What is the goal of the 11400 South Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)?
The goal of the 11400 South EIS is to assess the transportation demand and issues in the southern Salt Lake Valley from 12300/12600 South to 10600/10400 South and from Bangerter Highway to 700 East and to determine the best transportation solution for the study area. A purpose and need for a transportation solution in this area has been established, and preliminary alternatives were developed to meet those needs, including no action, transit, roadways, and other multi-modal options. These alternatives are being evaluated to determine which one will be advanced as the preferred alternative in the EIS.

What is an EIS?
An Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is a disclosure document. The National
Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) mandates that this document be completed when a proposed project, such as a transportation project, has the potential for significant environmental impacts. The term “environment” encompasses the social, economic, and natural surroundings.
The final EIS will:

• Discuss and address public comments received and summarize public involvement.
• Evaluate all reasonable alternatives considered.
• Compare environmental impacts of the alternatives.
• Identify the preferred alternative.
• Describe proposed measures to mitigate impacts resulting from the proposed project.
  

What is the study area? (See Map)
The project study area extends from 12300 South/12600 South to 10600 South/10400 South and from Bangerter Highway to 700 East. It includes portions of the cities of Draper, Riverton, Sandy, and South Jordan.

What will take place during each phase of the EIS?
The first step in the EIS process was to determine the purpose and need for a transportation solution in the study area. Factors studied for the purpose and need included population growth projections, transportation and social demands, safety concerns, and other factors, and then identified transportation needs or problems in the area. Based on the purpose and need, preliminary alternatives were developed. These alternatives were evaluated and compared to determine which would be advanced for detailed analysis in the EIS. Alternatives that did not meet the project purpose and need, had excessive costs, or had disproportionate number of relocations required were not advanced for further study. Public input on the alternatives to be advanced is now being collected. The preferred alternative will be selected based on input from the public and the cities involved and will be presented in the draft EIS.

Below is the anticipated EIS schedule:

• Public Involvement - throughout project
• Determination of Project Purpose and Need – Summer/Fall 2003
• Development and Screening of Alternatives - Fall 2003
• Detailed Evaluation of Alternatives - Fall and Winter 2003
• Prepare Draft Environmental Impact Statement - Winter through Spring 2004
• Selection of Preferred Alternative - Spring 2004
• Public Hearing on the draft EIS – November 2004
• Preparation of Final EIS - Summer through Fall 2004
• Record of Decision (by FHWA) - November 2004
  

Who are the project partners?
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT), and the four cities in the study area: South Jordan, Draper, Riverton, and Sandy are the project partners. URS Corporation is the engineering consulting firm leading the study.

Who makes the decisions regarding the study?
The project team consists of representatives of the four cities, as well as individuals representing UDOT and FHWA. Based on public input, traffic and engineering information, and environmental studies, the project team will make recommendations to FHWA and UDOT. FHWA and UDOT will make the final decisions.

What is the history of this project?
In the past, an Environmental Assessment (EA) of a proposed 11400 South Interchange with I-15 was conducted. However, since the completion of this EA the project scope has changed and the geographic study area has expanded. As a result, a comprehensive, in-depth EIS is taking place to look at the broader issues associated with transportation issues in the study area.

Will UDOT study environmental impacts?
The EIS is being prepared in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The EIS will address the beneficial and adverse social, economic, and environmental effects of each alternative under consideration and describe the measures proposed to mitigate adverse impacts. The EIS team consists of experienced environmental professionals to ensure that we consider every potential impact.

What is Context Sensitive Solutions?
Context Sensitive Solutions (CSS) is a transportation project approach that seeks public input and endorsement while meeting the technical merits of a project. CSS uses public input and early involvement of members of the community to ensure transportation projects are an asset to the community. The CSS approach examines transportation solutions and their impacts on the larger context of the physical, social, economic, political and cultural surroundings. UDOT is addressing this project using the principles outlined in the CSS approach.

Where do transportation and advocacy groups stand regarding this study?
While we cannot speak for these groups, UDOT will make a concentrated effort to involve local transportation and advocacy groups in the EIS process. Their input will be an important consideration in identifying transportation alternatives, along with feedback from other members of the affected public.

How will community leaders and citizens who live and/or work in the area be involved in the process?
As part of the EIS process, UDOT has pooled a diverse group of people to form a Transportation Ideas Exchange (TIE) where individuals present the opinions and concerns of the communities in the 11400 South study area. To ensure effective communication between the partners and the public, UDOT selected a team of highly committed and diverse individuals, including community leaders and citizens, to serve on the TIE. These individuals are playing a critical role in reaching out to community members to obtain their input and feedback.

How will the public/community contribute to the EIS process?
Multiple communication tools are being used to facilitate public input on this project, including:

• Small group meetings,
• Individual interviews,
• Project web site,
• TIE meetings,
• Telephone surveys,
• Focus groups, and
• Project open houses.