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(Only an upgrade of T.H. 12 to a four-lane roadway would qualify as part of the corridor <br />study.) <br />Dallam said that there had been some minor modifications since the Technical and Citizen’s <br />Committee meetings the previous week (variations/connectors, old study bypass of Long <br />Lake) but that generally the five major alternatives are the same. He said the next step is <br />to apply the environmental data to screen (i.e. narrow the field) of corridors to a feasible <br />number, and that the Policy Committee should meet in January to discuss the remaining <br />corridors. <br />Acromite asked how many corridors would remain as a result of the screening process. <br />Dallam said all major alternatives that can satisfy the project need will be considered - if <br />not, a "fatal flaw" is observed and the alternative is dropped. Johnson asked if the Policy <br />Committee is responsible for acting on shifts that may be necessary (corridor realignments) <br />as a result of avoidable issues ~ Dallam responded "yes" and that the screening process <br />would be reinitiated. <br />Grabek asked about the project schedule - if lost time could be made up, or what is <br />reasonable to expect for a completion date. Dallam said that data collection and traffic <br />forecasts are taking longer than expected to complete, and that mid-1991 is probably a more <br />realistic completion date. Grabek also asked who presents the rationale for the <br />committee(s) to make adequate judgements as to which corridors are better than others. <br />Dallam responded that HNTB was hired to make screening recommendations for the Policy <br />committee to act on. He also reiterated how colored overlays with environmental and <br />special features would assist in the screening process. Dallam also mentioned that colored <br />slides may be made of each overlay with alternatives and provided to the cities. <br />Dallam then distributed a handout and briefly described Social, Economic, and <br />Environmental impacts to be evaluated for each alternative in the EIS. Johnson asked who <br />would be hired to do the EIS. Hay said that Mn/DOT usually hires the consultant to <br />complete the EIS process (including scoping), and therefore HNTB’s contract would <br />probably be extended. They were hired for only the sccpmg because of available funds. <br />Dallam explained that Mn/DOT chose to prepare a 'Tiered EIS" for this projert (Tier I will <br />only address in depth those issues in the scoping decision document that are considered to <br />be significant) to expedite the selection of a preferred alternative. Humbert added that <br />funds will be allocated in FY 1992 for the EIS, probably at the end of the scoping process. <br />J. Knutson (HNTB) then explained traffic growth on T.F. 12 using 20 and 30 year <br />projections firom historical growth rates, using between 2 and 4 percent growth scenarios. <br />He also explained right-of-way needs for freeway and expressway standards, and explained <br />the differences in design and access between them. The preliminary layouts prepared for <br />the Orono/Long Lake area were then presented, which showed both freeway and <br />expressw'^y scenarios. Knutson pointed out possible locations for grade-separated <br />interchanges and potential environmental issues with each. He also stressed that these