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EIS Process - Overview
Process Description
Airport development involving federal funds or federal approvals is subject to an environmental evaluation in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969. An EIS is the most comprehensive level of environmental analysis performed by federal agencies for major projects which are expected to have a significant impact on the environment. The EIS document evaluates the proposed development in terms of consistency with applicable laws and regulations and ensures that the proposed development meets requirements of the NEPA. An EIS is a document that evaluates and discloses the potential impacts.

According to the Council of Environmental Quality (CEQ) Regulations for Implementing NEPA, "The primary purpose of an environmental impact statement is to serve as an action forcing device to ensure that the policies and goals defined in the Act [NEPA] are infused into the ongoing programs and actions of the Federal Government."

Guidance for the preparation and processing of an EIS for airport development is provided in FAA Order 1050.1E "Environmental Impacts: Policies and Procedures" and FAA's Order 5050.4B “National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Implementing Instructions for Airport Actions.”

Because of the potential significant impacts to wetlands in the project area, this EIS is proposed to be processed using the Concurrent NEPA/404 Merger Process for Transportation Projects” . As a result, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) will be invited to serve as a Cooperating Agency on this EIS. And due to the highway component involved relative to the potential relocation and expansion of State Trunk Highway (STH) 33, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) will also be invited as a Cooperating Agency.  In addition to the USACE and FHWA, other agencies may be invited to serve as Cooperating Agencies for the EIS.
Project Status
September 25, 2008
Phase II of the West Bend EIS
is now underway.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the West Bend Municipal Airport Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) has been approved and executed by each of the Cooperating Agencies.  The MOU outlines the procedures and coordination efforts that will be followed in the preparation of the EIS.  Cooperating Agencies serving with FAA on the West Bend EIS include: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Federal Highway Administration, and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

   

A copy of the MOU can be viewed by going to the Documents link and clicking Final Executed Memorandum of Understanding.