On Sept. 24, the Corps released a final environmental impact statement (EIS) laying out future plans as well as expected economic impacts. The EIS describes analyses of predicted benefits and environmental impacts and lays out alternative plans, identifying a preferred alternative, discussing uncertainties, and other considerations for implementation.
The original draft of the EIS was released in March 2021, including a 60-day public comment period through May 25, 2021. During that time, the Corps received around 360 comments from members of the public, businesses, non-governmental organizations, federal, state, and local governments, as well as from tribal governments.
The Final EIS has been filed with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the review period will end on Oct. 25. The Final EIS report and appendices can be viewed online at: https://go.usa.gov/xMRu9.
The Final EIS is not a final decision; 30 days following the EPA’s Federal Register notice of the EIS filing, USACE may issue a Record of Decision to select an alternative for implementation.
On Oct. 25 at 6 p.m. CT, the Corps will host a public meeting at Bismarck State College, NECE Bldg.15, Bavendick Stateroom, Bismarck, ND. Also on Oct. 25 at 10:30 a.m. MT, the Corps will host a public meeting at the Fort Peck Interpretative Center Lower Yellow Stone Rd, Fort Peck. (Meeting attendance cannot exceed 50 people.) A video of the meetings will be posted online at: http://www.nwd.usace.army.mil/MRWM/MRWM-News/.
To voice concerns, visit with legislators, tribal governments, and local commissioners. Reach out to Montana’s U.S. Sen. Steve Daines at 202-224-2651 and Sen. Jon Tester at 202-224-2644 to voice your concerns.
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