US 51 (Stoughton Road) North Study – Environmental information

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What is the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) | What is an environmental assessment? | North Study environmental documents |

WisDOT works to balance the department’s transportation responsibilities with environmental impacts, avoiding and minimizing such impacts when possible. When avoidance or minimization is not possible, the department works to mitigate environmental impacts where appropriate. Click the following link to learn more about WisDOT’s environmental processes: wisconsindot.gov/Pages/doing-bus/eng-consultants/cnslt-rsrces/environment/default.aspx

What is the N​​ational Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)?

Signed into law on Jan. 1, 1970, NEPA requires federal agencies to assess the environmental effects of their proposed actions prior to making decisions. The range of actions NEPA covers is broad and includes constructing highways and other publicly owned facilities. Agencies use the NEPA process to evaluate the environmental and related social and economic effects of their proposed actions, and they provide opportunities for public review and comment on those evaluations.

What is the enviro​nmental assessment?

An environmental assessment determines whether a federal action has the potential to cause significant effects on the environment. Generally, an environmental assessment includes a brief discussion of:

  • The purpose and need for the proposed action
  • A range of improvement alternatives
  • The environmental impacts of the proposed action and alternatives
  • A listing of agencies and persons consulted

Based on the environmental assessment, the following actions can occur:

  • If FHWA determines that the action will not have significant environmental impacts, the agency will issue a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI). A FONSI is a document that presents the reasons why an agency has concluded that no significant environmental impacts are projected to occur upon implementation of the action.
  • If the FHWA determines that the environmental impacts of a proposed federal action will be significant, WisDOT will prepare an environmental impact statement.

North Study envir​​onmental documents

Environmental assessment

WisDOT is planning to complete the environmental assessment by fall ​2024.

Anticipated Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI)

WisDOT anticipates a FONSI by early 2025.