04-22-1996 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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IV. MNmOT PROCESS A. Recent Changes in Process On November 28, 1995 Mn/DOT announced a change in the decision making process for the TH 12 corridor. The process was changed, in part to address new requirements and processes developed by U.S. Department of Transportation. In a follow-up letter, Mn/DOT stated that the new process is intended to eliminate infeasible alternatives earlier in the process than would be possible by preparing an Environmental Impact Statement. Mn/DOT intends to make use of a new project evaluation process know as a Major Investment Study (MIS). In a publication issued to explain the difference between the MIS and EIS processes, Mn/DOT emphasized the use of fiscal feasibility analysis as a means of eliminating project alternatives. The document states that by using the MIS process Mn/DOT will reduce infeasible alternatives from further consideration at an earlier point in time. Those alternatives would then be the subject of environmental evaluation. At the November 28, 1995 meeting Mn/DOTs project manager said that changes in the funding situation for highway projects has resulted in an Mn/DOT policy to emphasize preservation of existing facilities, leaving insufficient me nies for consta'ction of large new highway projects like many of the TH 12 corridor alternatives As a consequence, Mn/DOT is including Transportation System Management (TSM) altjmative* in the TH 12 corridor. These are alternatives that would make use, where possible, of existing facilities. A new highway in the corridor could cost $300- 400 million, while TSM alternatives fall in the $80-100 million range. Mn/DOT does not intend to conduct a full MIS. The agency is not required to do so as the environmental evaluation process for TH 12 was formally under way at the time the regulations went into effect. Instead, Mn/DOT is applying some of the MIS evaluation tools. Mn/DOT’s is currently working to define what evaluauon process will be used to complete the study and to reduce the number of options under consideration. At a meeting on January 18, 1996 Mn/DOTs project manager announced that a decision was expected by mid-April on the elimination of infeasible alternatives, and the process for subsequent evaluation. That process could entail completion of the EIS already under way, termination of the current EIS and start-up of another EIS or Environmental Assessment (a less comprehensive process, used for less complex projects such as TSM alternatives), or amendment of the 1992 Scoping Decision Document. B. MIS Process The MIS process is intended by U.S. Department of Transportation to improve selection of transportation projects. The intent is to provide earlier, more comprehensive information to the decision making process. An MIS is intended to identify; a range of alternatives to meet a defined transportation problem benefits costs impacts financing issues and strategies The public is to be involved in the development of alternatives and selection of evaluation criteria. PARSONS BRINCKERHOFF w:\longiake\report.doc