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City Council <br /> Study Session Summary <br /> February 12, 2008 <br /> Page 2 of 5 <br /> <br /> was currently not funded and that if funds did not become available that an <br /> impact study would need to be conducted on how it would affect the Louisville <br /> Station. He indicated that the current environmental study will include the non- <br /> funded stations so that if funding becomes available no further studies will need <br /> to be conducted to include them in the plan. Mr. Quinn stated that the US Army <br /> Corps of Engineers (USAGE) will be the lead federal agency for the <br /> environmental review (NEPA study). Mr. Quinn presented the timeline from 2008 <br /> to the opening in 2014/2015. <br /> Mr. Quinn explained that the corridor would be shared with freight trains and that <br /> the advantage was that the procurement is already in place and BNSF already <br /> has the equipment which would speed up the building process. <br /> Mr. Quinn presented the 3 station designs for the downtown Louisville station. He <br /> stated that these designs were only in the preliminary stage and were only to <br /> help determine the footprint for the Environmental Impact and Land Purchases. <br /> He stated that the study area takes into account traffic patterns and other factors. <br /> Mr Quinn showed on the design map the options for underpass and overpass. <br /> He said that it would be necessary to have a pedestrian pass due to the <br /> continued freight train traffic. Mayor Pro Tem Marsella asked if there would be 2 <br /> pedestrian passes as was discussed early on in the project. Mr. Quinn replied <br /> that he would need to check that he was not aware of a discussion involving 2 <br /> pedestrian passes in Louisville. Mayor Pro Tem Marsella also stated that the City <br /> <br /> would prefer the underpass vs the overpass. <br /> Mr. Quinn explained that the platforms were staggered and were designed fora 4 <br /> car train. He also explained the current parking footprint would allow for a parking <br /> structure when/if additional parking would become an issue. <br /> Mr. Quinn discussed the noise and vibration issues and the possible mitigation. <br /> He discussed quiet zones. He stated that neither RTD nor BNSF were eligible to <br /> apply for Quiet Zones and that the submittals must come from local jurisdictions. <br /> He indicated that RTD has budgeted approximately $325,000 per crossing for <br /> upgrades and $15 million for noise mitigation. He said that if Quiet Zones are <br /> used for mitigation for noise impacts that these funds can be applied to Quiet <br /> Zones. He also stated that RTD would be conducting a study of each crossing <br /> and will be asking each jurisdiction to assist them in that study. It was pointed out <br /> that Louisville has 4 grade level crossings (South Boulder Road, Pine Street, <br /> Griffith, and billion Road) <br /> Mayor Pro Tem Marsella asked what effect the rights-of-way would have on <br /> houses that set close to the tracks. Mr. Quinn said that depending on the location <br /> there is the possibility of putting in one-way drives, but also indicated that with <br /> the increase in train traffic it may require purchasing homes in some areas. <br /> Councilor Sackett asked if the agreement with BNSF included the projected <br /> increase in traffic outlined in the presentation. Mr. Quinn stated that currently <br /> there are seven to eight freight trains per day and he does not see the increase <br /> <br />