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Scoping

Scoping, which identifies the alternatives and impacts that will be examined as part of the EIS, introduces the project to the public, regulatory agencies and local communities and serves to identify the key resources and issues for the project. An important part of this phase is soliciting ideas, comments, and concerns from the public.

The MTA Study Team introduced the project in spring 2003 and provided an opportunity for the public to comment on modes, corridors and issues of concern. Beginning November 2002 and continuing through April 2003, staff from the MTA's Office of Planning conducted a series of one-on-one and small group meetings with community, business, and organization leaders throughout the study corridors. Letters were sent out inviting community leaders to talk to the MTA about important resources and issues concerning their communities. The meetings helped MTA staff become familiar with communities and issues in the study areas.

Public Scoping meetings for both the Red and Green Lines were held at various locations throughout the study areas in May and June of 2003 with more than 300 people attending. During the
Scoping period, 200 comments were received through comment cards, e-mails and letters submitted to MTA. Major themes from the comments included:

Schedule: Move ahead quickly with the projects to improve transit service in the Baltimore Region.

Heavy Rail: Suggestions were made to include heavy rail (Metro subway) as a mode alternative under study for the Red Line. For more information on the complexity of heavy rail in this corridor, click here.

Bus Rapid Transit (BRT): Comments were mixed, with some favoring BRT as a more affordable alternative and others expressing concern that BRT would not provide a high quality service.

Local Traffic Impacts: Concerns were expressed about potential impacts at stations.

Connectivity: The importance of good connections between
the proposed lines and existing rail transit lines was emphasized.

Green Line Scoping Report coming soon.

Status

Scoping meetings were held in May and June 2003. The formal public comment period closed on July 31, 2003. There will be additional opportunities for public comment throughout the environmental process.

 

Red Line Scoping Process Report

Download the Red Line Scoping Process Report – October 2004

This file contains the entire report except for the Appendixes. For appendices, see links below.

Appendices

Appendix 1

• Letter from Baltimore Region Executives to Governor
• Letter from Greater Baltimore Committee to Governor

Appendix 2

• Red Line Pre Scoping Listening Tour Summary

Appendix 3

• Notice of Intent

Appendix 4

• May 16, 2003 Agency Scoping Meeting Minutes
• Handout from May 16 Agency Scoping Meeting

Appendix 5

• Sample Letter Sent to Community Associations

Appendix 6

• Baltimore and Howard County Elected Officials Notified
• State Elected Officials Notified
• Mayor and City Councilpersons Notified

Appendix 7

• Direct Mail Sample

Appendix 8

• Sample Newspaper Ad

Appendix 9

• Display Boards from Spring 2003 Public Scoping Meetings
• Public Scoping Meeting Handout
• Study Area Map

Appendix 10

• Comment Form
• Individual Public Comments from Comment Forms

Appendix 11

• Analysis of Heavy Rail Transit (Metro) as a Modal Alternative

Appendix 12

• Letter from Maryland Department of Planning
• Letter form Maryland Historic Trust
• Letter form US Department of Interior, National Park Service

 

Scoping Report

Scoping meetings were held in May and June 2003. The formal public comment period closed on July 31, 2003. There will be additional opportunities for public comment throughout the environmental process. Read more about the Red Line Scoping Process Report from October 2004.