Environmental Assessment

In August of 2012, the Connecticut Department of Transportation received a signed Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) and Programmatic Agreement from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) for the New Haven – Hartford – Springfield Rail Program.

As described in the FONSI, the FRA found that the EA/EIE satisfied the FRA's requirements for environmental review and determined that the Program will have no foreseeable significant impact on the quality of the human or natural environment. The Programmatic Agreement among the FRA, FTA, Connecticut State Historic Preservation Office, the Massachusetts State Historic Preservation Office and CTDOT, describes the phased process for compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act for identifying historic properties, determining adverse effects on historic properties, and consultation measures to avoid, minimize or mitigate such effects if needed.

View the FONSI   

View the Programmatic Agreement (PA)

View Appendix A, Comments and Responses

Overview

Environmental Assessment/Environmental Impact Evaluation for the New Haven - Hartford - Springfield High-Speed Intercity Rail Program

The Environmental Assessment/Environmental Impact Evaluation (EA/EIE) for the New Haven-Hartford-Springfield Rail Program is on the website and also available at local town halls and libraries of communities along the corridor as well as the South Central Regional Council of Governments, the Central Connecticut Regional Planning Agency, the Capitol Region Council of Governments, and the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission.

The EA/EIE describes the benefits and impacts resulting from implementation of the NHHS Rail Program and identifies mitigation to address adverse impacts.

In June of 2012 public hearings were held on the EA/EIE. In addition, the public submitted numerous comments through the Program website and by mail. The CTDOT responded to all EA/EIE comments in the final document that was submitted to the FRA at the end of June for consideration and approval by the FRA.

View CTDOT News Release

Table of Contents

Volume I
Notice of Availability		282kb
Cover and Signature		109kb
Executive Summary		977kb
1.0 Introduction		1.10MB
2.0 Purpose and Need		70kb
3.0 Alternatives Evaluation		216kb
4.0 Affected Environment		4.03MB
5.0 Agency Coordination and Public Involvement		130kb
6.0 List of Preparers		81kb
7.0 Distribution List		90kb
8.0 References		97kb
List of Figures
List of Tables
Volume II Concept Design Drawings and Environmental Resource Graphics
Appendices