Supplemental Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the Central Corridor Light Rail Transit Project, Located in Minneapolis and Saint Paul, MN, 10090-10092 [E8-3525]
Download as PDF
<![CDATA[
rfrederick on PROD1PC67 with NOTICES
10090
Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 37 / Monday, February 25, 2008 / Notices
(c) Data Continuity.
Two comments objected to FTA’s
proposal on the grounds that it would
create discontinuous safety and security
data for transit. Three areas of
discontinuity were cited in the
comments: (1) Data for injuries; (2) data
for fatalities; and, (3) data for major
incidents. Additionally, one comment
expressed concern that FTA’s proposal
would cause transit to appear less safe.
FTA Responds: FTA notes that while
it is changing the injury threshold for
filing an incident report, it is not
changing the definition of an injury.
Summary totals have previously been
collected for injuries and incidents that
did not require transit agencies to file a
major incident report. As such, this
proposal will not impact the continuity
of data on total transit injuries.
FTA also notes that while it will be
including suicides in the definition of
fatalities, it has previously collected
data on all fatalities, including suicides.
As such, FTA will take great care to
ensure that it always uses continuous
data series in reporting transit fatalities.
FTA will also continue to make
available detailed transit fatality data,
which will allow data users to exclude
suicides from their analysis of transit
fatalities.
FTA does note that these changes will
cause some difficulty in assembling
continuous data on the total number of
major transit incidents. Based on
previously filed major incident reports,
however, FTA does hope to assemble a
continuous data series from 2002—
present on major transit incidents. To
the extent that discontinuous data series
on major transit incidents do result from
these changes, FTA believes that the
negative impacts of discontinuity are
more than offset by the benefits to
transit agencies of reduced reporting
requirements. The reduced reporting
requirements will apply to incidents
that produce no fatalities and injuries,
and between the old threshold of $7,500
in property damage and the new
threshold of $25,000 in property
damage.
(d) Acts of God.
Two comments requested additional
clarification of FTA’s proposal to add
‘‘Acts of God’’ as a reportable incident.
One comment asked how FTA’s
proposal for ‘‘Acts of God’’ would relate
to various legal definitions for this term.
FTA Responds: This proposal
originated from the experiences of some
transit agencies in filing NTD Safety &
Security reports. Some agencies have
notified NTD staff that they have
suffered property damage in excess of
the reporting threshold as a result of a
severe storm or flood, but have been
VerDate Aug<31>2005
14:34 Feb 22, 2008
Jkt 214001
unable to complete an incident report
for this occurrence, as the NTD did not
account for such ‘‘Acts of God.’’ As
such, FTA is adding this category to
allow transit agencies to account for the
impacts of ‘‘Acts of God’’ on transit
facilities. FTA will make clear in the
2008 NTD Safety & Security Reporting
Manual that it is not FTA’s intent to
require transit agencies to assess such
‘‘Acts of God’’ as potential contributing
factors to a collision.
(e) Other Comments.
One comment expressed concern
about the reporting burden of adding
accidents involving non-revenue
vehicles and adding hazardous material
spills as reportable incidents. One
comment expressed concern about FTA
collecting information on ‘‘light in the
eyes’’ in regard to collisions, and asked
if this referred only to sunlight or also
to headlights.
FTA Responds: FTA notes that
existing reporting requirements already
require an incident report for collisions
involving non-revenue vehicles when
those collisions exceed the reporting
threshold. This is unchanged. FTA also
notes that existing reporting
requirements required reporting
hazardous material spills when such
spills resulted in an evacuation for life
safety reasons. FTA’s proposal only
slightly modifies this by requiring a
report whenever a hazardous material
spill causes ‘‘imminent danger to life,
health, or the environment, and had
special attention given at the time of the
incident.’’ FTA does not believe that
clarification of the definition will cause
a significant increase in reporting
burden from the previous definition.
FTA will clarify in the 2008 NTD Safety
& Security Reporting Manual and in the
reporting system itself that the question
of ‘‘light in the eyes’’ refers to sunlight.
Two comments expressed concern
about the short lead time between the
public notice-and-comment on FTA’s
proposal and the scheduled
implementation of the proposal.
FTA responds: FTA recognizes the
concern of transit agencies to have
ample time to review proposed changes
to the NTD data collection. FTA will
ensure that more lead time is given for
public notice-and-comment for future
amendments to the NTD Safety &
Security Reporting Manual, and will
allow more time for a collaborative
development process with the transit
industry. In order to support
implementation of the 2008 NTD Safety
& Security Reporting Manual, FTA has
scheduled six training sessions around
the country to assist transit agencies in
implementing the new requirements.
Technical assistance is also available to
PO 00000
Frm 00107
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
transit agencies at any time through
their NTD data validation analyst.
The final 2008 NTD Safety & Security
Reporting Manual is available on the
NTD Web site at https://
www.ntdprogram.gov.
Issued in Washington, DC, this 20th day of
February 2008.
James S. Simpson,
Administrator.
[FR Doc. E8–3517 Filed 2–22–08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–57–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Transit Administration
Supplemental Draft Environmental
Impact Statement for the Central
Corridor Light Rail Transit Project,
Located in Minneapolis and Saint Paul,
MN
Federal Transit Administration
(FTA), Department of Transportation
(DOT).
ACTION: Notice of Intent to prepare a
Supplemental Draft Environmental
Impact Statement (SDEIS).
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: The Federal Transit
Administration (FTA) in cooperation
with the Metropolitan Council is issuing
this notice to advise interested agencies
and the public of its intent to prepare a
Supplemental Draft Environmental
Impact Statement (SDEIS) for the
proposed Central Corridor Light Rail
Transit (LRT) Project, located in
Minneapolis and Saint Paul, Minnesota
(the ‘‘Project’’). The SDEIS will be
prepared in accordance with the
National Environmental Policy Act
(NEPA) as well as provisions of the Safe,
Accountable, Flexible, Efficient
Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for
Users (SAFETEA–LU). The SDEIS will
evaluate potential changes to the Central
Corridor LRT Project since the
publication of the April 21, 2006
Alternatives Analysis/Draft
Environmental Impact Statement (AA/
DEIS) and disclose new information that
is being developed during the
preliminary engineering process.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms.
Marisol Simon, Regional Administrator,
Federal Transit Administration (FTA),
Region V, 200 West Adams Street, Suite
320, Chicago, Illinois 60606, Telephone:
(312) 353–2789.
DATES: Written comments on the
proposed action should be sent to Ms.
Kathryn L. O’Brien, AICP, Project
Manager, Central Corridor Project
Office, 540 Fairview Ave. North, Suite
200S, Saint Paul, MN 55104, Telephone:
651–602–1927; E-mail:
E:\FR\FM\25FEN1.SGM
25FEN1
rfrederick on PROD1PC67 with NOTICES
Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 37 / Monday, February 25, 2008 / Notices
kathryn.obrien@metc.state.mn.us and
Mr. David Werner at FTA, Region V, 200
West Adams Street, Suite 320, Chicago,
Illinois 60606, Telephone: (312) 353–
2789; E-mail: David.Werner@dot.gov by
March 26, 2008.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background: The Metropolitan
Council is proposing transportation
improvements in the Central Corridor
linking Minneapolis and Saint Paul. The
Central Corridor is 11-miles in length of
which 9.8 miles consists of new
alignment and 1.2 miles uses the
existing Hiawatha LRT alignment in
downtown Minneapolis. It will connect
the Minneapolis and Saint Paul
downtown areas as well as the
University of Minnesota and the State
Capitol complex. The purpose of the
Project is to meet the future transit
needs of the Central Corridor and the
Region and to support the economic
development goals for the Corridor. It
allows the opportunity to provide a
direct connection to the existing 11.6mile Hiawatha LRT line in Minneapolis,
thereby increasing mobility options
within the Region.
The AA/DEIS Notice of Intent was
published in the Federal Register on
June 5, 2001 and the notice of the
availability of the AA/DEIS for review
and comment was published in the
Federal Register on April 21, 2006. In
April 2006, the Central Corridor AA/
DEIS was distributed for public review
and comment (No. 20060147, ERP No.
D–FTA–F40434–MN). The AA/DEIS
provided a comprehensive examination
of alignments, LRT and Busway/Bus
Rapid Transit (BRT) technologies, and a
Baseline Alternative for the Central
Corridor. Based on findings from the
AA/DEIS and on public and agency
input received during the process, the
Metropolitan Council adopted a Locally
Preferred Alternative (LPA) for the
Central Corridor, namely Light Rail
Transit, operating on Washington and
University Avenues, on June 28, 2006
(Metropolitan Council Resolution No.
2006–15).
Proposed Changes to the LPA: A
supplemental DEIS is being prepared
because key changes to the LPA as
previously defined are being
considered. In response to comments
received on the AA/DEIS and the
Project subsequent to the selection of
the LPA, several design options for key
project elements are being considered.
These options reflect conditions that
exist within the Corridor, technical and
operational constraints, major
infrastructure requirements that were
not fully documented in the AA/DEIS,
physical conditions that have changed
VerDate Aug<31>2005
14:34 Feb 22, 2008
Jkt 214001
within the corridor since the AA/DEIS,
and substantive comments received
during the AA/DEIS public comment
period. The SDEIS will document and
disclose potential impacts relating to
key project elements that have changed
and/or remain uncertain since issuance
of the AA/DEIS, including but not
limited to:
1. Hiawatha/Central Connection:
Alternative alignments connecting to
the existing Hiawatha LRT tracks will be
evaluated.
2. University of Minnesota Alignment
(tunnel vs. at-grade and stations): The
LPA included a tunnel, primarily under
Washington Avenue, as the preferred
alignment alternative through the
University of Minnesota campus. The
SDEIS will examine the impacts of an
at-grade alignment alternative through
the East Bank of the University of
Minnesota campus and modifications to
the tunnel alignment, as well as an
alignment change through this segment
of the line, largely due to the new
University of Minnesota stadium
presently under construction on the
LPA alignment.
3. Potential Additional Station at
Hamline, Victoria or Western: The
impact of adding a station to the Central
Corridor LRT project at Hamline,
Victoria or Western avenues in the City
of Saint Paul will be evaluated.
4. Capitol Area Alignment/Stations:
Potential changes to the alignment and
location of stations within Saint Paul’s
Capitol Area Architectural and Planning
Board area will be documented and
disclosed.
5. Downtown Saint Paul alignment/
station modifications: Alternative means
of accessing Saint Paul’s Union Depot,
including potential impacts to LRT
station location and alignment will be
documented and disclosed.
6. Traction power substations: The
AA/DEIS discussed the need for traction
power substations as part of LRT
operations, but did not identify the
number or potential location(s) of
substations. The SDEIS will document
and disclose this information.
7. 3-car train requirement: The
impacts of potential 3-car train
operations on the Central Corridor will
be evaluated.
8. Vehicle maintenance facility: The
need for and impacts of constructing a
storage and maintenance facility to
serve the operational needs of the
Central Corridor LRT project will be
documented and disclosed.
9. Washington Avenue Bridge: The
need for and impacts of modifications
and/or improvements required to the
Washington Avenue Bridge for LRT
PO 00000
Frm 00108
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
10091
purposes will be documented and
disclosed.
10. Other key project elements
determined through the on-going
decision-making process to have
potential significant impacts to human
and natural environments.
The SDEIS Process and the Role of
Participating Agencies and the Public:
The SDEIS will assist the Metropolitan
Council, FTA, resource agencies, key
project partners and the general public
in understanding and resolving key
project elements within the context of
NEPA. The purpose of the SDEIS
process is to explore in a public setting
potentially significant effects of
implementing proposed changes to the
LPA on the physical, human, and
natural environment. Areas of
investigation include, but are not
limited to, land use, historic and
archaeological resources, visual and
aesthetic qualities, traffic and parking,
modification to existing bridges, noise
and vibration, environmental justice,
regulatory floodway/floodplain
encroachments, coordination with
transportation and economic
development projects, and construction
impacts. Other issues to be addressed in
the SDEIS include: Natural areas,
ecosystems, rare, threatened and
endangered species, water resources,
air/surface water and groundwater
quality, energy, potentially
contaminated sites, displacements and
relocations, Section 4(f) of the
Department of Transportation Act and
Section 6(f) of the Land and Water
Conservation Fund Act and secondary
and cumulative effects. The SDEIS is
not intended to repeat all the analyses
contained in the project’s AA/DEIS.
Most analyses would be limited to the
study area corresponding to key project
elements currently identified and
outlined above, as well as other project
elements that have yet to be identified
and may arise during the current
decision-making process. Potential
impacts will be evaluated for both the
short-term construction period and the
long-term effects of operations.
Measures to avoid, minimize, or
mitigate any significant adverse impacts
will be identified.
Notices regarding the intent to
prepare the SDEIS and soliciting input
will be sent to the appropriate Federal,
State, and local agencies that have
expressed or are known to have an
interest or legal role in this proposed
action. A comprehensive public
involvement program has been
developed to engage private
organizations, citizens, and interest
groups in the process. The program
includes an active Community Advisory
E:\FR\FM\25FEN1.SGM
25FEN1
10092
Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 37 / Monday, February 25, 2008 / Notices
Committee (CAC), a Business Advisory
Council (BAC), a Central Corridor
Management Committee (CCMC) and a
Project Advisory Committee (PAC). A
Central Corridor project Web site has
been created and can be found at:
https://www.metrocouncil.org/
transportation/ccorridor/
centralcorridor.htm. Community
outreach coordinators are available to
work with residents, businesses and
interested individuals along the entirety
of the corridor at: https://
www.metrocouncil.org/transportation/
ccorridor/CCstaff.htm. Notices of public
meetings have been and will continue to
be given through a variety of media
providing the time and place of the
meeting along with other relevant
information. When complete, the SDEIS
will be distributed and available for
public and agency review and comment
prior to any public hearings. Following
publication, review, and approval of the
SDEIS, a Final Environmental Impact
Statement (FEIS) will be prepared and
circulated. The FEIS will identify a final
preferred alternative and any necessary
mitigation commitments.
In accordance with 23 CFR 771.105
(a) and 771.133, the Metropolitan
Council and FTA will comply with all
Federal environmental laws,
regulations, and executive orders
applicable to the proposed project
during the environmental review
process to the maximum extent
practicable. These requirements
include, but are not limited to, the
regulations of the Council on
Environmental Quality and FTA
regulations implementing NEPA (40
CFR Parts 1500–1508, and 23 CFR Part
771), the project-level air quality
conformity regulation of the U.S.
Application
No.
Docket No.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
(40 CFR part 93), the Section 404(b)(1)
guidelines of EPA (40 CFR Part 230), the
regulation implementing Section 106 of
the National Historic Preservation Act
(36 CFR Part 800), the regulation
implementing Section 7 of the
Endangered Species Act (50 CFR Part
402), Section 4(f) of the DOT Act (23
CFR Section 771.135), and Executive
Orders 12898 on Environmental Justice,
11988 on Floodplain Management, and
11990 on Wetlands.
Comments and questions concerning
the proposed action should be directed
to Ms. Kathryn L. O’Brien, AICP, Project
Manager, Central Corridor Project
Office, 540 Fairview Ave. North, Suite
200S, Saint Paul, MN 55104, Telephone:
651–602–1927; E-mail:
kathryn.obrien@metc.state.mn.us
Dated: February 13, 2008.
Marisol Simon,
Regional Administrator, FTA Region V.
[FR Doc. E8–3525 Filed 2–22–08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–57–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Pipeline and Hazardous Materials
Safety Administration
Office of Hazardous Materials Safety;
Notice of Application for Special
Permits
Pipeline and Hazardous
Materials Safety Administration
(PHMSA), DOT.
ACTION: List of Applications for Special
Permits.
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: In accordance with the
procedures governing the application
Applicant
Regulation(s) affected
for, and the processing of, special
permits from the Department of
Transportation’s Hazardous Material
Regulations (49 CFR Part 107, Subpart
B), notice is hereby given that the Office
of Hazardous Materials Safety has
received the application described
herein. Each mode of transportation for
which a particular special permit is
requested is indicated by a number in
the ‘‘Nature of Application’’ portion of
the table below as follows: 1—Motor
vehicle, 2—Rail freight, 3—Cargo vessel,
4—Cargo aircraft only, 5—Passengercarrying aircraft.
Comments must be received on
or before March 26, 2008.
Address Comments to: Record Center,
Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety
Administration, U.S. Department of
Transportation, Washington, DC 20590.
Comments should refer to the
application number and be submitted in
triplicate. If confirmation of receipt of
comments is desired, include a selfaddressed stamped postcard showing
the special permit number.
DATES:
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Copies of the applications are available
for inspection in the Records Center,
East Building, PHH–30, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC, or
at https://dms.dot.gov.
This notice of receipt of applications
for special permit is published in
accordance with Part 107 of the Federal
hazardous materials transportation law
(49 U.S.C. 5117(b); 49 CFR 1.53(b)).
Issued in Washington, DC, on February 14,
2008.
Delmer F. Billings,
Director, Office of Hazardous Materials,
Special Permits and Approvals.
Nature of special permits thereof
New Special Permits
Chem Service, Inc. Chester
Count, PA.
49 CFR 173.4(a)(11) .........
14641–N ....
Conocophillips Alaska, Inc.,
Anchorage, AK.
49 CFR 172.101 Hazardous Materials Table
Column (9B).
14642–N ....
rfrederick on PROD1PC67 with NOTICES
14640–N ....
MEMC Pasadena, Inc.,
Pasadena, TX.
49 CFR 173.301(f) .............
14643–N ....
World Airways, Inc.,
Peachtree City, GA.
49 CFR 175.3(b) ................
VerDate Aug<31>2005
14:34 Feb 22, 2008
Jkt 214001
PO 00000
Frm 00109
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
To authorize the transportation in commerce of certain
PG I hazardous materials that are not authorized for
transportation aboard passenger-carrying aircraft
under the small quantity provisions of 49 CFR 173.4.
(modes 4, 5)
To authorize the transportation in commerce by air of
certain hazardous materials in packagings that exceed the quantity limit for cargo carrying aircraft.
(mode 4)
To authorize the transportation in commerce of certain
DOT Specification 3AAX cylinders containing Silicon
tetrafluoride without pressure relief devices. (mode
1)
To authorize the transportation in commerce of hazardous materials by a US carrier engaged in cargoonly operations entirely outside of the United States
without being subject to the US variations in the
ICAO Technical Instructions. (mode 4)
E:\FR\FM\25FEN1.SGM
25FEN1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 37 (Monday, February 25, 2008)]
[Notices]
[Pages 10090-10092]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-3525]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Transit Administration
Supplemental Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the Central
Corridor Light Rail Transit Project, Located in Minneapolis and Saint
Paul, MN
AGENCY: Federal Transit Administration (FTA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Notice of Intent to prepare a Supplemental Draft Environmental
Impact Statement (SDEIS).
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) in cooperation with
the Metropolitan Council is issuing this notice to advise interested
agencies and the public of its intent to prepare a Supplemental Draft
Environmental Impact Statement (SDEIS) for the proposed Central
Corridor Light Rail Transit (LRT) Project, located in Minneapolis and
Saint Paul, Minnesota (the ``Project''). The SDEIS will be prepared in
accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) as well as
provisions of the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation
Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU). The SDEIS will evaluate
potential changes to the Central Corridor LRT Project since the
publication of the April 21, 2006 Alternatives Analysis/Draft
Environmental Impact Statement (AA/DEIS) and disclose new information
that is being developed during the preliminary engineering process.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Marisol Simon, Regional
Administrator, Federal Transit Administration (FTA), Region V, 200 West
Adams Street, Suite 320, Chicago, Illinois 60606, Telephone: (312) 353-
2789.
DATES: Written comments on the proposed action should be sent to Ms.
Kathryn L. O'Brien, AICP, Project Manager, Central Corridor Project
Office, 540 Fairview Ave. North, Suite 200S, Saint Paul, MN 55104,
Telephone: 651-602-1927; E-mail:
[[Page 10091]]
kathryn.obrien@metc.state.mn.us and Mr. David Werner at FTA, Region V,
200 West Adams Street, Suite 320, Chicago, Illinois 60606, Telephone:
(312) 353-2789; E-mail: David.Werner@dot.gov by March 26, 2008.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background: The Metropolitan Council is proposing transportation
improvements in the Central Corridor linking Minneapolis and Saint
Paul. The Central Corridor is 11-miles in length of which 9.8 miles
consists of new alignment and 1.2 miles uses the existing Hiawatha LRT
alignment in downtown Minneapolis. It will connect the Minneapolis and
Saint Paul downtown areas as well as the University of Minnesota and
the State Capitol complex. The purpose of the Project is to meet the
future transit needs of the Central Corridor and the Region and to
support the economic development goals for the Corridor. It allows the
opportunity to provide a direct connection to the existing 11.6-mile
Hiawatha LRT line in Minneapolis, thereby increasing mobility options
within the Region.
The AA/DEIS Notice of Intent was published in the Federal Register
on June 5, 2001 and the notice of the availability of the AA/DEIS for
review and comment was published in the Federal Register on April 21,
2006. In April 2006, the Central Corridor AA/DEIS was distributed for
public review and comment (No. 20060147, ERP No. D-FTA-F40434-MN). The
AA/DEIS provided a comprehensive examination of alignments, LRT and
Busway/Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) technologies, and a Baseline Alternative
for the Central Corridor. Based on findings from the AA/DEIS and on
public and agency input received during the process, the Metropolitan
Council adopted a Locally Preferred Alternative (LPA) for the Central
Corridor, namely Light Rail Transit, operating on Washington and
University Avenues, on June 28, 2006 (Metropolitan Council Resolution
No. 2006-15).
Proposed Changes to the LPA: A supplemental DEIS is being prepared
because key changes to the LPA as previously defined are being
considered. In response to comments received on the AA/DEIS and the
Project subsequent to the selection of the LPA, several design options
for key project elements are being considered. These options reflect
conditions that exist within the Corridor, technical and operational
constraints, major infrastructure requirements that were not fully
documented in the AA/DEIS, physical conditions that have changed within
the corridor since the AA/DEIS, and substantive comments received
during the AA/DEIS public comment period. The SDEIS will document and
disclose potential impacts relating to key project elements that have
changed and/or remain uncertain since issuance of the AA/DEIS,
including but not limited to:
1. Hiawatha/Central Connection: Alternative alignments connecting
to the existing Hiawatha LRT tracks will be evaluated.
2. University of Minnesota Alignment (tunnel vs. at-grade and
stations): The LPA included a tunnel, primarily under Washington
Avenue, as the preferred alignment alternative through the University
of Minnesota campus. The SDEIS will examine the impacts of an at-grade
alignment alternative through the East Bank of the University of
Minnesota campus and modifications to the tunnel alignment, as well as
an alignment change through this segment of the line, largely due to
the new University of Minnesota stadium presently under construction on
the LPA alignment.
3. Potential Additional Station at Hamline, Victoria or Western:
The impact of adding a station to the Central Corridor LRT project at
Hamline, Victoria or Western avenues in the City of Saint Paul will be
evaluated.
4. Capitol Area Alignment/Stations: Potential changes to the
alignment and location of stations within Saint Paul's Capitol Area
Architectural and Planning Board area will be documented and disclosed.
5. Downtown Saint Paul alignment/station modifications: Alternative
means of accessing Saint Paul's Union Depot, including potential
impacts to LRT station location and alignment will be documented and
disclosed.
6. Traction power substations: The AA/DEIS discussed the need for
traction power substations as part of LRT operations, but did not
identify the number or potential location(s) of substations. The SDEIS
will document and disclose this information.
7. 3-car train requirement: The impacts of potential 3-car train
operations on the Central Corridor will be evaluated.
8. Vehicle maintenance facility: The need for and impacts of
constructing a storage and maintenance facility to serve the
operational needs of the Central Corridor LRT project will be
documented and disclosed.
9. Washington Avenue Bridge: The need for and impacts of
modifications and/or improvements required to the Washington Avenue
Bridge for LRT purposes will be documented and disclosed.
10. Other key project elements determined through the on-going
decision-making process to have potential significant impacts to human
and natural environments.
The SDEIS Process and the Role of Participating Agencies and the
Public: The SDEIS will assist the Metropolitan Council, FTA, resource
agencies, key project partners and the general public in understanding
and resolving key project elements within the context of NEPA. The
purpose of the SDEIS process is to explore in a public setting
potentially significant effects of implementing proposed changes to the
LPA on the physical, human, and natural environment. Areas of
investigation include, but are not limited to, land use, historic and
archaeological resources, visual and aesthetic qualities, traffic and
parking, modification to existing bridges, noise and vibration,
environmental justice, regulatory floodway/floodplain encroachments,
coordination with transportation and economic development projects, and
construction impacts. Other issues to be addressed in the SDEIS
include: Natural areas, ecosystems, rare, threatened and endangered
species, water resources, air/surface water and groundwater quality,
energy, potentially contaminated sites, displacements and relocations,
Section 4(f) of the Department of Transportation Act and Section 6(f)
of the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act and secondary and
cumulative effects. The SDEIS is not intended to repeat all the
analyses contained in the project's AA/DEIS. Most analyses would be
limited to the study area corresponding to key project elements
currently identified and outlined above, as well as other project
elements that have yet to be identified and may arise during the
current decision-making process. Potential impacts will be evaluated
for both the short-term construction period and the long-term effects
of operations. Measures to avoid, minimize, or mitigate any significant
adverse impacts will be identified.
Notices regarding the intent to prepare the SDEIS and soliciting
input will be sent to the appropriate Federal, State, and local
agencies that have expressed or are known to have an interest or legal
role in this proposed action. A comprehensive public involvement
program has been developed to engage private organizations, citizens,
and interest groups in the process. The program includes an active
Community Advisory
[[Page 10092]]
Committee (CAC), a Business Advisory Council (BAC), a Central Corridor
Management Committee (CCMC) and a Project Advisory Committee (PAC). A
Central Corridor project Web site has been created and can be found at:
https://www.metrocouncil.org/transportation/ccorridor/
centralcorridor.htm. Community outreach coordinators are available to
work with residents, businesses and interested individuals along the
entirety of the corridor at: https://www.metrocouncil.org/
transportation/ccorridor/CCstaff.htm. Notices of public meetings have
been and will continue to be given through a variety of media providing
the time and place of the meeting along with other relevant
information. When complete, the SDEIS will be distributed and available
for public and agency review and comment prior to any public hearings.
Following publication, review, and approval of the SDEIS, a Final
Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) will be prepared and circulated.
The FEIS will identify a final preferred alternative and any necessary
mitigation commitments.
In accordance with 23 CFR 771.105 (a) and 771.133, the Metropolitan
Council and FTA will comply with all Federal environmental laws,
regulations, and executive orders applicable to the proposed project
during the environmental review process to the maximum extent
practicable. These requirements include, but are not limited to, the
regulations of the Council on Environmental Quality and FTA regulations
implementing NEPA (40 CFR Parts 1500-1508, and 23 CFR Part 771), the
project-level air quality conformity regulation of the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) (40 CFR part 93), the Section
404(b)(1) guidelines of EPA (40 CFR Part 230), the regulation
implementing Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (36
CFR Part 800), the regulation implementing Section 7 of the Endangered
Species Act (50 CFR Part 402), Section 4(f) of the DOT Act (23 CFR
Section 771.135), and Executive Orders 12898 on Environmental Justice,
11988 on Floodplain Management, and 11990 on Wetlands.
Comments and questions concerning the proposed action should be
directed to Ms. Kathryn L. O'Brien, AICP, Project Manager, Central
Corridor Project Office, 540 Fairview Ave. North, Suite 200S, Saint
Paul, MN 55104, Telephone: 651-602-1927; E-mail:
kathryn.obrien@metc.state.mn.us
Dated: February 13, 2008.
Marisol Simon,
Regional Administrator, FTA Region V.
[FR Doc. E8-3525 Filed 2-22-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-57-P
