Action
Notice of intent to prepare a Supplemental Draft Environmental Impact Statement (SDEIS).
Summary
The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) as lead agency in cooperation with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), and the Central Florida Regional Transportation Authority (CFRTA, locally known as LYNX), in conjunction with METROPLAN ORLANDO, and the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) intend to conduct scoping meetings and prepare a Supplemental Draft Environmental Impact Statement (SDEIS) in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) for the proposed Central Florida Light Rail Transit System Project in Orange and Seminole Counties, Florida. Scoping activities will solicit input into the range of alternatives and social, economic, or environmental impacts to be evaluated in the SDEIS. This Notice of Intent is being published at this time to notify interested parties and invite participation in the study due to the changes in the light rail transit alignment (including line, station locations and support facilities) that have occurred since the initial Notice of Intent (October 8, 1996), publication of the Central Florida Light Rail Transit System North/South Corridor Project DEIS (1997), and publication of the Central Florida Light Rail Transit System North/ South Corridor Project FEIS as supplemented (1999). The new alignment is located generally within or adjacent to the Interstate 4 right-of- way and along the planned Kirkman Road extension (see Study Area below). The following alternatives will be evaluated in the SDEIS: (1) A baseline alternative consisting of measures to implement more efficient management of the current transit infrastructure, with an emphasis on operating improvements, in addition to those projects listed in the Long Range Cost Feasible Plan and/or the Transportation Improvement Plan, and (2) the locally preferred light rail transit alignment (including line, station locations and support facilities). Scoping will be accomplished through correspondence with interested persons, organizations, and Federal, State and local agencies, and through public meetings.