Welcome Welcome to the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) public hearing on the recommended preferred alternative for the Martinsville Southern Connector Study - Route 220 Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). The study is being conducted to comply with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). This public hearing is being held to present the alternatives evaluated in the EIS, recommend a preferred alternative, and gather input from the public. VDOT representatives are on hand to discuss the study and answer questions. Comment forms are available at this meeting and your input is encouraged. For more information, visit the study website at www.Virginiadot. org/MartinsvilleConnector. This study evaluates options to improve U.S. Route 220 from the North Carolina state line to the U.S. Route 58 bypass near Martinsville. • The study is designated under Executive Order 13807, commonly referred to as the One Federal Decision (OFD), which sets timelines and requirements to obtain a NEPA decision and federal permits. • To assist the federal agencies in complying with OFD, VDOT is identifying the recommended preferred alternative at this stage in the study. • Study process will result in a Federal Highway Administration decision, as well as issuance of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Virginia Department of Environmental Quality permits www.VirginiaDOT.org Martinsville Southern Connector Study Route 220 Environmental Impact Statement Public Hearing on Recommended Preferred Alternative August 15, 2019 – 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm Drewry Mason Elementary School 45 Drewry Mason School Rd Ridgeway, VA 24148 Study Overview VDOT ensures nondiscrimination and equal employment in all programs and activities in accordance with Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. If you need special assistance for persons with disabilities or limited English proficiency, contact 540-387-5353. Civil Rights Right-of-Way Information about right-of-way purchase is discussed in VDOT’s brochure, “A Guide for Property Owners and Tenants.” The document is available at: virginiadot.org/ business/resources/Right_of_way/A_Guide_for_Property_ Owners_and_Tenants.pdf Contact Information Scott Smizik [email protected] VDOT Environmental Division 1401 E. Broad Street Richmond, VA 23219 804-371-4082 Shannon Marshall [email protected] VDOT Communications Division 1401 E. Broad Street Richmond, VA 23219 804-371-6844 Study Schedule Please visit the study website at: www.virginiadot. org/martinsvilleconnector to view the meeting materials, submit comments online or sign up for future updates. Or submit comments in writing to VDOT before August 25, 2019 by mail: Scott Smizik, Project Manager VDOT Environmental Division 1401 East Broad Street Richmond, Virginia 23219 Comments can be submitted online at the study website or via email to: [email protected] Please reference “Martinsville Southern Connector Study PH Comments” in the subject line. Comments Purpose and Need The Purpose and Need sets the goals for the NEPA study and serves as the primary criteria in the development of alternatives. The purpose of the Martinsville Southern Connector Study is to enhance mobility for both local and regional traffic traveling along U.S. Route 220 between the North Carolina state line to the U.S. Route 58 Bypass near Martinsville, Virginia. The following needs have been identified for the study: • Accommodate Regional Traffic • Accommodate Local Traffic • Address Geometric Deficiencies and Inconsistencies VDOT, Federal Highway Administration, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency agreed on the Purpose and Need for the study on November 14, 2018 following an online public survey, which resulted in over 700 responses. STUDY AREA February 2018 Public EIS Scoping Meeting May 2018 Citizen Information Meeting and Alignment Options January 2019 Online Public Survey and Purpose and Need Fall 2018 Public Hearing on the Draft EIS January 2020 December 2020 Final EIS and Public Review FHWA Record of Decision and US Army Corps of Engineers/ Department of Environmental Quality Permits February 2021 Notice of Intent to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) Public Hearing to Present the Recommended Preferred Alternative August 2019 WE ARE HERE Identification of the Range of Alternatives March 2019 Note that all comments made will become part of the record that will inform a Commonwealth Transportation Board decision, as well as the development of the Final EIS. Substantive comments made at this hearing will be responded to in the Final EIS. © 2019 Commonwealth of Virginia