BACKGROUND

The project corridor extends over 56 miles from the community of Evaro through Polson. All but one-half mile of the corridor is located within the Flathead Indian Reservation. The project includes eight separate components nearing the construction phase, one section currently under study (Ninepipe/Ronan), and one section remaining to be studied (Polson).

The Federal Hiqhway Administration (FHWA) and the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) published an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) in June 1996 that describes the proposed project, the alternatives and the associated social, economic and environmental impacts. In August 1996 FHWA issued a Record of Decision that accepted the environmental impacts documented in the EIS, selected the existing alignment for improvement throughout the length of the project, provided for preservation of a future corridor bypassing Ronan, and called for an agreement implementing right-of-way acquisition and access control. However, there was no agreement between the MDT and the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes (CSKT) on lane configurations; corridor preservation for an Arlee bypass; corridor preservation or construction of a Polson bypass; mitigation measures; or a Section 4(f) determination. FHWA indicated no work could continue until agreement was reached. The project was placed on hold.

MDT and CSKT gathered to discuss how to move the project ahead. An agreement was reached to proceed with an Access Management and Corridor Preservation Plan. In February 1998 FHWA issued a Revised Record of Decision that allowed corridor preservation by implementation of right-of-way acquisition and access control. The Access Management and Corridor Preservation project was approved and right-of-way and access acquisition began in late 1998.

The next step was the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), signed by MDT, FHWA and CSKT in December 2000. The agreement identified lane configurations, design features, and mitigation measures for the corridor.

Because the MOA recommended substantial changes and new information not evaluated in the original 1996 EIS, the project team was required to re-assess the EIS and prepare two new documents: an Environmental Re-evaluation of the corridor encompassing the portion where the eight design projects are located, and a Supplemental EIS (SEIS) for a ninth project, the Ninepipe/Ronan section. Specifically excluded was the Polson section.

The Environmental Re-evaluation was completed in October 2001 and included a revised roadway design consistent with the conceptual MOA alignment throughout the project corridor. The alignment was then analyzed for its impact on natural and scenic resources, landscape features, and cultural and historic resources.

Changes necessary to bring the preliminary designs into compliance with the MOA were accomplished, and modifications to avoid or minimize negative impacts were included. With the Environmental Re-evaluation complete, FHWA issued a Second Revised Record of Decision in October 2001 accepting the terms of the MOA and the eight final design projects were set in motion.