Environmental Assessment of Three Infill Stations
This Page Intentionally Left Blank ABSTRACT The Metropolitan Council on behalf of the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), the lead federal agency, has prepared this Infill Stations Environmental Assessment (EA) for the Central Corridor Light Rail Transit Project (the Project) pursuant to 23 CFR 771.130(c). The Project is10.9 miles long (9.7 miles of new alignment, 1.2 miles on shared alignment) and consists of 20 Central Corridor Light Rail Transit (LRT) stations – 15 new stations and five shared with the Hiawatha LRT. A total of three potential infill stations have been identified in the City of St. Paul within the Midway East Project segment between Snelling Avenue and Rice Street. Potential infill station locations are at Hamline Avenue, Victoria Street, and Western Avenue. This Infill Stations EA analyzes the social, economic, and environmental impacts associated with the construction of above-grade elements of these three stations. The June 2009 Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) for the Project analyzed its social, economic, and environmental impacts, including the construction of below-grade infrastructure for three potential infill stations. Recently, the project sponsors obtained a commitment for local funding to build one above-grade infill station at Hamline Avenue, Victoria Street, or Western Avenue. Consequently, an evaluation of the social, economic, and environmental impacts for the construction of an above-grade station is required in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The above- grade construction of all three infill stations is included in this Infill Stations EA. A public comment period was established for this document. Comments were submitted in writing, via e-mail, or in person at two public hearings held on January 27, 2010 at the Hallie Q.
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