Posted on November 14, 2023
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Research Service (ARS) extend an invitation to the public to provide public feedback and comments on a Draft Environmental Assessment (EA) addressing construction and operation of a new Dairy Forage Research Center (DFRC) in Prairie du Sac, Wisconsin.
This new facility will replace USDFRC’s current facility, constructed in 1980. After nearly 44 years of operation, the current facility is outdated according to the current industry standards.
The Draft EA evaluates construction of a new DFRC at S8046 U.S. Highway (USH) 12, approximately 2.3 miles northwest of the existing DFRC site at S8822 Sunset Drive, and approximately 4.6 miles northwest of the town of Prairie du Sac, Wisconsin. The proposed action would construct multiple new dairy production, research, warehouse, and maintenance facilities, covered walkways, roadways, and fenced areas within the 101-acre project site. Approximately 61 acres of the project site would be disturbed during construction, resulting in approximately 22 acres of new facilities and pavements. Development actions associated with the project are anticipated between 2024 and 2027.
The Draft EA can be viewed and downloaded here: https://usace.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/collection/p16021coll7/id/24933.
Please provide your comments before December 8, 2023, to: Stephanie.Frank@usda.gov
All comments received will be part of the public record and will be reviewed prior to release of the Final EA and decision on whether to sign a Finding of No Significant Impact (FNSI).
Requests for additional information on this project may be emailed to Stephanie Frank at Stephanie.Frank@usda.gov with “DFRC EA” in the subject line.
Based upon the analysis in the Draft EA, no significant impacts would be expected on any of the environmental resources identified in the proposed project area and the Final EA and FNSI are expected this winter.
