EA Process

The EA planning process consists of the following primary tasks:

Public Workshop #1
Offers an opportunity for the public to discuss and provide input on the Proposed Action early in the EA process.

Purpose and Need / Alternatives Development
Defines why the Proposed Action is needed and what it is expected to accomplish, as well as a reasonable range of conceivable alternatives.

Public Workshop #2
Offers an opportunity for the public to discuss and provide input on the Proposed Action midway through the EA process.

EA Preparation
The Proposed Action’s potential environmental impacts are identified and evaluated.

EA Circulation and Public Review
The EA is made available for public review and comment.

FONSI Issued
If the EA determines the Proposed Action will not have a significant adverse effect on the environment, a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) is issued and the EA process concludes.

Final Design
Once the EA is approved and FONSI is issued, RIDOT and the design team will begin the final design of the Proposed Action with the incorporation of comments from key stakeholders and the public comment period.

Construction Begins
The Proposed Action enters the construction period.

Project Completion
The Proposed Action is operational/put into service.