VRE Gainesville Haymarket Extension Feasibility Study and Alternatives Analysis Public Workshop Wednesday, July 30 th, 2008 6:30 9:00 pm Stonewall Jackson High School
Presentation Overview Introduction Purpose and Need Alternatives Analysis Funding Options Study Timeline Next Steps
Introduction Existing VRE Network
Introduction Intent of Study Further Define Feasibility of Rail Service to the Gainesville/Haymarket Area Identify and Evaluate Transit Service Options from Manassas to Haymarket
Introduction Project History 2004: VRE Strategic Plan 2004 2025 2005: Gainesville Haymarket Extension Implementation Plan 2008: Feasibility Study/Alternatives Analysis
Introduction Community Involvement Outreach Interagency Coordination Stakeholder Interviews Public Workshops/Meetings VRE Website Factsheets/Brochures/Posters VRE Update Train Talk List Serve Press Releases Stakeholder Groups Agencies Federal State Local VRE Customers Residents Businesses Interest Groups Property Owners
Purpose and Need Project Purpose To define the most appropriate transit investment strategy for improving mobility and regional access for residents in the communities of northern Virginia.
Purpose and Need Goals and Objectives Enhance Mobility between the Gainesville Haymarket Area and Washington, D.C. Reduce Regional Traffic Congestion Improve Regional Air Quality and Minimize Environmental Impacts Advance Sustainable Development Goals Determine Transportation Investment Strategies
Alternatives Analysis Overview of Process Two Tiered Screening Process: Tier 1 Preliminary Screening Is the alternative feasible? Does it meet the Purpose and Need? Tier 2 Detailed Evaluation Rank against Goals and Objectives
Alternatives Analysis Relationship to FTA s Planning Process Study Required for any Major Transit Capital Investment Seeking Federal Funds for New Fixed Guideway Extensions FTA New Starts Program 49 USC 5309
Alternatives Analysis FTA New Starts Planning and Project Development Process Alternatives Analysis Select LPA, MPO Action, Develop Criteria, PMP System Planning FTA Evaluation for Approval into Preliminary Engineering Decision Point FTA Action Project Management Oversight PE Complete NEPA Record of Decision/FONSI Refine Financial Plan, PMP FTA Evaluation for Approval into Final Design Final Design Commitment of Non Federal Funding, Construction Plans, ROW, PMP, FTA Evaluation for FFGA, Begin Negotiations Construction Preliminary Engineering Final Design Full Funding Grant Agreement Construction
Funding Options Federal State Local Public/Private Opportunities
Study Timeline PHASE 1 Data Collection Goals and Objectives Public Workshop PHASE 2 Define/Evaluate Alternatives Environmental Report Public Workshop PHASE 3 Final Analysis Final Report Public Workshop May 2008 July 2008 July 2008 December 2008 January 2009 March 2009
Next Steps Overall Project Development Potential NEPA (National Environmental Policy Act) Review Preliminary Engineering Final Design Construction
Questions or Comments? For more information contact us at: Phone: (703) 684 1001 Email: gotrains@vre.org Website: www.vre.org Train Talk List Serve: Sign up on www.vre.org Thank You for Your Participation!