SOUTHEAST CORRIDOR EXTENSION. PUBLIC SCOPING MEETING/OPEN HOUSE October 15, 2008

Transcription

1 SOUTHEAST CORRIDOR EXTENSION PUBLIC SCOPING MEETING/OPEN HOUSE October 15, 2008

2 PROJECT BACKGROUND Project Overview Southeast Light Rail opened 2006 Southeast Corridor/Lone Tree Light Rail Extension Limited Major Investment Study 2003 FasTracks Plan approved by voters 2004

3 SOUTHEAST CORRIDOR EXTENSION Project Overview Extends popular Southwest light rail for 2.3 miles from Lincoln Avenue to RidgeGate A kiss-n-ride station at Sky Ridge, which accommodates commuter drop-offs and local bus service A kiss-n-ride station at the future Lone Tree City Center An end-of-line station at RidgeGate with a 2,000 space park-n- Ride facility

4 Project Overview SE CORRIDOR MILESTONES SE Corridor Environmental Evaluation and Basic Engineering Purpose and Need Definition Fall 2008 Alternative Development/ Environmental Evaluation Spring/Summer 2009 Final Results Fall/Winter 2009 We are here

5 Planning Process WHAT IS AN ENVIRONMENTAL EVALUATION With no federal funding, National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) not required Environmental Evaluation (EE) is RTD s planning approach to include: Conformance with NEPA and associated regulations Ensure equal treatment of all FasTracks corridors

6 STEPS FOR ENVIRONMENTAL EVALUATION Planning Process Confirm Purpose and Need Define Study Area Evaluate and Refine Alternatives Alignment Stations Operations Planning Complete Environmental Evaluation Identify Preferred Alternative Complete Basic Engineering Plans (30% design) ONGOING Public Outreach and Participation

7 WHAT IS PURPOSE AND NEED? Planning Process Purpose: Reason for the project Need: Conditions the project must address Purpose and Need establish the base from which alternatives are evaluated

8 PURPOSE OF THE PROJECT Planning Process Extend light rail transit service provide light rail transit service to the city of Lone Tree and Northern Douglas County, particularly the RidgeGate Planned Development. RidgeGate approved in 2000 and covers approximately 3,500 acres Includes residential, commercial, and civic uses with some urban center densities Sky Ridge Medical Center is included

9 PROJECT NEED Planning Process Extension of light rail in the Southeast Corridor is needed to: Address development and growth in Douglas County and Lone Tree Provide reliable alternative to automobile Improve local and regional travel options Meet 2004 voter mandate We are looking for your input on Purpose and Need.

10 BASIC ENGINEERING Planning Process 2004 FasTracks plan established: Light Rail Alignment Station Locations Plan serves as starting point Project team will finalize alignment and produce 30% design

11 WHAT CAN YOU IMPACT Public Input Purpose and Need for the Project Alternative Alignments and Station Locations Evaluation Process/ Criteria Environmental Impacts Mitigation Measures Schedule Public Involvement Process Other issues/concerns

12 DECISION MAKING PROCESS Public Input Public input is one of three main areas analyzed in the decisionmaking process

13 INPUT AFFECTS COST OVER TIME Pubic Input As a project progresses, input decreases and becomes more focused because the cost to make changes greatly increases

14 PROJECT SCHEDULE Planning Process Scoping/Define Purpose and Need Public Meeting #1 Fall 2008 Refinement of Project Definition Evaluation of Alternatives Public Meeting #2 Spring/Summer 2009 Results of Environmental Evaluation Environmental Impacts Recommended Mitigation Public Meeting #3 Fall/Winter 2009 Final Results/Decision RTD Board Approval of Preferred Alternative Mitigation Commitments

15 HOW TO STAY CONNECTED Public Input Web site: click on Southeast Corridor RTD-FasTracks Hotline: and follow prompts

16 THANK YOU FOR COMING TO TONIGHT S MEETING!