4. Why is Phase 2 Financing being ramrodded almost ahead of a Phase 1 Public Review and Comment? You don’t even know what the public wants, so how do you know this is the correct plan to finance. Why?
Response:
Preliminary cost estimates were developed in the feasibility phase. More detail estimates are under development and will be included in the Environmental Assessment as the Opinion of Probable Cost. These costs will be based on the alternatives developed during the Environmental Assessment. Financing can occur concurrently with the Environmental process, as the goal is to identify a source of funding, then secure the funding. A source of initial funding has been identified and the Department continues to look for additional sources based on the anticipated need from prelinimary cost estimates.
Comment:
4. Why is Phase 2 Financing being ramrodded almost ahead of a Phase 1 Public Review and Comment? You don’t even know what the public wants, so how do you know this is the correct plan to finance. Why?
Response:
Preliminary cost estimates were developed in the feasibility phase. More detail estimates are under development and will be included in the Environmental Assessment as the Opinion of Probable Cost. These costs will be based on the alternatives developed during the Environmental Assessment. Financing can occur concurrently with the Environmental process, as the goal is to identify a source of funding, then secure the funding. A source of initial funding has been identified and the Department continues to look for additional sources based on the anticipated need from prelinimary cost estimates.