LITTLE ROCK (7-11)

     The Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department (AHTD), in conjunction with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), has completed a Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) for the North Belt Freeway Project, according to AHTD Director Dan Flowers.

     The FEIS contains an in-depth analysis of the Preferred Alternative identified in the Supplemental Draft Environmental Impact Statement (see map).  It is currently available for review at the city halls and public libraries of Sherwood, Jacksonville and North Little Rock .  Additionally, a review copy is available at the Metroplan Office at 501 W. Markham in Little Rock , the Pulaski County Administration Building at 201 S. Broadway in Little Rock and the AHTD District Six Office at 8900 Mabelvale Pike in Little Rock . Further information about the FEIS and the project is available on the project website at:

www.arkansashighways.com/Environ/SpecialStudies/R60101/R60101.htm  

     Comments about the document should be sent to the AHTD Environmental Division, PO Box 2261 , Little Rock , Arkansas   72203-2261 , by August 18th. 

     Once all comments have been received and evaluated, an application will be submitted to the FHWA for a Record of Decision, the final approval concerning the location of the facility.  The Record of Decision is the final approval needed to proceed to the next stage of project development, the survey and design work.  Additional public meetings will be held during the design phase.  There is no timetable for construction at this time.

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