The United States Coast Guard has approved a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for review by the general public and federal and state review agencies. Part of this review is the Public Meeting to be held on August 7, 2013 from 4:00 pm to 6:30 pm at the Bradenton Area Convention Center at which the public is invited to provide their comments on the DEIS and its recommendation. This meeting is one of several ways the public is able to comment on the DEIS. After the public review period ends on August 19, 2013 the United States Coast Guard will review ALL comments collected and move forward in developing a Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS). The FEIS will contain a final recommendation and approval from the United States Coast Guard based on these comments.
The proposed Fort Hamer Bridge will provide an alternate north / south route through northeast Manatee County and enhance emergency service access. This bridge will improve the level of service to the existing network of north county roadways as development expands through this area of Manatee County.
Manatee County has been directed by the US Coast Guard (USCG) to expand the scope of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) study being performed to include the two (2) alternatives depicted below in the NEPA Study Limits map. To assist in understanding the locations of these two (2) alternatives, the Ft. Hamer location is shown in Green and the Rye Road location shown in Pink. These two (2) alternatives will be analyzed and evaluated in the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). A Preliminary Draft EIS is currently under review by the USCG and Manatee County is awaiting formal comments. Once comments are received the Draft EIS will be revised and submitted for signature. When the USCG signs the Draft EIS a Notice of Availability will be published and a Public Hearing date will be noticed.
Design Limits
Initial Construction Project - 2 Lane
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