Notice of Availability of Draft Environmental Assessment, DART Orange Line DFW Airport Extension IRVING-3

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and Area Rapid Transit (DART), in cooperation with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have prepared an Environmental Assessment (EA) for the proposed construction of an extension of the Orange Line light rail transit (LRT) alignment to extend to DFW Airport and are advising the Public of its availability for review. The EA was prepared in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act, FTA, and FAA guidelines to document the benefits and impacts of the proposed action. PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The proposed project involves the design and construction of an extension of the Orange Line LRT alignment from Belt Line Station to the Central Terminal Area of Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW Airport), henceforth the DFW Airport Extension. The proposed project is located in areas of Dallas and Tarrant counties on the northeastern and central portions of DFW Airport. The area analyzed includes portions of the cities of Irving and Grapevine, Texas. The EA focuses on areas proximate to the proposed LRT alignment which begins near the DART Belt Line Station, the current terminus of the DART Orange Line (under construction), near the intersection of Belt Line Road and Valley View Lane in Irving, Texas. The 5.17 mile alignment extends northwest from the Belt Line Station before turning south along to end near Terminal A. A storage yard, the DFW Airport LRT Station and its pedestrian linkages are included are included as part of the proposed action. The purpose of the DFW Airport Extension Project is to increase regional connectivity and offer an alternative to single‐occupancy vehicle travel, provide a seamless interface to DFW Airport Central Terminal Area, and to improve mobility in the northwest region of the DART Service Area. The No‐Build Alternative would not meet the project purpose, but would not introduce any environmental impacts.

The proposed action meets stated purpose of the project, but has the potential to impact activities and natural resources located on or adjacent to DFW Airport. As such, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has been invited to participate as a cooperating agency. The federal action for FAA would be approval of a revision to the DFW International Airport Layout Plan (ALP). Pursuant to 49 USC §47107(a)(16), the FAA Administrator (under authority delegated from the Secretary of Transportation) must approve any revision or modification to an ALP that FAA believes may adversely affect the safety, efficiency, or utility of the airport before the revision or modification takes effect. The text of this EA includes all elements required for compliance with FAA Order 5050.4B. The Draft EA identifies the potential environmental consequences of the No‐Build and Build Alternatives. Affects to the human environment are limited since there are no adjacent residential uses and the majority of the proposed Build Alternative is located within DFW Airport boundaries. Specific environmental effects of the Build Alternative include direct impacts to two business properties with changes to existing infrastructure; moderate noise impacts to two hotel properties; changes to existing visual elements; potential soil and water contamination due to existing hazardous materials; traffic flow restrictions at one intersection; loss of vegetation, direct impact to 0.06 acres of water; and construction related impacts. Additionally, the Draft EA addresses aeronautical concerns including the visual impact of the Build Alternative and the relocation of an FAA high‐mast tower hosting a Low Level Windshear Alert System (LLWAS) and Airport Surface Detection Equipment (ASDE‐X). Ongoing coordination with FAA through final design and construction will ensure these and any additional aeronautical concerns are addressed. DATES: Written comments on the Draft EA must be received by DART on or before June 17, 2011. DART will conduct a Public Hearing at 6:00 pm on Thursday June 2, 2011 at the DFW Airport Marriot, 844 Freeport Parkway, Irving Texas 75063. After a presentation at 6:30 pm on the results of the Draft EA, the public will have an opportunity to ask questions, make comments, and/or indicate their opinion regarding the EA and the Project. ADDRESSES: Written comments may be submitted online at www.dart.org/dfwextension or sent to: John Hoppie Project Manager Dallas Area Rapid Transit P.O. Box 660163 Dallas, TX 75266‐0163

The Draft EA is posted online at www.dart.org/dfwextension. It is available for public review at DART’s offices, 1401 Pacific Avenue, Dallas, Texas and at the following local libraries: Irving Central Library, the Dallas Central Library, Grapevine Public Library and the Coppell William T. Cozby Library.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: DART Community Affairs at 214‐749‐2543 or visit online at www.dart.org/dfwextension.