Fall 08
FINAL Open House No. 3 Summary
Wednesday, September 21, 2016
Project Partners
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Open House No. 3 September 21, 2016
Table of Contents
Attendees ...... 1 Project Partners ...... 1 Project Team ...... 1 Purpose of Meeting ...... 2 Event Overview ...... 2 Open House Stations ...... 4 Station 1: Registration ...... 4 Station 2: Corridor History/NEPA Process/Purpose & Need/Project Schedule ...... 4 Station 3: Alternate Traffic Route Concepts ...... 6 Station 4: 1st Step Screening Results ...... 7 Station 5: 1st Step Screened Alternatives ...... 9 Station 6: Alternatives Advanced to 2nd Step Screening ...... 10 Station 7: Comments ...... 12 Next Steps/Timeline ...... 14 Appendix A ...... 15 Sign In Sheets ...... 15 Appendix B ...... 18 Outreach Materials ...... 18 Appendix C ...... 25 Materials at Registration Table ...... 25 Appendix D ...... 33 Presentation ...... 33 Appendix E ...... 39 Title VI Forms ...... 39 Appendix F ...... 42 Purpose & Need Statement Handout ...... 42 Appendix G ...... 45 1st Step Screened Alternatives ...... 45 Appendix H ...... 51 Completed Comment Forms ...... 51
Open House No. 3 September 21, 2016
Attendees
Eighteen people attended the Industrial Way / Oregon Way Intersection Project’s open house on September 21, 2016 (see Appendix A for sign-in sheets).
Attendees included:
Linda Ball Peter Bennett Sandra Davis Diane Dick Henry Heimuller, Columbia County Commissioner Steve Hixson David Hodges, U.S. Sen. Patty Murray Dena Horton, U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell Jan Spika Kenna Scott McDaniel Shawn Nyman Zachary Prim Trevor Simmons Jim Thomas Gary Wallace Brian Wood Carol Yank Ed Orcutt, State Representative
Project Partners
The following Project Partners attended the open house:
Mike Karnofski, Cowlitz County Commissioner Dave Campbell, City of Longview - City Manager Ted Sprague, Cowlitz Economic Development Council Bill Fashing, Cowlitz Wahkiakum Council of Governments Bob Bagaason, Port of Longview Commissioner Norm Krehbiel, Port of Longview
Project Team
The following project team members attended:
Claude Sakr, Project Lead, Cowlitz County Brad Bastin, Engineering, Cowlitz County Mark Koelsch, Communications, Cowlitz County Manuel Abarca, Engineering, City of Longview Joanna Lowrey, Engineering Lead, Washington State Department of Transportation Bart Gernhart, Engineering, Washington State Department of Transportation Alex Countouriotis, Engineering, Washington State Department of Transportation Barbara Aberle, Environmental Lead, Washington State Department of Transportation Julius Arevalo, Engineering, Washington State Department of Transportation Martin Fuest, Engineering, Washington State Department of Transportation
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Robert Mistic, Engineering, Washington State Department of Transportation Angela Findley, Environmental Lead, WSP | Parsons Brinckerhoff Tony Lo, Traffic Engineer, WSP | Parsons Brinckerhoff Page Phillips, Communications Lead, CFM Strategic Communications Justin Runquist, Communications, CFM Strategic Communications
Purpose of Meeting
The purpose of the September 21, 2016 open house was to:
1. Update the community on the project team’s work progress since the March 16, 2016 open house; 2. Present the results of evaluating alternate travel route concepts that would divert some traffic away from the Industrial Way/Oregon Way Intersection; 3. Explain the criteria used in the 1st step screening to recommend the alternatives that advance to the 2nd step screening; 4. Solicit feedback on the nine build alternatives that were evaluated in the 1st step screening process; and 5. Solicit feedback on the refinement of the four design alternatives that will advance to the 2nd step screening and the integration of local circulation to/from businesses around the intersection.
Event Overview
The open house for the Industrial Way / Oregon Way Intersection Project was held from 5:00pm to 7:00 p.m. on September 21, 2016 in the Auditorium at the Cowlitz County Public Utilities District (PUD), 961 12th Avenue, Longview, Washington.
The open house was promoted by:
• Mailing flyers in English and Spanish to residents and businesses within an approximate one mile radius of the project area; • Airing Public Service Announcements (PSAs) on local radio stations for approximately seven to ten days prior to the open house; • Placing a newspaper ad in English and Spanish in Longview’s The Daily News on the Sunday before the open house (September 18, 2016); • Transmitting a press release in English and Spanish to the local media; • Sending the press release and the PSA announcing the meeting to the Highlands Neighborhood Association, the Ethnic Support Council and St. Rose De Viterbo Catholic Church; • Placing flyers at the St. Rose De Viterbo Catholic Church;
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Handing out flyers at the mobile food bank held in Figures 1-2 Mobile Food Bank September • 17, 2016 the Highlands Neighborhood (September 17, 2016); • Handing out flyers at the Highlands Neighborhood Association’s National Night Out event (August 2, 2016); • Posting the flyer at a laundromat in the Highlands Neighborhood; and • E-mailing the meeting flyer to state and federal elected officials and staff.
All materials used for public notification are attached in Appendix B.
The majority of the public arrived from 4:55 p.m. to 5:20 p.m. The registration table had copies of the meeting’s agenda, project fact sheet, project brochure (English and Spanish); and comment forms in English and Spanish (see Appendix C). At 5:20 p.m., Cowlitz County Commissioner Mike Karnofski opened the meeting by welcoming the public and introducing the project team. Commissioner Karnofski then presented the project’s purpose and need statement and reminded people that the project’s purpose and need is guiding the efforts of the team during the development and screening of design alternatives. He mentioned that the project team is continuously asking the question: “How well does a design alternative address the current and future problems with the intersection?”
Claude Sakr, Project Lead, then gave a prepared presentation (Appendix D). The presentation focused on the project team’s accomplishments since the March 16, 2016 open house. Topics covered included:
• Review of past public comments Figure 3 Open House September 21, 2016 • Finalization of the purpose and need statement • Finalization of the evaluation criteria for 1st step alternatives screening • Development of design alternatives • Traffic analysis conducted for the design alternatives • Preliminary results of the 1st step alternatives screening • Recommended alternatives to advance to 2nd step screening or withdraw from further study
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After the presentation, audience members were invited to walk around and visit the various stations and to talk with project team members.
Title VI forms in Spanish and English were made available to gather attendee information (see Appendix E).
Open House Stations
The seven stations at the open house were titled:
1. Registration 2. Corridor History/NEPA Process/ Purpose and Need/Project Schedule 3. Alternate Traffic Route Concepts 4. 1st Step Screening Results 5. 1st Step Screened Alternatives a. At-Grade Improvements b. Grade-Separated Intersection: Option A c. Grade-Separated Intersection: Option B d. Partial Grade-Separated Intersection: Option A e. Partial Grade-Separated Intersection: Option B f. Partial Grade-Separated Intersection: Option C g. Partial Grade-Separated Intersection: Option D h. Partial Grade-Separated Intersection: Option E i. Partial Grade-Separated Intersection: Option F 6. Alternatives Advanced to 2nd Step Screening a. Realignment Options b. Local Connections – Oregon Way c. Local Connections – Industrial Way d. Local Connections – East and West Port Way 7. Comments
Station 1: Registration
Sign-in sheets, copies of the meeting agenda, project fact sheet, project brochure, and comment forms were provided at the registration table (see Appendix C).
Station 2: Corridor History/NEPA Process/Purpose & Need/Project Schedule
Posters displayed at Station 2 are shown in Figure 4 through Figure 6, and included corridor history, project timeline and NEPA process. A handout of the final purpose and need statement was also provided at this station (Appendix F).
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Figure 4: Corridor History
Figure 5: Project Timeline
Project!Timeline!
Spring+2015= Fall+2015=+ Winter+2017=+ Fall+2017=+ Summer+2015+ Fall+2016+ Summer+2017+ Summer+2018+
•!Engage!project!stakeholders! •!Gather!design!and!environmental!! •!Hold!open!house!to!gather! •!Prepare!and!release! !!!DraF!EIS!for!public!review! •!Prepare!purpose!and!need!!! !!!data;!conduct!technical!analysis! input!on!alterna:ves!to! !!!statement! •!Refine,!screen!alterna:ves! analyze!in!the!DraF!EIS! •!Hold!public!hearing!to! !!!gather!input!on!DraF!EIS! •!Develop!ini:al!alterna:ves! •!Hold!public!open!houses!to!! •!Perform!environmental! impacts!analysis!on! •!Prepare!Final!EIS! •!Hold!public!open!house!to! gather!input!on!alterna:ves!and! alterna:ves!advanced!to! !!!gather!input!on!ini:al!! screening! •!Publish!final!EIS!and! DraF!EIS! !!!alterna:ves!and!scope!of! •!Iden:fy!alterna:ves!to!! !!!Record!of!Decision! !!!environmental!analysis! !!!analyze!in!the!DraF!! •!Complete!environmental!! •!County!completes!SEPA! !!!Environmental!Impact!! reports! !!!adop:on! !!!Statement!(EIS)! •!Complete!30%!engineering!
Industrial+Way+/+Oregon+Way+Intersec4on+Project+!!
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Figure 6: NEPA Process
Station 3: Alternate Traffic Route Concepts
During the project’s scoping process and subsequent public input, the project team heard requests from several community members to consider an alternate traffic route concept(s) that would divert some traffic away from Industrial Way to Oregon Way or other alternate routes to reduce the vehicular demand on Industrial Way and the Industrial Way/Oregon Way intersection. The team investigated three options, shown in Figure 7, for
Open House No. 3 6 September 21, 2016 diverting traffic via existing or new routes to reduce the vehicular demand burden on the intersection, as follows:
Figure 7: Alternate Traffic Route Concepts
1. Traffic Rerouting Concept. This concept utilizes local streets, is low cost compared to grade-separated options and easy to implement. However, during the analysis it was determined that the local street network would be unable to handle the additional traffic, including freight trucks, and rerouted traffic would still use the Industrial Way/Oregon Way Intersection.
2. Flyover with Alternate Crossing Concept. This concept also utilizes local streets and adds a bypass for traffic heading north of the intersection to avoid train blockage. However, this concept introduces circuitous routes to connect between Industrial Way and Oregon Way, resulting in travel time increases; local street networks would be unable to handle the additional traffic; and it is not feasible to connect Industrial Way to Alabama Street or Alaska Street over the existing Reynolds Lead rail tracks.
3. Flyover with Grid Connection Concept. This concept provides a simple bypass for traffic heading north and east of the intersection and consolidates the grade- separation to a single structure. However, this concept introduces circuitous routes to connect between Industrial Way and Oregon Way, resulting in travel time increases, especially for freight trucks due to multiple signalized intersections. It would also cause backup on the new connector roads and would not benefit freight truck traffic destined to local industries (west and south of the intersection) from the Lewis and Clark Bridge.
The team concluded that while these concepts would accomplish some diversion of traffic, they did not appreciably reduce travel demand through the intersection.
Station 4: 1st Step Screening Results
Station four displayed two figures illustrating the results of operational performance screening (Figure 8) and the accompanying operational performance scoring definitions (Figure 9).
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The screening criteria was presented to the public at the last open house (Figure 10); the dots represented the community’s input on which criteria are most important. The project team is applying this screening criteria in a two-step process as follows: 1st step screening focuses on traffic operational performance, and 2nd step screening focuses on contextual and cost measures (e.g. impacts to businesses and residents, ease of construction staging/phasing, comparative costs, etc.). This open house presented and solicited public input on the results of the 1st step screening.
As shown in Figure 8, the evaluation of nine build alternatives and the No Build Alternative (which is required under federal law to be included in the Environmental Impact Statement) were scored on the following criteria to determine if an alternative met the project’s purpose and need: (1) travel time; (2) congestion; and (3) travel reliability for all vehicles including freight trucks and emergency providers. These three mobility criteria were analyzed with and without train blockage. The projected 2040 traffic conditions were assessed for this screening.
The comparison of each of the nine build alternatives to the No Build Alternative were key considerations by the project team in their recommendation on which alternatives advance for further design refinements and evaluation in the 2nd step screening, This second screening is expected to be complete in early Jan 2017.
Figure 8: Operational Performance Screening
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Figure 9: Operational Performance Scoring Definitions
Figure 10: Screening Criteria
Station 5: 1st Step Screened Alternatives
The nine build alternatives that were evaluated in the 1st step screening are shown in Appendix G. A listing of the criteria used in the 1st step screening and how the alternative was scored is shown to the left of each graphic. The graphic also indicates whether the alternative is recommended to be advanced to 2nd step screening.
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Station 6: Alternatives Advanced to 2nd Step Screening
Station 6 displayed four figures: (1) Figure 11 illustrates the four build alternatives recommended to be advanced to 2nd step screening and on-going design refinements that include evaluating the optimum location of the intersection (i.e. realigning the intersection to any of the four intersection quadrants to assess relative impacts, such as impact to developed parcels), and (2) Figures 12 through 14 illustrate local circulation ideas that the project team will integrate with each of the four build alternatives advanced to 2nd step screening. Participants were asked to review the design refinements and the local circulation ideas and provide their input to project team members.
Figure 11: Realignment Options
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Figure 12: Local Connections – Oregon Way
Figure 13: Local Connections – Industrial Way
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Figure 14: Local Connections – Port Way
Station 7: Comments Figure 15 Open House September 21, 2016 The community was encouraged to interact with the 2016 project team staff to ask specific questions or provide direct feedback. There was also a comments station that supplied comment forms and Title VI forms in English and in Spanish. Three participants completed comment forms (see Appendix H). Additional comments and questions were heard and later reported by the project team members who staffed the various stations. Following is a list of comments and questions received in writing or verbally at the open house:
Comments heard by project team members who staffed the various stations
• A Weyerhaeuser participant expressed concern about accessibility to the log yard
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adjacent to the intersection. • Weyerhaeuser participant understands their Gate 4 (on Industrial Way, immediately west of the intersection) would no longer be in operation, if a raised alternative were chosen. • Weyerhaeuser participant expressed that it is just a matter of time before the Port develops Barlow Point and the potential Millennium facility will increase rail volumes, which in the current intersection configuration, will negatively impact their log yard operations. • Port of Longview Commissioner was interested in the Port’s local access connections/routes. He recognizes that providing full access to local businesses located around the intersection would be challenging. • Citizen opined that neither of the partial solutions would work. Likes the roundabout. • Citizen said the daily northbound SR 433 congestion starts all the way at US 30 in Oregon, and the problem has nothing to do with the difficulty in trucks climbing the west side of the bridge, the traffic moves just as slowly on the downhill side of the crest. • Citizen said the project team needs to involve the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) and the Area Commission on Transportation. • Citizen said the County and WSDOT should not go out of their way to maintain access to current businesses would be wasteful. • Citizen said impacting many of these businesses is just unavoidable and existing businesses already have horrible access. • Citizen said Les Schwab gets a lot of business from Oregon customers. • Citizen said make sure to close the middle of the roundabout, if not, trucks will fall in the hole. • Business representative said screening matrix was helpful, appreciated the objectivity with the measurable criteria. • Business representative said overall the open house was well designed and had good information. • Columbia County Commissioner said that traffic queuing on US 30 occurs daily as vehicles approach the Lewis & Clark Bridge; ODOT Region 2 has placed variable message signs (VMS) on US 30 to warn drivers of congestion ahead. • Columbia County Commissioner said during the landslide event that closed/restricted I-5 travel, many passenger and freight trucks detoured to US 30/SR 433/SR 432. Some of those drivers have continued to use this route rather than I-5, so there is more congestion on US 30 and in Scappoose than there was before the landslide. • Columbia County Commissioner said Columbia County is very interested in staying involved in the project; it would also like to involve ODOT. • Resident from Highlands Neighborhood said her bus accesses to Oregon Way via Alabama Street, however, when she drives she prefers to avoid the congestion at that intersection and drives further north to get into Longview. • Resident from Highlands Neighborhood said she thought the range of alternatives was comprehensive and understood why four alternatives were advanced and the other five were not. • State Representative said a 5 percent grade on the elevated roadways could be a
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concern for trucks. Log trucks rely heavily on this intersection since Weyerhaeuser relocated it sawmill to Longview. • Business owner said rerouting traffic away from Industrial Way would impact his business. Will the project compensate him for loss of business?
Written comments provided by attendees
• The elevated traffic circle seems ripe for an editorial cartoon. • Need views of vertical elevations. • Need surface traffic options in conjunction with selected models. • Raising the roadway appears to be the most efficient. • Always include Columbia County Commissioners, city officials and citizens. • Grade Separated Intersection: Option A is preferable. • Concern about keeping this project within the cost estimates as well as ensuring that the level-of-service after construction and in 2040 is at acceptable levels. • The moving of BNSF rail should only be considered if BNSF pays the cost. This would be a good idea and could cut the costs for improvements at this intersection.
Next Steps/Timeline
The project timeline (Figure 6) presented at the open house shows through Fall 2016/early Winter 2017, the project team will refine the alternatives advanced to the 2nd step screening, perform 2nd step screening on the refined alternatives, and select the alternative(s) to advance into the Draft EIS for environmental impact analysis. An open house will be held in Jan/Feb 2017 to present the results of 2nd step screening. The project team will then perform the environmental impact analysis on the alternative(s) advanced into the Draft EIS during Winter/Summer 2017, and release the Draft EIS for public review in Fall 2017. A public hearing will be held during this period to gather public comments on the Draft EIS.
Following the gathering of public comments, the Final EIS will be completed and published with the Federal Highway Administration’s Record of Decision in Summer 2018. Also, Cowlitz County will complete its State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) adoption of the NEPA FEIS document in Summer 2018 and the selected preferred alternative will be engineered to 30 percent design level.
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Appendix A Sign In Sheets
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Appendix B Outreach Materials
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PSA No. 3 for 3rd Open House
If you live near Industrial Way or Oregon Way or if you drive, bike or walk along either road you are invited to attend the Industrial Way / Oregon Way Intersection Project public open house on Wednesday, September 21st from 5 to 7 p.m. in the Auditorium at the Cowlitz PUD at 961 12th Avenue in Longview. The project team members will give an update on what's been accomplished over the last six months as well as next steps. Following the presentation, participants will have the opportunity to visit information stations to ask questions and provide input. Your feedback is an important step as the project team continues to assess which alternatives to evaluate in the Draft Environmental Impact Statement phase and will help shape the road alternative needed to enhance safety, reduce traffic congestion and improve freight truck mobility. To learn more about the Project you can visit www.IndustrialOregonWay.org or e-mail us at [email protected].
This message is sponsored by Cowlitz County.
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Contact: Claude Sakr, Project Lead Phone: 360.577.3030 Email: [email protected]
***FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE***
INDUSTRIAL WAY / OREGON WAY INTERSECTION PROJECT OPEN HOUSE SET FOR SEPTEMBER 21st Public Encouraged to Attend and Participate in the Project’s Third Open House Meeting
The third public open house for the Industrial Way / Oregon Way Intersection Project has been scheduled for Wednesday, September 21, 2016 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Cowlitz County PUD Auditorium, in Longview. The Industrial Way / Oregon Way Intersection Project involves developing an affordable long-term roadway solution that improves levels of response for emergency vehicles, improves travel reliability and safety for all transportation modes and accommodates current and future commerce movement at the critical intersection of State Route (SR) 432 and SR 433.
A brief presentation will be given to provide participants with a project update as well as information related to the schedule and next steps. Following the presentation, participants will have the opportunity to visit information stations to review and discuss the results of the initial traffic analysis completed on nine design alternatives, and provide input on all design alternatives that have been evaluated and the subset that are recommended for further study. Your feedback is an important step as the project team continues to assess which alternatives to evaluate in the Draft Environmental Impact Statement phase and will help shape the road alternative needed to reduce traffic congestion and improve freight truck mobility.
Additional information may be found on the Industrial Way / Oregon Way Intersection Project website at www.IndustrialOregonWay.org. The site includes a registration page to receive future project announcements and updates via email.
A Spanish and/or sign language interpreter will be available if requested at the open house. Cowlitz County ensures all compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 by prohibiting discrimination against any person on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex or disabilities in the provisions of benefits and services resulting from its federally assisted programs and activities. For questions regarding Cowlitz County’s Title VI Program, or if you need special accommodations to participate in this meeting, please call Mark Koelsch at 360-577-3030, Ext.6543. Special accommodations request need to be made by 10 a.m. on September 14, 2016.
WHAT: Industrial Way / Oregon Way Intersection Project Open House No. 3 WHEN: Wednesday, September 21, 2016 TIME: 5 to 7 p.m. WHERE: Cowlitz PUD Auditorium ADDRESS: 961 12th Avenue, Longview WEBSITE: www.IndustrialOregonWay.org
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Contacto: Claude Sakr, Líder del Proyecto Teléfono: 360.577.3030 Correo Electrónico: [email protected]
***PARA PUBLICACIÓN INMEDIATA***
CASA ABIERTA DEL PROYECTO DE LA INTERSECCIÓN INDUSTRIAL WAY / OREGON WAY PROGRAMADA PARA EL 21 DE SEPTIEMBRE Se Invita al Público a Asistir y Participar en la 3ª Reunión de Casa Abierta del Proyecto
La tercera casa abierta del Proyecto de la Intersección Industrial Way / Oregon Way ha sido programada para el miércoles 21 de septiembre del 2016, de 5 a 7 pm., en el Auditorio PUD del Condado Cowlitz (Cowlitz County PUD Auditorium) en Longview. El Proyecto de la Intersección Industrial Way / Oregon Way tiene el propósito de desarrollar una solución vial económica a largo plazo para mejorar los niveles de respuesta de los vehículos de emergencia, mejorar la confiabilidad y seguridad de los viajes en todo tipo de transporte, y acomodar el movimiento comercial presente y futuro en la importante intersección de la Ruta Estatal (SR) 432 y SR 433.
En esta reunión, se hará una breve presentación para darles a los participantes una actualización del proyecto y la información relacionada con el calendario y los próximos pasos. Después de la presentación, los participantes tendrán la oportunidad de visitar las estaciones de información para revisar y platicar sobre los resultados del análisis inicial de tráfico que se completó para nueve alternativas de diseño, así como también podrán aportar sus comentarios sobre todas las alternativas de diseño y del subconjunto que se recomienda para estudios posteriores. Su opinión es un paso muy importante para que el equipo del proyecto continúe con la selección de las alternativas que se evaluarán en la fase de la Propuesta para el Reporte de Impacto Ambiental, y para ayudar a darle forma a la alternativa vial que se necesita para reducir la congestión del tráfico y mejorar el movimiento de los camiones de carga.
Más información puede encontrarse en el sitio web del Proyecto de la Intersección Industrial Way / Oregon Way en www.IndustrialOregonWay.org. Este sitio incluye una página de registro para recibir por correo electrónico los futuros anuncios y actualizaciones del proyecto.
Un intérprete de español y/o lenguaje de señas puede estar disponible en la casa abierta si así se solicita. El Condado Cowlitz asegura cumplir con el Título VI de la Ley de Derechos Civiles de 1964 y con la Ley para Estadounidenses con Discapacidades de 1990, mediante la prohibición de la discriminación contra las personas por motivo de raza, color, nacionalidad, género o discapacidad durante la prestación de beneficios y servicios que resultan de sus programas y actividades financiadas por el gobierno federal. Si tiene
Open House No. 3 23 September 21, 2016 preguntas sobre el Programa de Título VI del Condado Cowlitz, o si necesita de adaptaciones especiales para participar en esta reunión, por favor comuníquese con Mark Koelsch al 360-577-3030, Ext. 6543. La petición para adaptaciones especiales necesita realizarse a más tardar a las 10 a.m. del 14 de septiembre del 2016.
QUÉ: Casa Abierta No. 3 del Proyecto de la Intersección Industrial Way / Oregon Way CUÁNDO: Miércoles 21 de septiembre del 2016 HORA: 5 a 7 p.m. DÓNDE: Auditorio Cowlitz PUD DIRECCIÓN: 961 12th Avenue, Longview SITIO WEB: www.IndustrialOregonWay.org
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Appendix C Materials at Registration Table
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PUBLIC OPEN HOUSE #3 Wednesday, September 21, 2016 5 – 7 p.m. Cowlitz PUD Auditorium 961 12th Avenue Longview, WA 98632 AGENDA
5:00pm Registration and Exhibits Preview
5:10pm Welcome
5:15pm Overview / Presentation
5:30pm Discussion at Stations § Corridor History, NEPA Process, Purpose & Need and Timeline § Alternate Travel Route Concepts § 1st Step Screening Results § 1st Step Screened Alternatives § Alternatives Advanced to 2nd Step Screening
7:00 pm Adjourn
www.IndustrialOregonWay.org
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Fact Sheet
Current Status
Ø The recently completed SR 432 Rail Realignment and Highway Improvements Study identified several transportation infrastructure projects along the Industrial Way (SR 432) corridor to relieve congestion and improve freight truck mobility. Ø The community has prioritized the Industrial Way / Oregon Way Intersection Project in Longview as the most critical project in this corridor that will have the greatest impact on safety and freight truck mobility. Ø Traffic volumes are expected to increase 60-70 percent by 2040, which results in failing conditions where drivers experience significant traffic jams, long backups, waiting several signal cycles to pass through the intersection, and an intersection unable to accommodate the number of vehicles traveling to and from the Lewis & Clark Bridge. Ø We are working together with project partner WSDOT and other stakeholders along the corridor to make sure the project provides a practical solution to these pressing transportation needs and addresses community objectives.
History and Key Points
Ø The Industrial Way / Oregon Way Intersection Project will address existing highway infrastructure deficiencies. These needs were recognized as far back as 1968 when the Washington Department of Highways (predecessor to the Washington State Department of Transportation) completed its 1968 Reconnaissance Report and later in 1971 prepared a preliminary design of the Oregon Way Interchange at SR 432. Several studies followed in the 1980’s thru 2014 – all with one consistent finding: a grade separation is needed at the Industrial Way / Oregon Way intersection to meet forecast long term freight truck traffic growth. Ø The county, cities, port, and other regional bodies are currently collaborating to build on these studies by developing a grade-separated solution that addresses these well-documented congestion and safety issues. Ø The characterization of this critically important regional transportation investment as a “subsidy” for the coal industry is false. This argument – raised only recently is at best intentionally misleading. Millennium’s proposed coal export terminal is a separate issue that will be decided on its own merits. Meanwhile, our existing businesses and industries have long supported the well-documented case for this overdue highway update to our most vital commercial corridor.
Additional Background
Ø Existing corridor deficiencies present real challenges to freight truck mobility and regional economic development and job creation in a bi-state trade corridor of statewide significance. This project improves travel reliability for all vehicles, increases freight truck mobility and improves emergency response. Ø The Industrial Way / Oregon Way intersection, with over 20 million tons of annual gross truck tonnage, is one of Washington State’s busiest truck tonnage intersections. Ø State and Federal investment in the Columbia River Channel deepening has spurred billions in regional economic growth, as it was intended. This project further leverages that public investment. Ø The Port of Longview has invested tens of millions in infrastructure and equipment to accommodate growing cargo demands.
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Ø Local industries (such as Weyerhaeuser, NORPAC, Specialty Minerals, HASA, Axial, Pacific Fibre, KapStone Paper & Packaging and many others) have invested billions in their operations. They are adamant that long- term highway improvements must be made in this congested corridor -- the lifeline to their financial health - - to provide reliable and timely freight truck service. Ø Long-term highway improvements are vital to maintaining and sustaining the surface transportation network required to move goods on and off the river, and to and from our land-based industries.
Benefits/Impact
Ø Benefits to Cowlitz County and Longview/Kelso of improving the Industrial Way / Oregon Way intersection:
o Ensure emergency access and evacuation routes for the industrial district and adjacent Oregon users without traffic impediments. o Reduce congestion to improve the economic competitiveness of existing large / small businesses, through reliable and timely freight truck service, in turn keeping our business base financially healthy and vibrant. o Enhance the economic potential of the region by creating opportunities for new business development on our available developable land (e.g. Mint Farm Industrial Park) and to grow existing businesses. o Facilitate creation of permanent jobs for residents of an economically distressed county.
Ø Impact for the Port of Longview and the State of Washington are specifically:
o The Port of Longview is Washington’s third-largest port and the first deep draft, full-service operating port on the Columbia River. o Cargo imported/ exported through the Port of Longview moves on to communities across our state. o Longview is the highest export funnel for Washington’s timber exports. o Fertilizers bound for farms across our state are imported through the Port of Longview and trucked on SR 432 in support of the state’s agriculture industry. o Steel manufacturing facilities at the Port are vital to Washington’s transportation infrastructure – producing material for the Everett Boeing plant, 520 Bridge approaches, Elliot Bay Seawall, Portland Avenue/ Puyallup River Bridge, Tacoma Pier, and SR 99 waterfront project in Seattle. o The corridor is the lifeline providing access to the Port’s existing waterfront facilities and future development at the 285-acre Barlow Point Property. o Reliable and efficient roadway infrastructure in the corridor improves economic opportunities for international bulk import/export business development at Barlow Point. o Financial margins on commodities are slim. Increases in transportation costs related to congestion could have devastating impacts on Washington’s timber and agriculture industries, which compete globally for market share.
Washington State and the Port of Longview rely on the Industrial Way (SR 432) corridor to move Washington’s goods to markets around the world and protect jobs in communities across the state. The Industrial Way / Oregon Way Intersection Project enhances our regional, national and international economic competitiveness.
Contact: Claude Sakr, Project Lead Email: [email protected] Phone: (360) 577-3030 May 2016
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Public Open House #3 September 21, 2016
Comment Form
Name (optional) Phone (optional)
Organization (if applicable)
Email (optional)
Please provide comments on the screening results for the nine design alternatives displayed at tonight’s Open House:
Please provide comments on the four design alternatives that are recommended for further study:
(Continue comments on back, if necessary)
How did you hear about this open house? (circle all that apply) Newspaper Radio Flyer Website Other (please specify)
Please return, mail, fax, or email your completed comment form by October 3, 2016 to:
Cowlitz County, Attn: Claude Sakr, 1600 – 13th Avenue South, Kelso, WA 98626 FAX: 360-636-0845 or e-mail us the form at [email protected].
Open House No. 3 31 September 21, 2016 Casa Abierta al Público #3 21 de septiembre, 2016 Forma para Comentarios
Nombre (opcional) Teléfono (opcional)
Organización (si procede)
Correo Electrónico (opcional)
Por favor, aporte sus comentarios sobre los resultados de la revisión de las nueve alternativas de diseño presentadas en la Casa Abierta esta noche:
Por favor, aporte sus comentarios sobre las cuatro alternativas de diseño que se recomiendan para estudiarlas un poco más:
(Continúe con sus comentarios al reverso, si necesita más espacio)
¿Cómo se enteró de esta Casa Abierta? (encierre en un círculo todas las opciones que apliquen) Periódico Radio Volante Internet Otro (por favor explique)
Por favor, regrese su forma para comentarios llenada por correo, fax o electrónicamente, para el 3 de octubre, 2016 a:
Cowlitz County, Attn: Claude Sakr, 1600 – 13th Avenue South, Kelso, WA 98626 FAX: 360-636-0845 o envíenos la forma por correo electrónico a [email protected].
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Appendix D Presentation
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Appendix E Title VI Forms
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1600 – 13th Avenue South Kelso, WA 98626 www.IndustrialOregonWay.org
TITLE VI PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT
Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 requires Cowlitz County to gather statistical data on participants and beneficiaries of the agency’s federal aid highway programs and activities. Cowlitz County collects information on race, color, national origin and gender of the attendees to this public meeting to ensure the inclusion of all segments of the population affected by a proposed project. Cowlitz County wishes to clarify that this information gathering process is completely voluntary and that you are not required to disclose the statistical data requested in order to participate in this meeting. This form is a public document. The completed forms will be held on file at the Cowlitz County Public Works Department. For further information regarding this process, please contact Mark Koelsch, by phone at 360-577-3030 ext. 6543 or e-mail at [email protected].
Project Name:
Industrial Way / Oregon Way Intersection Project!
Meeting Location: Date:
Cowlitz PUD Auditorium September 17, 2015! 961 12th Ave, Longview, WA 98632
After you complete this form, please fold it and place it inside the Title VI box on the Event Poster table.
PLEASE RESPOND TO THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS:
Name (please print): Gender (please circle):
Male Female
General ethnic identification categories (circle one): Caucasian Hispanic American American Indian/Alaskan Native
African American Asian/Pacific Islander Other
Color: National Origin
Thank you for your cooperation!
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1600 – 13th Avenue South Kelso, WA 98626 www.IndustrialOregonWay.org
PARTICIPACION DEL PÚBLICO EN EL TITULO VI El Titulo VI del Acta de Derechos Civiles del 1964 requiere que el Condado de Cowlitz recoja datos estadísticos de participantes y beneficiarios de los programas y las actividades relacionados con la ayuda federal a las redes de caminos de la agencia. El Condado de Cowlitz recoge información acerca de la raza, el color, el origen nacional y el sexo de las personas que asisten a esta reunión pública, para asegurar la inclusión de todos los segmentos de la población que se ven afectados por el proyecto propuesto. El Condado de Cowlitz quiere aclarar que este proceso de recoger informacion es completamente voluntario, Usted no está obligado a revelar los datos estadísticos que se le pide para poder participar de esta reunión. Este formulario es un documento público. Los formularios que se llenan se archivaran en el Departamento de Obras Publicas del Condado de Cowlitz. Para mayores informaciones en cuanto a este proceso, diríjase a Mark Koelsch, por teléfono al 360-577-3030 ext. 6543 o por correo electrónico a [email protected].
Nombre del Proyecto:
Vía Industrial / Proyecto de Intersección del Oregon Way !
Lugar de Reunión: Fecha:
Cowlitz PUD Salon de Actos 17 de setiembre del 2015! 961 12th Ave, Longview, WA 98632
Después de completar esta hoja, por favor dóblela y colóquela dentro de la caja marcada Titulo VI, en la mesa del evento. POR FAVOR RESPONDA A LAS SIGUIENTS PREGUNTAS:
Nombre (letra de imprenta): Sexo (marque con circulo):
Varón Mujer
Categorías generales de identificación étnica (marque UNA con un circulo): Blanco/a Hispanoamericano/a Indígena Americano/a/de Alaska Asiático/a/ de las Islas del Afroamericano/a Otro Pacífico Color: Origen nacional:
¡Gracias por su cooperación!
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Appendix F Purpose & Need Statement Handout
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Appendix G 1st Step Screened Alternatives
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Appendix H Completed Comment Forms
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