State Avenue Corridor Transit Improvement Project, Scope Overview

Transcription

1 State Avenue Corridor Transit Improvement Project, Scope Overview An alternative analysis (AA) has been completed for the State Avenue corridor. The AA for transit improvements in the State Ave. Corridor identified the route alignment, station and transit center locations, and current and future operational characteristics. The State Avenue route alignment connects the Kansas City, Mo., Central Business District to downtown Kansas City, Kan., and the employment concentrations at the Village West Shopping center in Wyandotte County, Kan. After exiting downtown Kansas City, Mo., onto I-70, this alignment primarily uses Minnesota Avenue and State Avenue until it reaches the Village West area. This route provides a strong transit connection between two counties, two states and multiple communities. The State Avenue Corridor as displayed in Attachment A is ready for investments that will accomplish near-term implementation of an enhanced route as part of the broader enhanced transit network. These investments will support existing transit services in the corridor by developing improved stops, shelters, pedestrian connections and building new transit centers. The following project elements are identified in the State Avenue Corridor Transit Planning Study Alternatives Analysis and the State Avenue Corridor Transit Project Development Study and will be designed and constructed with TIGER grant funds. 7 th Street and Minnesota Avenue Transit Center This facility will bring a dedicated transit and transfer center to downtown Kansas City, Kan., and facilitate transit connections between the State Avenue route and existing local transit services. The transit center will allow transit vehicles to dwell off-street, while having the State Ave. vehicles use adjacent bus pull-outs to maintain more rapid travel times. The transit center will bring activity to a downtown area that is struggling with blight, while replacing urban-renewal era street features with updated transit facilities. Figure 1 (Attachment B) displays a schematic of the proposed improvements. 47 th Street and State Avenue Transit Center This facility will be a dedicated transit center to facilitate transit connections and will include a park and ride component. The transit center replaces the current center at the site of the former Indian Springs Mall which is planned for redevelopment. This facility will be located on property previously used for mall parking and is no longer used. Figure 2 (Attachment B) displays a schematic of the proposed transit center improvements. Enhanced Transit Stations Enhanced transit stations will be developed in the State Avenue corridor. The transit stations will have improved passenger waiting areas with high-quality finishes, and will be site adapted to fit each location. Figures 3a through 3s (Attachment B) display schematic layouts of each of the proposed stations. A detailed list of amenities is in Attachment C. Pedestrian Improvements Pedestrian improvements will be made to connect transit stations to the community and will include sidewalk and ADA compliant curb ramps where needed throughout the corridor. Further pedestrian improvements will be made at 47 th Street and State Avenue to connect the transit center with a community social services center and at stations at 67 th Street and State Avenue, 78 th Street and State Avenue, and Kansas City Kansas Community College to connect stations to nearby destinations and provide appropriate pedestrian crossings. The following supporting Information is attached: 1. Attachment A Corridor Map 2. Attachment B Project Schematics 3. Attachemnt C Project Amenities 1

2 4. Attachment D Project Cost Summary 5. Attachment E Environmental Clearance Status 6. Attachment F Project Schedule 2

3 ATTACHMENT A 3

4 ATTACHMENT B Figure 1a 7th & Minnesota Transit Center 4

5 Figure 2 47 th & State Transit Center 5

6 Figure 3a Figure 3b 6

7 Figure 3c Figure 3d 7

8 Figure 3e Figure 3f 8

9 Figure 3g Figure 3h 9

10 Figure 3i Figure 3j 10

11 Figure 3k Figure 3l 11

12 Figure 3m Figure 3n 12

13 Figure 3o Figure 3p 13

14 Figure 3q Figure 3r 14

15 Figure 3s 15

16 Station Number Funding Transit Direction Existing Stop Type Intersection Location (FS-Farside, NS-Nearside, MID-Midblock) Bus Pullout Concrete Bus Pad in Street Concrete Platform (curb side) for Bus Stop Passenger Station Kiosk & Real Time Arrival Sign RTS Blue Post & Blade Sign Free Standing Bench Leaning Railing Bike Rack Litter Receptacle Rain Garden Areas Landscape Areas Pedestrian Sidewalk Improvements Electrical Conduit Lighting (Ground) Lighting (Solar) Other Amenities ATTACHMENT C State Avenue Corridor Station Improvements & Amenities for TIGER and ARRA Program Improvement / Amenity Options Station Location NOTES Village West Terminus /Plaza at Speedway ARRA Terminus NS Existing Existing Existing crosswalks $1 Cart corral needed, agreements needed with developer TIGER EB NS future 1 1 Sunflower Lane & Village West Parkway Replace TIGER WB VW FS Existing Existing Existing Existing future 1 existing 1 bench TIGER EB NS future 1 1 France Family Drive & Village West Parkway Replace TIGER WB VW MID Existing Existing Existing Existing future 1 existing 1 bench TIGER EB NS future 1 1 Cabela Drive & State Avenue Replace TIGER WB VW NS Existing Existing Existing Existing future 1 existing 1 bench TIGER EB NS (pending) future 1 1 sidewalk /ADA Ramps 98th Street & State Avenue TIGER WB NS (pending) future 1 1 sidewalk /ADA Ramps Need input from KCKFD on station placement near fire station TIGER EB FS future 1 1 Crosswalks and ADA Ramps Need input from KCKFD on station placement near fire station 82nd Street & State Avenue Sidewalk to TIGER WB FS future 1 1 corner and parking lot Need ROW survey behind TIGER EB FS future 1 1 ADA Ramp Need ADA Ramps around corners 78th Street & State Avenue TIGER WB FS future 1 1 ADA Ramp Sidewalk to corner needed 78th and State - Pedestrian Amenities (Add Sidewalk) TIGER n/a 1 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a EB FS 1 w/ Pullout Crosswalks and ADA Ramps 1 1 College Boulevard & State Avenue ARRA WB FS 1 w/ Pullout Crosswalks and ADA Ramps 1 1 KCKCC Pedestrian Amenities (Sidewalk/-walk) TIGER n/a Yes Aprox. 400' sidewalk needed EB NS 1 w/ Pullout 1 1 future ADA Ramp 67th Street & State Avenue ARRA WB FS 1 w/ Pullout 1 1 future ADA Ramp 67th and State - Pedestrian Amenities (New Cross Walk) TIGER n/a Yes EB NS 1 1 Existing future 1 ADA Ramp 57th Street & State Avenue ARRA WB NS 1 1 future 1 1 ADA Ramp TRANSIT CENTER 47th and State TIGER N/A N/A n/a n/a TBD TBD 2 Multiple TBD TBD 1 TBD TBD TBD Yes Yes Yes No 47th Street & State Avenue - BRT pullouts ARRA EB FS future 1 1 WB NS future 1 1 sidewalk and ADA ramps sidewalk and ADA ramps th and State - Pedestrian Amenities (Sidewalk and Trail to Wyandot Center ) TIGER n/a Yes TIGER EB MID ADA Ramp ROW survey needed 38th Street & State Avenue TIGER WB MID 1 1 future 1 1 sidewalk and ADA ramps Fill 1st 1/2 of right turn lane for sidewalk and station platform TIGER EB MID 1 future 1 1 sidewalk Check with Save A lot for bench location behind curb near front door 29th Street & State Avenue TIGER WB FS future 1 1 Location set to avoid any park property TIGER EB NS future 1 1 ADA Ramp 1 18th Street & Minnesota Avenue TIGER WB NS 1 future 1 1 ADA Ramp In front of gas station TIGER EB FS 1 future existing 1 ADA Ramp 10th Street & Minnesota Avenue TIGER WB NS 1 future 1 1 ADA Ramp TIGER EB FS future Demo urban renewal 7th Street & Minnesota TIGER WB NS future Demo concrete from urban renewal TRANSIT CENTER 7th Street & Minnesota Avenue TIGER N/A N/A Multiple TBD TBD 1 2 TBD Yes Yes Yes Yes No TIGER EB MID future Location to Mid-block per UG PW 5th Street & Minnesota Avenue TIGER WB FS future th & Central KCMO TIGER EB NS 10th Street & Main KCMO TIGER Terminus Independence Avenue & Wyandotte Street (KCMO) TIGER WB FS Station/ Amenity TOTALS: TOTALS TIGER = 47th & State Transit Center ($3M) TIGER = 7th & Minnesota transit Center ($3M) TIGER = Other Transit Stops ($4.267M) ** All Estimates in 2010 Dollars TIGER = Pedestrian Improvements($69,191) ARRA = 9 Stations ($1.596M) 16

17 Station Number Station Location Station Name Direction Shelter/Marker and Platform Cat Demolition, clearing, earthwork Cat Site utilities, utility relocation Cat Site structures, retaining walls Cat Pedestrian accommodations, Landscaping Cat acessways, roads and parking Cat Communications Cat Station Total State Avenue Enhanced Transit Service - Tiger Grant Capital Cost Summary ATTACHMENT D 24-Apr-10 Stations Cat. 20 Sitework Cat. 40 Systems Cat th St and Main Street TC, KCMO 10th & Main Transit Center WB, EB $46,500 $0 $10,000 $0 $4,800 $0 $7,000 $68,300 Independence Ave and Wyandotte St, KCMO Independence Ave WB $102,320 $9,510 $10,000 $0 $20,200 $20,500 $7,000 $169,530 6th St and Central St, KCMO 6th Street EB $50,820 $9,510 $10,000 $0 $15,050 $20,500 $7,000 $112,880 5th St and Minnesota Ave 5th Street WB $119,880 $9,510 $10,000 $0 $11,650 $32,720 $7,000 $190,760 5th St and Minnesota Ave 5th Street EB $119,880 $9,510 $10,000 $0 $11,650 $32,720 $7,000 $190,760 7th St and Minnesota Ave 7th Street WB $106,500 $0 $0 $0 $2,500 $0 $7,000 $116,000 7th St and Minnesota Ave 7th Street EB $106,500 $0 $0 $0 $2,500 $0 $7,000 $116,000 7th St and Minnesota Ave TC 7th Street Transit Center WB, EB $1,541,485 $1,541,485 10th St and Minnesota Ave 10th Street WB $119,880 $14,500 $10,000 $0 $18,850 $28,500 $7,000 $198,730 10th St and Minnesota Ave 10th Street EB $119,880 $13,510 $10,000 $0 $9,850 $28,500 $7,000 $188,740 18th St and Minnesota Ave 18th Street WB $112,320 $14,500 $10,000 $0 $18,850 $28,500 $7,000 $191,170 18th St and Minnesota Ave 18th Street EB $102,320 $9,510 $10,000 $0 $18,750 $28,500 $7,000 $176,080 29th St and State Ave 29th Street WB $102,320 $9,510 $10,000 $0 $8,050 $28,500 $7,000 $165,380 29th St and State Ave 29th Street EB $102,320 $9,510 $10,000 $0 $7,300 $28,500 $7,000 $164,630 38th St and State Ave 38th Street WB $102,320 $13,510 $10,000 $0 $55,450 $48,500 $7,000 $236,780 38th St and State Ave 38th Street EB $102,320 $9,510 $10,000 $0 $36,100 $28,500 $7,000 $193,430 47th St and State Ave 47th Street WB Funded with existing ARRA grant $0 47th St and State Ave 47th Street EB $0 47th St and State Ave TC 47th St Transit Center WB, EB $523,000 $481,624 $50,000 $0 $251,224 $830,704 $6,500 $2,143,052 57th St and State Ave 57th Street WB Funded with existing ARRA grant $0 57th St and State Ave 57th Street EB $0 67th St and State Ave 67th Street WB Funded with existing ARRA grant $0 67th St and State Ave 67th Street EB $0 Campus Blvd and State Ave Community College WB Funded with existing ARRA grant $0 Campus Blvd and State Ave Community College EB $0 78th st and State Ave 78th Street WB $119,880 $11,510 $10,000 $12,600 $11,900 $31,380 $7,000 $204,270 78th St and State Ave 78th Street EB $119,880 $9,510 $10,000 $0 $10,650 $26,470 $7,000 $183,510 82nd St and State Ave 82nd Street WB $119,880 $9,510 $10,000 $0 $13,600 $25,370 $7,000 $185,360 82nd St and State Ave 82nd Street EB $102,320 $9,510 $10,000 $10,500 $21,800 $26,470 $7,000 $187,600 98th St and State Ave 98th Street WB $119,880 $9,510 $10,000 $0 $9,850 $26,470 $7,000 $182,710 98th St and State Ave 98th Street WB $119,880 $9,510 $10,000 $0 $9,850 $26,470 $7,000 $182,710 Cabela Drive and Village West Parkway Cabela Drive WB $46,500 $0 $0 $0 $6,300 $0 $7,000 $59,800 Cabela Drive and Village West Parkway Cabela Drive EB $119,880 $9,510 $10,000 $0 $6,300 $52,720 $7,000 $205,410 France Family Drive and Village West ParkwayFrance Family Drive WB $46,500 $0 $0 $0 $6,300 $0 $7,000 $59,800 France Family Drive and Village West ParkwayFrance Family Drive EB $119,880 $9,510 $10,000 $0 $6,300 $52,720 $7,000 $205,410 Sunflower Lane and Village West Parkway Sunflower Lane WB $46,500 $0 $0 $0 $6,300 $0 $7,000 $59,800 Sunflower Lane and Village West Parkway Sunflower Lane EB $119,880 $9,510 $10,000 $0 $6,300 $52,720 $7,000 $205,410 Village West Transit Center Plaza at the Speedway Tran WB, EB Funded with existing ARRA grant $0 Station $4,781,425 $701,314 $270,000 $23,100 $608,224 $1,505,934 $195,500 $8,085,497 Subtotals Construction Contingency 12% $950,450 Round Construction TOTAL Easements and Right of Way: Legal Expense Engineering and Deisgn Project Mgt. $9,035,947 9,035,500 $110, ,000 $50,000 50, % $768, , % $316, ,700 Grant Admin. (2%) $209, ,800 Summary Project Total: $10,490,111 $10,490,000 17

18 ATTACHMENT E Categorical Exclusion Documentation STATE AVENUE TRANSIT CORRIDOR IMPROVEMENTS KANSAS CITY AREA TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY UNIFIED GOVERNMENT OF WYANDOTTE COUNTY, KANSAS CITY, KS MID-AMERICA REGIONAL COUNCIL APRIL

19 Purpose and Need The Kansas City Region initiated a transit implementation strategy called Smart Moves in 2002 and updated it in 2008 to provide long range guidance to developing better regional transit. The State Avenue Corridor has been identified as a key transit corridor with existing transit service area that needs to be upgraded. KCATA and the Unified Government of Wyandotte County/Kansas City, Kansas (UG) are completing an Alternatives Analysis (AA) that details a long range plan to eventually implement Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) in the State Ave. Corridor. The State Avenue BRT would compliment existing local bus service and provide greater transportation options for area commuters. This project would provide Wyandotte County residents and employees with quicker transit access to major job centers and transit centers. This project will eventually be part of a broader Kansas City metro area system of rapid transit connections. The State Ave. Corridor improvements project will be funded and implemented in phases. Phase I will use ARRA and TIGER funds to upgrade transit stations at the locations identified in the AA to provide immediate benefits to existing users of local service (See Alignment in Fig. 1). A future Phase II will convert the local bus service in the corridor to BRT service utilizing the stations upgraded in Phase I and adding further enhancements at these locations. Figure 1. State Ave. Station Locations 19

20 Project Termini and Length The State Avenue corridor is approximately 17 miles in length beginning in the Kansas City, Missouri Central Business District and ending at the Village West area in western Wyandotte County, Kansas. The location of each of the transit stations and transit centers along the State Avenue corridor are noted in the following table. Intersection Transit Center Enhanced Transit Station 10 th & Main, KC, MO Existing Independence Avenue & Wyandotte Street, KC, MO May Street & 6th Street, KC, MO 5th Street & Minnesota Avenue 7th Street & Minnesota Avenue 10th Street & Minnesota Avenue 18th Street & Minnesota Avenue 29th Street and State Avenue 38th Street & State Avenue 47th Street & State Avenue 57th Street & State Avenue 67th Street & State Avenue College Boulevard & State Avenue 78th Street & State Avenue 82nd Street & State Avenue 98th Street France Family Drive & Village West Parkway Sunflower Lane (108th) & Village West Parkway Village West Terminus 20

21 Project Description The State Avenue corridor connects the Kansas City, Missouri Central Business District and downtown Kansas City, Kansas, to the employment concentrations at the Village West area in western Wyandotte County, Kansas. After exiting downtown Kansas City Missouri onto I-70, this alignment primarily uses Minnesota Avenue and State Avenue until it reaches the Village West area. The State Avenue Corridor improvements (Phase I) will incorporate two new transit centers, transit stations, and pedestrian access improvements. The future BRT upgrade will add traffic signal priority and additional enhancements. An alternatives analysis has been completed for the State Avenue corridor, and BRT was selected as the locally preferred long term alternative but with a need for immediate improvements for existing service. During AA, specific alignments, station locations, and operational characteristics were defined. In the short term, improvements will be made at each station location to provide immediate benefits for local service these will be funded with TIGER funds. The following describes the transit improvements within the corridor that will be funded with TIGER funds to provide immediate transit benefits in advance of future BRT, and are outcomes of State Avenue Corridor Transit Planning Study Alternatives Analysis and the State Avenue Corridor Transit Project Development Study. 7 th Street and Minnesota Avenue Transit Center - This facility will bring a dedicated transit and transfer center to downtown Kansas City, Kansas, and facilitate transit connections between the planned State Avenue route and other existing local transit service. The transit center would allow for local transit vehicles to dwell off-street, and utilize bus pull-outs to for more rapid services. The transit center will bring activity to a downtown area that is struggling with blight while replacing urban renewal street features with updated transit facilities. The location is currently vacant in the downtown commercial area. 47 th Street and State Avenue Transit Center - This facility would act as a dedicated transit and transfer center with a park & ride to facilitate off-street connections between local transit services. The transit center would replace the current transit center at the site of the former Indian Springs Mall. This mall is blighted with few tenants and is currently owned by the UG and future redevelopment is desired. The transit center will be developed in an area that is paved and was previously used as parking for the now nearly vacant mall. It contains no structures and is not near any sensitive uses. It will greatly enhance the transit experience and provide stability and increase the opportunities for redevelopment in this area. Village West Transit Terminus The location identified for a transit terminus in the Village West area is adjacent to the parking lot of the new Wal-Mart development. It is a desirable location for a western terminus on the State Avenue enhanced route alignment. The transit center would serve as a major trip generator with access to multiple shopping venues. A shelter pad and bus pull-out have already been constructed at this location and are suitable to serving multiple bus routes. 21

22 Enhanced Transit Stations - The transit stations throughout the State Avenue corridor will be upgraded with new concrete pads, shelters, benches and amenities. In Phase I, pads, shelters and amenities will be constructed/installed to enhance local service. They will be designed with the idea of upgrading these for full BRT in the future. These stations will have high quality finishes and passenger amenities and will be installed within existing roadway rights-of-way. The transit stations will support existing transit service today! Pedestrian Improvements - Pedestrian improvements associated with transit stations throughout the corridor include adding ADA curb ramps as needed to access stations, pedestrian upgrades at 47 th Street and State Avenue to connect a planned transit center with a community social services center as well as connectivity and access upgrades at planned transit stations located at 67 th Street and State Avenue, 78 th Street and State Avenue, 98 th Street, and the Kansas City Kansas Community College. These pedestrian improvements would be focused on ADA accessible sidewalks to connect transit stations to nearby destinations and crosswalks where needed. Many portions of State Avenue are not conducive to pedestrian traffic and pedestrian movement associated with transit usage. The street profile is characteristic of its urban arterial status. It is four to five lanes wide, sidewalk system connectivity is poor, signalized crosswalks are spaced over long distances, and traffic speed is at 45 mph or greater along western portions of the corridor. Sidewalk will be added to connect stations to adjacent intersections and connecting sidewalks. Current Ridership FTA data collection guidance was used to determine existing benefitting ridership through a combined methodology of on-board surveys and automatic passenger counters for routes that came within approximately a half mile of the proposed alignment. In October 2009, ridership was counted for the portions of the State Avenue alignment that would meet the FTA frequency (10 minutes peak) requirements for future BRT. The alignment east of 47 th and State Avenue (Indian Springs) meets the BRT frequency guidelines for FTA. This daily ridership was 3,238 in October Right of Way The two transit centers will be new construction on currently vacant commercial property that with one exception is owned by the Unified Government. All other improvements will be within existing roadway right-of-way or will use minor property easements adjacent to the roadway. Displacements The ground located within the proposed project area and station sites has been disturbed by roadway construction and adjacent building sites. Completion of the proposed improvements and new transit center construction along the State Avenue corridor will result in no displacement of any residences or businesses. 22

23 Social/Economic/Environmental Justice Executive Order mandates that federal agencies incorporate Environmental Justice analysis into their policies, programs and practices. Environmental Justice addresses project impacts on minority and low income populations. The U.S. Department of Transportation has three major objectives regarding Environmental Justice: To avoid, minimize or mitigate disproportionately high and adverse human health and environmental effects, including social and economic effects, on minority populations and low-income populations. To ensure full and fair participation by all potentially affected communities in the transportation decision-making process. To prevent the denial of, reduction in, or significant delay in the receipt of benefits by minority and low-income populations. The ground located within the proposed project area has been disturbed by roadway construction and adjacent building sites. Proposed improvements along the State Avenue corridor would not cause disproportionately high and adverse human health or environmental effects on minority or low-income populations. The proposed enhanced service would improve mobility and commuter movement within areas of minority or low-income populations. Farmland Impacts Farmland is protected under the federal Farmland Protection Policy Act (FPPA) as set forth in 1978 under 7 U.S.C et seq., and the U.S. EPA Policy to Protect Environmentally Significant Agricultural Lands. The ground located within the proposed project area has been disturbed by roadway construction and adjacent building sites. There are no farmland impacts within the State Avenue corridor. All soil types classified as prime soils or soils of statewide importance have been previously converted by urbanization. Wetland Impacts Wetlands may be subject to regulation under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act by the USACE if they are located adjacent to a Traditional Navigable Water or if they flow directly or indirectly into a Traditional Navigable Water (USACE - Jurisdictional Form - Instructional Guidebook, 2007). Wetlands are a type of special aquatic site defined as: Those areas inundated or saturated by surface or groundwater at a frequency and duration sufficient to support, and that under normal circumstances do support a prevalence of vegetation typically adapted for life in saturated soil conditions (USACE, 1987). 23

24 Recognizing the variety of beneficial functions performed by wetlands, Executive Order (Wetlands Protection) mandates consideration of wetland impacts. A no-net loss of national wetlands policy is mandated under Executive Order Section 404 of the Clean Water Act of 1977 (CWA) authorizes the USACE to regulate the discharge of dredged or fill material in all waters of the U.S., including wetlands. The ground located within the proposed project area has been disturbed by roadway construction and adjacent building sites. There are no wetland impacts within the State Avenue corridor. Olsson provided a letter dated September 11, 2009 to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Kansas City District requesting their review and comment for the proposed improvement along the State Avenue corridor. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Kansas City District responded with a written comment dated October 2, 2009, which states based on the review of the provided information and maps, it does not indicated that the project will involve the placement of fill material within jurisdictional waters of the U.S. Water Quality Impacts There are no wells, sinkholes, sensitive streams, springs or caves within the State Avenue corridor. The ground located within the proposed project area has been disturbed by roadway construction and adjacent building sites. Construction activities associated with the proposed transit centers or transit stations that exceed one acre of land disturbance activities will obtain a National Pollution Discharge Elimination Systems (NPDES) permit from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources or Kansas Department of Health and Environment. There are no stream or wetland impacts associated with the proposed improvements along the State Avenue corridor; therefore, no 404 requirements are identified for the project. Floodplain Impacts Executive Order (Floodplain Management, May 24, 1977) requires Federal agencies to avoid, to the extent possible, the long-term and short-term adverse impacts associated with the occupancy and modification of floodplains and to avoid direct and indirect support of floodplain development wherever there is a practicable alternative. Agencies are directed to take action to reduce the risk of flood loss, to minimize the impacts of floods on human safety, health, and welfare, and to restore and preserve the natural and beneficial values served by floodplains. Impacts to the floodplain can be defined in two categories: the 100-year floodplain and the regulatory floodway. The 100-year floodplain is defined as the area inundated by the 100-year flood (probability of occurring once every 100 years). The regulatory floodway is the main channel of a river or watercourse and the adjacent land areas that must be reserved in order to discharge the base flood. There are no regulatory floodways within the State Avenue corridor. 24

25 Air Quality Impacts The Federal Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 require that states adopt National Ambient Air Quality Standards, or NAAQS. These standards were established to protect against excessive amounts of airborne sulfur dioxide (SO 2 ), particulates (PM 10 ), and carbon monoxide (CO), ozone (O 3 ), nitrogen dioxide (NO 2 ), and lead (Pb). Each county in the state of Missouri and Kansas is classified as either not meeting these NAAQS, meeting or exceeding the NAAQS, or cannot be classified because of insufficient data. Both Kansas City, Missouri and Wyandotte County, Kansas are designated as nonattainment 8-hour ozone areas. MDNR provided information on December 18, 2009 that stated, Increased use of transit in the Kansas City metropolitan area should result in lower vehicle miles traveled, and reductions in tailpipe emissions which would contribute to air quality improvements. Noise Impacts The enhanced transit alignment only supplements the existing bus network, which results in a decrease in private automobile movement in favor of mass transit. The number of buses will not increase traffic volumes or noise levels above the levels that currently exist in the corridor. Cultural Resources Historic properties are protected under the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), codified under 16 U.S.C The intent of the NHPA is to ensure federal leadership in the preservation of prehistoric and historic resources. Under the NHPA, federal agencies are to integrate historic preservation into all activities that directly or indirectly involve land use decisions. The project has no adverse affect on any historic property. The Kansas State Historical Society provided a response on December 11, 2009 that stated the SHPO has determined the proposed project will not adversely affect any property listed or eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places. Tribal Coordination The development of a transit center at 7 th Street and Minnesota Avenue would be located on vacant properties in the southeast corner of the intersection adjacent to the Huron Indian Cemetery. Recognition of the projects proximity to the Huron Indian Cemetery was considered during development planning. It is the intention of the Unified Government and the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority to not disturb the cemetery in any way and to design the transit center at 7 th Street and Minnesota Avenue to be respectful to the resting place of the many individuals within the cemetery and respectful of its history. A notification of undertaking and request for comments was submitted to the Wyandotte Nation in December A follow-up letter was sent by KCATA on March 24, KCATA and the Unified Government have had discussions with the Wyandotte Nation and have agreed to include their input into design at the start of the design process, mid-way through the process and before construction starts. A letter of support from the Wyandotte Nation is pending. 25

26 Section 4(f)/6(f) Involvement Section 4(f) of the Department of Transportation (DOT) Act of 1966 (now codified at 49 U.S.C. 303 and 23 U.S.C. 138) was developed to preserve public park and recreation lands, wildlife and waterfowl refuges, and historic sites from encroachment by public transportation facilities. Relevant passages from Section 4(f) state that: (a) It is the policy of the United States Government that special effort should be made to preserve the natural beauty of the countryside and public park and recreation lands, wildlife and waterfowl refuges, and historic sites. (b) The Secretary of Transportation shall cooperate and consult with the Secretaries of the Interior, Housing and Urban Development, and Agriculture, and with the States, in developing transportation plans and programs that include measures to maintain or enhance the natural beauty of lands crossed by transportation activities or facilities. (c) The Secretary may approve a transportation program or project requiring the use of publicly owned land of a public park, recreation area, or wildlife and waterfowl refuge, or land of an historic site of national, State, or local significance (as determined by the Federal, State, or local officials having jurisdiction over the park, recreation area, refuge, or site) only if (1) there is no feasible and prudent alternative to using that land; and (2) the program or project includes all possible planning to minimize harm to the park, recreation area, wildlife and waterfowl refuge, or historic site resulting from the use. Section 6(f) of the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act (LWCF), was developed to provide restrictions on the programs and policies of any federal agency that proposes the conversion of public recreation facilities funded with LWCF federal grants. The LWCF Act provides funds for the acquisition or development of public outdoor recreation facilities that could include community, county, and state parks; trails; fairgrounds, conservation areas, boat ramps, shooting ranges, etc. A review of the State Avenue corridor revealed one park property, Kensington Park. This park is located in the northwest corner of the intersection of N. 29 th Street and State Avenue. A proposed transit station is to be located adjacent to the park along State Avenue. The proposed station will be constructed within the existing roadway right-of-way on property not used for a park purpose; therefore, no 4(f)/6(f) lands will be impacted by the proposed project. 26

27 Threatened & Endangered Species The Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C , 87 Stat. 884), was enacted to provide broad protection for fish, wildlife and plant species that are listed as threatened or endangered in the United States. Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act requires federal agencies to insure that any actions they authorize, fund or carry out are not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of listed species or result in the destruction or adverse modification of designated critical habitat of such species. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Missouri Department of Conservation and Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks were contacted regarding the presence of threatened and endangered species. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service responded with a written comment dated November 9, 2009, which states after review of the proposed action, it was determined that no federally listed species, candidate species, or designated critical habitat occurs within the project area. Furthermore, the Service has determined that this action will have negligible impacts on wetlands, migratory birds, and other priority fish and wildlife resources. The Missouri Department of Conservation provided comment on November 19, 2009, which stated, it appears this project would represent minor modification of the existing transportation footprint in an urbanized area. Use of best management practices to reduce soil erosion and transport would be expected during construction. Native revegetation of disturbed areas would be desirable. Care should be taken to avoid introduction of invasive species. The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks provided a comment to Olsson on September 14, 2009, which stated they anticipate minimal impacts on native wildlife species. Results of our review indicate there will be no significant impacts to crucial wildlife habitats; therefore, no special mitigation measures are recommended. The project will not impact any public recreational areas, nor could we document any potential impacts to currently listed threatened or endangered species or species in need of conservation. No Department of Wildlife and Parks permits or special authorizations will be needed if construction is started within one year, and no design changes are made in the project plans. Hazardous Waste Project coordination letters were submitted to the United States Environmental Protection Agency on September 11, 2009, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment on September 11, 2009 and the Missouri Department of Natural Resources on November 11, On September 30, 2009, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment stated that the Bureau of Environmental Remediation (BER), Assessment and Restoration Section, Landfill Remediation Unit has two known City Dump sites and one known contaminated drycleaner site within the vicinity of the proposed project. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment further stated that the BER does not oppose construction near the sites of former city dumps. However, KDHE-BER recommends that the construction of any facilities be located outside of the limits of the buried solid wastes when possible. Should construction expose any wastes, the wastes exposed must be transported to and disposed of in a KDHE approved landfill. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment also stated that there are several private facilities with underground storage tanks along the described routes. The 27

28 planners should be cognizant of the location of these facilities in the event that construction activities impinge on their locations. Construction of the new transit stations and centers will result in minimal land disturbance activities and the majority of construction impacts will occur outside of the noted hazardous waste facilities. Correspondence received from MDNR on December 18, 2009 stated As a project in a highly developed urban area, the Regional Transit Corridors may impact previously contaminated sites. A search of the Department s databases identified a number of brownfield, active and former dry cleaner, underground storage tank sites and hazardous waste generator locations. The proposed State Ave. construction activities in Missouri (only two stations) will occur within the previously disturbed roadway right-of-way and result in minimal, if any, land disturbance activities; therefore, the reported locations will not be impacted. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency responded with a written comment dated November 12, 2009, which stated, though they should not have an effect on the proposed project, EPA would like to note there are several regulated facilities in or near the project area; seven facilities are currently listed as EPA regulated facilities for minor air emissions, one is listed as being a minor National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) facility. Majority of the proposed construction activities will occur within the previously disturbed roadway right-ofway and result in minimal land disturbance activities; therefore, the reported EPA locations will be minimally impacted. The AA study revealed several options for transit centers at 47 th and State. One of those was the northeast corner of 47 th an State. This was not the selected location but coordination information on this site is in attachment 1. Attachments 1. Coordination at 47 th and State. 2. Corridor Alignment and enhanced station location map 3. Station Location Plates (see project description document) 4. Resource Agency Letters 5. March 24, 2010 KCATA Letter to Wyandotte Nation 6. Wyandotte Nation Letter of April,

29 Attachment 1 47 th and State (NE Corner Investigation and coordination) Upon completion of a field review, Olsson identified 20 monitoring wells at the proposed 47 th Street transit center site. A review of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment Identified Sites List (Remedial Section) and the Underground/Aboveground Storage Tank Assessment Database (Storage Tank Section) identified one storage tank facility located at 4626 State Avenue, Kansas City, Kansas, Amoco Oil SS #2156 is the name of the facility and the released substance identified in the database is gasoline. Currently, the property is owned by the Unified Government and Mr. Tom Winn was identified as the Kansas Department of Health and Environment Project Manager for the facility. On December 8, 2009, Olsson Associates contacted Mr. Winn to inquire about the facility and gather more information about the current monitoring status. Mr. Winn stated that he has been involved with this site as KDHE Project Manager for 4 years. Delta, the consulting firm formerly under contract with Amoco, has been collecting monitoring well data at the site for the last 4 years. Delta was in the process of completing a risk assessment for the site, which is required to remove the site from a monitoring status to a closed status. Two months ago, Amoco changed consulting firms and Delta is no longer working for Amoco at this site. A risk assessment was never completed for the site and Amoco has yet to provide information to the State regarding identification of the new consulting firm and when they intend to complete the risk assessment process required for proper site closure. Currently, no sampling or ongoing monitoring is being completed for the site. According to Mr. Winn, Amoco has collected enough samples to complete a risk assessment; however, Amoco is not under any State deadline to complete this risk assessment. Development of the site is possible prior to completion of the risk assessment; however, Mr. Winn suggested that some of the wells remain undisturbed in the event something needs to be resampled/reanalyzed during the risk assessment approval process. Due to the eligibility of the site for closure consideration by the State of Kansas and the discontinued monitoring, there does not appear to be a hazardous material concern associated with the use of the site as a transit center. 29

30 ATTACHMENT F State Ave. Corridor Transit Improvements Milestones - TIGER Improvements 7 th and Minnesota Transit Center Complete Environmental Work / Obtain FTA CE Determination June 2010 Project Mgt. (Continue for life of project) Summer 2010 Begin Engineering and Design 3 rd Qtr Complete Real Estate Acquisitions 2 nd Qtr Complete Design 2 nd Qtr Construction Contract Award(s) 3 rd Qtr Complete Construction 3 rd Qtr Indian Springs Transit Center Complete Environmental Work / Obtain FTA CE Determination June 2010 Project Mgt. (Continue for life of project) Summer 2010 Begin Engineering and Design 3 rd Qtr Complete Real Property and Other Agreements 2 nd Qtr Complete Engineering / Design 2 nd Qtr Construction Contract Award(s) 3 rd Qtr Complete Construction 3 rd Qtr Corridor Transit Station Improvements Complete Environmental Work / Obtain FTA CE Determination June 2010 Begin Project Mgt. Services (Continue for life of project) Summer 2010 Begin Engineering and Design 3 rd Qtr Complete Necessary Agreements 1 st Qtr Complete Design and Engineering 2 nd Qtr Construction & Procurement Contract Award(s) 2 rd Qtr Complete Construction & Amenity Installation 3 rd Qtr

31 Transit Urban Corridors TIGER Project / State Ave. State Ave. Corridor Transit Improvements Timeline - TIGER Improvements STATE AVE. CORRIDOR TIGER GRANT TRANSIT IMPROVEMENTS SCHEDULE (APRIL 2010) State Avenue Corridor Stations and Stop Improvement Design Agreements Easements / Real Estate Construction Procurement and Fabrication of Shelters and other Passenger Amenties < > < > < > < > < > Pedestrian Access Improvements Design < > Agreements < > Construction < > 47th & State Transit Center Environmental < > Design < > Real Estate / Agreements < > Construction < > 7th and Minnesota Transit Center Environmental < > Design < > Real Estate < > Construction < > Close-out 31

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