CHANCE TO IMPACT WORK ON TRANSIT AND DEVELOPMENT

THIS ONE IS IMPORTANT FOLKS - has a major impact on potential improvements to our business districts as well as to transit access...

The Gateway Corridor Commission is seeking community members to serve on a new Gateway Corridor Community Advisory Committee (CAC).

The CAC will advise the Commission throughout preparation of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (Draft EIS), which is a step in the federal process to study potential transit service. The CAC will be asked to advise the Commission on several aspects: how to best inform the public about the process, meaning, and conclusions of the Draft EIS; identifying potential issues in the Corridor that will need to be addressed in the Draft EIS; providing information related to potential social, economic, or community issues as a result of the transitway; and finally, providing input to the Commission on key project decisions.

In order for the CAC to represent the diversity of interests in the corridor, the Commission encourages applications from the following groups:

*    Residents (homeowners, renters)

*    Businesses operating on the corridor (a range of size and business type)

*    Major employers

*    Institutions and schools

*    Travelers in the Gateway Corridor (existing transit users, bicyclists, pedestrians, and drivers)

*    Environmental interests

Prior to entering the Draft EIS phase, the Gateway Corridor Alternatives Analysis considered eight transit alternatives of various modes: light rail transit (LRT), bus rapid transit (BRT), and commuter rail. Based on capital and operating costs, potential ridership, economic development potential, and environmental and social impacts, the Alternatives Analysis study recommended two transit alternatives to be carried forward into theGateway Corridor Draft EIS: BRT or LRT along Hudson Road from downtown St. Paul to Woodbury.

The Draft EIS, which began in May 2013 and is anticipated to finish in 2015, will inform community members and decision-makers regarding the social, economic, and environmental impacts of the two alternatives. It is anticipated that a locally preferred alternative for the Gateway Corridor, either LRT or BRT, will be selected during preparation of the Draft EIS.

The CAC application form and further information about serving on the CAC, as well as a map and additional project information, can be found at www.TheGatewayCorridor.com on the Transit Study page. Applicationsare due by July 19, 2013 and should be submitted to:

Lyssa Leitner, Washington County Public Works

11660 Myeron Rd North, Stillwater, MN 55082

Lyssa.Leitner@co.washington.mn.us

About the Gateway Corridor transit project

Gateway Corridor transit would run from Union Depot in St. Paul to Woodbury next to Interstate 94 mainly on Hudson Road. All-day transit service would stop at 11 stations and would include connections to Minneapolis and Hudson, WI. Light rail or bus rapid transit is being considered and the system could be operational by 2022. Gateway will provide a focal point for more concentrated development as the region grows. The work is led by the Gateway Corridor Commission, which is comprised of local elected officials, business and community leaders. More information is available at www.TheGatewayCorridor.com.