Specifications include, but are not limited to: • Create a comprehensive project description that includes the need for the project, scope of proposed improvements, location of improvements, and how the need will be met by this project. Include an aerial view/map that shows the location of all planned improvements and system facilities, including any alternate sites. • Send scoping letters, to include project description, to federal, state, and local agencies which USDA Rural Development requires be notified to solicit agency review of the proposed project, and to request NEPA comments. • Complete research and discovery to determine how the proposed project may impact environmental resources of concern to USDA-RD, KDHE-SRF, and other public funding agencies. • Provide a completed environmental assessment to meet USDA-RD, and KDHE-SRF, requirements in accordance with NEPA standards. The assessment shall include the following, at minimum: o The purpose and need for the proposed action; o The affected environment, including baseline conditions that may be impacted by the proposed action and alternatives; o The environmental impacts of the proposed action including the No Action alternative, and, if a specific project element is likely to adversely affect a resource, at least one alternative to that project element; o Any applicable environmental laws and Executive Orders; o Any required coordination undertaken with any Federal, state, or local agencies or Indian tribes regarding compliance with applicable laws and Executive Orders; o Mitigation measures considered, including those measures that must be adopted to ensure the action will not have significant impacts; o Any documents incorporated by reference, if appropriate, including information provided by the applicant for the proposed action; and o A listing of persons and agencies consulted. • Any required cultural study would be contracted separately by the County, but the consultant shall assist the County in procuring these services.
