Public input needed for PEL study that shapes the future of I-5 over the Nisqually River Delta

By Mark Krulish

Interstate 5 and the Nisqually River Delta are both important for multiple reasons. I-5 is the main mover of people and goods along the west coast, from Mexico to Canada. The Nisqually River is the traditional home to the Nisqually Indian Tribe, the local fish species and ecosystems that support it.

This month, we are meeting with advisory groups to begin identifying elements of a project that looks at improvements to I-5 across the delta. The first step is reviewing what is known as a Purpose & Need statement, and we need you to weigh in on this.

What is a Purpose and Need statement

Quite simply, a Purpose & Need statement lays out why a project is necessary. It is the foundation of any environmental review process. We will use it to look at different design alternatives for the I-5 corridor from Marvin Road to Mounts Road.

We may choose to adopt this Purpose and Need statement. Our goal is to not have to revisit the Purpose and Need during the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) review process. This is why we need your input now. This work will hopefully cut down on the amount of work needed as we eventually move into a NEPA review this summer.

Your comments will be incorporated into this process and will help shape our final outcome and, ultimately, what will be built.

A look at the Nisqually study area

How to participate

You can find the Purpose and Need statement several different ways. Our link on our Engage page has the statement and an easy way to leave feedback through our form. You can also find a link to the document on our project website. The contact tab on our project page has a phone number and email address at which you can also leave comments.

If you’re interested in staying in touch with us and hearing about the latest information on the project, we have a newly created email list specifically for this project. You can subscribe here. Click on the link and enter your email address.

Don’t miss your chance to let us know what your need is on I-5 in this area. Please note that we will respond to comments through our incorporation of feedback into the draft PEL Report rather than responding to individuals. The report will be available for comment early this summer.