Monday, December 23, 2013

Red Rock Corridor Alternatives Analysis Comment Period

On December 12, the Red Rock Corridor Commission approved the final draft plan for the corridor - the alternatives analysis update.  This draft plan is available for public review and comment.  You can download a PDF copy of this final draft plan by clicking on this link: http://redrockcorridor.org/pdf/AAU%20Draft%20Final%20Report.pdf

A four-page flyer summarizing the plan is also available.  You can download it by clicking on this link: http://redrockcorridor.org/pdf/AAU%20Summary%20Flyer.pdf

You can also find both of these documents on the right-side sidebar of the project's webpage: http://redrockcorridor.org/transit-study


The Commission decided to take another look at the previous 2007 Alternatives Analysis (AA) due to new census and ridership data, updated population forecasts, and additional completed transitways in the region.  The AAU builds upon the original report by updating relevant sections and providing new analysis and alternatives for transit in the corridor. 
Over the past nine months the Commission has been evaluating technical data, working with a Community Advisory Committee, and engaging the public to determine the best mobility solution for the Corridor. With these stakeholders’ input, the AAU considers four mode alternatives in terms of their mobility, cost, economic development, and environmental impacts in the region. 
The AAU Draft Final Report provides details on the future vision for the Red Rock Corridor, implementing Bus Rapid Transit to provide all-day transit service to the Corridor. In moving forward with the development of BRT, the Red Rock Corridor Commission will pursue a staged implementation plan. In conjunction with the actions and improvements in each of the three stages, there are other broad and ongoing strategies that will be pursued by the Red Rock Corridor Commission. They are:
Advocate for integrated multi-modal investments including pedestrian and bicycle facilities, freight, rail, highway, and transit improvements that support mobility throughout the Red Rock Corridor. 
 
Advocate for funding for mobility improvements along the corridor. This includes advocating for sustainable local and regional funding sources, as well as supporting and applying for funding at the Federal level. 
 
Continue to monitor peak period capacity needs in the corridor to determine the timing for implementation of      additional transit services, alternative modes, or capital improvements.

Public hearing and public comment period
A public hearing will be held during the Commission's next meeting on Thursday January 23, 2014, starting at 4:00 pm, at the Cottage Grove City Hall (12800 Ravine Parkway South, Cottage Grove, MN 55016 - map >).

This will be an opportunity to provide comments on the draft plan. But the public comment period will continue until February 14, 2014.

You can view a summary of public guidance received for this project here: http://www.redrockrail.org/pdf/Public%20Involvement%20Documentation.pdf

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