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 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
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