8.0 COMMENTS AND COORDINATION

Notice of Intent
Solicitation Letter/Responses
Public Involvement

OKLAHOMA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
200 N. E. 21st Street
Oklahoma City, OK 73105-3204

December 20, 1995

FOR YOUR INFORMATION

Ms. Margaret M. Graham .
Environmental Review Coordinator
Customer Assistance Program
Department of Environmental Quality
P.O. Box 53551
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73152

Dear Ms. Graham:

The Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) has initiated a Major Investment Study (.MIS) and an Environmental Impact Study (EIS) of a proposal to reconstruct/realign a deteriorating 7.2 mile section of I-40 in downtown Oklahoma City between the I-235 interchange and Meridian Avenue. Options to be considered are the possible relocation of this section of I-40, high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes, access locations, and safety. This proposal is in the early developmental stages and any comments relative to the social, economic, or environmental effects of this proposal will be appreciated. (See shaded area on attached map.)

To allow adequate time for evaluation of your suggestions, ODOT would appreciate receiving your comments within fifteen days from the date of this letter. Your written comments should be directed to the Planning Engineer, Oklahoma Department of Transportation, 200 N.E. 21st Street, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73105-3204.

If additional information is needed, please contact Mr. David Streb at ODOT. The telephone number is 405-521-6916 and the FAX number is 405-521-6917.

Sincerely,

[handwritten signature]

R. J. Driskill
Planning Engineer

Attachment
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Mr. Paul Tanner, Area Manager
Oklahoma Resource Area
Bureau of Land Management
221 North Service Road
Moore, Oklahoma 73160-4946

Mr. Robert J. Stern, Acting Director
Division of NEPA Affairs
Department of Energy
Mail Station E-201, GTN
Washington, D.C. 20545

Mr. Robert Layton, Jr., Regional Administrator
Environmental Protection Agency
1445 Ross Avenue
DalIas, Texas 75202-2733

District Engineer
Tulsa District Corps of Engineers
P.O. Box 61
Tulsa, Oklahoma 74121-0061

Mr. Jerry Brabander, Field Supervisor
Division of Ecological Service
United States Fish and Wildlife Service
222 South Houston, Suite A
Tulsa, Oklahoma  74127

Mr. Gerald L. Wright
Project Manager
Bureau of Reclamation
Oklahoma-Texas Projects Office
420 West Main Street, Suite 630
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73102

Senior Environmental Officer
Department of Housing and Urban Development
1600 Throckmorton
P. O. Box 2905
Fort Worth, Texas 76113-2905

Director
Ecology and Conservation Office
Department of Commerce, NOAA
14th and Constitution Avenue, N.W.
CS/EC, Room 62222
Washington, D.C. 20230

Michael Schmidt, Deputy Director
Oil and Gas Conservation Division
Oklahoma Corporation Commission
Jim Thorpe Building
2101 North Lincoln
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73105

J. Blake Wade
State Historic Preservation Officer
Oklahoma Historical Society
2704 Villa Prom, Shepherd Mall
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73107

Commander
Second Coast Guard District
1430 Olive Street
St. Louis, Missouri 63103

Mr. Jim Erickson, Division Administrator
Federal Highway Administration
715 South Metropolitan, Suite 700
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73108

Health and Human Services
Regional Environmental Impact Coordinator
1200 Main Tower Building
Dallas, Texas 75202

Southwest Regional Environmental Officer
United States Department of the Interior
P.O. Box 728
Santa Fe, New Mexico 87504-0728

Mr. Bobbye J. Jones
State Conservationist
The Natural Resources Conservation Service
100 USDA, Suite 203
Stillwater, Oklahoma 74074-2655

Federal Railroad Administration
Office of Economic Analysis (RRP-32)
400 Seventh Street, S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20590

Manager
NM/OK Airport Development Office
ASW-640
Fort Worth, Texas 76193

Mr. L. W. Collier Jr., Area Director
Bureau of Indian Affairs
Anadarko Area Office
P. O. Box 368
Anadarko, Oklahoma 73005

Ms. Margaret M. Graham
Environmental Review Coordinator
Customer Assistance Program
Department of Environmental Quality
P. O. Box 53551
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73152

Mr. Cecil C. Carter, Director
Education Services and New Initiatives Division
P.O. Box 26980
6601 Broadway Extension
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73126-0980

Director
Department of Wildlife Conservation
801 North Lincoln Boulevard
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73105

Mr Gary Sherrer, Secretary of Environment and Exec. Director
Office of he Secretary of Environment
1901 North Walnut
P. O. Box 1075
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73101-1075

Mr. Charles J. Mankin, Director
Oklahoma Geological Survey
Sarkey Energy Center -Room N 131
100 East Boyd
Norman, Oklahoma 73019-0628

Ms. Sandy Garrett, State Superintendent of Pub. Instruction
State Board of Education
500 North Lincoln
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73015

Ms. Kristina S. Marek, Director
Planning and Development
Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Dept.
500 Rogers Building
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73105

Commissioner Torn Love
Oklahoma Transportation
P. O. Box 26210
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73126-0210

President
State Board of Agriculture
2800 North Lincoln Blvd.
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73105

Mr. Mason Mungle, Executive Director
Oklahoma Conservation Commission
114 State Capitol Building
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73105

Dr. Robert L. Brooks
Oklahoma Archaeological Survey
University of Oklahoma
111 East Chesapeake, Building 134
Norman, Oklahoma 73019-0575

Mr. Neal McCaleb
Secretary of Transportation
Oklahoma Department of Transportation
200 Northeast 21st Street
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73105

Mr. Zack D. Taylor, Executive Director
Association of Central Oklahoma Governments
Six Broadway Executive Park, Suite 200
6600 North Harvey Place
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73116

OKLAHOMA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
200 N. E. 21st Street
Oklahoma City, OK 73105-3204

December 20, 1995

Mr. Jerry Brabander, Field Supervisor
Division of Ecological Service
United States Fish and Wildlife Service
222 South Houston, Suite A
Tulsa, Oklahoma 74127

Dear Mr. Brabander:

The Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) has initiated a Major Investment Study (MIS) and an Environmental Impact Study (EIS) of a proposal to reconstruct/realign a deteriorating 7.2 mile section of I-40 in downtown Oklahoma City between the I-235 interchange and Meridian Avenue. Options to be considered are the possible relocation of this section of I-40, high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes, access locations, and safety. This proposal is in the early developmental stages and any comments relative to the social, economic, or environmental effects of this proposal will be appreciated. (See shaded area on attached map.)

To allow adequate time for evaluation of your suggestions, ODOT would appreciate receiving your comments within fifteen days from the date of this letter. Your written comments should be directed to the Planning Engineer, Oklahoma Department of Transportation, 200 N.E. 21st Street, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73105-3204.

If additional information is needed, please contact Mr. David Streb at ODOT. The telephone number is 405-521-6916 and the FAX number. is 405-521-6917.

Sincerely,

[handwritten signature]

R. J. Driskill, P.E.
Planning Engineer

Attachment

OKLAHOMA
DEPARTMENT OF WILDLIFE CONSERVATION
1801 N. Lincoln P.O. Box 53465 Oklahoma City, OK 73152 PH. 521-3851

FRANK KEATING, GOVERNOR
GREG D. DUFFY, DIRECTOR


WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION
DON RITTER
CHAIRMAN

GARLAND STONECIPHER
VICE CHAIRMAN

MARK PATTON
SECRETARY

ED ABEL
MEMBER

JOHN S. "JACK" ZINK
MEMBER

JOHN D. GROENDYKE
MEMBER

WILLIAM CRAWFORD
MEMBER

VYRL KEETER
MEMBER

January 11, 1996

Mr. R. J. Driskill
Planning Engineer
Oklahoma Department of Transportation
200 N.E. 21st Street Oklahoma City, OK 73105-3204

Subject: Reconstruction of 7.2 Miles of I-40, near Downtown Oklahoma City

Dear Mr. Driskill:

This responds to your letter of January 2, 1996 requesting information on sensitive species and wildlife resource impacts with regard to the following:

Project: Reconstruction of 7.2 Miles of 1-40 near Downtown Oklahoma City

Location: Oklahoma County

We have reviewed the information sent to this office regarding the proposed project and have compared this with our current records of wildlife species listed as endangered, threatened or state species of special concern. Based on this review, it does not appear that reconstruction of this road segment, within the scope of activities described, will have a significant impact on endangered wildlife species. Please understand that this response does not address the potential impact this project may have on wildlife species Which are not listed by the state of Oklahoma as endangered or threatened.

For additional information on sensitive species, we recommend that you contact the Oklahoma Natural Heritage Inventory, 111 E. Chesapeake Street, Norman, Oklahoma 73019. For information on federally listed threatened or endangered species, contact the U.S. Fish and wildlife Service, Ecological Services, 222 South Houston, Suite A. Tulsa, OK 74127. For information related to wetlands, please contact the Army Corps of Engineers Regulatory section at P.O. Box 61, Tulsa, OK 74121-0061.

We appreciate the opportunity to comment on this project. If we can be of further assistance, please contact our Natural Resources Section at 405/521-4616.

Sincerely,
[handwritten signature]
Mark D. Howery
Natural Resources Biologist

United States Department of Agriculture
Natural Resources Conservation Service
Oklahoma City Field Office
1000 W. Wilshire, Suite 223A
Okalhoma City, OK 73116

Mr. R. J. Driskill
Planning Engineer
Oklahoma Department of Transportation
200 N.E. 21st Street Oklahoma City, OK 73105-3204

re: Environmental Affect-Relocation of 7.2 mile section of I-40 in Downtown Oklahoma City

Dear Mr. Driskill,

We have reviewed your proposed project of the relocation of 7.2 miles of I-40 in downtown Oklahoma City. Based on our review, we have determined this proposed action will not result in any adverse impact on prime farmland. However, should vegetation be disturbed during construction, the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) should be contacted or an appropriate erosion control revegetation procedure should be followed in order to minimize soil loss.

Thank you for the opportunity to comment on these proposed actions early in the planning stage.

Sincerely,

[handwritten signature]

Don Bartolina
District Conservationist

United States Department of the Interior
BUREAU OF RECLAMATION
Great Plains Region
OKLAHOMA - TEXAS AREA OFFICE
420 W. Main, Suite 630
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73102

IN REPLY REFER TO:
OT-151
ENV-2.00

Mr. R. J. Driskill, P.E.
Planning Engineer
Oklahoma Department of Transportation
200 NE 21st St.
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73105

Subject: Proposed Reconstruction I-40, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma (Your Letter Dated December 20, 1995)

Dear Mr. Driskill:

We have reviewed the location of the proposed road reconstruction described in the subject letter and have determined that the Bureau of Reclamation has no projects in the vicinity of the proposed undertaking. We appreciate the opportunity to review your project and at this time have no concerns with the proposal.

If you have any questions, please call Mr. Hector Garcia at (405) 231-5823.

Sincerely,

[handwritten signature]

Gary D. Jackson
ACTING Oklahoma-Kansas Representative

ACOG
ASSOCIATION OF CENTRAL OKLAHOMA GOVERNMENTS
Six Broadway Executive Park, 6600 North Harvey Place, Suite 200
Oklahoma City, OK 73116-7913 (405) 848-8961, FAX: 840-9470. TDD: 848-9724

January 11, 1996

Mr. R. J. Driskill, P.E.
Planning Engineer
Oklahoma Department of Transportation
200 NE 21st St.
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73105-3204

Dear Roger:

We appreciate the opportunity to comment on the proposed reconstruction/realignment of I-40 in Downtown Oklahoma City. Your early identification of issues, including consideration of High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes, evaluation of access locations, and attention to safety issues, are consistent with priorities raised by local citizens and elected officials in the recent development of the 2020 OCARTS Plan. The following includes some specific comments from our staff regarding the Oklahoma City Downtown I-40 Major Investment Study (MIS).

1. Relationship to the 2020 Oklahoma City Area Regional Transportation Study (OCARTS) Plan
   The 2020 OCARTS Plan calls for the reconstruction of the I-40 crosstown expressway and bridges between Western Avenue and Kelly Avenue/I-235 as a six lane facility. The Plan also recommends that the I-40 project, between Meridian Avenue and I-235 be considered for a major investment study. We are confident that ODOT's proposed MIS and Environmental Impact Study will address the congestion, mobility, safety, and air quality issues related to this facility and its study area.
2. Comments Regarding the River and Water Quality
   This project parallels the North Canadian River and will probably impact the water quality of this waterbody during the construction phase of the realignment. Although the water quality is already impacted by nonpoint source pollution in this area, attention should be given to assessing the increased stress that the construction activity would have on an already impaired river biota.

Chairman Don Willis
Mayor, Bethany

Vice Chairman Richard Riley
Mayor. Mustang

Secretary-Treasurer Fletcher Williams
Councilrnernber, Warr Acres

Executive Director
Zach D. Taylor

Roger Driskill
January 11, 1996
page two

The project area also covers an area where there may be numerous groundwater pollution sites. There are many abandoned, unplugged oil and gas wells dating from the first half of the century in this area, along with old unplugged water wells and possibly a few old landfills. There is a possibility that another Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) site such as the old Double Eagle Refinery exists in this seven mile stretch along the river. It is suggested that a coring program of deep soil samples along the proposed alignment be initiated prior to construction.

3. Other Potential Impacts
   As part of the 2020 OCARTS Plan development process, ACOG staff performed extensive research of potential economic, environmental, and social impacts. Below is a discussion of how these might relate to the I-40 project (see attached bibliography for sources).

   Economic - The project might cause residential displacements --particularly traditionally underserved individuals, disrupt or displace businesses, and/or affect congestion levels.

   Environmental - The possible environmental issues include impacts on air quality, parks/open space/endangered species, 100 year floodplain, water quality (mentioned above), hazardous waste/superfund sites, leaking underground storage tanks, and noise sensitive institutions/public areas.

   There are 11 hazardous waste sites in the study area (see attached maps), no superfund sites, 49 leaking underground storage tanks, and 11 noise sensitive sites.

   Social - The project analysis should consider impacts to archaeological sites and national historical sites/districts, as well as effects related to the safety of the surrounding and travelling public. The proposed project will affect several neighborhoods and businesses, and careful consideration should be given to the Oklahoma City Plan's neighborhood preservation goals. Particular attention should be given to traffic encroachment and visual impacts. There are no tribal lands in the study area, but our research has identified 34 historical sites.

4. Anticipated Population and Employment Growth
   Between 1990 and 2020, the OCARTS Plan projected that the population in the study area would remain stable at approximately 14,350. Employment growth for the same period is expected to grow from 59,480 to 78,640 for an increase of 32%.

Roger Driskill
January 11, 1996
page three

We appreciate the opportunity to comment on the Oklahoma City Downtown I-40 Major Investment Study. If you have any questions, please feel free to call Linda Koenig or me at (405) 848-8961.

[handwritten signature]

Linda L. Koenig for

Sincerely,
[handwritten signature]

Zach D. Taylor Executive Director

c: David Streb, ODOT
Sam Shehab, ODOT
Ken LaRue, ODOT
Mike Herron, FHWA
Peggy Crist, FTA
Ken Morris, City of Oklahoma City
Garner Stoll, City of Oklahoma City

IMPACTS OF THE 2020 OCARTS PLAN -BIBLIOGRAPHY (Jan. 1995)

Archaeological Sites

Request filed with Oklahoma State Archaeologist, Robert Brooks, Norman, Oklahoma,
November 14, 1994.

Indian Lands

Bureau of Indian Affairs staff, Mike Reed, telephone interview, Anadarko, Oklahoma, October 12, 1994.
Oklahoma County planning staff, Tyler Gammon, telephone interview, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, November 18, 1994.

National Register Historical Sites

State Preservation Office, State Historic Preservation Officer, Melveina Heisch, List of National Historic Sites, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, September 22, 1994.

Parks and Wildlife/Endangered Species

Oklahoma City Parks and Recreation Department, Terry Ash, AutoCAD Map of Oklahoma City Parks,.0klahoma City, Oklahoma, November 23, 1994.
Oklahoma Department of Tourism and Recreation, Ron McWhirter, State Parks Map, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, November 21, 1994.
U.S. Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Services, Steve Hensley, Maps of Endangered Species, Tulsa, Oklahoma, November 3, 1994.
Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, Norman Murray and Mark Howery, telephone interview, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, November.10, 1994.

Garber Wellington Aquifer

Garber Wellington Association, John Harrington, Garber Wellington Aquifer Map, October 15, 1994.

Hazardous Waste Sites

Oklahoma State Department of Environmental Quality, David Koenour, Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) List Sorted by County, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, June 17, 1993.

Superfund Sites

Oklahoma State Department of Environmental Quality, Progress at Superfund Sites in Oklahoma, Winter 1993/1994.

Leaky Underground Storage Tanks

Oklahoma Corporation Commission, Connie Wilson, Leaky Underground Storage Tanks (LUST) State list, October 1993.

Noise Sensitive Land Uses

Association of Central Oklahoma Governments, 1990 Employment File, Oklahoma Employment Security Commission, Pro Phone and other sources, May 1994.

C:\FILES\WPDOCS\ODOTA.JMS
JAN. 1996

[I-40 Study Area 6 pages of maps follow this page:
Parks
Hazardous Waste Sites
Leaking Underground Storage Tanks
Noise Sensitive Areas
Historic Sites
Historic Districts]

Oklahoma Archeological Survey

THE UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA

January 5, 1996

R.J. Driskill, PE
Oklahoma Department of Transportation
200 NE 21st St.
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73105-3204

Re: ODOT -reconstruct. I-40 between I-235 and Meridian Avenue, Oklahoma City; Oklahoma County, Oklahoma.

Dear Mr. Driskill:

The above referenced project has been reviewed by the Community Assistance Program staff of this agency to identify potential areas that may contain prehistoric or historic archaeological materials. The location of your project has been cross-checked with the state site files containing approximately 14,000 archaeological sites which are currently recorded for the state of Oklahoma. No sites are listed as occurring within your project area, and based on the topographic and hydrologic setting, no archaeological materials are likely to be encountered. Thus, an archaeological field inspection is not considered necessary. However, should construction activities expose buried archaeological materials such as 'chipped stone, tools, pottery, bone, historic crockery, glass, metal items or building materials, this agency should be contacted immediately at (405) 325-7211. A member of our staff will be sent to evaluate the significance of these remains.

This environmental review and evaluation is performed in order to locate, record, and preserve Oklahoma's prehistoric and historic cultural heritage in cooperation with the State Historic Preservation Office, Oklahoma Historical Society. In addition to our review comments, under the 1992 ammendments to the National Historic Preservation Act you should also consult with the appropriate Native American tribe/groups to identify any concerns they may have pertaining to this undertaking and potential impacts to properties of traditional and/or ceremonial concerns. Thank you.

Sincerely,

[handwritten signature]
Marjy Duncan
Staff Archeologist

[handwritten signature]
Robert Brooks
State Archeologist

cc: SHPO
Robert Bartlett

111 E. Chesapeake, Norman, Oklahoma 73019-0575
PHONE: (405) 325-7211 FAX: (405) 325-7604
A UNIT OF ARTS AND SCIENCES SERVING THE PEOPLE OF OKLAHOMA

OKLAHOMA

NATIVE AMERICA

EDWARD H. COOK
CABINET SECRETARY
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

KEATING
GOVERNOR

January 3, 1995

R.J. Driskill, P.E.
Planning Engineer
Okla. Department of Transportation
200 Northeast 21st Street
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73105-3204

Dear R.J. Driskill:

We have reviewed our files for possible park sites that might be impacted by the proposed road work located within the study area shown on the map attached with your letter dated 12/20/95.

Several city parks are located within this area including three parks which have received federal funding from the Land & Water Conservation Fund. The L&WCF parks must comply with federal regulations which require that they remain open to the public as outdoor recreation areas in perpetuity. These parks are:

Wheeler Park at Southwest 12th and Western; OSU Technical Institute at 10th and Portland; and Riverfront park at Southwest 15th and Portland.

I have enclosed an Oklahoma City Park and Recreation location map and have highlighted the study area that you identified on your map. The three L&WCF park areas within this study area are highlighted in pink. When the location for the proposed road work has been determined, please make a visual inspection to determine if any of these parks will be impacted and if any conversions will occur.

Thank you for the opportunity to provide information on this project. Please contact me if additional information is needed.

Sincerely,

Kristina S. Marek, Director
Planning & Development Division

TOURISM AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT
2401 N. LINCOLN BLVD. SUITE 500
OKLAHOMA CITY. OKLAHOMA 73105-4492
405-521-2413 FAX 40S-521-4883

Recycled Paper

Chapter 8 Coordination

The public involvement program has been an integral and essential part of the Environmental Impact Statement process. The study team has met and discussed this project with thousands of people affected by I-40 through downtown Oklahoma City. The study team has made exemplary efforts over the past five years to be sure that the affected people, businesses, neighborhoods, and community groups are well informed of this project and are an integral part of the consensus process used in selecting the best solution for the entire community.

Public Involvement Plan

One of the first tasks in this study was to develop a Public Involvement Plan. This included the development of a Technical Advisory Committee and a Citizens Advisory committee to be liaisons and provide guidance to the study team. Additional components of the Public Involvement Plan have been a dedicated telephone hot line, direct mail, newsletters, public notices, news releases, newspaper stories and interviews, television stories and interviews, development of scale models, and hundreds of meetings in the community with affected parties. The Public Involvement Program Summary as distributed in 1996 is shown in figure 8.1.

Citizens Advisory Committee

The Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) was comprised of neighborhood organizations, community groups, and many interest groups that provided a liaison to the groups they represent. The CAC consisted of 28 members and had its first meeting in January 1996. Over the past five years the CAC has met 15 times with 11 of those meetings being joint meetings with the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC). The CAC provided critical input throughout the process and were instrumental in the evaluation of the long list of alternates to develop a short list of alternates. In addition the CAC was a tremendous liaison in identifying all of the possible impacts and benefits associated with each of the proposed alternates from a citizens perspective.

Technical Advisory Committee

The Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) was comprised of many governmental agencies, utility companies, transit providers, and railroad companies to provide guidance to the study team on all relevant technical issues and maintaining continuing communication with the represented agencies. The TAC consisted of 34 members and had its first meeting in January 1996. Over the past five years the TAC has met 15 times with 11 of those meetings being joint meetings with the CAC. The TAC provided critical input throughout the process and were instrumental in providing technical input to the study team in the development of alternates and the paring of alternates.

The notices, agendas, and minutes of each of the following CAC and TAC meetings are organized in a binder and available for review in the ODOT offices.

Figure 8.1

I-40 RECONSTRUCTION IN OKLAHOMA CITY

A Major Investment Study and
Environmental Impact Statement
Public Involvement Program Summary

INTRODUCTION

The Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) has recognized the need for replacing a deteriorating and congested 7.2 mile section of I-40 (the Crosstown Freeway) in downtown Oklahoma City. Along with the need to correct deficiencies, there is also a need to provide for improved access to existing and planned developments in the downtown area and to improve safety.

Therefore, ODOT is conducting a Major Investment Study (MIS) and an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) of a proposal to make improvements to or possibly to relocate a portion of this section of I-40 in downtown Oklahoma City. A Major Investment Study identifies reasonable alternative strategies for addressing the transportation needs and other problems at a corridor or sub-area level of the metropolitan area. The study evaluates the cost-effectiveness, socioeconomic and environmental effects of alternative transportation investments or strategies.

A key component of the MIS is a cooperative Public Involvement Program that provides opportunities for the general public and various interest groups to participate in these studies.

This summary of the Public Involvement Plan describes briefly the activities, techniques, tools and schedule to be used during the MIS for the I-40 Reconstruction in Oklahoma City.

DRAFT ALTERNATIVES

Several draft alternatives will be considered for detailed evaluation during the MIS and EIS process. These are described briefly below.

• No-Build
• Transportation system management actions
• Freight or special purpose lanes
• I-40 moved south about 300 feet
• I-40 relocated on or near existing railroad ROW of the Burlington Northern and Union Pacific
• I-40 improvement and coordinate with Transportation Link improvements
• A combination of these or others

GOALS OF PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT PROGRAM

The goals of this Public Involvement Program are designed to support a cooperative planning process:

• To increase awareness of and interest and participation in the planning process and environmental impact process, and these studies;
• To provide informational materials about the planning process and environmental impact process, and these studies
• To encourage participation in the planning process and environmental impact process through the use of a variety of techniques

COMPONENTS OF THE PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT PROGRAM

Several specific opportunities have been planned to offer accessibility and participation
in these studies.

Citizens Advisory Committee - A Citizens Advisory Committee, (CAG), comprised of representatives of many interest groups, has been formed. The Committee members will provide a liaison with the groups they represent and review and comment on study materials and recommendations. This Committee will meet four times during these studies.

Public Meetings/Hearing - Two public meetings and one public hearing have been planned at key points in the planning and environmental impact evaluation process.

Technical Advisory Committee - A Technical Advisory Committee will meet periodically throughout the study to provide guidance to the study team on all relevant technical issues and to maintain continuing communication with the represented agencies, and to promote interagency cooperation.

Hot line - A dedicated telephone line (Hot line) for receiving comments and questions related to the study has been established. 405/848-1440.

Public Notices, News Releases, and Other Print Media Contacts

Information through Television and Radio Media

Direct Mail - A direct mailing list of public officials, civic organizations, neighborhood groups, resource agencies, key individuals, and media representatives will be updated continually. This list will be used for notification of public meetings.

Newsletters - Four newsletters will be published and disseminated during the study process.

Other - Within budget constraints, other communication techniques may be used to broaden the audience for information about this project.

RESPONSES TO PUBLIC COMMENT

A record of all comments, questions and responses will be maintained and included as an appendix to the final MIS report.

PERIODIC PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT PROGRAM EVALUATION

The Public Involvement Program will be evaluated periodically to ascertain that the goals and principles of the program are being met.

For more detailed information about public involvement in this process, please call the project Hot Line, 405/848-1440 or address your comments to David Streb, P.E., Project Manager, Planning Division, ODOT, 200 N.E. 21st Street, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73105.

Public Meetings

The Public Involvement Program included 4 general public meetings in downtown Oklahoma City for citizens to obtain information and comment on the project. These meetings were held at key points throughout the process. Hundreds of people attended these meetings and obtained useful information from the project team as well as provided useful information to the project team.

Meeting #1 January 16, 1996 Myriad Convention Center

This meeting was the official start of the project to inform the citizens of the Major Investment Study and Environmental Impact Statement processes. A substantial portion of the meeting was spent discussing the purpose and need for the project which centered mainly on the deteriorated condition of the crosstown bridge as well as the deficient ramps and lack of capacity. This meeting was attended by approximately 200 people.

Meeting #2 August 6,1996 Myriad Convention Center

This meeting identified the long list of alternates being evaluated in the Major Investment Study process. This included Alternates A though F ranging from the existing facility to the Canadian River. The screening process that would be used to pare to a short list of alternates was discussed in detail. This meeting was attended by 43 people.

Meeting #3 September 18, 1997 OKC Civic Center Music Hall of Mirrors

This meeting identified the short list of alternates A, B, B-3, and O. These alternates were described in great detail and large color renderings were available to be viewed for each of these alternates. This was the first opportunity for citizens to see some of the impacts that may be associated with each of the short listed alternates. This meeting was attended by 149 people.

Meeting #4 April 28, 1998 OKC Civic Center Music Hall of Mirrors

This meeting included the unveiling of the scale models for Alternates B-3 and O. The meeting began with a short description of each alternative and then moved to an open forum where the study team had many professionals at various stations to answer any questions from citizens. These stations include the scale models, right of way, design, and a traffic simulation station where a CORSIM computer simulation highlighted the ability of the new proposed alternates to handle future traffic. This meeting was attended by 200 people.

The meeting notices, attendance lists, and minutes of each meeting are available in a binder in the ODOT offices for review.

Public Display of the Scale Models

Scale models (4 feet by 9 feet) of alternates B-3 and D were built to assist in the public involvement portion of the project. These models were built on large aerial photographs and enabled people to identify any rooftop or property in the I-40 corridor. The models were constructed in two pieces to allow easy storage and transfer to many locations for viewing. Perhaps most importantly they offered people the opportunity to see the proposed improvements in three dimensions and to view them for extended periods of time. Until April 1998, the visualization of the alternates consisted of colored plan sheets which were difficult for a layman to understand quickly.

These scale models were available at the April 1998 public meeting at the Civic Center Hall of Mirrors. The models were on display opening weekend of the new MAPS Bricktown Ballpark and viewed by tens of thousands of people. During this opening weekend the study team staffed the models to answer any questions that may arise. The models were also on display at the Myriad Convention Center for the Oklahoma City Blazers playoff hockey games. The models were viewed by thousands of people at the Myriad as well. Comment sheets were available next to the models should citizens choose to comment. Each of the comments received is in a binder available for viewing in the ODOT office.

Since April 1998, the models have been carried to hundreds of presentations to neighborhood associations, civic organizations, and businesses to be viewed. These locations included City Hall, Latino Community Development Agency, Riverside Neighborhood Association, Stockyards City, Chambers of Commerce, Capitol Hill, Rotary Clubs, Professional societies, and many luncheons and dinners. The models have been in the ODOT foyer for viewing whenever they were not at a civic location. These models proved to be an extremely effective form of presentation of the concepts being reviewed for the future I-40 Crosstown Expressway.

[remainder of page includes graphic aerial views of current I-40 Crosstown and a conceptual aerial of Alternate D]

Media Coverage

The I-40 Crosstown Expressway was the subject of hundreds of television stories, television interviews, newspaper stories, editorials, and documentaries of affected citizens. In 1996 most of the coverage centered on the condition of the aging two mile bridge. By 1997 the focus had shifted to whether the new I-40 should stay close to where it is now or move south to the railroad corridor. A key story covered heavily by the local media was the visit by Pennsylvania Congressman Bud Schuster to view the project. Congressman Schuster was instrumental in working with the Oklahoma delegation to obtain $103 million dedicated to the I-40 project.

This coverage has afforded every citizen of the Oklahoma City metropolitan area the opportunity to be aware of the issues surrounding this project. A large binder is available for viewing in the ODOT building that contains most of the media stories on the project. This includes, television scripts, newspaper articles, photographs, and editorials.

Additional Meetings Critical to the Process

The I-40 Crosstown Expressway Major Investment Study and Environmental Impact Statement included hundreds of additional meetings with community stakeholders which was an integral part of the consensus building process. The majority of these meetings centered around one of two topics (1) the pros and cons of moving the new interstate 4 blocks to the south, and (2) the perceived impacts of Alternate D to the Hispanic community and the Riverside Neighborhood.

These meetings included downtown business owners, the OKC Chamber of Commerce, OKC Urban Renewal Authority, 2nd Century, Latino Community Development Agency, Riverside Neighborhood Association, homeowners along the corridor, and corridor business owners (OG&E, Producers Coop Mill, Blumenthals, Eureka Water Company, City Carbonics). Coordination with these stakeholders was continuous for nearly two years. There was a definite split amongst the stakeholders between Alternate B-3 and Alternate D and which was the best alternate for the community. After 4 years of consensus building, many of the objections to Alternate D were addressed and its advantages were identified clearly. A large binder is available for viewing in the ODOT office which contains many of the comments and correspondence developed through this consensus building process.

Comments Available

The public involvement during this process has been extensive. The combination of the comments and media stories are voluminous. The comments identified are clearly marked in binders and available for viewing at the ODOT office.

Release and Public Review of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement

On January 17, 2001 ODOT held a press conference and released the Draft Environmental Impact Statement to the public for review. This action opened the public comment period which remained open until March 15, 2001. A press release from the Department included the locations for the DEIS to be available for review. Those 46 locations included the ODOT Central Office, OKC Chamber of Commerce Office, South OKC Chamber of Commerce Office, Association of Central Oklahoma Governments Office, Neighborhood Services Organization Office, Latino Community Development Agency Office, Oklahoma County Courthouse, Oklahoma City City Clerk's Office, Capitol Hill Main Street Association Office, as well as the Oklahoma Department of Library libraries and the Metropolitan Library System libraries.

Public Hearing

The Oklahoma Department of Transportation held a public hearing on the I-40 Crosstown Expressway Major Investment Study and Draft Environmental Impact Statement, Tuesday, February 27, 2001 at the Myriad Convention Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The hearing was open house format from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. There were 190 people registered including 43 ODOT staff and consultants.

Publicity before the hearing consisted of legal notices published in the Daily Oklahoman and the Journal Record, a press release to local media, and meeting notice flyers mailed to those on the project mailing list, public officials and project advisory committees.

As attendees registered, they were given handouts and invited to view a two minute video summarizing the study process. Stations where those attending could view exhibits, ask questions of ODOT staff or project consultants, pick up additional handout material and make verbal or written comments included the following:

• Renderings of Pedestrian Bridge and Greenway Link over I-40
• Renderings of Retaining Wall Elevations and Wall Perspectives
• Environmental Information -Draft Environmental Impact Statement
• Noise Study Information
• Model of Alternate D Design
• Right of Way Acquisition and Relocation Assistance
• Map of Alignment 0 with Boulevard
• Aerial Photo of Study Corridor
• Written and Verbal comments

A separate section with tables and chairs was set up so that attendees could sit down to read copies of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement and fill out comment sheets or give verbal comments to the official stenographer.

A copy of the two minute video is available for viewing at the ODOT Central Office located at 200 NE 21st Street, Oklahoma City.

Comments and Responses

Comments made at the public hearing as well as those made during the public comment period re included in Volume" of this Final Environmental Impact Statement. Volume II of this FEIS also includes ODOT responses to those comments.