The Iowa Department of Transportation is seeking public input on the DOT’s proposal to construct several projects as part of the Council Bluffs Interstate System (CBIS) improvements in Pottawattamie County. These projects will affect the Indian Creek and Lake Manawa trails; portions of which are proposed to be reconstructed or relocated and could be closed at certain times during construction. The Indian Creek and Lake Manawa trails have been determined to be Section 4(f) resources and the proposed reconstruction or relocation of these trails is expected to have “de minimis” impacts on them.

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 CBIS project on the Indian Creek and Lake Manawa trails by visiting http://www.iowadot.gov/ole/otherprojectinfo.html. You can also call 515-239-1467 to request information. Persons interested in commenting on the proposed impacts by the Nov. 15, 2012, deadline may do so through the online comment form, via email to janet.vine@dot.iowa.gov.