The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) published the final environmental document on the Southwest Light Rail Transit Project (Metro Green Line Extension) in Minneapolis-St. Paul, marking a major step closer to realization of the $1.79 billion project.
The Final Environmental Impact Statement's (FEIS) publication comes after years of public feedback and technical analysis, done in conjunction with project staff from the Metropolitan Council.
The FEIS responds to comments received on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) and Supplemental DEIS, released in 2012 and 2015, respectively. The FEIS shows how the design was advanced to avoid or minimize impacts and identifies mitigation measures for impacts that cannot be avoided or minimized. It further outlines the Metropolitan Council's commitments to deal with those impacts throughout construction and operation of the Southwest LRT Project.
"Input from the public directly shaped the Southwest LRT Project," said Metropolitan Council Chair Adam Duininck. "The public raised concerns about noise, visual quality impacts, water resources and safety, among other issues. Project staff has worked with federal, state and local partners to make the appropriate design changes and incorporate them into the project plans. The Southwest LRT Project today is stronger—and enjoys broader support—because of the public's input.
"This is a major step forward for the communities who have supported this project for years. It reinforces the need for the State Legislature to take action in the next week to provide the remaining $135 million to help us leverage $895 million in federal funds; without action, those federal funds will go to a transit project somewhere else in the country."
The Metropolitan Council says the FEIS addressed nearly 1,200 comments submitted by the public and government agencies following the earlier publication of the Draft EIS and the Supplemental DEIS. Comments were received at public hearings and through email and letters.
Installing resilient track fasteners in a Minneapolis LRT tunnel, adjusting horn and bell usage and building sound walls are among steps outlined in the FEIS to reduce or eliminate noise and vibration. Additional provisions were identified through staff evaluation, consultation with cities along the route and in response to public comments on the Draft EIS and the Supplemental DEIS.
Comments on the FEIS will be open until June 13, 2016.