The Salem River Crossing Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) effort is underway. The Task Force and Oversight Committee process has defined the full range of alignment alternatives for consideration. Evaluation of the various alternatives has begun. Efforts also include developing a funding strategy to build the new crossing which includes requesting congressional and legislative representatives to seek federal and state funding to finish the EIS process and then secure funding to progress into design, right-of-way acquisition, and construction.
The total current project budget for the EIS is $2.5 million in combined federal, state, and local funding. Up to an additional $2 million is needed to complete the EIS. A preferred alternative is expected to be identified by mid-2008, with a federal record of decision planned for mid-2009.
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