The plaintiffs who unsuccessfully sued to halt plans to widen 6.5 miles of U.S. Highway 95 south of Moscow has filed an appeal to the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.
The Palouse Ridge Defense Coalition last month appealed Idaho U.S. District Judge Lynn Winmill’s ruling that the Federal Highway Administration and Idaho Transportation Department complied with federal laws and regulations, while preparing an environmental impact statement for the highway’s realignment from Thorn Creek to Moscow.
In August 2016, the group sued the agencies, claiming they violated the National Environmental Policy Act, executive orders, and their own regulations. However, the court ruled in favor of the federal and state departments. The group questions whether officials with the department had the route chosen before any environmental assessment was done, as plaintiffs contend the route with which ITD is moving forward will destroy a large segment of the Palouse Prairie.
There are three proposed routes for the widened highway – one to the west; the central route, which is preferred by the coalition; and the eastern route, which was the state’s pick.
ITD officials say the widening of Highway 95 from Lewiston to Thorn Creek has resulted in a 75 percent drop in fatalities on the highway, and the agency anticipates a drop in serious accidents on the 6.5 mile stretch, as well.
It’s unknown when the 9th Circuit may rule on the appeal. (Lewiston Tribune)
