Action
Notice of intent to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).
Summary
FRA is issuing this notice to advise other agencies and the public that FRA and the San Joaquin Regional Rail Commission (SJRRC) will jointly prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the Altamont Corridor Express (ACE) program also known as the ACEforward Program in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) and the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The EIS will analyze potential impacts of the proposed action of improving and expanding existing corridor rail service between Stockton and San Jose, California and extending new rail service to Modesto and Merced, California. FRA has responsibility for overseeing the safety of railroad operations and may need to take certain regulatory action prior to operation of the new or expanded service. FRA is authorized to provide Federal funding for intercity passenger rail capital investments and may provide financial assistance for the program, including grant funding. FRA will serve as the federal lead agency for the preparation of the EIS. SJRRC will serve as the state lead agency for the preparation of the EIR. The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has responsibility for providing Federal funding for intra-city commuter rail capital investments and has funded improvements in this corridor in the past, including intermodal stations and park-and-ride lots. Since FTA maintains an interest in transportation improvements in the corridor, it will be a cooperating agency in accordance with 40 CFR 1501.6. FRA is publishing this notice to solicit public and agency input into the development of the scope of the EIS and to advise the public that outreach activities conducted by the FRA, SJRRC and their representatives will be considered in the preparation of the EIR/EIS.