storyhill.net, Sept. 25, 2006

WisDOT to skimp on environmental review for Zoo Interchange

Sept. 25 -- The Wisconsin Department of Transportation does not plan to conduct a full environmental impact statement for reconstruction of the Zoo Interchange, according to a WisDOT official.

"The department is proceeding with an environmental assessment of this study
area," WisDOT spokeswoman Peg Schmitt wrote in an email.

An environmental assessment is an environmental review "lite," a relatively quick and dirty review of potential impacts.

WisDOT officials have indicated they are defining the Zoo Interchange project boundaries specifically, in part, to shortcut environmental reviews.

The preliminary boundaries for the project area are 76th St. on the east, 116th St. on the west, the Union Pacific Railroad south of Greenfield Ave. on the south, and Center St. on the north, Schmitt said.

The lesser version of the environmental review is being undertaken in part because it is cheaper and quicker than a full review, WisDOT officials have said. That is preferred by highway officials even though the projected will affect the Milwaukee County Zoo, the Milwaukee County Grounds, and the Menomonee River Parkway.

Gov. Doyle, caving to Republican political pressure, has directed that Zoo Interchange reconstruction be accelerated and that $28 million be included in the 2007-09 state budget for environmental and engineering studies.