Public invited to environmental hearing on I-5 Nisqually corridor improvements

August in-person and online open house gives people the opportunity to provide feedback on I-5 corridor through Nisqually

LACEY – People are invited to attend a combined environmental hearing and informational open house which discusses potential environmental effects of proposed improvements to Interstate 5 across the Nisqually Delta.

The Washington State Department of Transportation is hosting the in-person and online open houses. Both focus on I-5 from Marvin Road in Thurston County to Mounts Road in Pierce County. People can provide input and learn about proposals that address flood risks and improve mobility through the corridor.

I-5 Marvin Road to Mounts Road in-person open house

When: 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 20

Where: Lacey Community Center, 6729 Pacific Avenue SE, Lacey, WA

Details: No formal presentation will be provided. The public can meet with members of the project team and provide input. Visitors to the in-person open house may provide oral or written testimony to a court reporter. Intercity Transit stop 67 on Pacific Avenue at Lake Lois Road is located next to the Lacey Community Center.

I-5 Marvin Road to Mounts Road online open house

When: Tuesday, Aug. 13 to Thursday, Sept. 12

Where: engage.wsdot.wa.gov/i-5-nisqually

Free, temporary internet access is available to those who do not have broadband service in locations throughout the state. To find the nearest Drive-In WiFi Hotspot visit: www.commerce.wa.gov/building-infrastructure/washington-state-drive-in-wifi-hotspots-location-finder/

Free WiFi access is available at these locations for people who wish to participate in the online open house/meeting:

  • DuPont Pierce County Library, 1540 Wilmington Drive, DuPont, WA 98327
  • Steilacoom Pierce County Library, 2950 Steilacoom Blvd., Steilacoom, WA 98388
  • Timberland Regional Library, Hawks Prairie branch: 8205 Martin Way, Suite B, Lacey, WA 98516
  • Timberland Regional Library, Lacey branch: 500 College Street SE, Lacey, WA 98503

In 2021, the Washington State Legislature appropriated $5 million to conduct preliminary engineering to develop alternatives. The funding also completes the required National Environmental Policy Act review for the proposal. The proposal provides congestion relief on I-5 between Tumwater and Mounts Road and restores the Nisqually River Delta at the existing freeway crossing.

The 2022 Move Ahead Washington funding package includes $75 million for preliminary engineering related to the I-5 Nisqually Delta crossing.

There is no identified funding for construction.

166,800 electric vehicle

registrations in Washington in 2023, up from 114,600 in 2022.

87 wetland compensation sites

actively monitored on 918 acres in 2023.

25,000 safe animal crossings

in the Snoqualmie Pass East Project area since 2014.