
Business and residential properties displaced
Incorporation of bike/pedestrian facilities and connections to existing/planned trail systems
Avoiding and/or minimizing impacts to wetlands and other environmental considerations
Changes in access to community facilities: YMCA, schools, places of worship, and more
Traffic noise impacts and where noise barriers/walls may be considered