Si necesite respuestas a sus preguntas en el espanol, o necesite alguien traducir esta informacion, contacte a Roger Gonzalez a
rgonza6@dot.state.tx.us o llamelo a (713) 802-5513.
OVERVIEW: The US 290 Corridor DEIS
The Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS), dated May 2007, is now available for the proposed construction of transportation improvements in the US 290 Corridor extending northwest from Houston in Harris County, Texas.
The proposed US 290 Corridor project includes roadway improvements along a portion of US 290, Hempstead Tollway and associated connections to IH 610 and IH 10 in Harris County. The US 290 Corridor extends approximately 38 miles from the US 290/IH 610/IH 10 Interchange in Houston northwestward to Farm-to-Market (FM) 2920 near the community of Waller.
LOCATE: Where to find the DEIS & associated materials
ONLINE
US 290 DEIS: Executive Summary
PDF file
DEIS Executive Summary
US 290 DEIS: Full Report
PDF files
http://www.dot.state.tx.us/hou/eis/us290/deisreport.htm
NEW! US 290 Preliminary DEIS map drawings
In response to your requests, these PDF files are now online for you!
Maps
NEW! View 3D animation below of the proposed changes surrounding the IH 610/US 290 corridor
NEW! View the video presentation shown at all three locations of the US 290 DEIS Public Hearing
To start: Select box below to activate and right click on box to select play
TxDOT OFFICES & OTHER LOCATIONS THROUGHOUT THE CORRIDOR
Copies of the DEIS (both electronic and paper, at a cost of reproduction) may be obtained by contacting the Houston District of the Texas Department of Transportation. Hard copies of the DEIS may also be reviewed at the following locations:
- TxDOT District Office, 7600 Washington Avenue, Houston, TX 77007, (713) 802-5000
- TxDOT Area Office, 14838 Northwest Freeway,Houston,TX 77040, (713) 934-5900
- US 290 Project Office, 2950 North Loop West,Suite 1150,Houston,TX 77092, 1-866-958-7290
- Oak Forest Library, 1349 W. 43rd St.Houston, TX 77018, (832) 393-1960
- Spring Branch Library, 930 Corbindale,Houston,TX 77027, (713) 464-1633
- Fairbanks Library, 7122 North Gessner, Houston, TX 77040, (713) 466-4438
- Cy-Fair Library,9191 Barker-Cypress Road,Cypress,TX 77433, (281) 290-3210
- Collier Regional Library,6200 Pinemont Drive,Houston,TX 77092, (832) 393-1740
- Hillendale Library,2436 Gessner Drive,Houston,TX 77080, (832) 393-1940
- M. Smith Memorial Library,2103 Main Street,Waller,TX 77484, (936) 372-3961
- Spring Branch/Ring Library, 8835 Longpoint,Houston,TX 77055, (832) 393-2000
- Northwest Library, 11355 RegencyGreen Drive,Houston,TX 77429, (713) 890-2665
- Hockley Community Center, 28515 Old Washington Road, Hockley, TX 77447, (936) 931-5029
- Houston Library Central Branch, 500 McKinney, Houston, TX 77002, (832) 393-1313
RECAP: Public Hearings
In association with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), TxDOT held one Public Hearing over three nights to solicit comments relating to environmental issues presented in the US 290 DEIS. Identical information was presented at all meetings, and Informational displays and individuals knowledgeable about the DEIS were available. To learn more about how the Public Hearings were presented, feel free to download the US 290 Newsletter here: US290newsletter.pdf
The US 290 DEIS Public Hearing was held at the following locations:
Monday, July 16, 2007
Sheraton Brookhollow
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Dean Middle School
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
The Berry Center
UNDERSTANDING: Why the DEIS is important to you...
Why was this DEIS prepared?
The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requires federal agencies to integrate environmental values into their decision making process by considering the environmental impacts of their proposed actions and reasonable alternatives to those actions. To meet this requirement, agencies prepare a detailed statement known as an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). Distribution of a draft EIS for public and agency review is a step of the overall EIS process.
Following the requirements of NEPA, the FHWA, in coordination with TxDOT, has prepared this DEIS to assess the potential effects (impacts) of the proposed project. The DEIS details the process through which the project was developed, provides a detailed description of the proposed project, the need for and purpose of the proposed project, the reasonable alternatives identified, the affected environment, and the analysis of the anticipated beneficial and adverse environmental effects.
Based on the evaluation of alternatives, FHWA and TxDOT identified a recommended alternative. The public and other agencies now have an opportunity to review and comment on this DEIS. FHWA and TxDOT will consider input from the public and other agencies to identify a preferred alternative to be evaluated in more detail in a Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS).
What does the EIS process mean for the public?
The US 290 Corridor EIS is being prepared in accordance with the requirements for environmental impact statements established by the CEQ and in accordance with FHWA regulations and related guidance.
NEPA requires and FHWA is committed to the examination and avoidance of potential impacts to the social and natural environments when considering approval of proposed transportation projects. In addition to evaluating the potential environmental effects, transportation needs of the public must also be considered to reach a decision that is in the best overall public interest.
The FHWA NEPA project development process is an approach to balanced transportation decision-making that takes into account the potential impacts on the human and natural environments and the public’s need for safe and efficient transportation.
What happens after the Aug. 8, 2007, public comment deadline?
The next step will be the creation of the FEIS. It will address comments on the DEIS and then identify, based on analysis and comments, the preferred alternative.
The final step is a Record of Decision, or ROD as some may call it, by the FHWA. It will explain the basis for the decision. It will also identify all the alternatives considered and explain the "environmentally preferable alternative." It will also discuss whether all practicable means to avoid or minimize environmental harm from the alternative selected have been adopted and, if not, why they were not.
BACKGROUND: How did we get here?
The beginning...
In order for TxDOT to know what to expect and plan for in the coming years, a Major Investment Study (MIS) of the US 290 and Hempstead Tollway corridor was prepared. It was critical to determine what the future transportation needs were for this area.
After several years of intensive research, numerous studies and, most importantly, extensive public involvement efforts, the MIS determined that renovating the US 290 Corridor is a worthwhile investment in the community's future. It is TxDOT’s mission to work cooperatively to provide safe, effective and efficient movement of people and goods. It is important for you to know and understand what was recommended in the MIS because it set the course for the DEIS and beyond.
Major Investment Study (MIS): Summary Report
please click here to view the PDF
Major Investment Study (MIS): Entire Report
please click here (20MB file - may take additional time to download)
Reaching out to the public
In addition, below are links to meeting notes and newsletters detailing past activities that have brought us to this point, as well as the official Notice of Availability for the US 290 DEIS that was published June 1, 2007. This Web site will keep you posted on all the current information and future developments as we go through this entire process together.
Past newsletters
http://www.dot.state.tx.us/HOU/eis/us290/newsletter.htm
Past public meetings
http://www.dot.state.tx.us/HOU/eis/us290/meetings.htm
Notice of Availability for the US 290 DEISNotice Of Availability