Thursday, April 29, 2010

Glassboro-Camden Line: UPDATE

I thought that you would be interested in reading this update that I received recently. There will be meetings coming up in May -- see the link at the end of this announcement regarding the dates and locations.

Southern New Jersey to Philadelphia Mass Transit Expansion Alternatives Analysis Project Update

Delaware River Port Authority (DRPA) and Port Authority Transit Corporation (PATCO) have completed an extensive Alternatives Analysis (AA) study that focused on identifying transportation needs and solutions for Southern New Jersey. This study concluded in 2009 with a recommendation for light rail transit along the Conrail rail right-of-way from Glassboro to Camden.


The Project is proceeding and DRPA/PATCO is pleased to announce the new official name, the Glassboro-Camden Line (GCL).

The GCL is now entering the next phase of project development. DRPA/PATCO is collaborating with the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to complete an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) in accordance with the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). An EIS is a formal document that records the potential social, economic and environmental benefits and impacts of a proposed project or action and proposes measures to mitigate any adverse impacts. This environmental study is expected to be completed in 18-24 months.

What Happens Next?
The “scoping” process is the formal public comment phase conducted at the start of an EIS study. The primary purpose of scoping is to provide comment on the purpose and need, the alternatives to be analyzed, and the potential social, economic and environmental impacts and benefits of the project. Throughout the scoping process, active participation by the public, local community organizations and government agencies is encouraged and valued.

DRPA/PATCO invites you to attend and participate in a Public Scoping Meeting and requests your comments on the GCL project. Each scoping meeting is comprised of an Information Session, Formal Presentation and Formal Comment Period. Interested participants will be able to provide formal verbal testimony at a meeting. Those who wish to speak can register at the start of the meeting.

Individuals who require special assistance at a public meeting should contact Ms. Malaszecki at 856.223.0800 at least 3 days in advance.


The scoping comment period for the GCL will close on Thursday June 10, 2010.
Comments may be submitted to:
Ms. Victoria Malaszecki, Public Involvement Liaison
Envision Consultants, Ltd. PO Box 536 • Mullica Hill, NJ • 08062
Phone: 856.968.2252
Fax: 856.223.8886
E-mail: publicinvolvement@GlassboroCamdenLine.com
Web: http://www.glassborocamdenline.com/
Project Information Line: (856) 968-2252 (voice or via relay)


About the Project

The Glassboro-Camden Line (GCL) is a proposed 18-mile passenger rail line between Glassboro and Camden along and primarily within the existing Conrail rail right-of-way. The GCL corridor traverses Gloucester and Camden counties including the communities of Glassboro, Pitman, Sewell, Mantua Twp., Deptford Twp. Wenonah, Woodbury Heights, Woodbury, Westville, Brooklawn, Gloucester City and Camden. The proposed line would restore passenger rail service along the existing rail line using light rail technology similar to the NJ TRANSIT River LINE. Light rail along this corridor was selected as the Recommended Alternative based on the two-year Alternatives Analysis study completed by DRPA/PATCO in 2009.


Looking For More Information?
Visit the project website at http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1103325835911&s=2981&e=001r5AxSKdWyTDkUKDDyVTNwZLNsd2lqbRJvpIQH49Hm7f-6rf9GwbqWm2cGO5KFZyXV17AyOMyrmGXfrhIRb6PSEd_xthQnNMphBQUW0iv-IrwTl7JG7oxJaFgb0s23Dti, call the project information line at (856) 968-2252 (voice or via relay), or use these quick links to download key GCL project documents.

For the Public Scoping Meeting Flyer, Click Here
For the Scoping Information Booklet & Comment Form, Click Here
For the Project Fact Sheet, Click Here

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