ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT CHARLOTTE GATEWAY STATION

TABLE OF CONTENTS
S.0 Executive Summary ............................................................................................... S-1
S.1 Purpose and Need for Action............................................................................... S-1
S.2 Purpose of the EA ................................................................................................. S-4
S.3 Planning Background and Decision Making History ......................................... S-4
S.4 Alternatives Considered ....................................................................................... S-8
S.4.1 No-Action Alternative .................................................................................... S-8
S.4.2 Base Case Alternative .................................................................................. S-9
S.4.3 Full Build Alternative ..................................................................................... S-9
S.5 Summary of Environmental Consequences ....................................................... S-9
S.6 Summary of Transportation Impacts................................................................. S-13
S.7 Mitigation Summary ............................................................................................ S-14
S.8 Financial Analysis and Investment Impacts ..................................................... S-15
S.9 Public and Agency Coordination....................................................................... S-16
1.0 Purpose and Need............................................................................................... 1.1-1
1.1 Description...........................................................................................................1.1-1
1.2 Purpose and Need...............................................................................................1.2-7
1.2.1 CATS 2030 Transit Plan .............................................................................1.2-7
1.2.2 Accommodate Enhanced Intercity Passenger Rail.....................................1.2-9
1.2.3 Facilitate a Master Development Plan ......................................................1.2-10
1.2.4 Purpose and Need Summary....................................................................1.2-11
2.0 Alternatives Considered...................................................................................... 2.1-1
2.1 Charlotte Gateway Station Function and Context............................................2.1-1
2.2 No Action Alternative..........................................................................................2.2-2
2.3 Base and Full Build Alternatives - Conceptual Development of the
Charlotte Gateway Station..................................................................................2.3-4
2.3.1 Design Charette – February 1- 3, 2005 ......................................................2.3-6
2.3.2 Design Concept ..........................................................................................2.3-6
2.3.3 Facility Parameters .....................................................................................2.3-6
2.4 Charlotte Gateway Station Capital Cost Estimate............................................2.4-9
3.0 Affected Environment and Consequences........................................................... 3.1-1
3.1 Population, Employment, Land Use, and Government Finance.......................3.1-1
3.1.1 Legal and Regulatory Framework...............................................................3.1-1
3.1.2 Methodology ...............................................................................................3.1-1
3.1.3 Existing Conditions and Resources ............................................................3.1-2
Charlotte Gateway Station i EA