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WHY IT'S IMPORTANT TO LEARN ABOUT AND WEIGH IN ON THE SUPPLEMENTAL ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT
ODOT and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) published a Supplemental Environmental Assessment (EA) on November 15, 2022, kicking off a 50-day public comment period. The Supplemental EA evaluates the potential impacts and benefits of the I-5 Rose Quarter Improvement Project on the natural, human and built environments. This report is an update to the original EA published in 2019. For more details on the 2019 review process, read our FAQs .
After the 2019 publication, the Oregon Transportation Commission directed an Independent Cover Assessment which looked at changes to the highway cover design. Based on design refinements and community feedback, a single, larger highway cover capable of supporting up to six-story buildings was proposed for the project. The Supplemental EA looks closely at those design changes, now called the Proposed Hybrid 3 Cover Concept.
We want to hear from you!
The public comment period is an important opportunity for you to share your comments on the Supplemental EA findings. The FHWA will review all Supplemental EA findings and public comments before issuing a decision on the project. The FHWA's decision is expected in early 2023 and will be posted to the project website as soon as available.
WAYS TO PARTICIPATE IN THE SUPPLEMENTAL ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT PROCESS
The public comment period is a critical part of the environmental review process. Here are a few ways to participate:
Online Open House
Learn about the project, read the Supplemental EA and provide your feedback on its findings through the online open house.
— through
Visit the online open house
Virtual Public Hearing
Provide your verbal comments. Event details are available on the project website.
c/o I-5 Rose Quarter Improvement Project
888 SW 5th Ave
Suite 600
Portland, OR 97204
Phone
Leave a recorded verbal comment at 503-470-3127
A Brief History of the project's environmental review process
2019
ODOT and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) publishes an Environmental Assessment (EA), followed by a 45-day public comment period, as part of the National Environmental Policy Act environmental review process.
2020
ODOT submits a Revised EA and the FHWA issues a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) decision document. In response to community feedback, two additional independent project reviews begin evaluating different aspects of the project, including highway cover design.
2021
The Independent Cover Assessment that looked at the highway cover design concludes. The resulting recommendations prompt ODOT to make design changes more closely aligned with community values.
2022
We are here
Due to those changes, the FHWA rescinded the FONSI and determined that additional review was needed. The project team has prepared a Supplemental EA evaluating the design changes for public comment.
2023
The FHWA will review and take into consideration all findings and public comments. An environmental decision is expected in early 2023.