I-15 Central Corridor
NEPA Study Project
Nevada Department of Transportation
What is a NEPA Study
A National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) study evaluates a project proposed by a federal agency, for impacts on the human environment including social, economic, and environmental factors. The public and resource agencies are active participants in the NEPA process. The NEPA study includes development and consideration of alternatives that meet the identified project purpose and need while avoiding or minimizing environmental impacts. Where impacts cannot be avoided, the lead agencies identify and commit to measures to mitigate environmental harm before moving forward with a project.
Timeline leading to the current NEPA study
2008
NDOT embarked on the I-15 South
Design-Build project
Widened the freeway between Blue
Diamond Road and Tropicana Avenue
2019
NDOT undertook a subsequent endeavor, the first phase of Project Neon
Widened I-15 between the Spaghetti Bowl
(U.S. 95 interchange) and Sahara Avenue
2019
NDOT conducted a Feasibility Study for
future expansion of the I-15 Central Corridor
Identified alternatives primarily focused on
improving the safety and traffic operations
in addition to right-of-way needs necessary
to accommodate future traffic demands.
2021
In August, the I-15 Flamingo to
Sahara Feasibility Study (now known
as Central Corridor) was completed.
The project is now undergoing environmental
studies pursuant to the NEPA.
2024
NDOT and FHWA continue to evaluate improvements through a NEPA analysis within the I-15 Central Corridor.
More about NEPA from FHWA
NEPA, enacted in 1969, formalizes the national commitment to the environment. It sets guidelines for federal agencies to assess environmental impacts, document analyses, and involve the public in decision-making, reinforcing environmental protection policies through "action-forcing" provisions.
Public involvement is about including stakeholders in decision-making, especially in environmental and project development processes. While federal laws set basic requirements, a well-planned approach goes beyond these to ensure sustainable decisions. It involves identifying stakeholders, gathering their input, and adapting plans accordingly. Meaningful public involvement builds trust, improves solutions, and ensures diverse voices are heard. It's an ongoing process that starts early and lasts throughout a project, enhancing acceptance and compliance with regulations like Title VI and NEPA. This is distinct from a project coordination plan, which may incorporate the public involvement plan to show how stakeholders engage with regulatory discussions. Though public involvement spans planning to construction, this chapter focuses on its role in the NEPA process.
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