Action
Notice of intent to prepare an environmental impact statement.
Summary
The FTA, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and the New York City Transit Authority (NYC Transit) are issuing this notice to advise the public and all other interested parties that in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) will be prepared for transportation improvements that will improve mobility on the east side of the island of Manhattan within the City of New York. NYC Transit will ensure that the EIS also satisfies the requirements of the State of New York Environmental Quality Review Act and the intent of the City of New York Environmental Quality Act. The Draft EIS (DEIS) will include a Major Investment Study (MIS) in accordance with the joint FTA/FHWA Metropolitan Planning Requirements, 23 CFR part 450. High levels of auto congestion in the study area influence the region's ability to meet National Ambient Air Quality standards. The MIS/DEIS process will clearly identify these and other mobility problems in the study area and evaluate any alternative actions generated through the scoping process. Among the alternatives that the MIS/DEIS effort will evaluate are the No-Action and Transportation Systems Management (TSM) alternatives; a new subway line; light rail transit; elevated rail transit, jitney bus services and ferry services; special bus lanes and fixed bus guideways, including along the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Drive; buses powered by overhead wires; and feasible combinations of options. Scoping will be accomplished through correspondence and meetings with interested persons, organizations, and federal, state and local agencies, and will culminate with centrally located afternoon and evening public meetings.