The Connector project has taken an important step forward as the environmental review process gets underway. An environmental services firm, ICF International, formally Jones & Stokes, will be preparing a Program Environmental Impact Report (EIR) on the proposed project. A Program EIR is prepared on a series of actions that can be characterized as one large project, such as the Capital SouthEast Connector, which spans multiple regions and jurisdictions.  The Program EIR will establish the general framework for later project-level environmental review as specific projects are developed in accordance with the overall program.

A number of project alignment alternatives and options were identified during previous concept level studies and through recent community workshops conducted by the Connector Joint Powers Authority (JPA). The JPA circulated a Notice of Preparation (NOP) of the Program EIR to agencies in February, and has notified the public of a series of scoping meeting to be held in February and March 2010.  Following input from the public at the scoping meetings and the close of the NOP comment period on March 17, 2010, the Project Development Team, which includes representatives of all the JPA member jurisdictions, will screen the alternatives and recommend to the JPA Board of Directors the proposed project to be carried forward for evaluation in the Program EIR.

The draft Program EIR will identify significant environmental effects from the project, mitigation measures to reduce or avoid these adverse effects, and any alternatives to the proposed project that would reduce or avoid adverse environmental effects.  When the draft Program EIR is ready for public review, currently anticipated to be in late 2010, the public will be notified of its availability and given a minimum of 45 days to review and provide comments.   The JPA Board of Directors will consider these comments before making a decision on the project at a public hearing.

There are many opportunities to get involved and provide input throughout the environmental process. Presentations are regularly made at public meetings and community workshops, in addition to the formal scoping meeting and comment periods. Contact us if your group would like a presentation. Please keep checking back for additional information about the environmental process as it moves forward.