The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), in coordination with the District Department of Transportation (DDOT), is preparing an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to assess the potential effects of the proposed action to reconstruct and reopen Klingle Road, NW to vehicular access.

This EIS is being prepared under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA).

NEPA

The National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) requires, to the fullest extent possible, that the policies, regulations, and laws of the Federal government be interpreted and administered in accordance with its environmental protection goals. NEPA also requires Federal agencies to use an interdisciplinary approach in planning and decisionmaking for any action that adversely impacts the environment.

NEPA requires and the FHWA is committed to the examination and avoidance of potential impacts to the social and natural environment when considering approval of proposed transportation projects. In addition to evaluating the potential environmental effects, transportation needs of the public must also be taken into account to reach a decision that is in the best overall public interest. The FHWA NEPA project development process is an approach to balanced transportation decisionmaking that takes into account the potential impacts on the human and natural environment and the public's need for safe and efficient transportation.

• To the fullest extent possible, all environmental investigations, reviews, and consultations be coordinated as a single process, and compliance with all applicable environmental requirements be reflected in the environmental document required by this regulation.
• Alternative courses of action be evaluated and decisions be made in the best overall public interest based upon a balanced consideration of the need for safe and efficient transportation; of the social, economic, and environmental impacts of the proposed transportation improvement; and of national, state, and local environmental protection goals.
• Public involvement and a systematic interdisciplinary approach be essential parts of the development process for proposed actions.
• Measures necessary to mitigate adverse impacts be incorporated into the action.

The Klingle Road EIS will include a description of the affected environment and a detailed analysis of the environmental consequences of proposed alternatives. The EIS process will include a public scoping meeting in which public comments will be solicited on the proposed action. A public hearing will be held on the Draft EIS and the public will have 45-days to review and comment on the Draft EIS.