Parsons Transportation Group, the consultant hired by the Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department (AHTD) and the Oklahoma Department of Transportation, has scheduled a public involvement session to present the findings of the corridor study for a possible Siloam Springs Bypass, according to AHTD officials. 

     The informal session will be held Tuesday, August 24, 2004, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Southside Elementary School Cafeteria, 825 South Maple Street in Siloam Springs, Arkansas.  The open forum format of the session will allow concerned citizens the opportunity to attend anytime between the hours of 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.  Personnel will be on hand during those hours to explain the corridor study, answer questions, and take oral or written comments about the project.  No formal presentation will be made at this session.

    Work on the corridor study had been delayed due to the complexity of some of the environmental and social constraints that had to be evaluated. Also, coordination with resource agencies and some affected national groups had taken longer than anticipated.

     After comments from the public involvement session are addressed, the environmental and location studies will continue and will include benefits and impacts of a possible bypass compared to improvements to existing Highway 412 through Siloam Springs.  The corridor study and subsequent environmental studies will be completed as soon as allowed by the National Environmental Policy Act evaluation process.

                                                                              #####