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Nevada, Hoover Dam Bypass: NEPA as Dialogue Between Designers and Public
The 3.5-mile Hoover Dam Bypass project was developed to address increased congestion from switchbacks and restrictions at the Hoover Dam crossing. The proposed bypass would stretch from Clark County, Nevada across the Colorado River to Mojave County, Arizona. The Central Federal Lands Highway Division (CFLHD) of the Federal Highway Administration was chosen to oversee the project because it is an initiative of both federal and local government. Project manager Dave Zanetell considers his team to be a leader in environmentally responsible highway projects. "We work within a culture of context-sensitive design," he said. He led a multi-agency team in conducting the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). However, environmental groups were concerned that not all options were being explored. "We didn’t think the EIS was sufficient," said Jane Feldman, a Sierra Club activist involved with the project. Zanetell agreed. "In response to their concerns, we agreed we had not fully explored all alternatives," he said. In response, Zanetell hired a committee to research an alternative proposed by environmental groups more thoroughly. "We had grossly underestimated some of the alternatives and too quickly dismissed them. Because of their input, we decided to reexamine some other alternatives," he said. The alignment endorsed by environmental groups was researched, but ultimately it was not chosen as the preferred alternative in final design. Though disappointed, Feldman and other community members recognized the importance of their inclusion in the discussion. "If NEPA wasn’t there, we wouldn’t have had any opportunity [for involvement] at all," she said. Designers responded to public comments by adding some important features to the project. The final route is in closer proximity to developed areas instead of cutting through more pristine corridors. Also, accommodations such as sidewalks, pedestrian facilities, and parking have been included on the bridge project to make the area accessible to pedestrian visitors. "Often times the public is a huge influence on the project. NEPA is certainly the foundation for public participation," said Zanetell. "We don’t look at it as a burden, it is something we relish," he added. Photo courtesy Central Federal Lands Highway Division. |
