FTA issues record of decision for Austin Light Rail's final environmental impact statement

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has issued a record of decision for Austin Light Rail’s final environmental impact statement (FEIS). The Austin Transit Partnership (ATP) notes the record of decision affirms compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and allows ATP to continue in the federal funding process, as well as advance more detailed project work.

“Completing the final environmental impact statement and earning the FTA’s record of decision in under two years is a major achievement for Austin Transit Partnership and the community we serve,” said ATP CEO Greg Canally. “We’re grateful for the FTA’s partnership and guidance throughout this process and proud of the work our team has done to deliver a thorough environmental review on an accelerated timeline. This has established a best practice that can be replicated for other mega projects.”

According to the ATP, completion of the record of decision signifies that the federal government has formally accepted the project’s environmental analysis, community engagement and technical planning to date, demonstrating project readiness, strong federal partnership and continued progress toward federal funding. The decision itself allows ATP to advance elements of the project such as more advanced design and early construction activity for utilities.

ATP says it reached the record of decision in less than two years, aligning with the current FTA administration’s goal to streamline and improve how large public infrastructure projects are delivered. ...................(more)

https://www.masstransitmag.com/rail/infrastructure/news/55344479/the-austin-transit-partnership-fta-issues-record-of-decision-for-austin-light-rails-final-environmental-impact-statement