Officials Seek Feedback on Rail Line
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowA public hearing will take place Thursday in Gary for a proposed passenger rail corridor that would pass through northwest Indiana. The Federal Railroad Administration and transportation officials from Indiana, Illinois and Michigan are seeking feedback on improvements to rail lines between Chicago and Pontiac, Michigan. News Release
Originally Published September 22, 2014
GARY, Ind. – The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), in partnership with the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) and the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), has prepared a Tier 1 Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to evaluate passenger rail improvements for the Chicago-Detroit/Pontiac corridor.
The Tier 1 Draft EIS presents the proposed project's purpose and need, identifies reasonable route alternatives, describes the affected environment, and analyzes the potential environmental impacts of the alternatives considered, including the no-build alternative.
Visit the public hearings page on the program website at www.GreatLakesRail.org to download and view the entire Tier 1 Draft EIS document. Also, you may obtain a list of document review sites on the public hearings page that will have CDs and/or hard copies of the Tier 1 Draft EIS available by Sept. 26, 2014.
A public comment period is underway to collect feedback on the Tier 1 Draft EIS. All comments must be submitted by Dec. 19, 2014, for the public record. Comments may be submitted as follows:
-Provide written or oral comments at a public hearing
-Use the online comment form at www.GreatLakesRail.org
-Email: MDOT-HSR-Detroit-Pontiac-Chicago@michigan.gov
-Call the toll-free number at 877- 351-0853
-Mail your written comments to Robert Parsons, Public Hearings Officer, Michigan Department of Transportation, P.O. Box 30050, Lansing, MI 48909
After considering all public input, a Final EIS will be prepared and released for public review. The Final EIS will identify a preferred route alternative and level of service.
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
Public hearings for the Tier 1 Draft EIS will be held three times in October 2014 in Dearborn, Mich., Gary, Ind., and Chicago. The Draft EIS, exhibits and other reference materials will be on display. All hearings will be open to the public from 4 to 7 p.m. local time. Participants will be able to view hearing materials and talk with program staff between 4 and 5:30 p.m. A presentation will be given at 5:30 p.m., with the public testimony session to follow at about 6 p.m.
Michigan
Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2014
4 to 7 p.m. Eastern
Dearborn Intermodal Passenger Rail Station
20201 W. Michigan Ave.
Dearborn, MI 48124
Illinois
Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2014
4 to 7 p.m. Central
Chicago Union Station
Union Gallery Room (Off the Great Hall)
500 W. Jackson Blvd.
Chicago, IL 60661
Indiana
Thursday, Oct. 30, 2014
4 to 7 p.m. Central
Genesis Convention Center Lake Room
One Genesis Center Plaza
Gary, IN 46402
With an advance notice of seven days, MDOT can make accommodations for persons with disabilities and/or limited English-speaking ability, and persons needing auxiliary aids or services of interpreters, signers, readers, or large print. For special accommodations, call the program’s toll-free number at 877-351-0853.
Source: The Indiana Department of Transportation