Meeting_Body
PLANNING AND PROGRAMMING COMMITTEE
APRIL 14, 2021
Subject
SUBJECT: COUNTYWIDE PLANNING MAJOR PROJECT STATUS REPORT
Action
ACTION: RECEIVE AND FILE
Heading
RECOMMENDATION
Title
RECEIVE AND FILE monthly report on the Major Capital Projects in the environmental planning phase by the Chief Planning Officer.
Discussion
DISCUSSION
* West Santa Ana Branch Corridor
The West Santa Ana Branch (WSAB) project team submitted the second Administrative Draft of the Environmental Impact Statement/Environmental Impact Report (Draft EIS/EIR) to the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) on March 16, and March 30, 2021, in two batches. Following FTA's review, staff will incorporate responses to comments and submit one more time. FTA is currently expected to authorize public circulation of the Draft EIS/EIR in either June or July 2021.
In the coming months, staff is planning to re-engage with key stakeholders while using this opportunity to introduce the project to new stakeholders in the 19-mile corridor. Staff will highlight the project purpose, alternatives, and environmental process, and provide opportunity for public involvement and participation. The following activities are proposed:
o Phase 1 (Public Engagement, April - June 2021): Activities will ensure that stakeholders in the study area are well informed of the project and aware of the imminent release of the Draft EIS/EIR in June or July 2021. This phase will be crucial for stakeholders to understand the process and for staff to prepare for the comment period and public hearings. The team will reconvene the Stakeholder Working Groups (SWG) to continue providing a community-based perspective and to share challenges, opportunities, and best approaches to effective community outreach.
The Metro team is working on the approach and timeline for a Community-Based Organization (CBO) Partnership Strategy that aims to leverage the local expertise and reach of organizations in traditionally hard-to-...
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