Action
Notice of Intent to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement.
Summary
The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and the Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) are issuing this notice to advise interested agencies and the public that, in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969, as amended, an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is being prepared for the proposed transportation improvements in the North Corridor and adjacent areas in the City of Columbus and Franklin, and Delaware Counties, within the metropolitan area of Columbus, Ohio. The EIS will evaluate the following alternatives: a no-build alternative; a transportation system management (TSM) alternative; build alternatives consisting of light rail transit in one of several alignment options combined with increased bus service in the North Corridor, and any additional reasonable alternatives that emerge from the scoping process. Scoping will be accomplished through meetings and correspondence with interested persons, organizations, the general public, and federal, state and local agencies. The EIS will address the need to improve mobility and reverse- commute access in the corridor, reduce adverse environmental impacts in the region, provide long-term, cost-effective transportation infrastructure and services, and enhance regional economic development.