Is an environmental impact study required before an airport improvement project can commence?

An environmental impact study is indeed required before an airport improvement project can commence. This requirement is largely due to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), which mandates federal agencies to assess the environmental effects of their proposed actions before making decisions. If an airport project involves federal funding or FAA involvement, an environmental review process must be conducted, which includes an environmental impact statement (EIS) if the impact is significant. This process aims to evaluate how the project will affect the surrounding environment, including ecosystems, wildlife, and the community, ensuring that potential negative consequences will be addressed prior to initiation.

The necessity for an environmental impact study is not contingent on the size of the project or the nature of funding involved; rather, it is a standard procedure to promote environmental stewardship regardless of federal funds or the project's budget. Therefore, the option affirming that an environmental impact study is required is accurate, reflecting the legal framework that governs airport operations and development activities aimed at protecting environmental and community interests.