The City of Covington will host an Open House Public Meeting regarding the 190/Collins Boulevard Widening project on Thursday, June 11, 2015 from 4 p.m. To 7 p.m. at the City Council Chambers (222 E. Kirkland Street).
The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) and the Regional Planning Commission (RPC) propose to improve traffic capacity along a portion of US 190 (Collins Boulevard) in Covington, Louisiana. The proposed construction would begin south of the Bogue Falaya River Bridge at the US 190/US 190B intersection and continue northwestward to the US 190/Louisiana Highway 25 (LA 25) intersection. The project also entails improvements to portions of LA 25 and LA 21 (Military Road). In compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969, DOTD and RPC are preparing an Environmental Assessment (EA) for the proposed project.
NEPA directs federal agencies to evaluate alternatives and impacts to the natural and human environment for proposed federal actions. The NEPA process requires coordination with local, state and federal agencies and the public throughout the planning process. Communities and stake holders are provided the opportunity to ask questions and provide comments about proposed alternatives. Public input is documentad in an EA and considered by the project team in developing alternatives. Unlike an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) prepared when significant impacts are known, an EA is a concise public document that presents sufficient evidence and analysis for determining whether impacts from the proposed action warrant further analysis in an EIS or whether a Finding Of No Significant Impact (FONSI) is appropriate.
In 2012 DOTD recorded new traffic data for the project corridor and applied new growth forcasts to update traffic volume estimates for the roadway. The updated estimates indicate additional improvements to the existing plan are warranted. A public hearing will provide an opportunity to learn more about the proposed project and submit comments. Email: comment@gecinc.com
