Notice of Availability

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SUBJECT:

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A Tier 1 environmental document focuses on broad issues such as purpose and need, general location alternatives, a corridor level inventory of potential effects, and general methods available to avoid or minimize of potential negative environmental effects. No construction related activities will be authorized as a result of the Tier 1 decision.

If Tier 1 is approved, the project may advance to Tier 2. A Tier 2 environmental review would address site specific project impacts, design issues, costs, and measures to avoid and mitigate, and additional agency and public involvement.

The North Section of the South Central High-Speed Rail Corridor in Oklahoma, is part of the application to improve rail service on the South Central High-Speed Rail Corridor, which traverses from San Antonio, Texas to Tulsa, Oklahoma. The south portion of this corridor, the Oklahoma High-Speed Intercity Passenger Rail (HSIPR) Project starts on the Oklahoma/Texas State Line at the Red River and follows the existing BNSF rail north into the Santa Fe Station in the Bricktown area of Oklahoma City. This link is currently served by the Amtrak Heartland Flyer.

For the North Section, Oklahoma is proposing to implement the HSIPR Project by establishing passenger rail service from Oklahoma City to Tulsa. The proposed route would begin at the Santa Fe Station and connect north then east to the Union Pacific Harter Yard near Lincoln Blvd. and Reno Ave., then along the abandoned Missouri, Kansas and Texas Railroad right-of-way north to the terminus of the Turner Turnpike (I-44) at I-35, which is approximately 12 miles. The rail line would then proceed to parallel I-44 on the north, on new alignment approximately 75 miles. Near Sapulpa, the rail line would cross I-44 on new alignment, tie to existing state owned rail line and then connect to the existing BNSF track for the remaining 19 mile route into Tulsa to Union Station.

Any person wishing to submit a written statement concerning this project or the Environmental Assessment, should submit their views to:

Environmental Programs Division Engineer
Oklahoma Department of Transportation
200 Northeast 21st Street
Oklahoma City, OK 73105

Or electronically at this site.

To be adequately considered, all comments shall be received by 4:30 pm CST, on October 19, 2009.