Over the next two weeks, the Authority and Federal Transit Administration will be hosting public scoping meetings for the Foothill Extension – Azusa to Montclair (Phase 2B), the first public step in the process to environmentally clear the project.

The environmental review process, which will be completed in accordance with both federal and state environmental regulations (the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) respectively), will review impacts of the proposed project and identify how they can be mitigated. The study, called an Environmental Impact Statement/Environmental Impact Report (EIS/EIR), will take approximately 18 months to complete.

Public Scoping is the first step in this process, and is intended to focus the EIS/EIR on pertinent environmental issues and identify strategies for mitigating (or reducing) areas of potential impact. Public Scoping is a necessary part of the environmental review process because it helps to make sure that the EIS/EIR is comprehensive and focused.

The Notice of Intent (NOI) for Azusa to Montclair Extension was released on December 27, 2010. The comment period for the public scoping period runs from December 27, 2010 to February 2, 2011. In addition to being able to provide comments in writing (make sure they are postmarked on or before February 2), four scoping are planned:

(All meetings will include a brief presentation and Q&A session, followed by an open house)

Wednesday, January 12, 2011 (Tonight!)
6 – 8 p.m.
Ganesha Community Center
1575 N White Avenue
Pomona, CA

Thursday, January 13, 2011
6 – 8 p.m.
Timothy Daniel Crowther Glendora Teen and Family Center
241 W Dawson Street
Glendora, CA

Wednesday, January 19, 2011
6 – 8 p.m.
Oakmont Elementary School
120 W Green Street
Claremont, CA

Thursday, January 20, 2011
6 – 8 p.m.
Ekstrand Elementary
400 N Walnut Avenue
San Dimas, CA

Can’t make it to a meeting? You can also submit written comments via email or post. All comments must be postmarked on or before February 2, 2011 to be made part of the record.

Email comments to Metro Gold Line Foothill Extension Construction Authority Public Affairs Director Lisa Levy Buch at llevybuch@foothillextension.org or mail them to:

Metro Gold Line Foothill Extension Construction Authority
406 East Huntington Drive, Suite 202
Monrovia, CA 91016
ATTN: Lisa Levy Buch

Hope to see you at one of the meetings!