Action
Notice of Intent to prepare an environmental impact statement.
Summary
The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and the Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority (CMTA) is issuing this notice to advise interested agencies and the public that an environmental impact statement is being prepared in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) for transportation improvements in the proposed North/South Central and Southeast Corridors in Austin, Texas. Due to tremendous growth in the Austin Metropolitan Area over the past decade, major north-south freeways and arterials serving three major employment centers are severely congested. In 1997, 50% of commuters used north/south freeways daily. Additionally, the Austin metropolitan area has exceeded the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards for ozone over the past three years and risks non-attainment designation in 2000. The proposed project will provide alternative means of travel for commuters to their destination, reduce congestion and vehicular emissions, and improve air quality in the region.