3.0 Affected Environment - Knik Arm Bridge and Toll Authority

Knik Arm Crossing DraftFinal EIS
Affected Environment
9.3 percent self-identified as American Indian or Alaska Native, and the remaining
11.8 percent claiming other racial heritage.
The housing is among the older stock in Anchorage, with over half of the buildings
constructed prior to 1960. Approximately 70 percent of those renting pay rents typically
considered to be within their financial means, meaning they pay less then 30 percent of their
gross income for housing. Only 7 percent of the residents in the community do not have a
vehicle available to them for use, and over 90 percent of the residents who work commute by
private vehicle.
The characteristics set forth in the census data for this block group are consistent with the
population characteristics observed during field reviews of the Study Area. It is estimated
that there are approximately 13 minority business owners in the Government Hill commercial
district.
Field reviews of the Study Area did not identify any specific persons with physical
impairments or other special needs when being relocated; individual interviews were,
however, not conducted with persons who could be displaced by implementation of the
proposed KAC project. Relocation practices for persons with special needs or impairments
are further identified in Section 4.12.
Other community characteristics are discussed in Sections 3.1.1 and Sections 3.2.1–5.
3.2.7.5 Availability of property for relocations and displacements
Research into available housing resources was conducted with a local real estate broker and
through use of related databases of property listings as of September 2005. Data were also
gathered on and near the Study Area from properties posted for sale and from leasing offices
of apartment complexes.
When the project implementation process would require property acquisition, the project
proponent would initiate a specific search to identify homes comparable to those belonging
to or rented by those who would require relocation, and supplemental housing payments
would be offered based on the provisions in state and federal laws. Mitigation measures are
further identified in Section 4.12.
3.3 Joint Development
According to FHWA Technical Advisory T 6640.8A (1987), the EIS should identify and
discuss joint development measures that will enhance an affected community’s social,
economic, environmental, and visual values. This section describes the joint development
existing conditions.
In general, joint development measures deal with multiple ownerships and operations and
maintenance of the transportation corridors that support the regional connection; a
connection that spans jurisdictions and responsibilities. Joint development of the
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