Project Overview

The Potomac Yard Metrorail Station Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is being prepared in a manner that is consistent with the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Process under the Safe Accountable Flexible Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU) Section 6002.



Purpose and Need:

The purpose of the project is to improve accessibility of the Potomac Yard area and provide more transportation choices for current and future residents, employees, and businesses by establishing a new access point to the regional Metrorail system. This additional access is needed to address existing and future travel demand in the area resulting from the City of Alexandria's planned development of a major transit-oriented mixed use activity center in the vicinity of the proposed station. The new Metrorail station at Potomac Yard would:

• Improve access to the regional Metrorail system
• Accommodate current and future population and employment
• Increase transit ridership and mode share (the percentage of commuters using Metrorail as their transportation mode)
• Enhance safety for transit riders and pedestrians
• Provide cost-effective and financially feasible solutions



Participating Agencies:

• All federal, state, and local agencies and tribes with an interest in the project
• Participating agencies can include cooperating agencies
• If invited, a federal agency must participate or it relinquishes all rights and authority over the project
• Responsible for identifying any concerns that may substantially delay approval or result in permit denial



Key Coordination Activities:

• Project Scoping
• Coordination plan and schedule
• Purpose and Need
• Alternatives development and selection
• Impact assessment methodologies and level of detail
• Traffic and transportation
• Environmental considerations



Key Environmental Considerations:

The EIS will address potential environmental effects, including (but not limited to) the following—

• Neighborhood and community resources
• Noise and vibration
• Historic and cultural resources
• Parks and parklands
• Water resources, wetlands, and habitats
• Air quality and climate change
• Real estate and displacements



Comments

The Potomac Yard Metrorail Station EIS team wants to hear from you! If you have questions, suggestions, or comments — or if you would like to be added to the project e-mail list — please contact us at:

comments@potomacyardmetro.com