Action
Notice of intent to prepare a major investment study/draft environmental impact statement (MIS/DEIS).
Summary
The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and Metro-North Commuter Railroad Company (Metro-North) intend to prepare a Major Investment Study/Draft Environmental Impact Statement (MIS/DEIS) for the Metro-North Hudson Line Extension Project in Dutchess County, New York. The MIS/DEIS is being prepared in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969 as amended, and as implemented by the Council on Environmental Quality regulations (40 CFR Parts 1500- 1508), and the Federal Transit Administration/Federal Highway Administration Environmental Impact regulations (23 CFR Parts 771), and the FTA/FHWA Statewide Planning/Metropolitan Planning regulations (23 CFR Part 450, the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 as amended, Section 4(f) of the Department of Transportation Act of 1966, as amended (49 U.S.C. 303, 23 U.S.C. 138), the requirements of the 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments, the Executive Order 12898 on Environmental Justice, and other applicable rules, regulations, Executive Orders and guidance documents. Metro-North is preparing this MIS/DEIS to address the potential social, economic and environmental impacts of extending its Hudson Line from the existing northern terminus at Poughkeepsie to either Rhinecliff or Tivoli (approximately 15 and 25 miles respectively) and constructing three or four stations and parking facilities at Hyde Park, Staatsburg, Rhinecliff and Tivoli, as well as a rail yard and employee base facility. This project would expand regional mobility and accommodate the growing demand for commuter rail service to Northern Dutchess County. The MIS/DEIS will evaluate the following transportation alternatives: No-Build, Transportation System Management (TSM) and several Build Alternatives. Scoping will be accomplished through correspondence with interested persons and organizations, as well as with federal, state and local agencies, and through a public meeting. See SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION below for details.