DOT&PF seeks comment on bison range impact from Gerstle River Bridge rebuild

The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities is soliciting public comment on a proposed finding that its planned replacement of the Gerstle River Bridge on the Alaska Highway will not adversely affect the features, attributes, or activities that make the Delta Junction State Bison Range worth protecting under federal law.

The finding determines whether the project clears a key federal environmental threshold. Under Section 4(f) of the Department of Transportation Act, a "de minimis" impact finding means the agency contends the project will not adversely affect the protected qualities of the bison range. Hunters, wildlife viewers, and Interior residents who use the range may submit comments on the proposed finding.

The Bridge and the Review

The bridge sits at approximately Milepost 1392.7 on the Alaska Highway in the Southeast Fairbanks Census Area. The project is identified by State Project Number NFHWY00653. DOT&PF issued its notice under 23 U.S.C. 327, which allows Alaska to assume environmental review responsibilities that would otherwise rest with the Federal Highway Administration, placing accountability for the determination at the state level.

The United States Department of Transportation has committed $108.7 million through the Federal Highway Administration's Bridge Investment Program for the bundled Johnson River and Gerstle River bridge replacements. "These bridges facilitate supply chains, connect remote communities, and support infrastructure development, military operations and emergency response," the announcement said. "This project will eliminate two load-restricted bridges on the primary overland route from Canada to Alaska."

How to Comment

DOT&PF posted its notice on June 16. The source notice reviewed here is truncated and does not include a comment deadline or submission instructions. Residents should contact DOT&PF directly or consult the full public notice for State Project Number NFHWY00653 to confirm the comment window and how to submit.