Title
Presentation on Draft Environmental Impact Statement and Public Comments
Patrick McDonough, GoTriangle
Tammy Bouchelle, GoTriangle
Narrative
On Friday, August 28, 2015, the Draft Environmental Impact Statement/Draft Section 4(f) Evaluation (DEIS) for the proposed Durham-Orange Light Rail Transit (D-O LRT) Project was made available for public review and comment. The Federal Register released a Notice of Availability for Environmental Impact Statements (http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2015-08-28/pdf/2015-21379.pdf) that includes the DEIS for the Durham-Orange Light Rail Transit Project. The DEIS documents the environmental, transportation, social, and economic impacts associated with the transportation improvements in the Durham-Orange (D-O) Corridor, and marks an important milestone in the proposed 17-mile light rail project between Chapel Hill and Durham.
DEIS Review and Comment Opportunities
The release of the DEIS begins GoTriangle's 45-day public review and comment period. The public, project partners, government agencies, and stakeholders can review the document in
several ways:
1. The DCHC MPO Board will receive a presentation from GoTriangle on the DEIS and hear public comments at their September 9th meeting. The D-O LRT presentation by GoTriangle will begin at 7PM and will be followed by an opportunity for public comment.
2. Review a copy of the DEIS on the D-O LRT Project web site at www.ourtransitfuture.com.
3. Review a copy of the DEIS at www.gotriangle.org.
4. Review a copy of the DEIS at public libraries in Durham and Orange counties.
5. Review a copy of the DEIS at GoTriangle’s Administrative Offices.
There are several ways to comment on the information in the DEIS:
1. By email to info@ourtransitfuture.com.
2. By postal mail to: D-O LRT Project - DEIS, c/o Triangle Transit, P.O. Box 530, Morrisville, NC 27560.
3. By comment card at two public information sessions in September.
4. Through the D-O LRT Project’s website at www.ourtransitfuture.com.
5. In person during public hearings held by GoTriangle in Chapel Hill and Durham.
Recommendation
TC Action: Received update on draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS).
Board Action
Board Action: Receive presentation from GoTriangle on draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) and receive public comments.