Why is an EIS necessary when the Major Investment Study already examined alternatives and recommended upgrading US 31?
In 1995, a Major Investment Study (MIS) of US 31 in Howard County was completed. The primary purpose of the MIS was to determine the overall feasibility of spending federal funds for the proposed project and to identify and evaluate the most cost-effective alternatives that could address the transportation needs. Essentially, the MIS determines whether the project is worth pursuing and, if so, identifies the initial issues and reasonable range of alternatives to be studied in further detail during the EIS process. An EIS is a much more detailed study required by the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) for federally funded transportation projects.
