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FAST-41 Missed Date: Environmental Assessment (EA)

Submitted by ajay.maheshwar… on

Triggered missed date from extending EA Process Concluded within 30 days of its current target date which was 11/19/2021 and extended to 11/26/2021

Action
Project Name:
Cardinal-Hickory Creek 345 kV Transmission Line Project
Responsible Agency:
Rural Development
Status:
In Progress
POC Name:
Scott Vandegrift
POC Title:
Chief Environmental Review and Permitting Officer
POC Email:
scott.vandegrift@usda.gov

Description:

Previous NEPA and permits are completed. Based on final project design and landowner negotiations, the Project Sponsor requested minor modifications to the route post-EIS. This EA will be used to inform issuance of USDA Rural Development Loans.

Milestones:

Determination to prepare an Environmental Assessment (EA) (Agency Action)
Completed Date:
Issuance of a Draft EA / Release for Public Review (Agency Action)
Completed Date:
Issuance of a Final EA (Agency Action)
  • Monthly Status Report for September 2023:
    RUS met the "Issuance of Draft EA / Release for public review 2" milestone on 9/8/23 as scheduled.  RUS anticipates meeting the "Issuance of Final EA" and "EA Process Concluded" milestones on 10/6/23.
  • Monthly Status Report for August 2023:
    In consideration of the recent Seventh Circuit Court ruling in Driftless Area Land Conservancy v. Rural Utilities Services (7th Cir. Nos. 22-1347, 22-1709, 22-1737) on 7/19/23, RUS coordinated with the relevant agencies and project sponsor to determine the appropriate next steps to resume the NEPA process for this project.  RUS updated the "Issuance of Draft EA / Release for public review 2" milestone to 9/8/23 and the dependent "Issuance of Final EA" and "EA Process Concluded" milestones to 10/6/23.
  • Monthly Status Report for July 2023:
    In consideration of the recent Seventh Circuit Court ruling in Driftless Area Land Conservancy v. Rural Utilities Services (7th Cir. Nos. 22-1347, 22-1709, 22-1737) on 7/19/23, RUS is coordinating with the relevant agencies and project sponsor to determine the appropriate next steps to resume the NEPA process for this project.  RUS will update the "Issuance of Draft EA / Release for public review 2" milestone and the dependent "Issuance of Draft EA" and "EA Process Concluded" milestones, both of which were scheduled for completion on 2/11/22, when more information becomes available.
  • Monthly Status Report for June 2023:
    Action on the RUS milestone "Issuance of Draft EA / Release for public review 2," which was scheduled for completion on 1/21/2022, continues to be affected by the order of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin in Nat'l Wildlife Refuge Ass'n v. RUS, No. 21-096, ECF No. 175, WD Wis. (Jan 14, 2022). RUS will update this milestone, and the dependent "Issuance of Draft EA" and "EA Process Concluded" milestones, both of which were scheduled for completion on 2/11/2022, when more information becomes available.
  • Monthly Status Report for May 2023:
    Action on the RUS milestone "Issuance of Draft EA / Release for public review 2," which was scheduled for completion on 1/21/2022, continues to be affected by the order of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin in Nat'l Wildlife Refuge Ass'n v. RUS, No. 21-096, ECF No. 175, WD Wis. (Jan 14, 2022). RUS will update this milestone, and the dependent "Issuance of Draft EA" and "EA Process Concluded" milestones, both of which were scheduled for completion on 2/11/2022, when more information becomes available.
  • Monthly Status Report for April 2023:
    Action on the RUS milestone "Issuance of Draft EA / Release for public review 2," which was scheduled for completion on 1/21/2022, continues to be affected by the order of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin in Nat'l Wildlife Refuge Ass'n v. RUS, No. 21-096, ECF No. 175, WD Wis. (Jan 14, 2022). RUS will update this milestone, and the dependent "Issuance of Draft EA" and "EA Process Concluded" milestones, both of which were scheduled for completion on 2/11/2022, when more information becomes available.
  • Monthly Status Report for March 2023:
    Action on the RUS milestone "Issuance of Draft EA / Release for public review 2," which was scheduled for completion on 1/21/2022, continues to be affected by the order of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin in Nat'l Wildlife Refuge Ass'n v. RUS, No. 21-096, ECF No. 175, WD Wis. (Jan 14, 2022). RUS will update this milestone, and the dependent "Issuance of Draft EA" and "EA Process Concluded" milestones, both of which were scheduled for completion on 2/11/2022, when more information becomes available.
  • Monthly Status Report for February 2023:
    Action on the RUS milestone "Issuance of Draft EA / Release for public review 2," which was scheduled for completion on 1/21/2022, continues to be affected by the order of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin in Nat'l Wildlife Refuge Ass'n v. RUS, No. 21-096, ECF No. 175, WD Wis. (Jan 14, 2022). RUS will update this milestone, and the dependent "Issuance of Draft EA" and "EA Process Concluded" milestones, both of which were scheduled for completion on 2/11/2022, when more information becomes available.
  • Monthly Status Report for January 2023:
    Action on the RUS milestone "Issuance of Draft EA / Release for public review 2," which was scheduled for completion on 1/21/2022, continues to be affected by the order of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin in Nat'l Wildlife Refuge Ass'n v. RUS, No. 21-096, ECF No. 175, WD Wis. (Jan 14, 2022). RUS will update this milestone, and the dependent "Issuance of Draft EA" and "EA Process Concluded" milestones, both of which were scheduled for completion on 2/11/2022, when more information becomes available.   Alternative Completion Date: 02/11/2022 Alternative Completion Date: 02/11/2022 Alternative Completion Date: 02/11/2022
  • Monthly Status Report for December 2022:
    Action on the RUS milestone "Issuance of Draft EA / Release for public review 2," which was scheduled for completion on 1/21/2022, continues to be affected by the order of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin in Nat'l Wildlife Refuge Ass'n v. RUS, No. 21-096, ECF No. 175, WD Wis. (Jan 14, 2022). RUS will update this milestone, and the dependent "Issuance of Draft EA" and "EA Process Concluded" milestones, both of which were scheduled for completion on 2/11/2022, when more information becomes available.   Alternative Completion Date: 02/11/2022 Alternative Completion Date: 02/11/2022
  • Monthly Status Report for November 2022:
    Action on the RUS milestone "Issuance of Draft EA / Release for public review 2," which was scheduled for completion on 1/21/2022, continues to be affected by the order of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin in Nat'l Wildlife Refuge Ass'n v. RUS, No. 21-096, ECF No. 175, WD Wis. (Jan 14, 2022). RUS will update this milestone, and the dependent "Issuance of Draft EA" and "EA Process Concluded" milestones, both of which were scheduled for completion on 2/11/2022, when more information becomes available.   Alternative Completion Date: 02/11/2022
  • Monthly Status Report for October 2022:
    Action on the RUS milestone "Issuance of Draft EA / Release for public review 2," which was scheduled for completion on 1/21/2022, continues to be affected by the order of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin in Nat'l Wildlife Refuge Ass'n v. RUS, No. 21-096, ECF No. 175, WD Wis. (Jan 14, 2022). RUS will update this milestone, and the dependent "Issuance of Draft EA" and "EA Process Concluded" milestones, both of which were scheduled for completion on 2/11/2022, when more information becomes available.   Alternative Completion Date: 02/11/2022
  • Monthly Status Report for September 2022:
    Action on the RUS milestone "Issuance of Draft EA / Release for public review 2," which was scheduled for completion on 1/21/2022, continues to be affected by the order of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin in Nat'l Wildlife Refuge Ass'n v. RUS, No. 21-096, ECF No. 175, WD Wis. (Jan 14, 2022). RUS will update this milestone, and the dependent "Issuance of Draft EA" and "EA Process Concluded" milestones, both of which were scheduled for completion on 2/11/2022, when more information becomes available.  
  • Monthly Status Report for August 2022:
    Action on the RUS milestone "Issuance of Draft EA / Release for public review 2," which was scheduled for completion on 1/21/2022, continues to be affected by the order of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin in Nat'l Wildlife Refuge Ass'n v. RUS, No. 21-096, ECF No. 175, WD Wis. (Jan 14, 2022). RUS will update this milestone, and the dependent "Issuance of Draft EA" and "EA Process Concluded" milestones, both of which were scheduled for completion on 2/11/2022, when more information becomes available.
  • Monthly Status Report for July 2022:
    Action on the RUS milestone "Issuance of Draft EA / Release for public review 2," which was scheduled for completion on 1/21/2022, continues to be affected by the order of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin in Nat'l Wildlife Refuge Ass'n v. RUS, No. 21-096, ECF No. 175, WD Wis. (Jan 14, 2022). RUS will update this milestone, and the dependent "Issuance of Draft EA" and "EA Process Concluded" milestones, both of which were scheduled for completion on 2/11/2022, when more information becomes available.
  • Monthly Status Report for June 2022:
    Action on the RUS milestone "Issuance of Draft EA / Release for public review 2," which was scheduled for completion on 1/21/2022, continues to be affected by the order of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin in Nat'l Wildlife Refuge Ass'n v. RUS, No. 21-096, ECF No. 175, WD Wis. (Jan 14, 2022). RUS will update this milestone, and the dependent "Issuance of Draft EA" and "EA Process Concluded" milestones, both of which were scheduled for completion on 2/11/2022, when more information becomes available.
  • Monthly Status Report for May 2022:
    Action on the RUS milestone "Issuance of Draft EA / Release for public review 2," which was scheduled for completion on 1/21/2022, continues to be affected by the order of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin in Nat'l Wildlife Refuge Ass'n v. RUS, No. 21-096, ECF No. 175, WD Wis. (Jan 14, 2022). RUS will update this milestone, and the dependent "Issuance of Draft EA" and "EA Process Concluded" milestones, both of which were scheduled for completion on 2/11/2022, when more information becomes available.
  • Monthly Status Report for April 2022:
    Action on the RUS milestone "Issuance of Draft EA / Release for public review 2," scheduled for completion on 1/21/2022, continues to be affected by the recent order of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin in Nat'l Wildlife Refuge Ass'n v. RUS, No. 21-096, ECF No. 175, WD Wis. (Jan 14, 2022). RUS will update this milestone, and the dependent "Issuance of Draft EA" and "EA Process Concluded" milestones, both of which were scheduled for completion on 2/11/2022, when more information becomes available.
  • Monthly Status Report for March 2022:
    Action on the RUS milestone "Issuance of Draft EA / Release for public review 2," scheduled for completion on 1/21/2022, continues to be affected by the recent order of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin in Nat'l Wildlife Refuge Ass'n v. RUS, No. 21-096, ECF No. 175, WD Wis. (Jan 14, 2022). RUS will update this milestone, and the dependent "Issuance of Draft EA" and "EA Process Concluded" milestones, both of which were scheduled for completion on 2/11/2022, when more information becomes available.
  • Monthly Status Report for February 2022:
    Action on the RUS milestone "Issuance of Draft EA / Release for public review 2," scheduled for completion on 1/21/2022, continues to be affected by the recent order of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin in Nat'l Wildlife Refuge Ass'n v. RUS, No. 21-096, ECF No. 175, WD Wis. (Jan 14, 2022). RUS will update this milestone, and the dependent "Issuance of Draft EA" and "EA Process Concluded" milestones, both of which were scheduled for completion on 2/11/2022, when more information becomes available.
  • Monthly Status Report for January 2022:
    Action on the RUS milestone "Issuance of Draft EA / Release for public review 2," which was scheduled for completion on 1/21/2022, was affected by the recent order of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin in Nat'l Wildlife Refuge Ass'n v. RUS, No. 21-096, ECF No. 175, WD Wis. (Jan 14, 2022). RUS will update the completion dates for this milestone, and the dependent "Issuance of Draft EA" and "EA Process Concluded" milestones, both of which were scheduled for completion on 2/11/2022, as soon as more scheduling information becomes available. 
  • Monthly Status Report for December 2021:
    RUS is completing the alternatives analysis and anticipates issuing the Draft EA for  public review by 1/10/2022. The final completion date for "Issuance of final EA" and "EA process concluded" remains 1/28/2022.
  • Monthly Status Report for November 2021:
    In light of ongoing project-related litigation, RUS continues to work with the cooperating agencies and the project sponsor to identify new completion dates for the "Issuance of Draft EA / Release for Public Review 2" "Issuance of a Final EA," and "EA Process Concluded" actions for this project. RUS anticipates updating these completion dates by 11/26/2021. UPDATE: 11/30/2021 RUS in coordination with the project sponsor has identified new alternative completion dates for the "Issuance of Draft EA / Release for Public Review 2" "Issuance of a Final EA," and "EA Process Concluded" actions for this project. The "Issuance of Draft EA / Release for Public Review 2" date is changing from 10/29/2021 to 12/17/2021 and the "Issuance of a Final EA" and "EA Process Concluded" action dates are changing from 11/26/2021 to 01/28/2022.  
  • Non-conformance Explanation:
    Due to issues regarding on-going litigation and the revocation of the FWS "Right-of-way authorization," the RUS is re-issuing a draft EA for public comment pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The agency currently estimates an alternative completion date for the "Issuance of a Final EA" action of November 26th.
Current Target Date:
EA Process Concluded (Agency Action)
  • Monthly Status Report for September 2023:
    RUS met the "Issuance of Draft EA / Release for public review 2" milestone on 9/8/23 as scheduled.  RUS anticipates meeting the "Issuance of Final EA" and "EA Process Concluded" milestones on 10/6/23.
  • Monthly Status Report for August 2023:
    In consideration of the recent Seventh Circuit Court ruling in Driftless Area Land Conservancy v. Rural Utilities Services (7th Cir. Nos. 22-1347, 22-1709, 22-1737) on 7/19/23, RUS coordinated with the relevant agencies and project sponsor to determine the appropriate next steps to resume the NEPA process for this project.  RUS updated the "Issuance of Draft EA / Release for public review 2" milestone to 9/8/23 and the dependent "Issuance of Final EA" and "EA Process Concluded" milestones to 10/6/23.
  • Monthly Status Report for July 2023:
    In consideration of the recent Seventh Circuit Court ruling in Driftless Area Land Conservancy v. Rural Utilities Services (7th Cir. Nos. 22-1347, 22-1709, 22-1737) on 7/19/23, RUS is coordinating with the relevant agencies and project sponsor to determine the appropriate next steps to resume the NEPA process for this project.  RUS will update the "Issuance of Draft EA / Release for public review 2" milestone and the dependent "Issuance of Draft EA" and "EA Process Concluded" milestones, both of which were scheduled for completion on 2/11/22, when more information becomes available.
  • Monthly Status Report for June 2023:
    Action on the RUS milestone "Issuance of Draft EA / Release for public review 2," which was scheduled for completion on 1/21/2022, continues to be affected by the order of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin in Nat'l Wildlife Refuge Ass'n v. RUS, No. 21-096, ECF No. 175, WD Wis. (Jan 14, 2022). RUS will update this milestone, and the dependent "Issuance of Draft EA" and "EA Process Concluded" milestones, both of which were scheduled for completion on 2/11/2022, when more information becomes available.
  • Monthly Status Report for May 2023:
    Action on the RUS milestone "Issuance of Draft EA / Release for public review 2," which was scheduled for completion on 1/21/2022, continues to be affected by the order of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin in Nat'l Wildlife Refuge Ass'n v. RUS, No. 21-096, ECF No. 175, WD Wis. (Jan 14, 2022). RUS will update this milestone, and the dependent "Issuance of Draft EA" and "EA Process Concluded" milestones, both of which were scheduled for completion on 2/11/2022, when more information becomes available.
  • Monthly Status Report for April 2023:
    Action on the RUS milestone "Issuance of Draft EA / Release for public review 2," which was scheduled for completion on 1/21/2022, continues to be affected by the order of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin in Nat'l Wildlife Refuge Ass'n v. RUS, No. 21-096, ECF No. 175, WD Wis. (Jan 14, 2022). RUS will update this milestone, and the dependent "Issuance of Draft EA" and "EA Process Concluded" milestones, both of which were scheduled for completion on 2/11/2022, when more information becomes available.
  • Monthly Status Report for March 2023:
    Action on the RUS milestone "Issuance of Draft EA / Release for public review 2," which was scheduled for completion on 1/21/2022, continues to be affected by the order of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin in Nat'l Wildlife Refuge Ass'n v. RUS, No. 21-096, ECF No. 175, WD Wis. (Jan 14, 2022). RUS will update this milestone, and the dependent "Issuance of Draft EA" and "EA Process Concluded" milestones, both of which were scheduled for completion on 2/11/2022, when more information becomes available.
  • Monthly Status Report for February 2023:
    Action on the RUS milestone "Issuance of Draft EA / Release for public review 2," which was scheduled for completion on 1/21/2022, continues to be affected by the order of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin in Nat'l Wildlife Refuge Ass'n v. RUS, No. 21-096, ECF No. 175, WD Wis. (Jan 14, 2022). RUS will update this milestone, and the dependent "Issuance of Draft EA" and "EA Process Concluded" milestones, both of which were scheduled for completion on 2/11/2022, when more information becomes available.
  • Monthly Status Report for January 2023:
    Action on the RUS milestone "Issuance of Draft EA / Release for public review 2," which was scheduled for completion on 1/21/2022, continues to be affected by the order of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin in Nat'l Wildlife Refuge Ass'n v. RUS, No. 21-096, ECF No. 175, WD Wis. (Jan 14, 2022). RUS will update this milestone, and the dependent "Issuance of Draft EA" and "EA Process Concluded" milestones, both of which were scheduled for completion on 2/11/2022, when more information becomes available.   Alternative Completion Date: 02/11/2022 Alternative Completion Date: 02/11/2022 Alternative Completion Date: 02/11/2022
  • Monthly Status Report for December 2022:
    Action on the RUS milestone "Issuance of Draft EA / Release for public review 2," which was scheduled for completion on 1/21/2022, continues to be affected by the order of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin in Nat'l Wildlife Refuge Ass'n v. RUS, No. 21-096, ECF No. 175, WD Wis. (Jan 14, 2022). RUS will update this milestone, and the dependent "Issuance of Draft EA" and "EA Process Concluded" milestones, both of which were scheduled for completion on 2/11/2022, when more information becomes available.   Alternative Completion Date: 02/11/2022 Alternative Completion Date: 02/11/2022 Alternative Completion Date: 02/11/2022
  • Monthly Status Report for November 2022:
    Action on the RUS milestone "Issuance of Draft EA / Release for public review 2," which was scheduled for completion on 1/21/2022, continues to be affected by the order of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin in Nat'l Wildlife Refuge Ass'n v. RUS, No. 21-096, ECF No. 175, WD Wis. (Jan 14, 2022). RUS will update this milestone, and the dependent "Issuance of Draft EA" and "EA Process Concluded" milestones, both of which were scheduled for completion on 2/11/2022, when more information becomes available.   Alternative Completion Date: 02/11/2022 Alternative Completion Date: 02/11/2022
  • Monthly Status Report for October 2022:
    Action on the RUS milestone "Issuance of Draft EA / Release for public review 2," which was scheduled for completion on 1/21/2022, continues to be affected by the order of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin in Nat'l Wildlife Refuge Ass'n v. RUS, No. 21-096, ECF No. 175, WD Wis. (Jan 14, 2022). RUS will update this milestone, and the dependent "Issuance of Draft EA" and "EA Process Concluded" milestones, both of which were scheduled for completion on 2/11/2022, when more information becomes available.   Alternative Completion Date: 02/11/2022
  • Monthly Status Report for September 2022:
    Action on the RUS milestone "Issuance of Draft EA / Release for public review 2," which was scheduled for completion on 1/21/2022, continues to be affected by the order of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin in Nat'l Wildlife Refuge Ass'n v. RUS, No. 21-096, ECF No. 175, WD Wis. (Jan 14, 2022). RUS will update this milestone, and the dependent "Issuance of Draft EA" and "EA Process Concluded" milestones, both of which were scheduled for completion on 2/11/2022, when more information becomes available.
  • Monthly Status Report for August 2022:
    Action on the RUS milestone "Issuance of Draft EA / Release for public review 2," which was scheduled for completion on 1/21/2022, continues to be affected by the order of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin in Nat'l Wildlife Refuge Ass'n v. RUS, No. 21-096, ECF No. 175, WD Wis. (Jan 14, 2022). RUS will update this milestone, and the dependent "Issuance of Draft EA" and "EA Process Concluded" milestones, both of which were scheduled for completion on 2/11/2022, when more information becomes available.
  • Monthly Status Report for July 2022:
    Action on the RUS milestone "Issuance of Draft EA / Release for public review 2," which was scheduled for completion on 1/21/2022, continues to be affected by the order of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin in Nat'l Wildlife Refuge Ass'n v. RUS, No. 21-096, ECF No. 175, WD Wis. (Jan 14, 2022). RUS will update this milestone, and the dependent "Issuance of Draft EA" and "EA Process Concluded" milestones, both of which were scheduled for completion on 2/11/2022, when more information becomes available.
  • Monthly Status Report for June 2022:
    Action on the RUS milestone "Issuance of Draft EA / Release for public review 2," which was scheduled for completion on 1/21/2022, continues to be affected by the order of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin in Nat'l Wildlife Refuge Ass'n v. RUS, No. 21-096, ECF No. 175, WD Wis. (Jan 14, 2022). RUS will update this milestone, and the dependent "Issuance of Draft EA" and "EA Process Concluded" milestones, both of which were scheduled for completion on 2/11/2022, when more information becomes available.
  • Monthly Status Report for May 2022:
    Action on the RUS milestone "Issuance of Draft EA / Release for public review 2," which was scheduled for completion on 1/21/2022, continues to be affected by the order of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin in Nat'l Wildlife Refuge Ass'n v. RUS, No. 21-096, ECF No. 175, WD Wis. (Jan 14, 2022). RUS will update this milestone, and the dependent "Issuance of Draft EA" and "EA Process Concluded" milestones, both of which were scheduled for completion on 2/11/2022, when more information becomes available.
  • Monthly Status Report for April 2022:
    Action on the RUS milestone "Issuance of Draft EA / Release for public review 2," scheduled for completion on 1/21/2022, continues to be affected by the recent order of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin in Nat'l Wildlife Refuge Ass'n v. RUS, No. 21-096, ECF No. 175, WD Wis. (Jan 14, 2022). RUS will update this milestone, and the dependent "Issuance of Draft EA" and "EA Process Concluded" milestones, both of which were scheduled for completion on 2/11/2022, when more information becomes available.
  • Monthly Status Report for March 2022:
    Action on the RUS milestone "Issuance of Draft EA / Release for public review 2," scheduled for completion on 1/21/2022, continues to be affected by the recent order of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin in Nat'l Wildlife Refuge Ass'n v. RUS, No. 21-096, ECF No. 175, WD Wis. (Jan 14, 2022). RUS will update this milestone, and the dependent "Issuance of Draft EA" and "EA Process Concluded" milestones, both of which were scheduled for completion on 2/11/2022, when more information becomes available.
  • Monthly Status Report for February 2022:
    Action on the RUS milestone "Issuance of Draft EA / Release for public review 2," scheduled for completion on 1/21/2022, continues to be affected by the recent order of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin in Nat'l Wildlife Refuge Ass'n v. RUS, No. 21-096, ECF No. 175, WD Wis. (Jan 14, 2022). RUS will update this milestone, and the dependent "Issuance of Draft EA" and "EA Process Concluded" milestones, both of which were scheduled for completion on 2/11/2022, when more information becomes available.
  • Monthly Status Report for January 2022:
    Action on the RUS milestone "Issuance of Draft EA / Release for public review 2," which was scheduled for completion on 1/21/2022, was affected by the recent order of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin in Nat'l Wildlife Refuge Ass'n v. RUS, No. 21-096, ECF No. 175, WD Wis. (Jan 14, 2022). RUS will update the completion dates for this milestone, and the dependent "Issuance of Draft EA" and "EA Process Concluded" milestones, both of which were scheduled for completion on 2/11/2022, as soon as more scheduling information becomes available. 
  • Monthly Status Report for December 2021:
    RUS is completing the alternatives analysis and anticipates issuing the Draft EA for  public review by 1/10/2022. The final completion date for "Issuance of final EA" and "EA process concluded" remains 1/28/2022.
  • Monthly Status Report for November 2021:
    In light of ongoing project-related litigation, RUS continues to work with the cooperating agencies and the project sponsor to identify new completion dates for the "Issuance of Draft EA / Release for Public Review 2" "Issuance of a Final EA," and "EA Process Concluded" actions for this project. RUS anticipates updating these completion dates by 11/26/2021. UPDATE: 11/30/2021 RUS in coordination with the project sponsor has identified new alternative completion dates for the "Issuance of Draft EA / Release for Public Review 2" "Issuance of a Final EA," and "EA Process Concluded" actions for this project. The "Issuance of Draft EA / Release for Public Review 2" date is changing from 10/29/2021 to 12/17/2021 and the "Issuance of a Final EA" and "EA Process Concluded" action dates are changing from 11/26/2021 to 01/28/2022.  
  • Non-conformance Explanation:
    Due to issues regarding on-going litigation and the revocation of the FWS "Right-of-way authorization," the RUS is re-issuing a draft EA for public comment pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The agency currently estimates an alternative completion date for the "Issuance of a Final EA" action of November 26th.
Current Target Date:

Additional Milestones:

Additional Milestones
Issuance of Draft EA / Release for public review
Current Target Date:


View Action's Modification History

Milestone
EA Process Concluded (Agency Action)
  • Monthly Status Report for September 2023:
    RUS met the "Issuance of Draft EA / Release for public review 2" milestone on 9/8/23 as scheduled.  RUS anticipates meeting the "Issuance of Final EA" and "EA Process Concluded" milestones on 10/6/23.
  • Monthly Status Report for August 2023:
    In consideration of the recent Seventh Circuit Court ruling in Driftless Area Land Conservancy v. Rural Utilities Services (7th Cir. Nos. 22-1347, 22-1709, 22-1737) on 7/19/23, RUS coordinated with the relevant agencies and project sponsor to determine the appropriate next steps to resume the NEPA process for this project.  RUS updated the "Issuance of Draft EA / Release for public review 2" milestone to 9/8/23 and the dependent "Issuance of Final EA" and "EA Process Concluded" milestones to 10/6/23.
  • Monthly Status Report for July 2023:
    In consideration of the recent Seventh Circuit Court ruling in Driftless Area Land Conservancy v. Rural Utilities Services (7th Cir. Nos. 22-1347, 22-1709, 22-1737) on 7/19/23, RUS is coordinating with the relevant agencies and project sponsor to determine the appropriate next steps to resume the NEPA process for this project.  RUS will update the "Issuance of Draft EA / Release for public review 2" milestone and the dependent "Issuance of Draft EA" and "EA Process Concluded" milestones, both of which were scheduled for completion on 2/11/22, when more information becomes available.
  • Monthly Status Report for June 2023:
    Action on the RUS milestone "Issuance of Draft EA / Release for public review 2," which was scheduled for completion on 1/21/2022, continues to be affected by the order of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin in Nat'l Wildlife Refuge Ass'n v. RUS, No. 21-096, ECF No. 175, WD Wis. (Jan 14, 2022). RUS will update this milestone, and the dependent "Issuance of Draft EA" and "EA Process Concluded" milestones, both of which were scheduled for completion on 2/11/2022, when more information becomes available.
  • Monthly Status Report for May 2023:
    Action on the RUS milestone "Issuance of Draft EA / Release for public review 2," which was scheduled for completion on 1/21/2022, continues to be affected by the order of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin in Nat'l Wildlife Refuge Ass'n v. RUS, No. 21-096, ECF No. 175, WD Wis. (Jan 14, 2022). RUS will update this milestone, and the dependent "Issuance of Draft EA" and "EA Process Concluded" milestones, both of which were scheduled for completion on 2/11/2022, when more information becomes available.
  • Monthly Status Report for April 2023:
    Action on the RUS milestone "Issuance of Draft EA / Release for public review 2," which was scheduled for completion on 1/21/2022, continues to be affected by the order of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin in Nat'l Wildlife Refuge Ass'n v. RUS, No. 21-096, ECF No. 175, WD Wis. (Jan 14, 2022). RUS will update this milestone, and the dependent "Issuance of Draft EA" and "EA Process Concluded" milestones, both of which were scheduled for completion on 2/11/2022, when more information becomes available.
  • Monthly Status Report for March 2023:
    Action on the RUS milestone "Issuance of Draft EA / Release for public review 2," which was scheduled for completion on 1/21/2022, continues to be affected by the order of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin in Nat'l Wildlife Refuge Ass'n v. RUS, No. 21-096, ECF No. 175, WD Wis. (Jan 14, 2022). RUS will update this milestone, and the dependent "Issuance of Draft EA" and "EA Process Concluded" milestones, both of which were scheduled for completion on 2/11/2022, when more information becomes available.
  • Monthly Status Report for February 2023:
    Action on the RUS milestone "Issuance of Draft EA / Release for public review 2," which was scheduled for completion on 1/21/2022, continues to be affected by the order of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin in Nat'l Wildlife Refuge Ass'n v. RUS, No. 21-096, ECF No. 175, WD Wis. (Jan 14, 2022). RUS will update this milestone, and the dependent "Issuance of Draft EA" and "EA Process Concluded" milestones, both of which were scheduled for completion on 2/11/2022, when more information becomes available.
  • Monthly Status Report for January 2023:
    Action on the RUS milestone "Issuance of Draft EA / Release for public review 2," which was scheduled for completion on 1/21/2022, continues to be affected by the order of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin in Nat'l Wildlife Refuge Ass'n v. RUS, No. 21-096, ECF No. 175, WD Wis. (Jan 14, 2022). RUS will update this milestone, and the dependent "Issuance of Draft EA" and "EA Process Concluded" milestones, both of which were scheduled for completion on 2/11/2022, when more information becomes available.   Alternative Completion Date: 02/11/2022 Alternative Completion Date: 02/11/2022 Alternative Completion Date: 02/11/2022
  • Monthly Status Report for December 2022:
    Action on the RUS milestone "Issuance of Draft EA / Release for public review 2," which was scheduled for completion on 1/21/2022, continues to be affected by the order of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin in Nat'l Wildlife Refuge Ass'n v. RUS, No. 21-096, ECF No. 175, WD Wis. (Jan 14, 2022). RUS will update this milestone, and the dependent "Issuance of Draft EA" and "EA Process Concluded" milestones, both of which were scheduled for completion on 2/11/2022, when more information becomes available.   Alternative Completion Date: 02/11/2022 Alternative Completion Date: 02/11/2022 Alternative Completion Date: 02/11/2022
  • Monthly Status Report for November 2022:
    Action on the RUS milestone "Issuance of Draft EA / Release for public review 2," which was scheduled for completion on 1/21/2022, continues to be affected by the order of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin in Nat'l Wildlife Refuge Ass'n v. RUS, No. 21-096, ECF No. 175, WD Wis. (Jan 14, 2022). RUS will update this milestone, and the dependent "Issuance of Draft EA" and "EA Process Concluded" milestones, both of which were scheduled for completion on 2/11/2022, when more information becomes available.   Alternative Completion Date: 02/11/2022 Alternative Completion Date: 02/11/2022
  • Monthly Status Report for October 2022:
    Action on the RUS milestone "Issuance of Draft EA / Release for public review 2," which was scheduled for completion on 1/21/2022, continues to be affected by the order of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin in Nat'l Wildlife Refuge Ass'n v. RUS, No. 21-096, ECF No. 175, WD Wis. (Jan 14, 2022). RUS will update this milestone, and the dependent "Issuance of Draft EA" and "EA Process Concluded" milestones, both of which were scheduled for completion on 2/11/2022, when more information becomes available.   Alternative Completion Date: 02/11/2022
  • Monthly Status Report for September 2022:
    Action on the RUS milestone "Issuance of Draft EA / Release for public review 2," which was scheduled for completion on 1/21/2022, continues to be affected by the order of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin in Nat'l Wildlife Refuge Ass'n v. RUS, No. 21-096, ECF No. 175, WD Wis. (Jan 14, 2022). RUS will update this milestone, and the dependent "Issuance of Draft EA" and "EA Process Concluded" milestones, both of which were scheduled for completion on 2/11/2022, when more information becomes available.
  • Monthly Status Report for August 2022:
    Action on the RUS milestone "Issuance of Draft EA / Release for public review 2," which was scheduled for completion on 1/21/2022, continues to be affected by the order of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin in Nat'l Wildlife Refuge Ass'n v. RUS, No. 21-096, ECF No. 175, WD Wis. (Jan 14, 2022). RUS will update this milestone, and the dependent "Issuance of Draft EA" and "EA Process Concluded" milestones, both of which were scheduled for completion on 2/11/2022, when more information becomes available.
  • Monthly Status Report for July 2022:
    Action on the RUS milestone "Issuance of Draft EA / Release for public review 2," which was scheduled for completion on 1/21/2022, continues to be affected by the order of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin in Nat'l Wildlife Refuge Ass'n v. RUS, No. 21-096, ECF No. 175, WD Wis. (Jan 14, 2022). RUS will update this milestone, and the dependent "Issuance of Draft EA" and "EA Process Concluded" milestones, both of which were scheduled for completion on 2/11/2022, when more information becomes available.
  • Monthly Status Report for June 2022:
    Action on the RUS milestone "Issuance of Draft EA / Release for public review 2," which was scheduled for completion on 1/21/2022, continues to be affected by the order of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin in Nat'l Wildlife Refuge Ass'n v. RUS, No. 21-096, ECF No. 175, WD Wis. (Jan 14, 2022). RUS will update this milestone, and the dependent "Issuance of Draft EA" and "EA Process Concluded" milestones, both of which were scheduled for completion on 2/11/2022, when more information becomes available.
  • Monthly Status Report for May 2022:
    Action on the RUS milestone "Issuance of Draft EA / Release for public review 2," which was scheduled for completion on 1/21/2022, continues to be affected by the order of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin in Nat'l Wildlife Refuge Ass'n v. RUS, No. 21-096, ECF No. 175, WD Wis. (Jan 14, 2022). RUS will update this milestone, and the dependent "Issuance of Draft EA" and "EA Process Concluded" milestones, both of which were scheduled for completion on 2/11/2022, when more information becomes available.
  • Monthly Status Report for April 2022:
    Action on the RUS milestone "Issuance of Draft EA / Release for public review 2," scheduled for completion on 1/21/2022, continues to be affected by the recent order of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin in Nat'l Wildlife Refuge Ass'n v. RUS, No. 21-096, ECF No. 175, WD Wis. (Jan 14, 2022). RUS will update this milestone, and the dependent "Issuance of Draft EA" and "EA Process Concluded" milestones, both of which were scheduled for completion on 2/11/2022, when more information becomes available.
  • Monthly Status Report for March 2022:
    Action on the RUS milestone "Issuance of Draft EA / Release for public review 2," scheduled for completion on 1/21/2022, continues to be affected by the recent order of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin in Nat'l Wildlife Refuge Ass'n v. RUS, No. 21-096, ECF No. 175, WD Wis. (Jan 14, 2022). RUS will update this milestone, and the dependent "Issuance of Draft EA" and "EA Process Concluded" milestones, both of which were scheduled for completion on 2/11/2022, when more information becomes available.
  • Monthly Status Report for February 2022:
    Action on the RUS milestone "Issuance of Draft EA / Release for public review 2," scheduled for completion on 1/21/2022, continues to be affected by the recent order of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin in Nat'l Wildlife Refuge Ass'n v. RUS, No. 21-096, ECF No. 175, WD Wis. (Jan 14, 2022). RUS will update this milestone, and the dependent "Issuance of Draft EA" and "EA Process Concluded" milestones, both of which were scheduled for completion on 2/11/2022, when more information becomes available.
  • Monthly Status Report for January 2022:
    Action on the RUS milestone "Issuance of Draft EA / Release for public review 2," which was scheduled for completion on 1/21/2022, was affected by the recent order of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin in Nat'l Wildlife Refuge Ass'n v. RUS, No. 21-096, ECF No. 175, WD Wis. (Jan 14, 2022). RUS will update the completion dates for this milestone, and the dependent "Issuance of Draft EA" and "EA Process Concluded" milestones, both of which were scheduled for completion on 2/11/2022, as soon as more scheduling information becomes available. 
  • Monthly Status Report for December 2021:
    RUS is completing the alternatives analysis and anticipates issuing the Draft EA for  public review by 1/10/2022. The final completion date for "Issuance of final EA" and "EA process concluded" remains 1/28/2022.
  • Monthly Status Report for November 2021:
    In light of ongoing project-related litigation, RUS continues to work with the cooperating agencies and the project sponsor to identify new completion dates for the "Issuance of Draft EA / Release for Public Review 2" "Issuance of a Final EA," and "EA Process Concluded" actions for this project. RUS anticipates updating these completion dates by 11/26/2021. UPDATE: 11/30/2021 RUS in coordination with the project sponsor has identified new alternative completion dates for the "Issuance of Draft EA / Release for Public Review 2" "Issuance of a Final EA," and "EA Process Concluded" actions for this project. The "Issuance of Draft EA / Release for Public Review 2" date is changing from 10/29/2021 to 12/17/2021 and the "Issuance of a Final EA" and "EA Process Concluded" action dates are changing from 11/26/2021 to 01/28/2022.  
  • Non-conformance Explanation:
    Due to issues regarding on-going litigation and the revocation of the FWS "Right-of-way authorization," the RUS is re-issuing a draft EA for public comment pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The agency currently estimates an alternative completion date for the "Issuance of a Final EA" action of November 26th.
Current Target Date:
Project

PROJECT WEBSITE: Cardinal-Hickory Creek 345 kV Transmission Line Project

All dates below are specific to the schedule of the Environmental Review and Permitting processes for this project.

In Progress

ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW AND PERMITTING STATUS
IN PROGRESS

icon_calendar

ESTIMATED COMPLETION DATE OF ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW AND PERMITTING
10/06/2023

10 out of 10

ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW AND PERMITTING PROCESSES
COMPLETED

Electricity Transmission

SECTOR
Electricity Transmission

Project Category

CATEGORY
Project Category FAST-41 Covered Projects

Department of Agriculture

LEAD AGENCY
Department of Agriculture, Rural Development

View FAST-41 Postings by Agencies

Other Agencies with Actions or Authorizations:

Department of the Army

Department of the Army, US Army Corps of Engineers - Regulatory

Department of the Interior

Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service

Department of the Army

Department of the Army, US Army Corps of Engineers - Civil Works

Description:

Dairyland Power Cooperative ("Dairyland"), a cooperative organized under the laws of Wisconsin, American Transmission Company LLC by its corporate manager, ATC Management Inc., (together, "ATC"), and ITC Midwest LLC ("ITC Midwest") (all collectively, "Utilities") propose to construct and own the Cardinal— Hickory Creek Transmission Line Project ("Project"), a 345 kilovolt ("kV") transmission line connecting northeast Iowa and south-central Wisconsin.


The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Rural Utilities Service is currently the lead federal agency for the preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement for the Project. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers are Cooperating Agencies. 

field_status
Rejected
System Comments
Triggered missed date from extending EA Process Concluded within 30 days of its current target date which was 11/19/2021 and extended to 11/26/2021
Approver Comments
<p>RUS met the "Issuance of Draft EA / Release for public review 2" milestone on 9/8/23 as scheduled.&nbsp; RUS anticipates meeting the "Issuance of Final EA" and "EA Process Concluded" milestones on 10/6/23.</p>
Previous Action Status
In Progress
New Action Status
In Progress
Missed Date Process
Yes
Missed Date Triggered by Extension
Yes
Agency Notified Date
New Milestone
EA Process Concluded (Agency Action)
  • Monthly Status Report for September 2023:
    RUS met the "Issuance of Draft EA / Release for public review 2" milestone on 9/8/23 as scheduled.  RUS anticipates meeting the "Issuance of Final EA" and "EA Process Concluded" milestones on 10/6/23.
  • Monthly Status Report for August 2023:
    In consideration of the recent Seventh Circuit Court ruling in Driftless Area Land Conservancy v. Rural Utilities Services (7th Cir. Nos. 22-1347, 22-1709, 22-1737) on 7/19/23, RUS coordinated with the relevant agencies and project sponsor to determine the appropriate next steps to resume the NEPA process for this project.  RUS updated the "Issuance of Draft EA / Release for public review 2" milestone to 9/8/23 and the dependent "Issuance of Final EA" and "EA Process Concluded" milestones to 10/6/23.
  • Monthly Status Report for July 2023:
    In consideration of the recent Seventh Circuit Court ruling in Driftless Area Land Conservancy v. Rural Utilities Services (7th Cir. Nos. 22-1347, 22-1709, 22-1737) on 7/19/23, RUS is coordinating with the relevant agencies and project sponsor to determine the appropriate next steps to resume the NEPA process for this project.  RUS will update the "Issuance of Draft EA / Release for public review 2" milestone and the dependent "Issuance of Draft EA" and "EA Process Concluded" milestones, both of which were scheduled for completion on 2/11/22, when more information becomes available.
  • Monthly Status Report for June 2023:
    Action on the RUS milestone "Issuance of Draft EA / Release for public review 2," which was scheduled for completion on 1/21/2022, continues to be affected by the order of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin in Nat'l Wildlife Refuge Ass'n v. RUS, No. 21-096, ECF No. 175, WD Wis. (Jan 14, 2022). RUS will update this milestone, and the dependent "Issuance of Draft EA" and "EA Process Concluded" milestones, both of which were scheduled for completion on 2/11/2022, when more information becomes available.
  • Monthly Status Report for May 2023:
    Action on the RUS milestone "Issuance of Draft EA / Release for public review 2," which was scheduled for completion on 1/21/2022, continues to be affected by the order of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin in Nat'l Wildlife Refuge Ass'n v. RUS, No. 21-096, ECF No. 175, WD Wis. (Jan 14, 2022). RUS will update this milestone, and the dependent "Issuance of Draft EA" and "EA Process Concluded" milestones, both of which were scheduled for completion on 2/11/2022, when more information becomes available.
  • Monthly Status Report for April 2023:
    Action on the RUS milestone "Issuance of Draft EA / Release for public review 2," which was scheduled for completion on 1/21/2022, continues to be affected by the order of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin in Nat'l Wildlife Refuge Ass'n v. RUS, No. 21-096, ECF No. 175, WD Wis. (Jan 14, 2022). RUS will update this milestone, and the dependent "Issuance of Draft EA" and "EA Process Concluded" milestones, both of which were scheduled for completion on 2/11/2022, when more information becomes available.
  • Monthly Status Report for March 2023:
    Action on the RUS milestone "Issuance of Draft EA / Release for public review 2," which was scheduled for completion on 1/21/2022, continues to be affected by the order of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin in Nat'l Wildlife Refuge Ass'n v. RUS, No. 21-096, ECF No. 175, WD Wis. (Jan 14, 2022). RUS will update this milestone, and the dependent "Issuance of Draft EA" and "EA Process Concluded" milestones, both of which were scheduled for completion on 2/11/2022, when more information becomes available.
  • Monthly Status Report for February 2023:
    Action on the RUS milestone "Issuance of Draft EA / Release for public review 2," which was scheduled for completion on 1/21/2022, continues to be affected by the order of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin in Nat'l Wildlife Refuge Ass'n v. RUS, No. 21-096, ECF No. 175, WD Wis. (Jan 14, 2022). RUS will update this milestone, and the dependent "Issuance of Draft EA" and "EA Process Concluded" milestones, both of which were scheduled for completion on 2/11/2022, when more information becomes available.
  • Monthly Status Report for January 2023:
    Action on the RUS milestone "Issuance of Draft EA / Release for public review 2," which was scheduled for completion on 1/21/2022, continues to be affected by the order of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin in Nat'l Wildlife Refuge Ass'n v. RUS, No. 21-096, ECF No. 175, WD Wis. (Jan 14, 2022). RUS will update this milestone, and the dependent "Issuance of Draft EA" and "EA Process Concluded" milestones, both of which were scheduled for completion on 2/11/2022, when more information becomes available.   Alternative Completion Date: 02/11/2022 Alternative Completion Date: 02/11/2022 Alternative Completion Date: 02/11/2022
  • Monthly Status Report for December 2022:
    Action on the RUS milestone "Issuance of Draft EA / Release for public review 2," which was scheduled for completion on 1/21/2022, continues to be affected by the order of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin in Nat'l Wildlife Refuge Ass'n v. RUS, No. 21-096, ECF No. 175, WD Wis. (Jan 14, 2022). RUS will update this milestone, and the dependent "Issuance of Draft EA" and "EA Process Concluded" milestones, both of which were scheduled for completion on 2/11/2022, when more information becomes available.   Alternative Completion Date: 02/11/2022 Alternative Completion Date: 02/11/2022 Alternative Completion Date: 02/11/2022
  • Monthly Status Report for November 2022:
    Action on the RUS milestone "Issuance of Draft EA / Release for public review 2," which was scheduled for completion on 1/21/2022, continues to be affected by the order of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin in Nat'l Wildlife Refuge Ass'n v. RUS, No. 21-096, ECF No. 175, WD Wis. (Jan 14, 2022). RUS will update this milestone, and the dependent "Issuance of Draft EA" and "EA Process Concluded" milestones, both of which were scheduled for completion on 2/11/2022, when more information becomes available.   Alternative Completion Date: 02/11/2022 Alternative Completion Date: 02/11/2022
  • Monthly Status Report for October 2022:
    Action on the RUS milestone "Issuance of Draft EA / Release for public review 2," which was scheduled for completion on 1/21/2022, continues to be affected by the order of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin in Nat'l Wildlife Refuge Ass'n v. RUS, No. 21-096, ECF No. 175, WD Wis. (Jan 14, 2022). RUS will update this milestone, and the dependent "Issuance of Draft EA" and "EA Process Concluded" milestones, both of which were scheduled for completion on 2/11/2022, when more information becomes available.   Alternative Completion Date: 02/11/2022
  • Monthly Status Report for September 2022:
    Action on the RUS milestone "Issuance of Draft EA / Release for public review 2," which was scheduled for completion on 1/21/2022, continues to be affected by the order of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin in Nat'l Wildlife Refuge Ass'n v. RUS, No. 21-096, ECF No. 175, WD Wis. (Jan 14, 2022). RUS will update this milestone, and the dependent "Issuance of Draft EA" and "EA Process Concluded" milestones, both of which were scheduled for completion on 2/11/2022, when more information becomes available.
  • Monthly Status Report for August 2022:
    Action on the RUS milestone "Issuance of Draft EA / Release for public review 2," which was scheduled for completion on 1/21/2022, continues to be affected by the order of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin in Nat'l Wildlife Refuge Ass'n v. RUS, No. 21-096, ECF No. 175, WD Wis. (Jan 14, 2022). RUS will update this milestone, and the dependent "Issuance of Draft EA" and "EA Process Concluded" milestones, both of which were scheduled for completion on 2/11/2022, when more information becomes available.
  • Monthly Status Report for July 2022:
    Action on the RUS milestone "Issuance of Draft EA / Release for public review 2," which was scheduled for completion on 1/21/2022, continues to be affected by the order of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin in Nat'l Wildlife Refuge Ass'n v. RUS, No. 21-096, ECF No. 175, WD Wis. (Jan 14, 2022). RUS will update this milestone, and the dependent "Issuance of Draft EA" and "EA Process Concluded" milestones, both of which were scheduled for completion on 2/11/2022, when more information becomes available.
  • Monthly Status Report for June 2022:
    Action on the RUS milestone "Issuance of Draft EA / Release for public review 2," which was scheduled for completion on 1/21/2022, continues to be affected by the order of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin in Nat'l Wildlife Refuge Ass'n v. RUS, No. 21-096, ECF No. 175, WD Wis. (Jan 14, 2022). RUS will update this milestone, and the dependent "Issuance of Draft EA" and "EA Process Concluded" milestones, both of which were scheduled for completion on 2/11/2022, when more information becomes available.
  • Monthly Status Report for May 2022:
    Action on the RUS milestone "Issuance of Draft EA / Release for public review 2," which was scheduled for completion on 1/21/2022, continues to be affected by the order of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin in Nat'l Wildlife Refuge Ass'n v. RUS, No. 21-096, ECF No. 175, WD Wis. (Jan 14, 2022). RUS will update this milestone, and the dependent "Issuance of Draft EA" and "EA Process Concluded" milestones, both of which were scheduled for completion on 2/11/2022, when more information becomes available.
  • Monthly Status Report for April 2022:
    Action on the RUS milestone "Issuance of Draft EA / Release for public review 2," scheduled for completion on 1/21/2022, continues to be affected by the recent order of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin in Nat'l Wildlife Refuge Ass'n v. RUS, No. 21-096, ECF No. 175, WD Wis. (Jan 14, 2022). RUS will update this milestone, and the dependent "Issuance of Draft EA" and "EA Process Concluded" milestones, both of which were scheduled for completion on 2/11/2022, when more information becomes available.
  • Monthly Status Report for March 2022:
    Action on the RUS milestone "Issuance of Draft EA / Release for public review 2," scheduled for completion on 1/21/2022, continues to be affected by the recent order of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin in Nat'l Wildlife Refuge Ass'n v. RUS, No. 21-096, ECF No. 175, WD Wis. (Jan 14, 2022). RUS will update this milestone, and the dependent "Issuance of Draft EA" and "EA Process Concluded" milestones, both of which were scheduled for completion on 2/11/2022, when more information becomes available.
  • Monthly Status Report for February 2022:
    Action on the RUS milestone "Issuance of Draft EA / Release for public review 2," scheduled for completion on 1/21/2022, continues to be affected by the recent order of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin in Nat'l Wildlife Refuge Ass'n v. RUS, No. 21-096, ECF No. 175, WD Wis. (Jan 14, 2022). RUS will update this milestone, and the dependent "Issuance of Draft EA" and "EA Process Concluded" milestones, both of which were scheduled for completion on 2/11/2022, when more information becomes available.
  • Monthly Status Report for January 2022:
    Action on the RUS milestone "Issuance of Draft EA / Release for public review 2," which was scheduled for completion on 1/21/2022, was affected by the recent order of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin in Nat'l Wildlife Refuge Ass'n v. RUS, No. 21-096, ECF No. 175, WD Wis. (Jan 14, 2022). RUS will update the completion dates for this milestone, and the dependent "Issuance of Draft EA" and "EA Process Concluded" milestones, both of which were scheduled for completion on 2/11/2022, as soon as more scheduling information becomes available. 
  • Monthly Status Report for December 2021:
    RUS is completing the alternatives analysis and anticipates issuing the Draft EA for  public review by 1/10/2022. The final completion date for "Issuance of final EA" and "EA process concluded" remains 1/28/2022.
  • Monthly Status Report for November 2021:
    In light of ongoing project-related litigation, RUS continues to work with the cooperating agencies and the project sponsor to identify new completion dates for the "Issuance of Draft EA / Release for Public Review 2" "Issuance of a Final EA," and "EA Process Concluded" actions for this project. RUS anticipates updating these completion dates by 11/26/2021. UPDATE: 11/30/2021 RUS in coordination with the project sponsor has identified new alternative completion dates for the "Issuance of Draft EA / Release for Public Review 2" "Issuance of a Final EA," and "EA Process Concluded" actions for this project. The "Issuance of Draft EA / Release for Public Review 2" date is changing from 10/29/2021 to 12/17/2021 and the "Issuance of a Final EA" and "EA Process Concluded" action dates are changing from 11/26/2021 to 01/28/2022.  
  • Non-conformance Explanation:
    Due to issues regarding on-going litigation and the revocation of the FWS "Right-of-way authorization," the RUS is re-issuing a draft EA for public comment pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The agency currently estimates an alternative completion date for the "Issuance of a Final EA" action of November 26th.
Current Target Date:
Response Date
Reporting Agency
Rural Development