Public comment period available for Chicago-Detroit/Pontiac Passenger Rail Corridor Program

– A Tier 1 Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) has been prepared for proposed passenger rail improvements.
– To view the Tier 1 Draft EIS, go to www.greatlakesrail.org.
– Comments must be received by Dec. 19, 2014, and can be submitted in multiple ways.
– Public hearings are scheduled for October in Michigan, Indiana, and Illinois.

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), have 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.

Documents are available for viewing on the program website. Go to www.greatlakesrail.org and then select “public hearings.” The Tier 1 Draft EIS also is available on CD and/or hard copy, by Sept. 26, 2014, at locations such as libraries and municipal offices. To find the nearest location, click on “document review sites” on the “public hearings” page.

A public comment period is under way 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

– E-mail: mdot-hsr-detroit-pontiac-chicago@michigan.gov

– Call toll-free: 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 for the Tier 1 Draft EIS will be held three times in October 2014, with the Draft EIS exhibits and other reference materials on display. Presentations will be made and program staff will be available to answer questions. Opportunities to provide written and oral comments will be available at these public hearings. 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.

Hearing Dates and Times:

Michigan

Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2014

4 to 7 p.m. EST

Dearborn Intermodal Passenger Rail Station

20201 W. Michigan Ave.

Dearborn, MI 48124

Illinois

Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2014

4 to 7 p.m. CST

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. CST

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.