Environmental

PEL studies are conducted to link transportation planning and the environmental process. The PEL study, for federally funded projects, lays the groundwork for the future studies that may be used during the NEPA process. The PEL study informs the project purpose and need, defines the important issues and identifies critical environmental concerns, and recommends alternatives to be further evaluated in the NEPA process. The I-11 Las Vegas Metropolitan Area

PEL study evaluates broad corridors for the identification of the location of the future I-11. Through coordination with local, regional, state, and federal partners, including regulatory agencies and public stakeholders, the PEL recognizes potential risks of impacts related to the identified alternatives.

As the PEL process develops the overall vision for transportation improvements in the Las Vegas metropolitan area, it also builds support from the community and other key stakeholders while providing a platform to discuss and prioritize transportation issues that relate to project implementation. The PEL process creates valuable documentation to streamline next steps in the project as alternatives are developed and evaluated. The I-11 project team evaluates and processes all comments received during the PEL process. The PEL process also ensures:

• Reasonable transportation alternatives are considered
• Community input and involvement play a key role
• Environmental and community effects are disclosed

The study begins with potential issues, opportunities, and concerns that will be solicited from various stakeholders to understand the scope of work and topics to address during the study. A PEL study must involve interested state, local, tribal, and federal agencies, as well as the public. PEL documentation can be appended to or referenced in the subsequent NEPA document.

Feasible corridor options have been screened using criteria consisting of multiple quantitative and qualitative measures that correspond with the purpose and need, public and agency input, and potential impacts to communities and environmental resources.

The I-11 Las Vegas Metropolitan Area PEL study will evaluate socioeconomic and environmental impacts and estimates the total cost for corridor alternatives under consideration. A final PEL report will be prepared in which the study team reviews all comments received during the public comment review period. In addition, the final PEL report will include: a description of the existing transportation, environmental, and social conditions in the Las Vegas metropolitan area; an evaluation of the alternative corridors considered; and a framework within which NDOT and FHWA can advance individual projects along the selected corridor. The result of the study will document FHWA and NDOT’s selection of a recommended I-11 corridor. A final PEL report will also identify any potential environmental resources that may be affected. Future improvements along the selected I-11 corridor will be subject to compliance with NEPA. The final PEL report is now available on the documents page.

• Air Quality
• Biological Resources
• Economic Impacts
• Geology and Hazardous Materials
• Cultural Resources, including Tribal Lands
• Land Use
• Noise and Vibration
• Parks, Recreation, and Other Community Facilities
• Socioeconomic and Environmental Justice
• Visual and Aesthetics
• Water Resources

• Confirm the selected corridor
• Present the basis for the decision
• Describe the corridor alternatives considered
• Provide strategies to avoid minimize or compensate for environmental impacts

Click here to read the final PEL.

The study process is complete. Please direct any future inquiries regarding this study to the following address:

Attn: David Bowers, Project Manager
123 E. Washington Avenue
Las Vegas, NV 89101

Community Outreach

PEL studies provide a streamlined and flexible process to help decision-makers engage stakeholders, identify critical environmental resources and issues, and analyze potential transportation solutions. The primary benefit of a PEL study is to remove duplication between planning studies and future environmental review processes, therefore shortening the overall project timeline and bringing transportation projects to fruition sooner for their surrounding communities. Community outreach and involvement is key to helping everyone better understand the study and the environmental resources that will influence the development of the corridor alternatives.

While regular and ongoing communication occurs throughout the planning efforts, some key milestones will trigger proactive communications to share progress and seek informed input. NDOT will work closely with community stakeholders to share information and develop ambassadors for this study.