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Gotta call bullshit on this one @MichiganDOT @GovWhitmer. MDOT has and remains in control of the timeline for completing the 375 EIS and decison making process. FHWA isn't holding you back. https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/2020/07/29/mdot-375-funding-project/5532790002/
It has been years since the public engagement part of this wrapped up, but you have dragged your feet. STC and SEMCOG both programmed funds for the project, but you aren't just pushing back a year, you are effectively canceling it by removing the funding completely.
If you want to cancel the project you need to explain why to the people of the city of Detroit. Don't hide behind the NEPA process and blame FHWA. Own your decisions, be transparent, and be accountable to the people.
The only "practical alternatives" you presented in Dec 2017 (almost three years ago) were to replace the freeway with a surface blvd. So it is disingenuous to claim that we are so far off from a decision that the funding had to be reallocated https://www.michigan.gov/documents/mdot/MDOT_I-375_Open_House_Presentation_608086_7.pdf
You know that if you wanted to, the NEPA process could be complete within a year (could have been done long ago). The funding wasn't programmed for another four years, so clearly it isn't NEPA process holding you back. It is your choice, so explain yourself.
Finally, if any of this money is redirected to widening I-94 so more trucks and suburban commuters can drive faster through Detroit and spew more pollution in low-income neighborhoods then it is a social justice travesty that we won't forget.
