MOBILE, Ala. –The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Mobile
District will extend the public scoping comment period to February 29, 2016 for
the General Reevaluation Report to determine the feasibility of widening and
deepening the Mobile Harbor channel to its authorized dimensions based on the
request of several different entities.
“This is the first step in the study process,” said Patrick Robbins,
Chief, Public Affairs, Mobile District. “The GRR will investigate and recommend
solution(s) for possible widening and deepening of the Mobile Harbor navigation
channel. Along with the GRR, an
integrated Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) will be developed
which will define the current environmental conditions to compare with the
environmental effects of any proposed action and or alternatives.”
“There are certain elements that we are required to look at during this
process which include economics, engineering, and the environment,” said
Robbins. “We will have
various stations throughout the meeting site for the public to get an
understanding of those elements. We are
seeking the public’s input on any concerns they have with those processes or
other items they think we should look at.”
The General Reevaluation Report and accompanying SEIS is expected to take
approximately 4 years to complete. This
is just the initial kick off of the study.
Public input will also be solicited when the Draft SEIS and Draft Report
results are available.
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Release no. 16-08