The Iowa Department of Transportation proposes to replace the bridge on Iowa 141 over the Middle Raccoon River, 0.4 mile east of the Carroll County line, near the south corporate limits of Coon Rapids. This project will require the acquisition of right of way from Sculpture Park, a city-owned park adjacent to the proposed project. Sculpture Park has been determined to be a Section 4(f) resource and the acquisition of right of way is expected to have “de minimis” impact on the park.

Section 4(f) of the U.S. Department of Transportation Act of 1966, was enacted as a means of protecting publicly owned parks, recreation areas and wildlife/waterfowl refuges, as well as historic sites of local, state or national significance, from conversion to transportation uses. De minimis impacts are defined as those that, after consideration of any measure(s) to minimize harm (such as avoidance, minimization, mitigation or enhancement measures), do not adversely affect the activities, features and attributes of the Section 4(f) resource.

The public is invited to review the proposed impacts of the bridge replacement project on the protected activities, features and attributes of the park by visiting www.iowadot.gov/ole/otherprojectinfo.html, or by calling 515-239-1251 to request information. You can also send an email request for information to jorge.zamora@dot.iowa.gov.

The public comment period ends Nov. 15, 2012. Comments may be submitted through the online comment form at the above website, via email to jorge.zamora@dot.iowa.gov.