sw2ne RAIL | Timeline

About This Project : Timeline

This project involves completing an environmental review called an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). An EIS is the report of a study required by the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) whenever major new transportation projects are proposed. An environmental study also may be required by the federal government for major projects that use federal funds. Basic engineering is performed at this time to allow more complete environmental analysis of the corridor.

EIS Timeline

Here are the steps for the Southwest-to-Northeast Rail Corridor EIS:

Scoping Meetings, week of June 18, 2007
These meetings are conducted upon initiation of the EIS. Scoping meetings include meetings with regulatory agencies, stakeholders, and the public to discuss the scope of the study. Information about the study area, descriptions of specific study activities and a study schedule will be provided at these meetings. Comments are gathered at these meetings, and adjustments made as appropriate to the study process.
Data Gathering
Information and data about the proposed Southwest-to-Northeast Rail Corridor will be developed by engineers and other project specialists. This information includes the locations and existing conditions of the natural, historical, archaeological, and social environments through which the route passes, including areas where stations and other facilities are proposed.
Public/Stakeholders Meetings, November, 2007
Meetings of stakeholders and the public will be held to confirm and add to the findings of the data gathering and review station concepts.
Identifying Potential Impacts
After the existing conditions are established, the environmental team will work to identify the potential impacts of the proposed project. Environmental analysis of the station site also takes place. Possible ways to avoid, minimize or mitigate the impacts also are developed during this step.
Public Meetings, February or March 2008
At this third set of public meetings, the project team will present initial information on impacts and potential mitigation measures, and the public will be invited to provide comment.
The Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS)
The results of all study findings and input are compiled into the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) document, which then is made available for the public to review.
Public hearings on the DEIS -- Summer 2008
This is a formal review and public hearing about the DEIS.
Responses to Comments
Following completion of the formal public hearings on the DEIS, the study team will prepare responses to comments received on the document and incorporate edits to the DEIS where appropriate.
Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS), mid-2009
After the DEIS is edited and includes comments and responses, the document is considered a Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS), which can be submitted to the Federal Transit Administration for approval to move the project forward.