WGI completed a National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Type I Categorical Exclusion environmental review for this Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) Local Agency Program (LAP) project. The project involved the installation of a 12-foot wide multi-use path for a 1.5-mile stretch along Big Blue Trace. The project scope also included striping and signage for the path and drainage, irrigation, and landscape improvements.

To meet FDOT’s requirements to comply with NEPA, WGI evaluated the project for potential impacts to threatened and endangered species, wetlands, contamination, Section 4(f ) resources, and other natural, cultural, and historic resources. The project required a supplementary investigation to assess for the presence of threatened and endangered species. A gopher tortoise survey of the project limits was completed by one of our Florida Wildlife Commission Authorized Gopher Tortoise Agents.

WGI prepared the Type I Categorical Exclusion checklist and supporting technical memorandum on behalf of the municipality and coordinated with FDOT to ensure the approvals needed to secure the LAP funding.