FEIS Summary - Knik Arm Bridge and Toll Authority

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Knik Arm Crossing Final EIS Summary Exhibit S-23 Environmental Impacts Associated with Construction and Operation of the Recommended Alternative (continued) Impact category Impacts on Threatened or Endangered Species Direct impacts Construction impacts Indirect impacts Cumulative impacts Northern Access Alternative (Mat-Su Side) Marine Mammals There could be an adverse cumulative effect on the Cook Inlet population of beluga whales. Recommended Alternative Southern Alignment Crossing with 8,200-Foot Bridge and Connecting Roadways on Gravel Fill (The Crossing) Erickson Alternative (Anchorage Side) Terrestrial Mammals KAC Project and cumulative effects of reasonably foreseeable future actions will contribute to decline in terrestrial mammal habitat quantity and quality and lead to changes in the local abundance and distribution of mammal species. Increased mortality from vehicle collision, barriers to movement between habitats, and increased hunting pressure could lead to local population decline and changes in game management plans for moose, brown bear, and small animals. In accordance with the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and with concurrence from both USFWS and NOAA Fisheries, there are no species listed as threatened or endangered in the Project Area. On April 20, 2007, NOAA Fisheries listed the Cook Inlet beluga whale as a proposed endangered species under the ESA. Depending on the status of the Cook Inlet beluga whale, Conference or Consultation, as appropriate, with NOAA Fisheries may occur. None Exhibit S-23 Environmental Impacts Associated with Construction and Operation S-52
Knik Arm Crossing Final EIS Summary Exhibit S-24. Mitigation Measures and Commitments for the Recommended Alternative EIS section 4.1 Land Use Impacts Environmental Conseq uences section title Mitigation Measures and Commitments 4.1.1 Land Use and Ownership Changes 4.1.2 Consistency with Land Use Plans and Policies To mitigate indirect and cumulative impacts, FHWA and KABATA have agreed to help fund a new staff position in the Mat-Su Borough for up to $100,000 per year for 2 years. This position will help develop a consolidated permitting process (“one-stop shopping”) and facilitate appropriate land use, development, and environmental planning efforts in the Borough associated with projected economics and population growth. In addition, FHWA and KABATA will help fund up to $70,000 to be used by the Mat-Su Borough for other priority work identified by the Mat Su Borough and other agencies to facilitate orderly land use planning and economic development. 4.1.3 Farmland Impacts None 4.2 Impacts on the Social Environment 4.2.1. 4.2.2 4.2.2.1 Vehicles Neighborhoods, Community Cohesion, and Environmental Justice Impacts Transportation, Travel Patterns, Accessibility, and Highway and Traffic Safety Impacts None FHWA proposes mitigation measures to address the impacts of implementation of a build alternative through Government Hill. During design, Context Sensitive Solutions measures will be evaluated to reduce or mitigate impacts to Government Hill. A cut-and-cover tunnel will be designed and built to place all through-traffic below the Government Hill neighborhood. Best management practices (BMPs) will be undertaken to minimize fugitive light emissions and noise pollution during construction. During construction, safe access to school will be maintained for neighborhood children. Architectural details, including vegetation, lighting, and signs, will be designed to maintain the appearance of the neighborhood. Adversely affected and appropriately qualified property owners will be assured of fair compensation, as provided by the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Act of 1970, as amended, and the Alaska Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Practices, Alaska Statutes (AS) 34.60.010 et seq. See 4.2.2.1 through 4.2.2.6 below. A Traffic Management Plan (TMP) that outlines specific alternatives for routing construction traffic to minimize the temporary effects of traffic on congested routes and intersections will be developed prior to construction. The TMP will: • Be designed to minimize construction-related motorist delays, queuing, and accidents through effective application of traditional traffic handling practices and through innovative approaches. • Aim to relieve congestion and maintain traffic flow on detour routes and surrounding roadways. • Evaluate traffic mitigation strategies for the duration of construction, address lane closure requirements, and provide information to motorists and other members of the public. • Implement traffic management strategies that will include a public awareness campaign, traffic systems and signs, and traffic support and safety elements. • Require that neighborhood and business owner meetings be held to discuss traffic routing options to help minimize and avoid construction-related traffic effects. KABATA will continue to coordinate with the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (ADOT&PF) Central Region and local governments during future project stages to schedule roadway improvements and connections as part of system-wide improvements to the National Highway System (NHS) in direct association with the KAC Project. 4.2.2.2 Marine Mitigation measures for construction impacts related to navigation and safety will be developed as part of the USCG permitting process and coordinated with the Port of Anchorage and Port MacKenzie. 4.2.2.3 Rail Mitigation measures for construction impacts to the Alaska Railroad Corporation (ARRC) operations will be developed in cooperation with ARRC prior to construction. Mitigation measures will be incorporated into the construction contract specifications. A preliminary bridge design has been proposed across the Ship Creek rail yard as part of the proposed connection to the Ingra-Gambell Couplet in Phase 2. KABATA would continue to coordinate with ARRC during future project phases to avoid and minimize adverse impacts to ARRC/Ship Creek Industrial Area facilities and operations. Exhibit S-24 Mitigation Measures and Committments 4.2.2.4 Air Transportation Mitigation measures for construction impacts to Elmendorf will be developed prior to construction and will be incorporated into the construction contract specifications. Construction operations in the vicinity of Elmendorf will conform to FAA regulations and advisory circulars and will be coordinated with Elmendorf. Notices to air traffic controllers and proper lighting and marking of construction equipment will be used to minimize risk to aircraft. Lighting on the KAC Project in the vicinity of Elmendorf will conform to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations and advisory circulars and will be coordinated with Elmendorf officials during the project design stage to ensure compatibility of lighting systems with aircraft operations. 4.2.2.5 Transit During construction, safe pedestrian routes through the construction zone to transit stops will be provided. (continued on next page) S-53
Page 1 and 2: Knik Arm Crossing Final Environment
Page 3 and 4: Exhibit S‐1. Final EIS Document O
Page 5 and 6: Knik Arm Crossing Final EIS Summary
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Page 17 and 18: Findings, Compliance, and Permits E
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FEIS Summary - Knik Arm Bridge and Toll Authority

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