Early Scoping Notification for the Alternatives Analysis of the Tacoma Link Expansion in Tacoma, WA, 49857-49859 [2012-20220]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 160 / Friday, August 17, 2012 / Notices erowe on DSK2VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES improve mobility and reliability in this congested part of the state’s rail system. The proposed improvements would allow for a more reliable, safe, competitive, and attractive intercity travel option. These improvements would provide additional capacity to relieve some of the projected near- and long-term demand on the highway system, potentially slowing the need to further expand highways and airports in this portion of the corridor, or reduce the scale of those expansions, including their associated cost and impacts on communities and the environment. Rail improvements would augment the highway system, creating an interconnected, multimodal solution, allowing for better mobility throughout the corridor. Improved rail infrastructure would contribute to the economic viability of the Coast Corridor and provide connectivity with local transit systems. Environmental Review Process The EIS/EIR will be developed in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA), 42 U.S.C. 4321 and the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) regulations (40 CFR part 1500 et seq.) implementing NEPA; the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), Division 13, Public Resources Code; and FRA’s Procedures for Considering Environmental Impacts (64 FR 28545; May 26, 1999). FRA and Caltrans intend to use a tiered process for the completion of the environmental review of the Coast Corridor, as provided for in 40 CFR 1508.28 and FRA Procedures. FRA is considering the option of preparing a Tier 1 EIS/EIS. ‘‘Tiering’’ is a staged environmental review process often applied to environmental reviews for complex transportation projects. If used, the initial phase of a tiered process will address broad questions and likely environmental effects for the Salinas to San Luis Obispo portion of the Coast Corridor including, but not limited to, the type of service(s) being proposed, major infrastructure components, and identification of major facility capacity constraints. If tiering is not used, the EIR/EIS will analyze, at a greater level of detail, site-specific proposals that would otherwise be addressed in subsequent phases or tiers based on the decisions made in a Tier 1 EIS/EIR. Alternatives Alternatives to be evaluated and analyzed in the EIS/EIR include a noaction (No-Project or No-Build) scenario and an action alternative consisting of multiple options for the construction of VerDate Mar<15>2010 15:13 Aug 16, 2012 Jkt 226001 various passenger Coast Corridor improvements between Salinas and San Luis Obispo. Possible environmental impacts from the action alternative include displacement of commercial and residential properties; disproportionate impacts to minority and low-income populations; community and neighborhood disruption; increased noise and vibration along the rail corridor; traffic impacts associated with stations; effects to historic properties or archaeological sites; impacts to parks and recreation resources; visual quality effects; exposure to seismic and flood hazards; impacts to water resources, wetlands, and sensitive biological species and habitat; land use compatibility impacts; energy use; and impacts to agricultural lands. No Action Alternative The no action alternative is defined to serve as the baseline for comparison of all alternatives. This alternative represents California’s transportation system (highway, air, and rail) as it exists, and as it would exist after completion of programs or projects currently funded or being implemented. The no-action alternative would draw upon the following sources of information: D State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP). D Regional Transportation Plans (RTPs) for all modes of travel. D Airport plans. D Passenger rail plans. Action Alternative Scoping and Comments FRA encourages broad participation in the EIS/EIR process during scoping and subsequent review of the resulting environmental document. Letters Frm 00084 Fmt 4703 soliciting comments were sent to appropriate Federal, State, and local agencies, and appropriate railroads. Comments and suggestions are invited from all interested agencies and the public at large to insure the full range of issues related to the proposed action and all reasonable alternatives are addressed and all significant issues are identified. In particular, FRA is interested in determining whether there are areas of environmental concern where there might be the potential for significant impacts identifiable at a program level. Public agencies with jurisdiction are requested to advise the FRA and Caltrans of the applicable permit and environmental review requirements of each agency, and the scope and content of the environmental information that is germane to the agency’s statutory responsibilities in connection with the proposed improvements. Issued in Washington, DC, on August 13, 2012. Corey Hill, Director, Rail Project Development and Delivery. [FR Doc. 2012–20245 Filed 8–16–12; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–06–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Transit Administration Early Scoping Notification for the Alternatives Analysis of the Tacoma Link Expansion in Tacoma, WA Federal Transit Administration (FTA), DOT. ACTION: Notification of early scoping meeting. AGENCY: This alternative would facilitate expanded passenger service along the Coast Corridor. The Action Alternative will have ‘‘options’’ consisting of logical groupings of improvements that take into account the likely timing of such improvements and possible funding scenarios. The improvements to be analyzed in this alternative may include: D Track upgrades. D Curve realignments. D Siding extensions and upgrades. D Addition of second main track. D Grade separations. D New Stations. D Station and platform upgrades. D Installation of Centralized Traffic Control (CTC) and power switches. D New or upgraded pedestrian crossings. PO 00000 49857 Sfmt 4703 The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and the Central Puget Sound Regional Transit Authority (Sound Transit) issue this early scoping notice to advise other agencies and the public that they intend to explore potential alternatives for expanding the existing Tacoma Link light rail transit system in Tacoma, Pierce County Washington, in order to improve connections to the regional transit system and major activity centers. This notice invites the public to help frame the upcoming alternatives analysis by commenting on: the project’s purpose and need, the transportation problems to be addressed by the study, potential solutions to the problems, the relevant transportation and community impacts and benefits to be considered, the appropriate extent of the study area, and ways for the public to participate in the alternatives analysis process. The SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\17AUN1.SGM 17AUN1 49858 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 160 / Friday, August 17, 2012 / Notices alternatives analysis is likely to conclude with the identification of a preferred mode and corridor. If preparation of an environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is warranted following completion of the planning alternatives analysis, FTA will publish a Notice of Intent to prepare an EIS. This early scoping process is intended to support the alternatives analysis and a future National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) scoping process, as appropriate. In addition, it supports FTA planning requirements associated with the New Starts (‘‘Section 5309’’) funding program for certain kinds of major capital investments. While recent legislation may lead to changes in the New Starts process, Sound Transit will comply with relevant FTA requirements relating to planning and project development to help it analyze and screen alternatives in preparation for NEPA. Public meetings are described immediately below. Following that is a more detailed discussion of the project and this early scoping process. Combined scoping meetings where agencies and the public can learn more about and comment on the proposal will be held on August 22, 2012 at the following times and locations: DATES: 1. People’s Community Center, 1602 S. Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Tacoma, WA, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. 2. Tacoma Dome Station Plaza, 424 E 25th St., Tacoma, WA, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. At the public and agency scoping meetings, Sound Transit will provide information on the alternatives analysis along with opportunities for written comments. Information is also available at www.soundtransit.org/ TacomaLinkExpansion. Written scoping comments are requested by September 17, 2012 and can be sent or emailed to the address below, submitted at a public meeting, or sent via the comment form at www.soundtransit.org/ TacomaLinkExpansion. Erin Hunter, Sound Transit, 401 S. Jackson St., Seattle, WA 98104– 2826, or by email to erin.hunter@soundtransit.org. erowe on DSK2VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES ADDRESSES: John Witmer, FTA Community Planner, Jackson Federal Building, 915 Second Avenue, Suite 3142, Seattle, WA 98174; Phone: (206) 220–7964; email: John.Witmer@dot.gov. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: VerDate Mar<15>2010 15:13 Aug 16, 2012 Jkt 226001 Early Scoping The alternatives analysis provides the local forum for evaluating the costs, benefits, and impacts of a range of transportation alternatives designed to address mobility problems and other locally-identified objectives in a defined transportation corridor, and it provides an opportunity for determining which particular investment strategy should be advanced for more focused study and development. Early scoping for the Tacoma Link Expansion project is in accordance with NEPA policies stated in the Council on Environmental Quality’s regulations and guidance for implementing NEPA, which encourage federal agencies to initiate NEPA early in their planning processes. See 40 CFR 1501.2 through 8. It allows the scoping process to begin as soon as there is enough information to describe the proposal so that the public and relevant agencies can participate effectively. This is particularly useful when a potential proposed action involves a broadly defined corridor with an array of modal and alignment alternatives under consideration. This early scoping notice solicits public comments on the scope of the planning alternatives analysis, including the purpose and need for the project, a range of alternatives, and the environmental, transportation and community impacts and benefits to be considered. Tacoma Link and the Regional Transit System The Tacoma Link light rail transit system is currently 1.6 miles long and serves six at-grade stations. It serves the Tacoma Dome Station (with connections to Sound Transit’s Sounder commuter rail service and Regional Express bus service, as well as Pierce Transit and Intercity Transit), the University of Washington-Tacoma, Union Station, the Greater Tacoma Convention and Trade Center, and the downtown Tacoma business and theater districts. Sound Move, the first phase of regional transit investments, was approved and funded by voters in 1996. Sound Transit is now completing its implementation. It includes light rail, commuter rail and regional express bus infrastructure and service, including the Central Link light rail system between Northgate, the University of Washington, downtown Seattle, Tukwila and SeaTac. In 2003, Tacoma Link light rail operation began. Regional Express bus service includes routes connecting the Tacoma Dome Station to other regional destinations, including Sea-Tac Airport and downtown Seattle. PO 00000 Frm 00085 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Sounder commuter rail service connects Tacoma to Seattle’s King Street Station and north through several stops to an Everett terminus. In 2004, Sound Transit began planning for the phase of investment to follow Sound Move. This work included updating Sound Transit’s Long-Range Plan and associated environmental review. Following several years of system planning work to detail, evaluate, and prioritize the next round of regional transit system expansion, voters in 2008 authorized funding to extend the Tacoma Link light rail system as part of the Sound Transit 2 (ST2) Plan. The ST2 Plan also extends light rail to Bellevue and Redmond to the east, to Northgate and Lynnwood to the north, and to Federal Way to the south. Transportation Purpose of the Tacoma Link Expansion Project Sound Transit invites comments on the following preliminary statement of the project’s purpose and need. The purpose of the Tacoma Link Expansion is to improve mobility and access to the regional transit system for Tacoma residents, employees, and visitors by connecting the existing Tacoma Link system with Tacoma’s major activity centers and destinations within the City. The need for this project arises from: • The need to meet the rapidly growing connectivity needs of the corridor and the region’s future residents and workers by increasing mobility, access, and transportation capacity to and from regional growth and activity centers in Tacoma and the rest of the region, as called for in the region’s adopted plans, including the Puget Sound Regional Council’s (PSRC) VISION 2040 and Transportation 2040, as well as related county and city comprehensive plans. • The need to link downtown Tacoma with other City growth centers. City Comprehensive Plan policies specify the city’s intention to locate major residential and employment growth in Mixed Use and Manufacturing/ Industrial Centers. Extending the Tacoma Link to these centers would encourage denser, more transit-oriented development and further concentrate higher-wage manufacturing and industrial jobs, and reduce the number of vehicle miles traveled as commute trips. • The need to serve increasing commute trips to the downtown core via transit. Tacoma’s downtown core contains a majority of the jobs within the city today and is projected to continue to do so in the future. Increasing numbers of commuters will E:\FR\FM\17AUN1.SGM 17AUN1 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 160 / Friday, August 17, 2012 / Notices erowe on DSK2VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES need alternative ways to access jobs within the downtown core. • The need to support the land use planning goals of Tacoma’s South Downtown Subarea Plan, the MLK Subarea Plan and the other Growth and Employment centers. Several current City planning processes are designed to encourage transit-oriented, mixed-use development and economic revitalization in areas of Tacoma that are designated for future regional growth concentrations. • The need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions within the City of Tacoma. The City of Tacoma Climate Action Plan calls for substantial reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. Transportation causes 53% of Tacoma greenhouse gas emissions. A Tacoma Link extension would support City plans to increase the use of all public transportation modes. • The need to support economic development in downtown Tacoma. The Downtown Tacoma Economic Development Strategy lists the existing Tacoma Link as a key asset that establishes downtown’s identity and may help encourage future development and investment. One of the City of Tacoma’s primary goals for economic development is to stimulate investor interest in downtown. The expansion of Tacoma Link presents an opportunity to achieve the City’s economic development goals. • The following goals and objectives, which are a part of Sound Transit’s Regional Transit Long-Range Plan (2005) and its long-range vision for regional transit: Æ Ensure long-term mobility, connectivity and convenience; Æ Preserve communities and open space; Æ Contribute to the region’s economic vitality; Æ Preserve the environment; and Æ Strengthen communities’ use of the regional transit network. Potential Alternatives Sound Transit will explore alternative mode, alignment, and design configurations for an expansion of the Tacoma Link light rail system. At least one alternative analyzed will be a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) alternative. Sound Transit conducted a ‘‘pre-alternatives analysis’’ and issued a report in September 2011. The pre-alternatives analysis evaluated eight potential corridors for the expansion of Tacoma Link. Six of the corridors were proposed by a stakeholder group, which included diverse representation of Tacoma and the region. Sound Transit included two additional corridors for assessment in VerDate Mar<15>2010 15:13 Aug 16, 2012 Jkt 226001 the pre-alternatives analysis to address the potential corridors for Tacoma Link expansion contemplated in Sound Transit’s Regional Transit Long-Range Plan (2005). Sound Transit invites comments on the alternative transit modes, alignments, and station locations to be studied, and on proposed evaluation measures to be used to compare alternatives. Alternatives already identified for consideration include: • North End—Extends north from Theater District to Stadium District; west to University of Puget Sound. • North End Central—Extends north from Theater District to Stadium District; west via Division Ave./6th St. to Alder/Cedar St. • North Downtown Central—Extends north from Theater District to Stadium District; west to north end of MLK district and south to S. 19th St. • South Downtown to MLK—Extends from Union Station west to S. 19th St., north through MLK district to Division St. • South Downtown Central—Extends from Union Station west to S. 19th St., continues west to Tacoma Community College. • South End—Extends from 25th Street Station south to 34th & Pacific District to S. 38th St., west to Tacoma Mall. • Eastside—Extends east from Tacoma Dome, south towards Salishan to 72nd St. Transit Center. • Pacific Highway—Extends east from Tacoma Dome to the Puyallup Tribe’s commercial center on Pacific Highway South at Fife. Sound Transit may also consider other alternatives that arise during the public comment period. The definition of these alternatives for analysis will reflect a range of high and low cost capital improvements, including non-guideway options which can serve as a ‘‘baseline’’ for measuring the merits of more expensive investments. Sound Transit will identify measures for evaluating the relative merits of alternatives, and technical methodologies for generating the information used to support such measures. These measures will typically include disciplines such as travel forecasting, capital and operations and maintenance costs, and corridor-level environmental and land use analyses. Sound Transit will also develop and assess the costs, benefits, and impacts of each alternative and analyze funding strategies. At the end of the alternatives analysis process, Sound Transit and the FTA anticipate identifying a preferred mode and corridor for further evaluation in a PO 00000 Frm 00086 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 49859 NEPA environmental document (the classification of which is to be determined). If the preferred mode and corridor involve the potential for significant environmental impacts requiring an EIS, a Notice of Intent to Prepare an EIS will be published in the Federal Register, and public and agency comment on the scope of the EIS will be invited and considered at that time. Issued on: August 9, 2012. Richard Krochalis, Regional Administrator. [FR Doc. 2012–20220 Filed 8–16–12; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION National Highway Traffic Safety Administration [Docket No. NHTSA–2012–0091] Proposed Traffic Records Program Assessment Advisory National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: This notice announces the publication of the Traffic Records Program Assessment Advisory, DOT HS 811 644, which provides guidance to States on the collection, management, and analysis of data used to inform highway and traffic safety decisionmaking. States need timely, accurate, complete, and uniform traffic records to identify and prioritize traffic safety issues and to choose appropriate countermeasures and evaluate their effectiveness. This document provides information on the contents, capabilities, and data quality attributes of an effective traffic records system, and includes assessment questions that qualified independent assessors can use to evaluate the capabilities of a State’s traffic records system. DATES: Written comments may be submitted to this agency and must be received no later than October 16, 2012. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments identified by DOT Docket ID number NHTSA–2011–0044 by any of the following methods: • Electronic Submissions: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the online instructions for submitting comments. • Fax: 202–366–2746. • Mail: Docket Management Facility, M–30 U.S. Department of Transportation, West Building, Ground floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Ave. SE., Washington, DC 20590. SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\17AUN1.SGM 17AUN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 160 (Friday, August 17, 2012)]
[Notices]
[Pages 49857-49859]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-20220]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Transit Administration


Early Scoping Notification for the Alternatives Analysis of the 
Tacoma Link Expansion in Tacoma, WA

AGENCY: Federal Transit Administration (FTA), DOT.

ACTION: Notification of early scoping meeting.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and the Central Puget 
Sound Regional Transit Authority (Sound Transit) issue this early 
scoping notice to advise other agencies and the public that they intend 
to explore potential alternatives for expanding the existing Tacoma 
Link light rail transit system in Tacoma, Pierce County Washington, in 
order to improve connections to the regional transit system and major 
activity centers. This notice invites the public to help frame the 
upcoming alternatives analysis by commenting on: the project's purpose 
and need, the transportation problems to be addressed by the study, 
potential solutions to the problems, the relevant transportation and 
community impacts and benefits to be considered, the appropriate extent 
of the study area, and ways for the public to participate in the 
alternatives analysis process. The

[[Page 49858]]

alternatives analysis is likely to conclude with the identification of 
a preferred mode and corridor. If preparation of an environmental 
Impact Statement (EIS) is warranted following completion of the 
planning alternatives analysis, FTA will publish a Notice of Intent to 
prepare an EIS.
    This early scoping process is intended to support the alternatives 
analysis and a future National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) scoping 
process, as appropriate. In addition, it supports FTA planning 
requirements associated with the New Starts (``Section 5309'') funding 
program for certain kinds of major capital investments. While recent 
legislation may lead to changes in the New Starts process, Sound 
Transit will comply with relevant FTA requirements relating to planning 
and project development to help it analyze and screen alternatives in 
preparation for NEPA.
    Public meetings are described immediately below. Following that is 
a more detailed discussion of the project and this early scoping 
process.

DATES: Combined scoping meetings where agencies and the public can 
learn more about and comment on the proposal will be held on August 22, 
2012 at the following times and locations:

1. People's Community Center, 1602 S. Martin Luther King Jr. Way, 
Tacoma, WA, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
2. Tacoma Dome Station Plaza, 424 E 25th St., Tacoma, WA, 4 p.m. to 7 
p.m.

At the public and agency scoping meetings, Sound Transit will provide 
information on the alternatives analysis along with opportunities for 
written comments. Information is also available at 
www.soundtransit.org/TacomaLinkExpansion. Written scoping comments are 
requested by September 17, 2012 and can be sent or emailed to the 
address below, submitted at a public meeting, or sent via the comment 
form at www.soundtransit.org/TacomaLinkExpansion.

ADDRESSES: Erin Hunter, Sound Transit, 401 S. Jackson St., Seattle, WA 
98104-2826, or by email to erin.hunter@soundtransit.org.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: John Witmer, FTA Community Planner, 
Jackson Federal Building, 915 Second Avenue, Suite 3142, Seattle, WA 
98174; Phone: (206) 220-7964; email: John.Witmer@dot.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Early Scoping

    The alternatives analysis provides the local forum for evaluating 
the costs, benefits, and impacts of a range of transportation 
alternatives designed to address mobility problems and other locally-
identified objectives in a defined transportation corridor, and it 
provides an opportunity for determining which particular investment 
strategy should be advanced for more focused study and development. 
Early scoping for the Tacoma Link Expansion project is in accordance 
with NEPA policies stated in the Council on Environmental Quality's 
regulations and guidance for implementing NEPA, which encourage federal 
agencies to initiate NEPA early in their planning processes. See 40 CFR 
1501.2 through 8. It allows the scoping process to begin as soon as 
there is enough information to describe the proposal so that the public 
and relevant agencies can participate effectively. This is particularly 
useful when a potential proposed action involves a broadly defined 
corridor with an array of modal and alignment alternatives under 
consideration.
    This early scoping notice solicits public comments on the scope of 
the planning alternatives analysis, including the purpose and need for 
the project, a range of alternatives, and the environmental, 
transportation and community impacts and benefits to be considered.

Tacoma Link and the Regional Transit System

    The Tacoma Link light rail transit system is currently 1.6 miles 
long and serves six at-grade stations. It serves the Tacoma Dome 
Station (with connections to Sound Transit's Sounder commuter rail 
service and Regional Express bus service, as well as Pierce Transit and 
Intercity Transit), the University of Washington-Tacoma, Union Station, 
the Greater Tacoma Convention and Trade Center, and the downtown Tacoma 
business and theater districts.
    Sound Move, the first phase of regional transit investments, was 
approved and funded by voters in 1996. Sound Transit is now completing 
its implementation. It includes light rail, commuter rail and regional 
express bus infrastructure and service, including the Central Link 
light rail system between Northgate, the University of Washington, 
downtown Seattle, Tukwila and SeaTac. In 2003, Tacoma Link light rail 
operation began. Regional Express bus service includes routes 
connecting the Tacoma Dome Station to other regional destinations, 
including Sea-Tac Airport and downtown Seattle. Sounder commuter rail 
service connects Tacoma to Seattle's King Street Station and north 
through several stops to an Everett terminus. In 2004, Sound Transit 
began planning for the phase of investment to follow Sound Move. This 
work included updating Sound Transit's Long-Range Plan and associated 
environmental review. Following several years of system planning work 
to detail, evaluate, and prioritize the next round of regional transit 
system expansion, voters in 2008 authorized funding to extend the 
Tacoma Link light rail system as part of the Sound Transit 2 (ST2) 
Plan. The ST2 Plan also extends light rail to Bellevue and Redmond to 
the east, to Northgate and Lynnwood to the north, and to Federal Way to 
the south.

Transportation Purpose of the Tacoma Link Expansion Project

    Sound Transit invites comments on the following preliminary 
statement of the project's purpose and need.
    The purpose of the Tacoma Link Expansion is to improve mobility and 
access to the regional transit system for Tacoma residents, employees, 
and visitors by connecting the existing Tacoma Link system with 
Tacoma's major activity centers and destinations within the City. The 
need for this project arises from:
     The need to meet the rapidly growing connectivity needs of 
the corridor and the region's future residents and workers by 
increasing mobility, access, and transportation capacity to and from 
regional growth and activity centers in Tacoma and the rest of the 
region, as called for in the region's adopted plans, including the 
Puget Sound Regional Council's (PSRC) VISION 2040 and Transportation 
2040, as well as related county and city comprehensive plans.
     The need to link downtown Tacoma with other City growth 
centers. City Comprehensive Plan policies specify the city's intention 
to locate major residential and employment growth in Mixed Use and 
Manufacturing/Industrial Centers. Extending the Tacoma Link to these 
centers would encourage denser, more transit-oriented development and 
further concentrate higher-wage manufacturing and industrial jobs, and 
reduce the number of vehicle miles traveled as commute trips.
     The need to serve increasing commute trips to the downtown 
core via transit. Tacoma's downtown core contains a majority of the 
jobs within the city today and is projected to continue to do so in the 
future. Increasing numbers of commuters will

[[Page 49859]]

need alternative ways to access jobs within the downtown core.
     The need to support the land use planning goals of 
Tacoma's South Downtown Subarea Plan, the MLK Subarea Plan and the 
other Growth and Employment centers. Several current City planning 
processes are designed to encourage transit-oriented, mixed-use 
development and economic revitalization in areas of Tacoma that are 
designated for future regional growth concentrations.
     The need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions within the 
City of Tacoma. The City of Tacoma Climate Action Plan calls for 
substantial reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. Transportation 
causes 53% of Tacoma greenhouse gas emissions. A Tacoma Link extension 
would support City plans to increase the use of all public 
transportation modes.
     The need to support economic development in downtown 
Tacoma. The Downtown Tacoma Economic Development Strategy lists the 
existing Tacoma Link as a key asset that establishes downtown's 
identity and may help encourage future development and investment. One 
of the City of Tacoma's primary goals for economic development is to 
stimulate investor interest in downtown. The expansion of Tacoma Link 
presents an opportunity to achieve the City's economic development 
goals.
     The following goals and objectives, which are a part of 
Sound Transit's Regional Transit Long-Range Plan (2005) and its long-
range vision for regional transit:
     [cir] Ensure long-term mobility, connectivity and convenience;
     [cir] Preserve communities and open space;
     [cir] Contribute to the region's economic vitality;
     [cir] Preserve the environment; and
     [cir] Strengthen communities' use of the regional transit network.

Potential Alternatives

    Sound Transit will explore alternative mode, alignment, and design 
configurations for an expansion of the Tacoma Link light rail system. 
At least one alternative analyzed will be a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) 
alternative. Sound Transit conducted a ``pre-alternatives analysis'' 
and issued a report in September 2011. The pre-alternatives analysis 
evaluated eight potential corridors for the expansion of Tacoma Link. 
Six of the corridors were proposed by a stakeholder group, which 
included diverse representation of Tacoma and the region. Sound Transit 
included two additional corridors for assessment in the pre-
alternatives analysis to address the potential corridors for Tacoma 
Link expansion contemplated in Sound Transit's Regional Transit Long-
Range Plan (2005). Sound Transit invites comments on the alternative 
transit modes, alignments, and station locations to be studied, and on 
proposed evaluation measures to be used to compare alternatives. 
Alternatives already identified for consideration include:
     North End--Extends north from Theater District to Stadium 
District; west to University of Puget Sound.
     North End Central--Extends north from Theater District to 
Stadium District; west via Division Ave./6th St. to Alder/Cedar St.
     North Downtown Central--Extends north from Theater 
District to Stadium District; west to north end of MLK district and 
south to S. 19th St.
     South Downtown to MLK--Extends from Union Station west to 
S. 19th St., north through MLK district to Division St.
     South Downtown Central--Extends from Union Station west to 
S. 19th St., continues west to Tacoma Community College.
     South End--Extends from 25th Street Station south to 34th 
& Pacific District to S. 38th St., west to Tacoma Mall.
     Eastside--Extends east from Tacoma Dome, south towards 
Salishan to 72nd St. Transit Center.
     Pacific Highway--Extends east from Tacoma Dome to the 
Puyallup Tribe's commercial center on Pacific Highway South at Fife.
    Sound Transit may also consider other alternatives that arise 
during the public comment period.
    The definition of these alternatives for analysis will reflect a 
range of high and low cost capital improvements, including non-guideway 
options which can serve as a ``baseline'' for measuring the merits of 
more expensive investments. Sound Transit will identify measures for 
evaluating the relative merits of alternatives, and technical 
methodologies for generating the information used to support such 
measures. These measures will typically include disciplines such as 
travel forecasting, capital and operations and maintenance costs, and 
corridor-level environmental and land use analyses. Sound Transit will 
also develop and assess the costs, benefits, and impacts of each 
alternative and analyze funding strategies.
    At the end of the alternatives analysis process, Sound Transit and 
the FTA anticipate identifying a preferred mode and corridor for 
further evaluation in a NEPA environmental document (the classification 
of which is to be determined). If the preferred mode and corridor 
involve the potential for significant environmental impacts requiring 
an EIS, a Notice of Intent to Prepare an EIS will be published in the 
Federal Register, and public and agency comment on the scope of the EIS 
will be invited and considered at that time.

    Issued on: August 9, 2012.
Richard Krochalis,
Regional Administrator.
[FR Doc. 2012-20220 Filed 8-16-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE P
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