Action
Notice of intent to prepare an alternatives analysis/draft environmental impact statement (AA/DEIS).
Summary
The Federal Transit Administration (FTA), the Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA), and the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) intend to prepare an Alternatives Analysis/Draft Environmental Impact Statement (AA/DEIS) in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA), as amended, to evaluate transportation improvements within a corridor known as the North/Southeast Corridor in Duval and St. Johns County, Florida, within the metropolitan area of Jacksonville, Florida. The lead agencies will also seek the cooperation of the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in conducting this review. The AA/DEIS will examine strategies to improve mobility and access in the corridor from Jacksonville International Airport through downtown Jacksonville and continuing south to County Road 210. The AA/DEIS will develop alternatives for the corridor which will (1) preserve and enhance mobility within the corridor; (2) support economic development opportunities planned within the corridor; (3) minimize adverse transportation related impacts to the environment; (4) improve the efficiency of existing facilities; (5) provide cost effective transportation improvements; and (6) identify and encourage land use development policies that promote more efficient use of infrastructure. The AA/DEIS will evaluate a No-Build Alternative, a Transportation Systems Management/Traffic Demand Management Alternative (TSM/TDM), several Build Alternatives, and any additional alternatives generated by the scoping process. The TSM/TDM Alternative will include enhanced bus service and facilities and technology and programs to increase the effectiveness of the existing transportation infrastructure to meet the transportation needs of the North/Southeast Corridor. The Build Alternatives will consider Busway/Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), Light Rail Transit (LRT), Commuter Rail, Streets and Highways, and combinations of these modes, as well as other reasonable alternatives suggested through the scoping process. The type, location, and need for ancillary facilities, such as maintenance facilities, will also be considered for each alternative. Scoping will be accomplished through meetings and correspondence with interested persons, organizations, the general public, and Federal, State, regional, and local agencies.