FEIS Summary - Knik Arm Bridge and Toll Authority

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.
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