The Kansas Department of Transportation spent $2 million to produce a document designed to answer the public’s questions and concerns about the proposed completion of the South Lawrence Trafficway.

Department officials want to get as much as they can for their investment.

An aerial look at the current state of the South Lawrence trafficway, looking east. Iowa Street is in the foreground, with the Wakarusa River running up the right side of the photo.

“We spent a lot of time and money and effort to prepare this draft, and I think it’s about 99 percent complete,” said Mike Rees, chief counsel for KDOT. “We’re ready for the public to comment on it.”

According to HNTB Corp., the Kansas City, Mo.,-based consultant hired to compile the document, here are some things to keep in mind while reviewing the document that covers more than 1,000 pages and fills three three-ring binders:

What is a draft environmental impact statement? A document that includes the basic research and reasoning behind planning for a major project such as the trafficway. “It’s a public document that helps make sound decisions,” HNTB consultants said in a pamphlet. The document explains the project’s purpose, how it would function and how it would affect the environment, including cultural and social resources.

Why publish a draft document? The draft is necessary to “ensure that the final EIS is as accurate and complete as possible and reflects the needs and values of the communities it affects,” the consultants said.

What happens to my comments? Each comment transmitted to the proper officials will be reviewed and becomes part of the official study record. Comments considered substantive will be responded to in writing and in the final document.

What is a substantive comment? “I don’t want this highway there” is a comment, while “I don’t want this highway there because there is an old family cemetery there” is a substantive comment, the consultants said.

“Substantive comments place a fact on the table that must be addressed,” they said.

Will nonsubstantive comments be accepted? Yes. “Your opinion matters and you should express it,” the consultants said. “All comments are documented and reviewed by the study team. Don’t feel discouraged from simply expressing your opinion.

“The principal decision-maker in this process, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, wants to know what citizens think of this project and the process that has occurred so far. They aren’t simply looking for a critique of the documentation.”