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Scoping meetings for next phase of Foothill Extension a success

Posted: 21 January 2011 | Metro Gold Line Foothill Extension Construction Authority | No comments yet

The Metro Gold Line Foothill Extension Construction Authority (Construction Authority) and Federal Transit Administration completed a series of scoping meetings last night…

Metro Gold Line Foothill Extension Construction Authority

The Metro Gold Line Foothill Extension Construction Authority (Construction Authority) and Federal Transit Administration (FTA) completed a series of scoping meetings last night, the first public step in the process to environmentally clear the Foothill Extension Azusa to Montclair both under state and federal environmental regulations.

Over the last two weeks, the Construction Authority and FTA have hosted four public scoping meetings and an agency coordination meeting in the cities of Glendora, Pomona, Claremont and San Dimas. The final meeting, in San Dimas, occurred last night. Attendance at all of the meetings was high, about 60-70 attendees a meeting, and dozens of additional comments have been sent to the Authority directly.

The meetings provided an opportunity for attendees to review information boards, hear a presentation about the project and environmental process, and then provide comments and feedback for use in developing the scope of the environmental review.

“We had a tremendous turn-out of residents, business owners, city staff and officials at each of our scoping meetings,” commented Construction Authority Chairman Doug Tessitor (Mayor Pro Tem of the City of Glendora). “In addition to hearing nearly unanimous support about the need for the project and the final extension to Ontario Airport, it was heartening to listen to the very thoughtful feedback on issues that need to be addressed in the environmental review and ways to improve the project moving forward.”

The scoping phase continues through February 2, 2011. During this period, the community is encouraged to provide feedback on the scope of the project, alternatives to be reviewed in the environmental report, as well as issues that need to be addressed through the analysis. Comments can be submitted in writing to the Construction Authority. All comments postmarked on or before February 2 will be made part of the public record and used to finalize the scope of the analysis. A Draft Environmental Impact Statement/Environmental Impact Report is anticipated to be completed and published for public review and comment late this summer.

Information presented at the scoping meetings can be found on the Construction Authority’s website – foothillextension.org/Azusa to Montclair – and questions can be addressed to Lisa Levy Buch, Director of Public Affairs.