Action
Notice of intent to prepare a supplemental environmental impact statement.
Summary
The Federal Transit Administration, the Federal Highway Administration, Metro and Tri-Met intend to prepare a Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) for transit improvements in the southern segment of the South/North Transit Corridor (referred to as the South Corridor Project) of the Portland Oregon metropolitan region. Conditions have changed since the South/North DEIS was published. The Corridor has been divided into minimum operable segments. The North Corridor Interstate MAX FEIS was published and the project is under construction. The South Corridor Transportation Alternatives Study was performed to re-examine transportation options in the South Corridor. The purpose of this new Notice of Intent is to re-notify interested parties of the intent to prepare a SEIS and invite participation in the study. Over time, traffic congestion in the South Corridor has degraded transit reliability and increased transit travel time. The project proposes to implement a major high capacity transit improvement in the South Corridor segment of the South/North Corridor, that maintains livability in the metropolitan region, supports land use goals, optimizes the transportation system, is environmentally sensitive, reflects community values and is fiscally responsive. Six transit alternatives (described below) will be evaluated in the SDEIS.