The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, 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, ” added Robbins.
“ 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.