Thayne North US 89 Public Hearing - Dec. 12, 2017

The Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) will be hosting a public meeting to review the Environmental Assessment for highway improvements for US 89 between Thayne and Etna on December 12, 2017, at the Thayne Community Center at 250 Vannoy Parkway in Thayne from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.  The public hearing will be held in an open house format with information about project impacts, mitigation, and the recommended alternative presented around the room. Project staff will be available to answer your questions and discuss the project. You may arrive any time between the scheduled times.

 The Environmental Assessment document is currently available for public review and comment.  It can be found online  at: http://www.dot.state.wy.us/home/engineering_technical_programs/environmental_services/Nepa.html

 It is also available for viewing at the WYDOT Offices, the Star Valley Branch Library, the Thayne Community Center and the Afton Town Hall.

 As traffic population growth increases, capacity and safety improvements are needed for the route to continue serving as an important local and regional connection. The meeting will also present the project's purpose and need and history.   Comments received at the meeting will be considered in the environmental assessment being prepared for this study.

 US 89 is functionally classified as a Rural Principal Arterial route and designated as part of the National Highway System (NHS).  The primary function of this route is the safe and efficient movement of people and goods over long distances while allowing for limited access to adjacent lands.  As part of the National Highway System, US 89 is considered a strategic national highway that is critical to national security and economic viability.  This highway also provides visitors a route to the Jackson Hole region and two major national parks.  

 Public involvement is a critical component of the process required by NEPA, or the National Environmental Policy Act.  NEPA helps agencies to integrate environmental values into their decision making processes by considering the environmental impacts of the proposed actions.  For more information about NEPA, visit www.epa.gov/compliance/nepa.

 WYDOT officials and other team members will be on-hand to answer questions and discuss any concerns residents may have.  In addition, there will be several different opportunities to provide your comments, including a court reporter to take verbatim statements.  You can find more information at www.dot.state.wy.us/thayne-north.