PUBLIC NOTICE

Draft Environmental Impact Assessment - Public Meeting
Ross & Hawkes Halls Renovation and Parking Expansion
University of Wisconsin – Superior
Superior, Wisconsin
DSF Project Number: 09L1U

A public meeting to present the proposed Ross & Hawkes Halls Renovation and Parking Expansion project and the Draft Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) will be held on Tuesday, February 7, 2012, at 6:30 p.m. at Yellowjacket Hall, Room 204, UW-Superior, Superior, Wisconsin. Parking is available at no charge after 4:30 PM in Lots #2 and #11, with the exception of metered and reserved parking spots.  A description of the project will be presented, and all persons will be afforded a reasonable opportunity to identify both orally and in writing any support, issues, or concerns they believe should be addressed during the EIA process for this proposed project.

A Draft EIA was prepared in accordance with the Wisconsin Environmental Policy Act (WEPA), Wisconsin Statutes 1.11, and Chapter NR150, Wisconsin Administrative Code, and UW System guidelines. The project manager is the State of Wisconsin Department of Administration’s (DOA) Division of State Facilities (DSF). DSF retained Ayres Associates to prepare the EIA for this project.

The Ross & Hawkes Residence Hall Renovation project will update and reconfigure the two existing four-story plus basement residence halls that will accommodate a total of 440 student beds in a mix of 112 single rooms, 118 double rooms, and 22 suites and provide two staff apartments. Work in residence halls will include replacement of exterior windows, doors, roof system, constructing new bathrooms; developing common areas with lounges, kitchens, study rooms, and laundries; and updating existing traditional rooms. Plumbing associated with resident bathrooms will be replaced. An 8,600 square foot air conditioned link will be constructed between the two buildings and will serve as the primary entry into the combined facility, provide a main entrance and central control/security point to the buildings, and include lounge spaces. Site work will include developing a vehicular drop-off area, enhanced walks, landscaping, and a trash enclosure. The existing surface parking lots will be reconstructed and expanded to provide 351 parking stalls to serve Ross and Hawkes Halls as well as support the recreational complex to the south. Estimated cost of the project is $15,276,000 which will be funded using Program Revenue Supported Borrowing. Start of construction is targeted for a summer 2012 start, and substantial completion is anticipated to enable student occupancy in fall 2013.

The intent of the EIA is to identify the project scope and potential positive and adverse impacts of the project on the physical, biological, social, historic, and economic environments. Impacts identified during this process are incorporated into the Draft EIA. The document will be available to the public for a 15-day review period beginning on January 24, 2012, and circulated to appropriate federal, state, and local agencies. A copy of the document is available at the UW-Superior Jim Dan Hill Library at 907 North 19th Street, Superior, Wisconsin 54880, and at the City of Superior Library, 1316 North 14th Street, Superior, Wisconsin 54880. It can also be downloaded from the project website at: www.ayresprojectinfo.com/RossHawkesEIA

If you are interested in this project or have any information relevant to it, we welcome your comments, suggestions, or other input. Please submit your comments in writing by 6:30 PM (Central Time) on February 7, 2012, for incorporation into the Final EIA to:

Neil Carney, PE
 Project Engineer
 Ayres Associates
 1802 Pankratz St.
 Madison, WI 53704-4069
CarneyN@ayresassociates.com

Comments received during the 15-day public review period will be used to develop the Final EIA and recommendation.