January 17, 2017

1.    Off-Airport Tree Obstruction Removal for Groton - New London Airport, Groton
2.    Off-Airport Tree Obstruction Removal for Hartford - Brainard Airport, Hartford
3.    Barnum Train Station, Bridgeport
4.    NEW! Off-Airport Tree Obstruction Removal at the Danielson Airport, Killingly

After Scoping, an agency that wishes to undertake an action that could significantly affect the environment must produce, for public review and comment, a detailed written evaluation of the expected environmental impacts. This is called an Environmental Impact Evaluation (EIE).

1. Notice of EIE for Off-Airport Tree Obstruction Removal at the Groton-New London Airport

Municipality where project is proposed:  Groton

Address of Possible Project Location: The airport office is located at 155 Tower Avenue, off of U.S. Route 1.

Project Description: Preparation of National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and Connecticut Environmental Policy Act (CEPA) environmental document as required to evaluate the potential impacts associated with tree obstruction removal in areas on, and surrounding the Groton-New London Airport. The evaluation addresses obstruction removals associated with Federally-defined airspace surfaces surrounding the airport needed for the continued safe operation of aircraft.   Objects that penetrate these surfaces are classified as obstructions, and should be removed to safely accommodate approaching and departing aircraft.

The project sponsoring agencies, the Connecticut Aviation Authority (CAA), and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have identified that trees penetrate the airspace at the Airport, including locations beyond the ends of each runway and the airport property boundary.  Per FAA and CAA practice, review of off-airport obstruction removal should be evaluated and documented via a NEPA Environmental Assessment (EA) and state CEPA Environmental Impact Evaluation (EIE). This project includes the identification of each affected property owner and associated parcels (both public and private) with anticipated obstruction removals.

Project Maps:  Project maps can be found at the following locations:

http://grotonairport.caa-analysis.com/project-documents/

Comments on this EIE will be accepted until the close of business on:  Tuesday, January 24, 2017.

The public can view a copy of this EIE at: The Draft EA and EIE for this project are currently available for review at the following Libraries as well as at the website listed above:

Groton Public Library

52 Newtown Road

Groton, CT 06340

Bill Memorial Library

240 Monument Street

Groton, CT 06340

There is a formal public hearing scheduled for this EIE on:

3. Notice of EIE for New Commuter Railroad Station - Barnum Avenue

Municipality where project is proposed: Bridgeport

Address of Possible Project Location: Barnum Avenue between Seaview Avenue and Pembroke Street

Project Description: The proposed project consists of constructing a new commuter rail station on the New Haven Line of Metro North Railroad.  The proposed project will include a new station, two center-island platforms to provide the flexibility to serve both local and express trains, reconstructing track to accommodate these platforms, cross track pedestrian access to the platforms, widening of the retained railroad embankment, catenary structure relocation, a surface parking lot, sidewalks, landscaping, and bicycle and pedestrian amenities as appropriate. The proposed project site is currently vacant, and was previously occupied by structures associated with the Remington Arms Facility. The proposed station would require expanding the railroad right-of-way (ROW) to accommodate the passenger platforms and would require permanently closing or relocating Crescent Avenue between Hallett Street and Waterview Avenue, and potentially to Seaview Avenue.  The vacant site north of the ROW would serve as the surface parking lot.   It is also possible that some type of small facility may be constructed to serve multiple purposes including a waiting area for passengers.  It is proposed that vehicles would access the station from Barnum avenue; pedestrian and cyclists access routes to the station will consider ease of access, surrounding land use, and future development in the vicinity. 

Currently, East Bridgeport suffers from a lack of convenient rail service, needed to sustain existing businesses and meet the areas future transportation demands.  Due in large part to planning and financing efforts of the City of Bridgeport, significant development projects are underway or planned in East Bridgeport.  The proposed station will support this growth.

Project Maps:  Click here to view maps of the project area.

Comments on this EIE will be accepted until the close of business on: Tuesday February 21, 2017

The public can view a copy of this EIE at: The Connecticut Department of Transportation Bureau of Policy and Planning (Room 2155), 2800 Berlin Turnpike, Newington, CT; Bridgeport City Hall, City Clerk Office, 45 Lyon Terrace, Bridgeport, CT; and each of the following City of Bridgeport Public Library branches: Black Rock Branch, Newfield Branch, Old Mill Green Branch, Burroughs-Saden Branch, and North Branch.

The EIE is available electronically by clicking here.

4. Notice of EIE for the Connecticut Airport Authority (CAA) – Off-Airport Tree Obstruction Removal at the Danielson Airport