Mitigation opportunities have been carefully analyzed throughout the NEPA process. INDOT and FHWA have contacted state and federal environmental agencies, environmental organizations, and the public to provide input on both traditional and creative approaches for replacement and enhancement of environmental resources that may be impacted by this project. FHWA and INDOT have developed a number of major mitigation initiatives, including several initiatives that go beyond the requirements of existing laws and regulations. Major initiatives are summarized in the table below.
| Table 7-1: Major Initiatives |
Major Initiatives |
Description |
| Context Sensitive Solutions (CSS)/ Community Advisory Committees |
CSS is a collaborative, interdisciplinary approach that involves all stakeholders to develop a transportation facility that fits its physical setting and preserves scenic, aesthetic, historic, and environmental resources, while maintaining safety and mobility. CSS is an approach that considers the total context within which a transportation improvement project will exist. |
| Indiana Bat Hibernacula |
INDOT and FHWA will attempt to purchase and protect hibernacula (winter habitat) for the Indiana bat. |
| Wetland Mitigation |
INDOT and FHWA will replace wetlands impacted by Preferred Alternative in accordance with INDOT’s Wetlands MOU. |
| Forest Mitigation |
INDOT and FHWA will mitigate upland forest impacted by Preferred Alternative at a ratio of 3:1. |
| I-69 Community Planning Program |
INDOT and FHWA will develop a program that establishes a regional strategy for managing growth. |
| Geographic Information System (GIS) |
INDOT and FHWA are developing a statewide GIS Atlas that will be comprised of at least 170 different layers. This Atlas is available on the Indiana Geological Survey IGS) website. |
| Update County Historic Surveys |
INDOT and FHWA will provide financial and technical assistance to IDNR to support the Completion of field surveys and publication of County Interim Reports. |
| Biological Surveys on Wildlife and Plants |
INDOT will cooperate with resource agencies to conduct biological survey for threatened and endangered species |
| Bridging of Floodplains |
INDOT and FHWA will bridge the Patoka River and Flat Creek floodplains. |
| Distance Learning |
INDOT and FHWA will continue to support distance learning opportunities for students in Southwest Indiana as part of the public outreach for transportation projects. |
