Minutes 11-15-2016 - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

28 • Entry into Engineering • Financial Plan and Funding Needs Background • FTA issued a combined Final Environmental Impact Statement/Record of Decision (FEIS/ROD) on the D-O LRT Project in February, 2016 • In response to comments, FTA and GoTriangle committed to look at some specific refinements including analyzing the feasibility of extending the alignment to NCCU Early analysis indicated that the extension is feasible FTA determined that a Supplemental Environmental Assessment (EA) would be required Proposed NCCU Station Location (map) Current Activities • The Supplemental EA on the NCCU LRT Station Refinement is now available for Public Review and Comment until Dec 7, 2016: — http://ourtransitfuture.com — NCCU James E. Shepherd Memorial Library — Main Branch of the Durham Public Library — GoTriangle's Administrative Office • DCHC MPO to vote on Metropolitan Transportation Plan Amendment to include NCCU Station on December14, 2016 Chair McKee said he repeatedly suggested the extension to NCCU six years ago, and he made no progress. He said it is completely inequitable to serve two universities, and not the third. He said he would vote for this part, as the project makes no sense without this extension. He said the overall costs of this project are absurd. Commissioner Pelissier asked if GoTriangle and the Durham County Commissioners have approved this. Danny Rogers said the Durham County Commissioners and the City of Durham gave support for this, but only the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) is the approval board on the action of adding it to the MTP. Commissioner Rich referred to the environmental study, and asked if it only covers Austin Avenue to NCCU. Danny Rogers said yes, as everything else has already been cleared. Commissioner Jacobs said he is totally supportive of extending the line to NCCU. Commissioner Jacobs said he has concerns: one is the cost share with Durham. He said more is being added in Durham, and the cost split should reflect that. He said he would like to see some value engineering on this project independent of Go Triangle. He said he is supportive of this project but it must be determined where it fits into the priorities of Orange County. He said he does not think it will be at the top of the list, and some adjustments will need to be made to this project. He said he has a willingness to continue to discuss this project, and would like to add the words "if possible" to the draft motion Danny Rogers read earlier. He said the County must be careful, and if this will cost Orange County the opportunity and ability to do other things, then tough choices must be made. Commissioner Pelissier said value engineering will be done, but not before the engineering phase. Commissioner Jacobs asked if this can be done by April.