The NEPA process has started for a proposed project to extend Seep Ridge Road south to I-70 in Grand County. The NEPA process, as part of the National Environmental Policy Act, studies the potential consequences of proposed projects to ensure that any decisions made are environmentally sound. The 7 County Infrastructure Coalition partnered with the Uintah Transportation Special Service District to take this next step. According to Coalition Executive Director Mike McKee, Civco Engineering has been awarded the contract to start the early NEPA study. The project proposes to construct a corridor through the Book Cliffs extending Seep Ridge Road to I-70. According to a study published through Parsons Brinkerhoff, the entire region stands to gain hundreds of millions of dollars in economic impacts if the roadway is complete. The study says the roadway would foster increased economic activity through tourism, recreation, energy production, and the construction industry. As Civco Engineering moves forward with the study, they will announce public meetings to be held.
