Draft Type 2 Categorical Exclusion

Transcription

1 SR 847 / NW 47 th Avenue Project Development & Environment Study From SR 860/NW 183 rd Street to Premier Parkway County: Miami-Dade and Broward Efficient Transportation Decision Making Number: Financial Management Number: Federal Aid Project: U April 2014

2 STATE OF FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION TYPE 2 CATEGORICAL EXCLUSION DETERMINATION FORM 1. GENERAL INFORMATION County: _Miami-Dade County and Broward County Project Name: SR 847 / NW 47 th Ave. Project Development & Environment Study Project Limits: _From SR 860 / NW 183 rd Street to Premier Parkway Project Numbers: U ETDM Financial Management Federal-Aid 2. PROJECT PURPOSE AND NEED a. Purpose and Need: See Attachment 2.a. b. Proposed Improvements: See Attachment 2.b. c. Project Planning Consistency: Currently Adopted CFP LRTP Table 1 Local Government Consistency for the Proposed Project COMMENTS Yes The project is listed in the Miami-Dade 2035 Regional Long Range Transportation Plan, dated October 29, 2009, on page 4-29 as a Priority 1 project for Planning, Design, and Construction. It is listed as Widen to 4 lanes (2 to 4). PHASE PE (Final Design) Currently Approved TIP Currently Approved STIP TIP/STIP $ TIP/STIP FY Yes Yes $ 140, COMMENTS Listed on Miami-Dade MPO TIP, pages 16 and 242. Listed on the FDOT STIP Report website 07/24/2013. R/W Yes Yes $ 314, Construction Yes Yes $21,602, STIP will be updated 10/2014. The approved draft 2015 TIP is expected 5/2014 with $18,216,588 in funds. Listed on 2014 Miami-Dade MPO TIP, page CLASS OF ACTION a. Class of Action: b. Other Actions: [X] Type 2 Categorical Exclusion [ ] Section 4(f) Evaluation [X] Section 106 Consultation [X] Endangered Species Biological Assessment Page 1 of 44

3 c. Public Involvement: 1. [ ] A public hearing is not required, therefore, approval of this Type 2 Categorical Exclusion constitutes acceptance of the location and design concepts for this project. 2. [X] A public hearing was held on May 22, 2014 and a transcript is included. Approval of this determination constitutes location and design concept acceptance for this project. PENDING [ ] An opportunity for a public hearing was afforded and a certification of opportunity is included. Approval of this determination constitutes acceptance of the location and design concepts for this project. 3. [ ] A public hearing will be held and the public hearing transcript will be provided at a later date. Approval of this determination DOES NOT constitute acceptance of the project s location and design concepts. [ ] An opportunity for a public hearing will be afforded and a certification of opportunity will be provided at a later date. Approval of this determination DOES NOT constitute acceptance of the project s location and design concepts. d. Cooperating Agency: [ ] COE [ ] USCG [ ] FWS [ ] EPA [ ] NMFS [X] NONE This project has been developed without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability, or family status. 4. REVIEWERS' SIGNATURES FDOT Project Manager / / Date FDOT Environmental Administrator or Designee / / Date 5. FHWA CONCURRENCE (For) Division Administrator or Designee / / Date Page 2 of 44

4 6. IMPACT EVALUATION Impact Determination * S N N N Topical Categories i o o o Basis for Decision* g t n I S e n i v g A. SOCIAL & ECONOMIC 1. Land Use Changes [ ] [ ] [ ] [X] 2. Community Cohesion [ ] [X] [ ] [ ] See Attachment 6.A.2 3. Relocation Potential [ ] [X] [ ] [ ] See Attachment 6.A.3 4. Community Services [ ] [X ] [ ] [ ] See Attachment 6.A.4 5. Nondiscrimination Considerations [ ] [ ] [X] [ ] See Attachment 6.A.5 6. Controversy Potential [ ] [X] [ ] [ ] See Attachment 6.A.6 7. Scenic Highways [ ] [ ] [ ] [X] 8. Farmlands [ ] [ ] [ ] [X] B. CULTURAL 1. Section 4(f) [ ] [ ] [X] [ ] See Attachment 6.B.1 2. Historic Sites/Districts [ ] [ ] [X] [ ] See Attachment 6.B.2 3. Archaeological Sites [ ] [ ] [X] [ ] See Attachment 6.B.3 4. Recreation Areas [ ] [ ] [X] [ ] See Attachment 6.B.4 C. NATURAL 1. Wetlands [ ] [X] [ ] [ ] See Attachment 6.C.1 2. Aquatic Preserves [ ] [ ] [ ] [X] 3. Water Quality [ ] [X] [ ] [ ] See Attachment 6.C.3 4. Outstanding FL Waters [ ] [ ] [X] [ ] See Attachment 6.C.4 5. Wild and Scenic Rivers [ ] [ ] [ ] [X] 6. Floodplains [ ] [ ] [X] [ ] See Attachment 6.C.6 7. Coastal Zone Consistency [ ] [ ] [ ] [X] 8. Coastal Barrier Resources [ ] [ ] [ ] [X] 9. Wildlife and Habitat [ ] [X] [ ] [ ] See Attachment 6.C Essential Fish Habitat [ ] [ ] [ ] [X] D. PHYSICAL 1. Noise [ ] [X] [ ] [ ] See Attachment 6.D.1 2. Air Quality [ ] [ ] [X] [ ] See Attachment 6.D.2 3. Construction [ ] [X] [ ] [ ] See Attachment 6.D.3 4. Contamination [ ] [X] [ ] [ ] See Attachment 6.D.4 5. Aesthetic Effects [ ] [X] [ ] [ ] See Attachment 6.D.5 6. Bicycles and Pedestrians [ ] [ ] [X] [ ] See Attachment 6.D.6 7. Utilities and Railroads [ ] [X] [ ] [ ] See Attachment 6.D.7 8. Navigation [ ] [ ] [ ] [X] See Attachment 6.D.8 a. [X] FHWA has determined that a USCG Permit IS NOT required in accordance with 23 CFR 650, Subpart H. b. [ ] FHWA has determined that a USCG Permit IS required in accordance with 23 CFR 650, Subpart H. * Impact Determination: Sig = Significant; NotSig = Not significant; None = Issue present, no impact; NoInv = Issue absent, no involvement. Basis of decision is documented in the referenced Attachment(s). Page 3 of 44

5 E. PERMITS REQUIRED The permitting agencies with stormwater management jurisdiction include South Broward Drainage District (SBDD), Miami-Dade County, South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP). There are no stormwater management permits for the segment of SR 847 located with Miami- Dade County. The segment of SR 847 in Broward County is within SBDD jurisdiction and there is an existing stormwater management permit for this segment of SR 847. A new SFWMD Environmental Resources Permit will be obtained during the design phase. Modification to the existing SFWMD right-of-way permit for the bridge over the C-9 Canal will also be necessary. The SBDD Permit will also be modified. Coordination with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) will be necessary for the bridge improvements that occur within the C-9 Canal; a Section 404 and Section 408 review is anticipated. The following table lists the anticipated environmental permits and the associated regulatory agency. Permit applications and/or modifications will be prepared and agency coordination will occur during the design phase. Table 2 Project Regulatory Permitting Requirements Agency Type Status USACE Section 404 Review Obtain in Design Phase USACE Section 408 Review for the C-9 / Snake Creek Canal Obtain in Design Phase FDEP NPDES for Construction Obtain in Design Phase SFWMD Environmental Resource Permit (ERP) Obtain in Design Phase SFWMD SFWMD SBDD Miami-Dade County Consumptive Water Use Permit for Landscaping and Irrigation Right-of-way Occupancy Permit for the C-9/Snake Creek Canal Bridge Review Modifications to existing permits: S & S for the Palm Canal Class III for the A-2 Canal / Carol City Canal Obtain in Design Phase Obtain in Design Phase Obtain in Design Phase Obtain in Design Phase Page 4 of 44

6 7. COMMITMENTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS PENDING - This section will be finalized after the public hearing. Commitment 1 Coordination with property and business owners will be conducted during the design phase where driveways are modified or removed, owners will be notified regarding their rights and opportunity for an Administrative Hearing will be provided. Commitment 2 During the construction phase, access to the Snake Creek Trail at the C-9 Canal will be maintained at all times, as practicable. The Snake Creek Trail is a resource protected under Section 4(f). Coordination with FHWA is required if trail impacts are expected. Commitment 3 Prior to submitting the Environmental Resource Permit (ERP) application, a pre-application meeting and wetland determination will be scheduled with SFWMD regulatory personnel to discuss the need for mitigation. Wetland impacts associated with this project will be avoided and minimized to the greatest extent practicable. If required, compensation for unavoidable wetland impacts will be mitigated pursuant to S F.S. to satisfy all mitigation requirements of Part IV, Chapter 373, F.S. and 33 U.S.C.s Where wetland impacts cannot be avoided, mitigation required by the regulatory permitting agencies can be accomplished through the purchase of credits in an approved wetland mitigation bank. Commitment 4 A Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) will be prepared during the design phase and incorporated into the construction contract to ensure that the Contractor implements Best Management Practices (BMPs) to control stormwater runoff and other potential water quality impacts. The SWPPP will be prepared in compliance with state and federal requirements. In addition, the Contractor will be required to obtain a FDEP National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit. Commitment 5 During the design phase, landscape concepts will be presented to the Miami- Dade Metropolitan Planning Organization, Transportation Aesthetics Review Committee for review and comment. Commitment 6 The FDOT will update the Endangered Species Biological Assessment (ESBA) during the design phase. A preconstruction wildlife survey will be conducted to determine if any federally-listed or state-listed species are routinely using the areas proposed for construction. In the event that preconstruction surveys discover nesting activity by wood storks or the presence other protected species, such as wading birds, gopher tortoises and other commensal species (Eastern indigo snake), additional monitoring and protection measures will be incorporated into the construction project, if deemed necessary. If applicable, The FDOT will provide appropriate wetland mitigation for loss of suitable wood stork foraging habitat in coordination with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). Commitment 7 The USFWS Standard Protection Measures for the Eastern Indigo Snake will be incorporated into the construction documents, in order to minimize any potential for adverse effects to the indigo snake. The FDOT will require that the construction contractor abide strictly to the guidelines during construction. Page 5 of 44

7 Commitment 8 A preconstruction meeting will be held with the project Contractor to review construction requirements in environmentally sensitive areas; to delineate the wetlands limits; and to reiterate the requirement for the use of BMPs to minimize temporary construction impacts. No staging of construction equipment will occur in environmentally sensitive areas within or adjacent to the project corridor. All debris from any demolition of the existing structures are properly contained and removed from the site prior to construction of the new structures. BMPs will be implemented during construction following FDOT s Standard Specifications for Road and Bridge Construction. Commitment 9 The FDOT will carry out a Right-of-Way and Relocation Program in accordance with Florida Statute and the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970 (Public Law as amended by Public Law ). Commitment 10 The FDOT will coordinate with Miami-Dade County Public Schools regarding the project schedule at least six months prior to construction, to avoid disruption to school bus transportation routes and pedestrian access along the sidewalks. The sidewalk along the north side of SR 860 / NW 183 rd Street must maintain an open pedestrian route during school days. Commitment 11 The sequence of construction will be planned in such a way as to minimize traffic delays. The project will involve the development and use of a Maintenance of Traffic (MOT) Plan. This Plan will include traffic management and signage, access to local businesses and residences, detour routes, public notification of alternate routes, emergency services coordination and project scheduling. The local news media will be notified in advance of road closings and other construction-related activities, which could excessively inconvenience the community so that business owners, residents, and/or tourists in the area can plan travel routes in advance. A sign providing the name, address, and telephone of an FDOT contact person will be displayed on-site to assist the public in obtaining answers to questions or complaints about project construction. Commitment 12 FDOT will coordinate with Miami-Dade County Transit regarding any temporary deviation of existing bus routes during the construction phase of this project. Page 6 of 44

8 ATTACHMENT 2 2.a. Purpose and Need The SR 847 Preliminary Engineering Report (PER) contains detailed engineering information that fulfills the purpose and need for the roadway known as State Road 847 (SR 847) / NW 47 th Avenue, within the limits of SR 860/NW 183 rd Street/Miami Gardens Drive (MP 0.00) to Premier Parkway, located in northern Miami-Dade and southern Broward Counties. Refer to Figure 1 - Project Location Map. The SR 847 initial purpose and need was screened through the Efficient Transportation Decision Making (ETDM) process and documented in the ETDM Summary Report, Final Programming Screen and incorporated in the development and refinement of the Purpose and Need Statement for this. (Reference: ETDM Project 13768, published 11/01/2012). 2.a.1 Purpose The primary purpose of this project is to provide additional traffic capacity to accommodate projected traffic growth through the year 2040, provide a continuous north-south four-lane facility between Miami-Dade and Broward Counties, satisfy the required Access Management classification, and improve the safety conditions. The secondary purpose seeks to improve bicycle and pedestrian mobility, upgrade the sidewalk and pedestrian features to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), improve pedestrian access to transit, and comply with permitting and stormwater treatment regulations. Page 7 of 44

9 Figure 1 Project Location Map Page 8 of 44

10 2.a.2 Need The need for the project was first identified in the SR 847 Final Scoping Report, dated 1/19/2012, under Financial Management (FM) number This report was prepared to evaluate the existing physical and operational conditions, and to propose recommendations to extend the service life of the pavement through a Resurfacing, Restoration and Rehabilitation (RRR) project. Table 11 of the Final Scoping Report identified poor operational conditions of LOS D/F in the year 2015, and LOS F/E in years 2025 and 2035; therefore additional traffic capacity was an identified need to meet the LOS D standard in the future design year. The report also identified that the was programmed as FM to widen the corridor from two lanes to four lanes. The PD&E Study phase followed after being initiated through the ETDM Program Screen process. 2.a.2.1 Capacity The PD&E Study evaluated the existing and future traffic conditions to refine the project need. The existing Average Annual Daily Traffic (AADT) in the year 2012 ranges from 16,000 AADT to 22,000 AADT and yields LOS F throughout the majority of the corridor. The roadway intersections lack left and right turn lanes at many locations causing additional back up and traffic queuing. In the PD&E Design Year of 2040, the travel demand ranges from 29,500 AADT to 39,500 AADT which exceeds LOS F and creates excessive traffic delay and congestion. The traffic analysis documentation is further detailed in the SR 847 Design Traffic Technical Memorandum (January 2014). Based on the existing traffic conditions in the year 2012 and projected future traffic conditions in the year 2040, the need to add travel lanes has been identified. Additional needs were identified in the Final Scoping Report and further evaluated during the PD&E Study. These needs for the project are based on the existing high crash rates, poor physical condition, lack of ADA compliant pedestrian features, and discontinuous sidewalks which are detailed in the following sections. 2.a.2.2 System and Regional Linkage System linkage is poor within the study segment. Between the logical termini (NW 183 rd Street and Premier Parkway), SR 847 is a two-lane roadway. North and south of the logical termini, SR 847 is a four-lane divided roadway. Therefore a bottleneck or constraint is created with the existing two-lane section. The roadway provides a regional link between Miami-Dade and Broward Counties across the Florida Turnpike limited access right-of-way, therefore the need for a four-lane roadway is supported based on system and regional linkage needs. Page 9 of 44

11 2.a.2.3 Local Transportation Plans The local transportation plans approved by local the Miami-Dade Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) support the capacity improvement as listed in Appendix A. The proposed improvement is listed as a Priority I project (to be funded between 2010 and 2014) in the Miami-Dade Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) 2035 Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP), [page 4-29]. The project is identified in the fiscal year (FY) Miami-Dade MPO Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) [Section A1, page 242] as two existing lanes, two improved lanes and two additional lanes, for preliminary engineering in FY <2014, right-of-way acquisition in FY and construction for FY The project is also identified in the FDOT STIP Report (pages ) for project development and environment prior to 2014, preliminary engineering in FY 2014, right-of-way in FY 2015, and construction in FY The portion of the project that extends into Broward County (approximately 1,000 ft north of the Miami-Dade/Broward County Line to Premier Parkway) is not identified in the 2035 Broward MPO LRTP. In an dated, October 23, 2013, contained in Appendix F, FHWA made the determination that due to the short length and transitional nature of the project portion that resides within Broward County, the inclusion of the project in planning documents for Broward County is not required for planning consistency. Figure Long Range Transportation Plan Page 10 of 44

12 Figure 3 Long Range Transportation Plan 2035 Miami-Dade Metropolitan Planning Organization Reference: Page 4-29 Page 11 of 44

13 Figure 4 Transportation Improvement Program 2014 Miami-Dade Metropolitan Planning Organization Reference: Section A1, Page 242 of 484 Page 12 of 44

14 Figure 5 FDOT State Transportation Improvement Program Page 13 of 44

15 Figure 6 FDOT Work Program Page 14 of 44

16 2.a.2.4 Social Demands There is one college, six schools, five daycare facilities, two fire stations, two healthcare facilities, and nine nursing homes/assisted living facilities within or in the immediate vicinity of the Sociocultural Effects (SCE) study area. There is one government facility, six community centers, fifteen other social services, two religious facilities, four utility facilities, two temporary housing facilities, and five shopping centers within or in the immediate vicinity of the SCE study area; but no cultural facility, cemetery or funeral homes. Many of these community facilities are also community focal points. There are also nine parks within or in the immediate vicinity of the SCE study area. (Reference: ETDM Summary Report Community Facilities and Services Map contained in the Type 2 Categorical Exclusion). Several facilities located in the SCE study are immediately adjacent to the SR 847 corridor and along the intersecting major roadways. These facilities, which are also important community resources and contribute to the quality of life, provide employment opportunities for residents in the study area. Most employees and patrons accessing businesses within the SCE study area likely use SR 847. Coordination with the local school board identified that a majority of the students do not ride buses and are from the immediate area. Students arrive by walking, biking or automobile. (See Appendix A, MDPS Meeting notes). The lack of existing bicycle facilities, continuous sidewalks and pedestrian crossing signals do not provide adequate mobility that meets the Americans with Disability Act (ADA). These facilities need to be upgraded to provide the high density, urban, residential community a safe and walkable community. FHWA has noted in the ETDM Summary Report that both bike lanes and upgraded sidewalks should be strongly considered to be included as part of this project. 2.a.2.5 Economic Development The proposed project does have the potential to attract new development by allowing for more capacity which will bring more customers to the local area businesses. There is one large mostly undeveloped government property called the Miami Landmark Center that is adjacent to the corridor between NW 199 th Street and NW 207 th Drive. Concept plans call for redevelopment and connections to SR 847 which will create additional congestion without improvements to SR 847. Several large economic generators are located in the 600 acre Miramar Park of Commerce near Premier Parkway. These consist of commercial, industrial, light manufacturing and distribution facilities that can be affected by the delay associated with high congestion levels and access to Miami- Dade County along SR 847. Therefore, there is a need to improve the capacity to enhance economic development. 2.a.2.6 Modal Interrelationships Freight and intermodal distributors within the City of Miramar, located in Broward County near Premier Parkway use SR 847 and the connecting streets for truck and freight distribution. The Miami-Dade North Dade Trash and Recycling Center receives waste management trucks on a daily basis and is located just south of Premier Parkway with Page 15 of 44

17 direct access to SR 847. These facilities are affected by the delay associated with high congestion levels expected along SR 847, therefore capacity improvements are needed. There is pedestrian and bicycle activity throughout the project corridor, as it is mainly a residential arterial roadway south of NW 207 th Drive. The sidewalk along the east roadside is separated from the transit stops by a 50 ft wide swale. North of NW 199 th Street to the end project limit, there is no sidewalk on the west roadside and no sidewalk on either side north of NW 207 th Drive. The corridor lacks designated bicycle lanes along the roadway with one paved shoulder along a portion of the northbound lane. Broward County Transit services do not operate along SR 847. Miami-Dade Transit operates two bus routes (32 and 99) along this section of the corridor with bus stops located along both sides of the road throughout the corridor. A bus bay layover area is located on southbound SR 847 just north of NW 199 th Street. Several existing bus stops and shelters have deficient sidewalk and ADA compliant features. There are missing sections of sidewalk at some bus stops and shelters that require pedestrians to walk along the roadside swales. Bus stops are located beyond the roadway pavement and sidewalk which requires walking along unpaved surfaces to access transit. Bicycle security racks are not provided at the shelters. Overall, the modal mobility performance is reduced due to the traffic congestion, poor sidewalk conditions, poor bus stop conditions, poor connectivity, and lack of bicycle facilities. Therefore there is a need to reduce congestion and enhance sidewalks, transit connectivity and bicycle facilities. 2.a.2.7 Safety Crash data in this section was obtained from the FDOT District Six Safety Office Crash Analysis Reporting System (CARS) for the two sections of SR 847 composing the project segment: NW 183 rd Street to NW 199 th Street and NW 199 th Street to Premier Parkway. Crash data for SR 860 / NW 183 rd Street was obtained and analyzed for the same period and included the intersection approaches 750 ft east and west of SR 847. The data was analyzed for the latest available five-year period (January 2007 to December 2011). Within the study limits, of the 416 crashes, 192 (46%) were injury crashes and 4 were fatal crashes. Two of the fatal crashes were pedestrian/bicycle related crashes and the others were angle crashes. The predominant crash types reported along SR 847 were 30% rear-end, 26% angle and 10% left-turn crashes. According to the latest available (2011) high crash list for FDOT District Six, generated by FDOT Central Safety Office, seven sections of the corridor are listed as high crash segments within the 5 year period and 6 of these sections occur between NW 183 rd Street and NW 199 th Street. Summary: Based on the existing traffic, future traffic in the year 2040, poor safety conditions, the poor existing physical condition of the roadway, the need to add travel lanes and reconstruct the roadway has been identified as the primary need. Additional project needs have been identified that include the correction of the inadequate sidewalk, transit features, and bicycle lanes. Page 16 of 44

18 2.b. Proposed Improvements The FDOT Recommended Alternative is to reconstruct SR 847 from the existing two-lane roadway to a four-lane divided roadway from SR 860 / NW 183 rd Street to Premier Parkway for a distance of miles. The typical section is a four-lane urban divided facility with 11 ft travel lanes, 4 ft bike lanes, a 16.5 ft to 26 ft grassed median, Type F curb and gutter, 6 ft sidewalks located at the right-of-way line and a pipe and exfiltration trench drainage system. The design speed for this alternative is 40 mph. Figure 7 depicts the typical section for the FDOT Recommended Alternative. Concept Plans are contained in the PER Appendix C. Intersection improvements include the addition of left turn lanes, right turn lanes, pedestrian crossing signals, crosswalks and ADA ramps. Expansion of the SR 860 intersection and NW 199 th Street intersection includes adding dual left turn lanes and single right turn lanes on all approaches with the corresponding horizontal alignment transitions on each approach. Expansion of NW 191st Street and NW 195 th Street expansion includes addition of single left turn lanes. NW 215 th Street expansion includes single left turn lanes for northbound and southbound approaches and a through-left turn on the west bound approach. Street lighting and landscape is proposed for the corridor. The median will contain canopy trees and palms. The landscape design and construction is proposed as a separate project according to the FDOT landscape policy. The Carol City Canal Bridge is removed and the Snake Creek Canal Bridge is widened with this alternative. Figure 7 FDOT Recommended Alternative 2 Typical Section Rendering Page 17 of 44

19 Figure 8 FDOT Recommended Alternative 2 Typical Section Sheet Page 18 of 44

20 ATTACHMENT 6 6.A.2 Community Cohesion The impacts on community cohesion are anticipated to be not significant, since the recommended alternative will widen the roadway within the existing right-of-way throughout the residential area. At the SR 860 / NW 183 rd Street intersection, which is a commercial business area, right-of-way acquisition will be required to add left and right turn lanes. Impacts were minimized in the residential Kings Gardens One and Three communities by eliminating right turn lanes at two signalized intersections which are NW 191 st Street and NW 195 th Street. The impacts were further minimized by not enforcing a limited access right-of-way line that is part of the recorded Kings Gardens plats. The existing deed or plat restriction on the Kings Gardens development contains a limited access right-of-way (L/A R/W) line with language that defines the restriction as preventing the direct vehicular and pedestrian traffic to and from the adjoining arterial roads. This L/A R/W line corresponds with the east right-of-way line of SR 847 and property lines of 65 private residential properties, between NW 185 th Street and NW 191 st Street, known as Kings Gardens Section III; and from NW 191 st Street to NW 195 th Street known as Kings Gardens Section I. There is no evidence of enforcement of this L/A R/W deed restriction by the City of Miami Gardens or Miami-Dade County, thereby allowing the local residents to drive and walk across the L/A R/W line. Since the right-of-way restriction is not a State of Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) type of limited access right-of-way, the FDOT will allow access to continue where safety or operational concerns are not identified, thereby reducing community impacts. Kings Gardens Section Three, Plat Book 95, Page 30: (south of NW 185 th St to NW 191 st St): The Limited Access R/W as shown at the rear of lots 1 thru 29 inclusive Block 7, lots 1 thru 10 inclusive Block 13, lots 18 thru 23 inclusive, Block 14, lots 1 thru 6 inclusive, Block 19, lots 1 thru 10 inclusive, Block 20, lots 8 thru 13 inclusive, Block 27, lots 1 thru 20 inclusive, and lots 33 thru 38 inclusive, Block 28, and lots 16,17, and Tract M, Block 34 on the attached plat are hereby designated for the express purpose of preventing the direct vehicular and pedestrian traffic to and from the adjoining arterial roads. The twenty-six townhomes in Kings Gardens Section Three, which are adjacent to SR 847, have access via private alleyways between SR 847 and the local street network in Kings Gardens. The residents park on their property or in the alleyway. The existing alleyways are not physically blocked at SR 847 which allows motorists and pedestrians to improperly cross the L/A R/W. The homes that abut SR 847 in this section do not have vehicles parked between the SR 847 L/A R/W line and the residence. Vehicles park on their private property using the access from the alleyway. Impact minimization measures were implemented in Kings Gardens Section Three. The recommended alternative will provide access connections to the private alleyways that meet the Page 19 of 44

21 required design standards and the properties will continue to use the sidewalk for access. Therefore community impacts are eliminated to the twenty-six townhomes. Kings Gardens Section One, Plat Book 91, Page 26 (from NW 191 st St. to NW 195 th St.): The Limited Access R/W as shown at the rear of lots 1 thru 26 inclusive block 2, and lots 1 thru 27 inclusive block 1 on the attached plat are hereby designated for the express purpose of preventing the direct vehicular and pedestrian traffic to and from the adjoining arterial roads. The area of potential community concern is along In Kings Gardens Section One, where the recommended alternative will alter the existing parking condition for a portion of the 39 homes between NW 191 st Street and NW 195 th Street. In the existing condition, there are four ways to park a vehicle in this section. Park on the private property via alleyway access on the east side of their property. Park in the alleyway on the east side of the property. Park vehicles on the SR 847 right-of-way and walk to their home across the L/A R/W. Drive across the L/A R/W and park vehicles on their private property adjacent to SR 847 The thirty-nine townhomes in Kings Gardens Section One, which abut SR 847, are oriented in an east-west direction. The townhome s east side faces a 22 ft wide alleyway that was designed for vehicle access to the townhomes. In conversation with the City of Miami Gardens, this alleyway was upgraded and paved by the City. Of the thirty-nine townhomes, twenty-one dwellings are using existing parking on the east side on their private property via alleyway access. Nine dwellings either use or can use existing parking on their property via the alley. Approximately ten residential units have expanded the townhome building to the east property line, utilizing the parking on the east side and would therefore need to park in the alley. From NW 191 st Street to NW 195 th Street, access connections will be closed where operational and safety concerns are identified. Detailed analysis of the safety and operations of the access connections will be conducted during the design phase. Where safety or operational concerns are identified and connections are proposed to be closed, the local property owner will be notified of an opportunity to an Administrative Hearing. Rule (3) & (4) and gives the Department the authority to alter, relocate or replace connections in order to meet current Department standards. Furthermore, Rule allows the FDOT to revoke a permit " if the connection causes a safety or operational problem on the State Highway System substantiated by an engineering study. Based on the two public meetings held for this project, local canvasing of the neighborhood and meetings with local community schools and churches, no community cohesion concerns have been raised by members of the community elected officials or any government agency in reviewing the project. The public hearing provides an opportunity to present this subject with exhibits on display for the public inspection and professional staff available for questions. Page 20 of 44

22 No social isolation will occur and no substantial adverse impacts to local or regional traffic patterns are anticipated. No specific ethnic groups or minority populations will become socially or culturally isolated as a result of the proposed improvements. Based on the above findings and measures to minimize direct effects; and no identified indirect or cumulative impacts, the impact determination for Community Cohesion is Not Significant. 6.A.3 Relocation Potential The proposed action does not have disproportionately high impacts to low income and minority communities by reducing the right-of-way acquisition on each parcel. The right-of-way relocation impacts were minimized at the SR 860 intersection by using an approach that widens along both the north and south sides of SR 860 and SR 847. This alternative minimizes the relocations and impacts to the business properties. A Conceptual Stage Relocation Plan and right-of-way acquisition cost estimate were prepared and are contained in the project record. The proposed project estimates nine Sign/Personal Property relocations and one Commercial Business relocation. Several alternatives were evaluated. The estimated right-of-way acquisition and relocation costs are $18,091,100. The one business that is relocated is impacted in all alternatives. In order to minimize the unavoidable effects of Right-of-way acquisition and displacement of people, the Florida Department of Transportation will carry out a Right-of-way and relocation program in accordance with Florida Statute and the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970 (Public Law as amended by Public Law ). The Florida Department of Transportation provides advance notification of impending Right-ofway acquisition. Before acquiring Right-of-way, all properties are appraised on the basis of comparable sales and land use values in the area. Owners of property to be acquired will be offered and paid fair market value for their property rights. No person lawfully occupying real property will be required to move without at least 90 days written notice of the intended vacation date, and no occupant of a residential property will be required to move until decent, safe and sanitary replacement housing is made available. Made available means that the affected person has either by himself obtained and has the right of possession of replacement housing, or that the Florida Department of Transportation has offered the relocatee decent, safe and sanitary housing which is within his financial means and available for immediate occupancy. At least one relocation specialist is assigned to each highway project to carry out the relocation assistance and payments program. A relocation specialist will contact each person to be relocated to determine individual needs and desires, and to provide information, answer questions, and give help in finding replacement property. Relocation services and payments are provided without regard to race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. Page 21 of 44

23 All tenants and owner-occupant displacees will receive an explanation regarding all options available to them, such as (1) varying methods of claiming reimbursement for moving expenses; (2) rental replacement housing, either private or publicly subsidized; (3) purchase of replacement housing; and (4) moving owner-occupied housing to another location. Financial assistance is available to the eligible relocatee to: 1. Reimburse the relocatee for the actual reasonable costs of moving from homes, businesses, and farm operations acquired for a highway project. 2. Make up the difference, if any, between the amount paid for the acquired dwelling and the cost of a comparable decent, safe and sanitary dwelling available on the private market. 3. Provide reimbursement of expenses, incidental to the purchase of a replacement dwelling. 4. Make payment for eligible increased interest cost resulting from having to get another mortgage at a higher interest rate. Replacement housing payments, increased interest payments, and closing costs are limited to $22,500 combined total. A displaced tenant may be eligible to receive a payment, not to exceed $5,250, to rent a replacement dwelling or room, or to use as down payment, including closing costs, on the purchase of a replacement dwelling. The brochures that describe in detail the Florida Department of Transportation s relocation assistance program and Right-of-way acquisition program are Your Relocation: Residential, Your Relocation: Business, Farms and Nonprofit Organizations, Your Relocation: Signs and The Real Estate Acquisition Process. All of these brochures are distributed at all public hearings and made available upon request to any interested persons. Based on the above findings and measures to minimize direct effects; and no identified indirect or cumulative impacts, the impact determination for Relocation Potential is Not Significant. 6.A.4 Community Services The Sociocultural Effects (SCE) document identifies the community services within the ¼ mile SCE analysis buffer and are noted in Tables 3 through 15. The recommended alternative will improve mobility for pedestrians and improve connectivity to local community services with the new sidewalks, bike lanes and transit facilities. The majority of the community services are located on other arterial roadways or local streets, therefore there are no effects to those services. The facilities listed in the following tables that have a tan shading are located on SR 847 or within approximately 200 feet of the construction limits of the recommended alternative. Page 22 of 44

24 Table 3 Colleges and Universities Institution Name Address City Keiser Career College NW 59 th Avenue Miami Lakes Source: Miami-Dade College, Broward College & the University of Florida Table 4 Schools Facility Name Address City Elementary Schools Skyway Elementary 4555 NW 206 th Terrace Miami Gardens Miami Gardens Elementary 4444 NW 195 th Street Miami Gardens Lake Stevens Elementary 5101 NW 183 rd Street Uninc. Miami-Dade DCS-HIS House Academy NW 47 th Avenue Uninc. Miami-Dade Small World Montessori Method 4888 NW 183 rd Street Uninc. Miami-Dade Middle School Lake Stevens Middle NW 48 th Place Uninc. Miami-Dade Source: Miami-Dade College, Broward College & the University of Florida Table 5 Daycare Facilities Facility Name Address City The Learning Nest Academy Inc NW 44 th Court Miami Gardens Huzzie Large Family Child Care 4303 NW 202 nd Street Miami Gardens Betty s Preschool Academy Inc NW 183 rd Street Uninc. Miami-Dade Little Jem Stones Academy NW 49 th Avenue Uninc. Miami-Dade Bethany Child Development 4400 NW 183 rd Street Miami Gardens Source: Miami-Dade College, Broward College & the University of Florida Table 6 Fire Stations Facility Name Address City Miramar Fire Rescue Station Miramar Parkway Miramar Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Station NW 199th Street Uninc. Miami-Dade Source: Miami-Dade College, Broward College & the University of Florida Table 7 Other Healthcare Facilities Facility Name Address City Universal Heritage Institute Clinic 4851 NW 183 rd Street Uninc. Miami-Dade Carol City WIC Center 4737 NW 183 rd Street Uninc. Miami-Dade Source: Miami-Dade College, Broward College & the University of Florida Table 8 Nursing Homes/Assisted Living Facilities Facility Name Address City Maria-Lucia ALF NW 47 th Avenue Miami Gardens Edem Home Care, Inc NW 195 th Street Uninc. Miami-Dade Mercedes & Family ALF 4941 NW 183 rd Street Uninc. Miami-Dade Home Care for Elderly Inc NW 178 th Terrace Uninc. Miami-Dade Las Delicias ALF 4840 NW 191 st Street Uninc. Miami-Dade Time is Care Corporation NW 44 th Avenue Miami Gardens Las Flores Care Center Inc NW 188 th Terrace Uninc. Miami-Dade Las Palmas ALF Corporation 4495 NW 185 th Street Miami Gardens Graceful Gardens LLC NW 47 th Court Uninc. Miami-Dade Source: Miami-Dade College, Broward College & the University of Florida Page 23 of 44

25 Table 9 Government Facilities Facility Name Address City US Post Office NW 37 th Avenue Miami Gardens Source: Miami-Dade College, Broward College & the University of Florida Table 10 Community Centers Facility Name Address City North Glade Elementary YMCA 5000 NW 177 th Street Uninc. Miami-Dade Northwest Dade YMCA NW 48 th Place Uninc. Miami-Dade Psyche Community Health Center 4851 NW 183 rd Street Uninc. Miami-Dade Psyche Community Health Center 4801 NW 183 rd Street Uninc. Miami-Dade Jackson North Community Center NW 37 th Avenue Miami Gardens American Health Associates 2831 Corporate Way Miramar Source: Miami-Dade College, Broward College & the University of Florida Table 11 Other Social Services Facility Name Address City Venessa s Day Care NW 48 th Avenue Uninc. Miami-Dade New Generation Child Care Center NW 49 th Avenue Uninc. Miami-Dade Precious Academy Inc NW 183 rd Street Uninc. Miami-Dade St. Timothy Preschool 4400 NW 183 rd Street Miami Gardens Miami Dade Medical Center 4692 NW 183 rd Street Miami Gardens Francy Baby Food 4733 NW 183rd Street Miami Gardens Devonyae s Day Care 4642 NW 185 th Street Miami Gardens Precious Academy Inc NW 196 th Terrace Uninc. Miami-Dade Peace Home Care Inc NW 197 th Street Uninc. Miami-Dade Maria Lucia Assisted Living NW 47 th Avenue Miami Gardens Rock Zona NW 42 nd Avenue Miami Gardens North Dade Regional Academy 2000 NW 47 th Avenue Miami Gardens Learning Nest Academy Inc NW 44 th Court Miami Gardens Family Christian Association 4555 NW 206 th Terrace Miami Gardens Hope Women s Center 9927 Miramar Parkway Miramar Source: Miami-Dade College, Broward College & the University of Florida Table 12 Religious Facilities Facility Name Address City Masjid Miami Gardens 4305 NW 183 rd Street Miami Gardens Antioch Missionary Baptist Church NW 34 th Avenue Miami Gardens St. Timothy Lutheran Church 4400 NW 183 th Street Miami Gardens Source: Miami-Dade College, Broward College & the University of Florida Table 13 Utility Facilities Facility Name Address City Crown Castle South LLC NW 183 rd Street Uninc. Miami-Dade Florida Power & Light Company 3801 NW 179 th Street Miami Gardens Florida Power & Light Company 3875 NW 203 rd Street Miami Gardens Clear Channel Metroplex Inc NW 42 nd Avenue Miami Gardens Source: Miami-Dade College, Broward College & the University of Florida Page 24 of 44

26 Table 14 Temporary Housing Facility Name Address City Carol City Gardens LLC NW 183 rd Street Miami Gardens Del Prado Gardens LTD 3928 NW 182 nd Street Miami Gardens Source: Miami-Dade College, Broward College & the University of Florida Table 15 Shopping Centers Facility Name Address City Gardens of Miami Center 4840 NW 183 rd Street Uninc. Miami-Dade Miami Gardens Shopping Plaza 4500 NW 183 rd Street Miami Gardens Las Villas Shopping Plaza 4795 NW 183 rd Street Uninc. Miami-Dade Gator Plaza 4601 NW 199 th Street Miami Gardens River Run Shopping Center 9933 Miramar Parkway Miramar Source: Miami-Dade College, Broward College & the University of Florida The facilities located directly on or within approximately 200 feet will have minor impacts related to traffic noise with the recommended alternative. Noise levels were evaluated for the project and are noted in Section 6.D.1 Noise. The commercial properties shaded tan in Table 15 will be have right-of-way acquisition impacts to portions of the parking areas and one business relocation. Measures to minimize property acquisition were incorporated and noted in Section 6.A.3 Relocation Potential. The nearby facilities will experience temporary and minor construction impacts related to noise, dust and vibration as noted in Section 6.D.3 Construction. Based on the above findings and measures to minimize direct effects; and no identified indirect or cumulative impacts, the impact determination for Community Services is Not Significant. 6.A.5 Nondiscrimination Considerations Executive Order 12898, Federal Actions to Address Environmental Justice in Minority Populations, signed by the President on February 11, 1994, directs federal agencies to take appropriate and necessary steps to identify and address disproportionately high and adverse effects of federal projects on the health or environment of minority and low-income populations to the greatest extent practicable and permitted by law. The demographic data related to ethnicity, age, mobility and income that were obtained from the census blocks located within a quarter mile of the project corridor are listed in Table 16: During November 2013, the project team conducted public outreach by walking along the corridor in the vicinity of the SR 847 and SR 860 intersection and discussing the project at 33 businesses. The discussion briefed the business managers on the project alternatives, how to comment, how to find out more on the project website, and project factsheets were distributed. The recommended alternative improves mobility by improving sidewalk and transit access with facilities that meet the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements, which support low income, elderly and transit dependent populations. There are no potential impacts to distinct ethnic, elderly, minority, handicapped, or other groups, from the recommended alternative. Page 25 of 44

27 Subject Table 16 Demographic Summary Miami-Dade County from NW 183 rd Street to NW 215 th Street Broward County from NW 215 th Street to Premier Parkway % White % Black or African American % Other % Hispanic / Latino % Minority % Age Mobility: % Drive Alone to Work Mobility: % Use Public Transportation Mean Household Income $44,215 $64,767 % Individuals below Poverty Source: Sociocultural Effects Evaluation Report The impacts to the businesses were minimized by balancing the right-of-way acquisition between several of the independent minority owned commercial properties on the north side of SR 860 and the franchise owned commercial properties on the south side of SR 860 thereby preventing disproportionately high impacts to low income and minority properties. On March 27, 2014, the project team conducted public outreach by walking along the corridor in the vicinity of the Kings Gardens community, along the east right-of-way line, from near NW 185 th Street to NW 195 th Street. The project team distributed the project factsheets and when residents were found at home, the SR 847 alternative was discussed, along with how to stay informed, how to comment on the project, and how to learn more about the project. This public outreach effort was to inform the affected community, which is composed of low income minority populations, in advance of the public hearing. The direct impacts to the residents will be where the residents of the Kings Gardens community will not be allowed to park on the roadway right-of-way with the implementation of the SR 847 alternative. The avoidance and minimization efforts included in the SR 847 alternative are detailed in Attachment 6.a.2 Community Cohesion. Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 provides that no person in the United States shall, on the grounds of race, color, or natural origin, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance. This project has been developed in accordance with the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended. Page 26 of 44

28 Under the recommended alternative, no groups will be excluded from public participation, which is addressed in detail in the public involvement plan section of the PD&E study. In addition, no groups will be denied benefits of, or discriminated against, as part of this project. Based on the above discussion and analysis, the SR 847 recommended alternative will not cause disproportionately high and adverse effects on any minority or low income populations in accordance with the provisions of Executive Order and FHWA Order a. No further Environmental Justice analysis is required. No minority or low-income populations have been identified that would be adversely impacted by the proposed project, as determined above. Therefore, in accordance with the provisions of Executive Order and FHWA Order a, no further Environmental Justice analysis is required. Based on the above findings and measures to minimize direct effects; and no identified indirect or cumulative impacts, the impact determination for Nondiscrimination Considerations is None. 6.A.6. Controversy Potential Two public meetings were held for this project, the Public Kickoff Meeting and Alternatives Public Workshop. Written public comments received at the public meetings supported the proposed action and no controversial concerns were raised by members of the community, elected officials or government agencies. Public outreach extended to one-on-one meetings with local community school officials and religious leaders, who did not have potentially controversial concerns with the project. However, during specific public outreach where door-todoor canvasing was conducted on the SR 847 corridor, three areas of concern were identified. The concern was limited to a few individuals and not by a community group or large number of people. Therefore the controversy potential is not considered high. The public involvement program conducted local on-street, door-to-door canvasing of the affected businesses and neighborhoods adjacent to the SR 847 right-of-way. The neighborhood members were briefed on the project alternatives, shown the areas of right-of-way acquisition for all alternatives and informed on how to make formal comments, how to access the project website and contact FDOT. These areas were at the SR 860 intersection where right-of-way acquisition will occur and along SR 847 at the Kings Gardens community where vehicles are parked within the FDOT right-of-way. The SR 860 intersection has commercial properties on all quadrants. The business owners were concerned with right-of-way impacts caused by two alternatives that widened mostly north or south. The recommended alternative minimizes the impact to any particular business with the centered alignment thereby not causing disproportionate impact to either the north or south. One section of low income housing known as Carol City Gardens Apartments is located behind a BP Fuel Service Station, in the northeast corner of SR 860. At a meeting with the Carol City Gardens Apartment managers, their concerns were identified regarding two alternatives that have more impact to the playground than the recommended alternative. The roadway impacts to the Carol City Gardens Apartments property were minimized with the recommended Page 27 of 44

29 alternative which does not impact the playground. The other concern was for possible noise impacts. There are no additional through lanes proposed near the playground adjacent to SR 860, therefore, noise barriers were not warranted. The Carol City Gardens Apartments do not have exterior use located along SR 847, therefore noise barriers are not warranted. The other potential controversial subject has been identified, brought to the attention of the local officials and residents, and minimized where feasible. This potential controversial subject is regarding residents who leave their vehicles within the FDOT right-of-way; or drive across the sidewalk and the limited access right-of-way line to park on their property. Per the Kings Gardens Section One and Section Three plat from the 1970s, the existing limited access right-of-way line does not permit vehicle or pedestrian access from SR 847 between NW 183 rd Street and NW 195 th Street. The limited access line continues around the north and south sides of NW 191 st Street and NW 195 th Street without an official fence or barrier. This plat restriction has not been enforced by Miami- Dade County or the City of Miami Gardens. Existing residential access is provided on the development side or east side of the property by use of private easements, local streets and alleyways. The City of Miami Gardens has a program in place to improve the alleys with pavement and street lighting when approval by the homeowners is received. The City of Miami Gardens has improved and paved the alleyway along the east side of these homes, which is where the plat intended the access to occur. The FDOT Legal Department reviewed the plat conditions and identified that FDOT does not own the limited access rights therefore enforcement of the access restriction would be the responsibility of Miami-Dade County or the City of Miami Gardens and not by the FDOT. Efforts to minimize impact to the affected residents and minimize access changes were included with the recommended alternative, which will: Allow vehicular access connections at the private access alleyway easements where safety and operational conditions allow between NW 185 th Street and NW 191st Street. Evaluate the residential access between NW 191 st Street and NW 195 th Street for proper operational and safety conditions, during the design phase. When closure or loss of access to SR 847 may be proposed by curb and gutter with sidewalk, the property owner will be provided official notice of their right to an Administrative Hearing according to FDOT procedures and Rule The alley serving this area was improved by the City of Miami Gardens. Other concerns raised by a few members of the public during the neighborhood canvasing were related to the lack of existing street lights, existing ponding of stormwater in the FDOT right-ofway, desire for shade along the sidewalks, noise, dust, increased traffic, cars in the alley when garbage pickup occurs, drivers speeding in the alley, and lack of parking for visitors. The recommended alternative provides landscape within the median, street lights and a drainage system which will address the public s concerns. The alleys are twenty-two (22) feet wide which allows for parking in the alleys when garbage pickup is scheduled and adequate open space to drive down the alley for residents, emergency vehicles and garbage pickup. Page 28 of 44

30 FDOT will not make a final decision on the proposed action or any alternative until a public hearing has been held on this project and all comments received have been taken into consideration. Based on the above findings and measures to minimize direct effects; and no identified indirect or cumulative impacts, the impact determination for Controversial Potential is rated as Not Significant. 6.B.1 Section 4(f) A Section 4(f) Determination of Applicability (DOA) was prepared for one recreational resource known as the Snake Creek Trail which is further discussed in Section 6.B.4. FHWA determined that the Snake Creek Trail was a protected Section 4(f) resource; however no Section 4(f) impact is expected by this project. On January 31, 2014 the Section 4(f) DOA Report for the above referenced project was sent to FHWA for review and concurrence. FHWA reviewed the document and provided the following comments in an dated March 11, 2014 which is contained in Appendix B. FHWA hereby finds that the planned trail in this area is a Section 4(f) protected resource, even though the exact boundary locations of this planned trail has not yet been determined. However, because of the following, FHWA finds that there will be no Section 4(f) impact to this resource by the currently proposed NW 47 th Avenue widening project: 1) the NW 47 Avenue widening project at this location will be within existing FDOT rightof-way that already serves as a transportation use; 2) the widening project would not prevent the potential construction of a trail project up to the right-of-way for NW 47 th Avenue; 3) the project provides connections from the proposed sidewalk and pedestrian crossing for the NW 47 th Avenue widening project to a future trail on both sides of the FDOT rightof-way; and 4) there will be no permanent incorporation of a Section 4(f) resource into a transportation use. Based on the above findings, there will be no direct, indirect or cumulative impacts to the Snake Creek Trail. Therefore, the impact determination for this Section 4(f) resource is None. 6.B.2 Historic Sites/Districts A Cultural Resource Assessment, conducted in accordance with the procedures contained in 36 CFR Part 800 and including background research and a field survey coordinated with the State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO), was performed for the project. As a result of the assessment, twelve properties, Florida Master Site File Numbers (8BD4565/8DA11532, 8DA6530, 8DA11187, 8DA11509,8DA13759, 8DA13760, and 8DA DA13845) were identified. The Federal Highway Administration, after application of the National Register Criteria of Significance, found that the sites were not eligible for listing on the National Register of Page 29 of 44

31 Historic Places. The SHPO rendered the same opinion. Based on the fact that no additional archaeological or historical sites or properties are expected to be encountered during subsequent project development, the Federal Highway Administration, after consultation with the SHPO, has determined that no National Register properties would be impacted. The SHPO coordination letter is shown in Appendix B. The CRAS resulted in the identification of a total of twelve historic resources, four of which are previously recorded (8BD4565/8DA11532, 8DA6530, 8DA11187, 8DA11509) and eight of which are newly recorded (8DA13759, 8DA13760, and 8DA DA13845). Two of the previously recorded resources are historic linear resources: South Broward Drainage District (SBDD) Canal #2 (8BD4565/8DA11532) and Snake Creek (C-9) Canal (8DA6530). The SBDD Canal #2 (8BD4565/8DA11532) was determined ineligible for listing in the NRHP by the State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO) on August 6, Please note that SSBD Canal #2 has two Florida Master Site File (FMSF) numbers, as it is located in both Broward and Miami-Dade counties. The Snake Creek (C-9) Canal (8DA6530) was determined to be ineligible for listing in the NRHP by SHPO on January 18, The two canals (8BD4565/8DA11532 and 8DA6530) have undergone modifications along portions of their length, are only two of numerous drainage canals constructed in south Florida with no significant engineering features, and both have nonhistoric development along their banks. Therefore they remain ineligible for the NRHP. The two remaining previously recorded historic structures (8DA11509 and 8DA11187) are historic standing structures. FDOT Bridge # (8DA11509) was determined ineligible for listing in the NRHP by SHPO on August 6, The historic bridge (8DA11509) is a simple fixed bridge with an engineering design commonly found throughout the state of Florida. Therefore, it remains ineligible for inclusion in the NRHP. St. Timothy Evangelical Lutheran Church/4400 NW Miami Gardens Drive (8DA11187) has not been evaluated by SHPO for listing in the NRHP. However, it is considered to be ineligible for listing in the NRHP individually or as part of a historic district. As neither the physical description nor the NRHP eligibility of the SBDD #2 Canal (8BD4565/8DA11532), C-9/Snake Creek Canal (8DA6530), and FDOT Bridge # (8DA11509), has changed since their previous recordation, updated FMSF forms were not prepared for these resources. A FMSF form was updated for St. Timothy Evangelical Lutheran Church/4400 NW Miami Gardens Drive (8DA11187) as SHPO has not made a determination of eligibility for listing in the NRHP. The eight newly recorded historic resources (8DA13759, 8DA13760, and 8DA DA13845) include two historic bridges (8DA13759 and 8DA13760) and six historic buildings (8DA DA13845) which are Masonry Vernacular in style. The buildings are simple in design and similar buildings can be found throughout Miami-Dade County and the State of Florida. Many of the buildings also exhibit modifications that affect historic integrity. The buildings adjacent to the project corridor within the project Area of Potential Effect (APE) were primarily constructed during the 1970s. The newly identified historic buildings (8DA DA13845) were constructed during the late 1950s and are located in areas with historic buildings of similar construction dates, which are not within the bounds of the project APE. Many historic buildings in the area have been substantially modified so that they no longer possess Page 30 of 44

32 historic integrity. In addition, the area does not have logical boundaries that would comprise a historic district due to the predominance of non-historic constructed buildings and also due to the fact that a great number of tract houses exist surrounding the project area. Therefore, due to the common nature of the newly recorded historic buildings (8DA DA13845), lack of logical historic district boundaries and exterior modifications which affect historic integrity, these buildings are considered ineligible for listing in the NRHP, individually, or as part of a historic district. The newly recorded Carol City (A-2) Canal Bridge (8DA13759) once carried SR 847 over the Carol City (A-2) canal however; the canal was backfilled at some point prior to The bridge type was obscured due to the backfilling of the Carol City (A-2) Canal but the bridge is of simple engineering techniques and is not considered eligible for listing in the NRHP due to insufficient historic significance. The Snake Creek Bridge/FDOT Bridge # (8DA13760) is a simple Multi-beam or Multi-girder bridge and does not possess sufficient significance for listing in the NRHP. In the ETDM comments, Bridge (870053) over the C-9/Snake Creek Canal was requested to be surveyed as part of the CRAS. The CRAS identified that Bridge , does not possess sufficient significance for listing in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). Coordination with FHWA and the State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO) resulted in concurrence of these sites as evaluated in the CRAS, as noted in the letter dated January 27, 2014 and concurred upon by the SHPO on February 18, FDOT will continue coordination with SHPO during the construction phase where appropriate. The SHPO concurrence letter is available in Appendix B. Based on the above findings, there will be no direct, indirect or cumulative impacts, therefore the impact determination for Historic Sites/Districts is None. 6.B.3 Archaeological Sites No archaeological sites were newly identified in the CRAS and no previously recorded archaeological sites are located within one-half mile of the archaeological APE. No Miami-Dade County-designated archaeological sites or zones are located within one mile of the project corridor. The majority of the archaeological APE falls within modified land containing pavement and sidewalk associated with SR 847 as well as frontage, access drives, and buried utilities. A pedestrian survey did not identify any environmental features indicative of archaeological site potential. Subsurface testing of the project corridor confirmed the disturbed nature of the archaeological APE and the low archaeological site potential as suggested by the background research. Based on the above findings, there will be no direct, indirect or cumulative impacts, therefore the impact determination for Archeological Sites is None. Page 31 of 44

33 6.B.4 Recreation Areas The Sociocultural Effects report identified nine existing parks within the SCE study area. These parks are located approximately 3000 to 5000 ft away from SR 847. The recommended alternative will not have any direct, indirect or cumulative impacts on these nine parks. The recommended alternative will improve safety and mobility to pedestrians and bicyclist with construction of new sidewalk and bicycle lanes. These nine existing recreational areas are: Lake Stevens Park, North Glade Park, A.J. King Park, Risco Park, Acadia Park, Vista Verde Park, Miramar Pineland Natural Area, Miramar High School Park, and the Sheraton Park. One recreational area, the Snake Creek Trail is a planned recreational facility located directly adjacent to SR 847. This trail is discussed in detail in Section 6.B.1 Section 4(f). A Section 4(f) DOA was reviewed by FHWA that determined the Snake Creek Trail is a Section 4(f) protected resource and that the proposed SR 847 / NW 47 th Avenue project would not result in a Section 4(f) impact. Phase 1 of the trail construction is completed with approximately four miles of the trail from near I-95 and extending to the Florida s Turnpike which is approximately three miles east of SR 847. Trail improvements consist of an asphalt shared-use path and kiosks. The Miami-Dade MPO North Dade Greenways Master Plan lists the Snake Creek Trail as a 18.6 mile trail that extends from Krome Avenue to east of I-95, which intersects SR 847 at the C-9 Canal bridge (No ). Within the SR 847 study area or within the limits of the City of Miami Gardens, the trail does not have funding for design or construction; nor is there funding for the segment that will extend west into Broward County. The trail is consistent with SFWMD public use policy, Miami-Dade Greenways Plan, the Broward County Greenways System and the City of Miami Gardens Master Plan. (See Appendix B.) During the SR 847 agency coordination, the Miami Dade County Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces (MDPROS) Department requested a pedestrian and bicycle connection to be accommodated and implemented at the C-9 Snake Creek Canal as part of the SR 847 capacity improvement project. A pedestrian and bicycle connection is included in the proposed SR 847 project. The recommended alternative includes a trail connection with a 12 ft wide, asphalt access connection for use by SFWMD maintenance vehicles and trail users that connects the SR 847 sidewalk at NW 207 th Drive with the south bank of the C-9 Canal and Trail. Right-of-way impacts to construct the trail connection were avoided by narrowing the SR 847 bridge by reducing the 26 ft wide median to 15.5 ft. A similar connection is provided on the north bank of the canal. SR 847 recommended alternative plan sheets at the Snake Creek Trail are in Appendix B. The SFWMD owns and maintains the canal right-of-way where the trail is located and provides recreational access and passive public use. The C-9/Snake Creek Canal levee is open to public recreation including hiking, biking and fishing per the SFWMD s Public Use Rule, Chapter 40E- 7, Florida Administrative Code. Miami-Dade County has designated this right-of-way as a part of the Greenway Master Plan, and plans to develop the trail to and beyond the intersection with SR 847. The plan for the Snake Creek Trail includes an outdoor recreation component consisting of nature trails, a small pedestrian crossing, interpretative signs, and benches. The Page 32 of 44

34 Snake Creek Trail planned and future segments are also included in Broward County s Greenway System. Providing the bicycle and pedestrian connectivity enhances the potential use of the planned and future phases of the Snake Creek Trail and Greenway. Based on these findings, there will be no direct, indirect or cumulative impacts, therefore the impact determination for Recreation Areas is None. 6.C.1 Wetlands (and Surface Waters) The Wetland Evaluation Report (WER) documents the evaluation of potential effects to wetlands and surface waters within the project area is required by Presidential Executive Order ( Protection of Wetlands ), the FHWA Technical Advisory T6640.8A, and fulfills the requirements of the FDOT s PD&E Manual, Part 2, Chapter 18 (4/24/2013). The project corridor is located within an urban/suburban setting and SR 847 is surrounded on both sides by existing residential and commercial development. A desktop review was conducted to identify areas along the project where wetlands and/or surface waters may be impacted by the proposed roadway improvements. Further field investigation identified one (1) wetland area is located adjacent to the right-of-way that is a stormwater swale. The Florida Land Use Cover and Classification System (FLUCCS) code is 534 which represents reservoirs less than 10 acres. The swale contains hydrophytic vegetation, hydric soils and hydrological connectivity to the C- 9/Snake Creek Canal via a series of culverts. Coordination with Miami-Dade Transit as part of this Study eliminated two Miami-Dade Bus bays during the alternatives analysis which allowed for avoidance measures at the south end of the wetland area 1-A (see Appendix C). The remaining bus bay will be sited where the swale is currently grassed, mowed and maintained thereby reducing the wetland impact. This action avoids impacts to the natural wetland vegetation that exists within the swale. This minimization strategy provides an overall benefit to the system since impacts will occur on the fringe rather than throughout the swale thereby not affecting multiple segments and plant community types. The existing wetland will largely be left intact with minimal disturbance to the system and its current function. There are three (3) surface water canals with a FLUCCS code of 510 which represents streams and waterways. The canals are near or adjacent to the project and will be altered or impacted by the proposed improvements. These surface waters are the Carol City Canal, the C-9/Snake Creek Canal and the Palm Canal and an exhibit is provided in Appendix C. Practical avoidance and minimization strategies were implemented to reduce direct impacts to stormwater swales and surface waters that will result from the construction of the recommended alternative. The recommended alternative will incur 0.04 acres of impacts/effects to the wetland swale exhibiting hydrophytic vegetation and 1.38 acres of construction activities occurring in other surface waters (see Appendix C). The resulting wetland and surface water impacts are minor without causing disturbance to each system s function of water treatment and/or conveyance. The FDOT will continue to incorporate avoidance and minimization criteria Page 33 of 44

35 throughout the design and permitting phases to reduce these impacts/effects as much as practical. Mitigation can be addressed through the use of previously purchased credits or the purchase of new credits at Everglades Mitigation Bank (EMB) or another approved mitigation bank. The project was reviewed through FDOT s Efficient Transportation Decision Making (ETDM) process. During this PD&E Study further analysis and coordination was conducted then presented at the September 19, 2013 at the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) Interagency Coordination Meeting which was attended by FDOT and regulatory personnel from the USACE and the SFWMD. Meeting notes are available in Appendix C. Agency coordination continues through the PD&E Study phase and through final design. The final regulatory jurisdiction and impacts, as well as the proposed mitigation, will be determined during the final design phase through the environmental permitting process. The FDOT is committed to coordinating with the regulatory agencies and providing mitigation as required compensating for unavoidable impacts to wetland resources. The findings of the WER determined that due to the urban setting, surrounding development, and proposed mitigation, the project will not result in significant short-term or long-term adverse impact to wetlands, stormwater swales, or surface waters within the project vicinity; there are no practicable alternatives to construction disturbance in the wetland area and measures have been taken to avoid and minimize harm to wetlands. Wetland impacts which will result from the construction of this project will be mitigated pursuant to Section , F.S. to satisfy all mitigation requirements of Part IV. Chapter 373, F.S. and 33 U.S.C. s Pursuant to Presidential Executive Order 11990, entitled Protection of Wetlands, and in accordance with the FDOT PD&E Manual, Part 2, Chapter 18 Wetlands and Other Surface Waters (dated 4/24/2013), the project area was reviewed to identify, map, and assess wetlands, surface water communities, and stormwater retention/conveyance features that are located within or adjacent to the SR 847/NW 47 th Avenue PD&E study corridor. A Wetland Evaluation Report was prepared for this project, which is on file at the FDOT District Six offices in Miami, Florida. Wetland impacts associated with the project alternatives were eliminated and reduced to the maximum extent practicable. Minimal unavoidable direct and secondary impacts will be mitigated within the same regional watershed where the impacts will occur, as discussed in the WER. Based on these findings, the direct impacts will be mitigated where required. There will be no indirect or cumulative impacts. Therefore, the impact determination Wetlands is Not Significant. 6.C.3 Water Quality The proposed storm water management facility design will include, at a minimum, the water quantity requirements for water quality impacts as required by Chapter , F.A.C., FDOT criteria established by Section (15), Florida Statutes, Chapter 14-86, Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C.), Rules of the Department of Transportation, the SFWMD Environmental Resource Permit Information Manual Volume IV and Miami-Dade County Page 34 of 44

36 regulatory rules, criteria outlined in the FDOT Drainage Manual and applicable drainage design handbooks and local more stringent drainage criteria developed by FDOT District Six for projects within Miami-Dade County. The EPA has stated in a letter dated March 12, 2014, the following: If proper protection measures are followed, this project is not expected to cause significant adverse impacts to the aquifer. See Appendix C for the EPA coordination letter for the Biscayne Sole Source Aquifer. A Drainage Report was prepared for the project and is contained in the project record. The report identifies the conceptual stormwater quantity and quality system and requirements. Stormwater treatment will be conducted with exfiltration trenches. The drainage system is not expected to require right-of-way acquisition. The criteria set forth require projects to meet the following volumetric retention/detention requirements: 1. For wet detention systems: a. A wet detention system is a system where the control elevation is less than 1 ft above the seasonal high ground water elevation and does not bleed-down more than ½-inch of detention volume in 24 hours. b. The greater of the following volumes must be detained on site: i. the first 1-inch of runoff times the total project area ii. the total runoff from 2.5-inches times the impervious area 2. Dry detention systems must provide 75 percent of the required wet detention volume. Dry detention systems maintain the control elevation at least 1 ft above the seasonal high ground water elevation. 3. Retention systems must provide at least 50 percent of the wet detention volume. 4. For projects with impervious areas accounting for more than 50 percent of the total project area, discharge to receiving water bodies must be made through baffles, skimmers, or other mechanisms suitable of preventing oil and grease from discharging to or from the retention/detention areas. Exfiltration trenches with the perforated pipe located at or above the seasonal high groundwater elevation are considered dry retention system, and when these systems are considered, the dry retention credit outlined above applies. Exfiltration trench may be utilized for water quality purposes. Miami-Dade County Standards require continuous exfiltration trench along the entire project length. Based on these findings, there will be no indirect or cumulative impacts, therefore the impact determination for Water Quality is Not Significant. The Water Quality Impact Evaluation (WQIE) form is available in Appendix C. 6.C.4 Outstanding Florida Waters (OFW) The Biscayne Sole Source Aquifer, and OFW, underlies all of Miami-Dade County. This aquifer is a designated Sole Source Aquifer, and an Outstanding Florida Water since it is the sole or principal drinking water source for a populated area. On January 30, 2014, the FDOT requested that the EPA review the project s effects on the Biscayne Sole Source Aquifer. The EPA has stated in a letter dated March 12, 2014 the following: If proper protection measures are Page 35 of 44

37 followed, this project is not expected to cause significant adverse impacts to the aquifer. See Appendix C for the EPA coordination letter for the Biscayne Sole Source Aquifer. The EPA provided recommendations to contain and remove debris from demolition of structures which is included in Section 7 Commitments. The proposed project is not anticipated to have negative impacts to the Biscayne Aquifer system. All necessary precautions and BMPs pertaining to construction will be followed to prevent adverse impacts to the underlying sole source aquifer. Based on these findings, there will be no direct, indirect or cumulative impacts, therefore the impact determination for the Outstanding Florida Waters impact determination is None. 6.C.6 Floodplains This project lies within three separate Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) FIRM Maps (Panels 12011C0315F, 12086C0110L, and 12086C0109L). A Location Hydraulic Memorandum, Drainage Report and a Bridge Hydraulic Report are contained in the project record. The project basins in Broward County are in FEMA Flood Zone AH with a flood elevation of 7.0 ft relative to the National Geodetic Vertical Datum (ft-ngvd). The project basins in Miami-Dade County are in FEMA Flood Zone AE with a flood elevation of 7.0 ft-ngvd. Zones AH and AE are special flood hazard areas subject to inundation by the 100-year flood event (1% annual chance flood), which is known as the base flood. Miami-Dade and Broward Counties have no designated regulatory floodways within the project limits which was verified through a review of the FEMA FIRM maps and consultation with local and state agencies, therefore the project limits do not lie within a designated regulatory floodway. A floodway is the floodplain area that must be kept free of encroachment so that the 100-year flood event can be carried without substantial increases in flood heights. The improvements lie within a floodplain, but do not lie within a regulatory floodway area. Since there are floodplains in the vicinity of the project, but no impacts to the floodplain encroachment, the level of significance of the project for floodplain encroachments is considered None, as outlined in the PD&E Manual, Part 2, Chapter 24. The None determination means that there are floodplains in the vicinity of the proposed improvements, but there is no floodplain encroachment. 6.C.9 Wildlife and Habitat An Endangered Species Biological Assessment (ESBA) was prepared for the proposed project, and includes all federal and state listed species potentially occurring within the project area along with the project s anticipated effects to these species. Preparation of this ESBA is in accordance with Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (P.L ), as amended (16 USC 1531 et seq.), and the FDOT s PD&E Manual, Part 2, Chapter 27. The ESBA report was submitted to the USFWS by FDOT District Six on behalf of FHWA. No USFWS-designated Critical Habitat for listed species is present within the project study area, nor are there any Strategic Habitat Conservation Areas. The west side of the project area is located within the Page 36 of 44

38 Snail Kite Consultation area (see Appendix C). The project is also located within two (2) wood stork Core Foraging Areas (CFA; also see Appendix C). Essential Fish Habitat (EFH) is not present, due to the location of the project corridor. Although no wood storks were observed during the field reviews, areas of potential suitable foraging habitat may exist within and adjacent to the project corridor. The wetlands and surface waters are located within or along areas that should not be impacted (temporarily or permanently) by activities (e.g., elimination of swales) associated with construction of the proposed project. Avoidance and minimization of wetland impacts have addressed the potential direct impact to any suitable wood stork foraging areas. BMPs during construction should be implemented to avoid any indirect or temporary impacts that may occur during construction activities. The proposed project would result in far less than five acres of wood stork foraging habitat. Impacts to five of more acres would require mitigation of wood stork foraging habitat by USFWS. After avoidance and mitigation strategies were employed, it was determined the 0.04 acre of impacted wetland swale area does not provide suitable foraging habitat for the wood stork and mitigation should not be required. A number of protected species identified by the USFWS and/or Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) that are known to occur or have the potential to occur in the project area were evaluated. Based on field reviews and research conducted, adverse impacts to protected species, such as the Snail Kite, are not anticipated with the implementation of the proposed project. This is primarily due to lack of supporting resources, species occurrence and suitable habitat in the project area and its vicinity. Coordination with USFWS on the effect of these species was initiated by FDOT in a letter dated January 31, The following effect determinations were recommended to USFWS as documented in the in the ESBA prepared by the FDOT on behalf of FHWA: Manatee: may affect, not likely to adversely affect Florida bonneted bat: may affect, not likely to adversely affect Wood stork: may affect, not likely to adversely affect Everglade Snail Kite: no effect Bald Eagle: no effect American alligator: may affect, not likely to adversely affect Eastern indigo snake: may affect, not likely to adversely affect According to the USFWS/FDOT/FHWA Section 7 coordination process, in a letter stamped and signed on February 20, 2014 (FWS Log No CPA-0121) the USFWS stated: The proposed action is not likely to adversely affect resources protected by the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (ACT), as amended (16 U.S.C et. seq. See Appendix C for the USFWS Page 37 of 44

39 concurrence letter. In order to ensure that adverse impacts to listed (protected) species within the vicinity of the project will not occur, the FDOT will abide by the commitments listed in Section 7, Commitments & Recommendations and incorporate BMPs during construction. Based on these findings and that there is not likely to have direct, indirect or cumulative impacts to protected species, the impact determination for Wildlife and Habitat is Not Significant. 6.D.1 Noise The Noise Study Report evaluated the proposed improvements to SR 847 for predicted noise levels for the Design Year 2040 to determine if future noise levels approach or exceed the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Noise Abatement Criteria (NAC) at the noise sensitive sites. The analysis was performed according to procedures established in 23 CFR 772 and Part 2, Chapter 17 of the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) PD&E Manual (version 5/24/2011). The prediction of future traffic noise levels was accomplished through the FHWA s Traffic Noise Model (TNM, version 2.5). The Noise Study Report is available for review at the FDOT District Six office located in Miami, Florida. Noise sensitive sites in the study area are residential, one school, one playground, one future trail, a paved path, and medical and institutional facilities, which are grouped as Activity Category B and C receptors with a FHWA NAC of 67 decibels db(a) and a FDOT NAC of 66 db(a) (approach). During peak periods, traffic noise levels are predicted to range from 42.6 to 70.8 db(a) with the existing conditions, from 43.7 to 72.2 db(a) with the No Build alternative and from 47.3 to 72.5 db(a) with the Build alternative. Of the 270 residential and 7 non-residential noise sensitive sites that were evaluated, 48 sites were predicted to experience noise levels exceeding the 66 db(a) NAC with the improvements proposed with this project. For both the No-Build option, the maximum predicted increase was 6.2 db(a) over the existing noise levels. For the Build option, the maximum increase was predicted to be 9.6 db(a) over the existing noise levels. Whether the proposed improvements are implemented or not, design year traffic conditions are predicted to cause traffic noise to increase by nearly the same amount for either the No-Build or Build options. The documented range of noise increase varied per receptor but did not indicate a substantial increase (of 15 db(a) or more) over the existing condition at any of the locations evaluated. There are several unique aspects of this project that offer challenges to using noise barriers as abatement to mitigate impacts. These include the number of driveway connections along SR 847 along with safety, clear sight window, right-of-way constraints, pedestrian access to transit services, and pedestrian access to important community services, including local schools and businesses. Due to these challenges, a noise barrier was considered at only one location. This noise barrier would potentially provide noise abatement for six impacted homes on the west side of SR 847 between NW 196th Terrace and NW 199th Street. This 319 ft long noise barrier would be located between SR 847 and a parallel local street to the west. The noise barrier would begin north of NW 196 th Terrace at Baseline Station and end south of NW 199th Street at Baseline Station See Appendix D Figure B-4 for the aerial imagery and relative location of this proposed noise barrier. Page 38 of 44

40 The noise barrier analysis evaluated heights ranging from 8 ft to 22 ft, in 2 ft increments. None of the noise barrier heights were predicted to provide enough noise reduction to meet the cost reasonable criteria of $42,000 per benefited receptor. Additionally, none the noise barrier heights satisfied the reasonableness requirement of at least one receptor meeting the noise reduction goal of 7 db(a). Since the noise barrier analysis did not meet the cost reasonable criteria or feasibility and reasonableness requirements, a noise barrier is not recommended at this location. The FDOT is committed to the construction of feasible and reasonable noise abatement measures. It is not considered feasible or to provide noise barriers for the impacted receptors due to the extensive number, location and type of property access conditions. Where a noise barrier was identified at a feasible location, the noise barrier analysis did not meet the cost reasonable criteria or the 7 db(a) noise reduction goal is not recommended for further consideration. Based on the analysis performed to date, there are no viable solutions available to mitigate noise impacts at these locations identified in Appendix D Figure B-4. Based on the above findings and measures to minimize direct effects, the impact determination for Noise is Not Significant. 6.D.2 Air Quality In accordance with the FDOT PD&E Manual, Part 2, Chapter 16 Air Quality Analysis (dated September 13, 2006), an Air Quality Technical Memorandum was prepared, which is available for review at the FDOT District Six offices in Miami, Florida. The FDOT Air Quality Screening model (CO Florida 2012, version 1.01) evaluated the Build and No-Build alternatives for air quality impacts. Based on the results from the screening model, the highest project-related CO (carbon monoxide) one-hour and eight-hour levels are not predicted to meet or exceed the onehour or eight-hour National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for this pollutant with either the No-Build or Build alternatives for the intersection of SR 847 and SR 860. As such, the project passes the screening model. Green House Gasses (GHG) cause a global phenomenon in which heat is trapped in the earth s atmosphere. Because atmospheric concentration of GHGs continues to climb, our planet will continue to experience climate-related phenomena. For example, warmer global temperatures can cause changes in precipitation and sea levels. The burning of fossil fuels and other human activities are adding to the concentration of GHGs in the atmosphere. Many GHGs remain in the atmosphere for time periods ranging from decades to centuries. To date, no national standards have been established regarding GHGs, nor has United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) established criteria or thresholds for ambient GHG emissions pursuant to its authority to establish motor vehicle emission standards for CO2 under the Clean Air Act. GHGs are different from other air pollutants evaluated in the Federal environmental reviews because their impacts are not localized or regional due to their rapid dispersion into the global atmosphere, which is characteristic of these gases. The affected environment for CO2 and other GHG emissions is the entire planet. In addition, from a quantitative perspective, global climate change is the cumulative result of numerous and varied emissions sources (in terms of both absolute numbers and types), each of which makes a Page 39 of 44

41 relatively small addition to global atmospheric GHG concentrations. In contrast to broad scale actions such as actions involving an entire industry sector or very large geographic areas, it is difficult to isolate and understand the GHG emissions impacts for a particular transportation project. Furthermore, presently there is no scientific methodology for attributing specific climatological changes to a particular transportation project s emissions. Under NEPA, detailed environmental analysis should be focused on issues that are significant and meaningful to decision-making (40 CFR (b), (b), (g), and ). FHWA has concluded, based on the nature of GHG emissions and the exceedingly small potential GHG impacts of the proposed action that the GHG emissions from the proposed action will not result in reasonably foreseeable significant adverse impacts on the human environment (40 CFR (b)). The GHG emission from the project build alternatives will be insignificant, and will not play a meaningful role in a determination of the environmentally preferable alternative or the selection of the preferred alternative. More detailed information on GHG emissions is not essential to a reasoned choice among reasonable alternatives (40 CFR (a)) or to making a decision in the best overall public interest based on a balanced consideration of transportation, economic, social, and environmental needs and impacts (23 CFR (b)). The project analysis did not incorporate an analysis of the GHG emissions or climate change effects of each of the alternatives because the potential change in GHG emissions is very small in the context of the affected environment. Because of the insignificance of the GHG impacts, those local impacts will not be meaningful to a decision on the environmentally preferable alternative or to a choice among alternatives. For these reasons, no alternatives-level GHG analysis has been performed for this project. The project is located in an area which is designated as attainment for all of the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) under the criteria provided in the Clean Air Act. Therefore, the Clean Air Act conformity requirements do not apply to the project. The project was reviewed for air quality impacts consistent with the guidance provided by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). The project area is currently designated as being attainment for the following criteria air pollutant(s): ozone, nitrogen dioxide, particulate matter (2.5 microns in size and ten microns in size), sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide and lead. Based on the above findings and no direct, indirect or cumulative impacts, the impact determination for Air Quality is None. 6.D.3 Construction Construction activities for the proposed improvements to the SR 847 study area will have shortterm air, noise, vibration, water quality, traffic flow effects for those residents and travelers within the immediate vicinity of the project. The air quality effect will be temporary and will primarily be in the form of emissions from dieselpowered construction equipment and dust from embankment and haul road areas. Air pollution associated with the creation of airborne particles will be effectively controlled through the use of watering or the application of other controlled materials in accordance with the FDOT s latest Page 40 of 44

42 edition of Standard Specifications for Road and Bridge Construction. During construction of the project, there is the potential for noise impacts to be substantially greater than those resulting from normal traffic operations because heavy equipment is typically used to build roadways. In addition, construction activities may result in vibration impacts. Therefore, early identification of potential noise/vibration sensitive sites along the project corridor is important in minimizing noise and vibration impacts. The project area does include residential, special use and commercial areas that may be affected by noise and vibration associated with construction activities. Construction noise and vibration impacts to these sites will be minimized by adherence to the controls listed in the latest edition of the FDOT s Standard Specifications for Road and Bridge Construction. Adherence to local construction noise and/or construction vibration ordinances by the contractor will also be required where applicable. Water quality effects resulting from erosion and sedimentation will be controlled in accordance with the FDOT s latest edition of Standard Specifications for Road and Bridge Construction and through the use of BMPs. MOT and sequence of construction will be planned and scheduled to minimize traffic delays throughout the project. Temporary driveway pavement and signs will be used to provide notice of access to local businesses, and temporary driveways will be provided for residents. Signing for other pertinent information will be provided to the public. Due to the temporary duration of these conditions, the impact determination for Construction is Not Significant. 6.D.4 Contamination A Contamination Screening Evaluation Report (CSER) was prepared in accordance with Part 2, Chapter 22 of the FDOT PD&E Manual. This evaluation screens for contamination within ¼-mile of the project corridor. The ¼-mile and one-mile screening distances extend from the SR 847 centerline. The ¼-mile distance assists in identifying contamination sources that may be of concern during construction when dewatering within the proposed project limits. A one-mile screening for CERCLA, Brownfield and Superfund sites and landfills was also performed. Potential contamination sites were identified through Federal, State and county databases, historic reviews and field surveys. They were assigned ratings of No, Low, Medium or High in accordance with Part 2, Chapter 22, Section of the FDOT PD&E Manual. Within the quarter mile screening radius, there were four (4) High Risk sites, six (6) Medium Risk sites, twenty (20) Low Risk sites and three (3) No Risk sites. Most of the sites fell within the ¼-mile screening area. One low risk was captured beyond the ¼ mile screening area and within the one-mile screening area. The Carol City Brownfield Area is also located on the east side of SR 847. A map of these sites is available in Appendix D. A Brownfield Area designation means that the expansion, redevelopment, or reuse of a property and generally includes both contaminated and non-contaminated sites. A key characteristic of a brownfield site is that it is targeted for redevelopment. The Carol City Brownfield Area is not necessarily contaminated, but it is not assumed to be "clean" because of its prior commercial or industrial use. Page 41 of 44

43 A total of 33 potentially contaminated sites were identified within the evaluated screening areas. Four sites were ranked as High Risk, two landfills, and two petroleum retail stations. The North Dade Landfill was ranked as High Risk due to a recent diesel release to groundwater, with the extent of the release currently unknown. The Surfside Dump was an unmanaged solid waste dumping site. Historic reports state that landfill material extended outside of the site boundaries, and ammonia was detected in monitoring wells along the property line at SR 847 (see Appendix D). Therefore, there is a high potential for contamination to reach the FDOT ROW and this site was ranked as High Risk. The Texaco station and BP Amoco are ranked high risk due to historical petroleum releases and potential for contamination to cause dewatering issues. Six sites were ranked as Medium Risk. One of the sites has reported petroleum contamination releases that have been remediated or are currently being remediated. Four sites have reported Notice of Violations (NOVs), and one site had a recent diesel release from an aboveground storage tank (AST) to a canal adjacent to the project. Sites that were identified during database searches but had no reported releases or NOVs, and appear to be in compliance with applicable regulations, were ranked as Low Risk. Construction impacts shall be avoided and/or minimized during the design of the drainage, lighting, and signalization improvements. A Level II assessment (as defined in Part 2, Chapter 22 of the PD&E Manual) will be performed in the early stages of the final design phase to assess and identify potential contamination concerns associated with any of the Medium and High Risk sites identified previously. Sites ranked as Low Risk due to absence of any existing contamination and current regulatory compliance status will be reassessed during the design phase. Procedures specifying the Roadway Contractor's responsibilities in regard to encountering unidentified contamination are set forth in the latest edition of the FDOT Standard Specifications for Road and Bridge Construction. Proper notes will be included in the design plans to address contamination issues during construction. Based on the above findings and measures to minimize direct effects; and no identified indirect or cumulative impacts, the impact determination for Contamination is Not Significant. 6.D.5 Aesthetic Effects Visual resources including landscaping, architecture, roadways, structures and other qualities that define the character of surrounding communities like noise, vibration and air quality were assessed. The recommended alternative reconstructs the roadway, thereby removing the deteriorated sidewalk, roadway pavement and light fixtures and restoring the roadway components with new uniform features. During the Alternatives Public Workshop public comments were received that support median landscape which is found on nearby roadways. Public comments received during the local street canvasing were related to a few locations were trees will be removed from the roadway right-ofway. Impacts associated with removal of trees within the existing SR 847 right-of-way will be minimized by the implementation of a Bold Landscape plan, which is defined by large palms and canopy trees that do not require irrigation systems. Landscape within the 26 ft wide SR 847 median is included in the project programming in the form of canopy trees and palms. Per the Page 42 of 44

44 FDOT policy, landscape will be constructed under a separate project following the SR 847 roadway project. The roadway and bridge structure at the C-9 (Snake Creek Canal) will be constructed to include pedestrian and bicycle facilities for use by the surrounding community to provide a cohesive environment. The proposed bridge will be at the same existing elevation minimizing aesthetic impact related to the bridge. Noise and vibration effects will increase for surrounding residential areas as a result of increased traffic however the proposed widening of SR 847 will primarily occur within the existing right-of-way. Therefore, the overall impacts to the area s aesthetics and land use vision will be minimal. Based on the above findings and measures to minimize direct effects; and no identified indirect or cumulative impacts, the impact determination for Aesthetic Effects is Not Significant. 6.D.6 Bicycles and Pedestrians There are existing pedestrian facilities along the SR 847 corridor in the form of concrete sidewalks located on both sides of the roadway. Bicycle facilities do not exist and are not identified on the Miami-Dade Bicycle Facilities Suitability Map, dated January 17, The City of Miami Gardens Bicycle and Pedestrian Mobility Plan, dated 2013, identified pedestrian mobility improvements along SR 847, from NW 199 th Street to NW 215 th Street. The identified improvements include bicycle lanes along SR 847, pedestrian signal timing phasing improvements at NW 183 rd Street and NW 191 st Street, a bicycle boulevard corridor between SR 847 and NW 27 th Avenue and several minor sidewalk ramp improvements. The proposed project will accommodate pedestrian and bicycle travel along SR 847. The proposed pedestrian facilities will include 6 ft wide sidewalks located on both sides of the roadway. The proposed bicycle facilities along the entire project will include 4 ft paved bicycle lanes located adjacent to the exterior travel lanes. During construction pedestrian movement will be accommodated, sidewalk may be limited to one side of the roadway at a time during the phasing of construction activities. During the design and construction phase maintenance of traffic plans will include pedestrian access and walkways. The project will affect the existing pedestrian and bicycle features in a positive manner by construction of new sidewalks, crosswalks, pedestrian signals and bicycle lanes. In compliance with Section 109(n) of 23 USC, the proposed project will provide bicyclists an improved facility compared to the existing facility. The recommended alternative consists of 4 ft wide bicycle lanes located adjacent to the travel lanes which will meet the design standards of the Florida Bicycle Facilities Planning and Design Handbook, Plans Preparation Manual and the AASHTO Standards. The impact determination for Bicycles and Pedestrians is None. 6.D.7 Utilities and Railroads The project has no involvement with railroad facilities. The recommended alternative proposes reconstruction of all SR 847 roadway elements (travel lanes, sidewalk, signalization, bus stops, etc.) by lowering the roadway to better meet existing conditions at the right-of-way line and by widening the roadway from two-lanes to a four-lane Page 43 of 44

45 divided roadway with bike lanes and sidewalks on both sides of the roadway. These improvements will encompass the majority of the existing right-of-way width. Existing underground utilities are abundant within the right-of-way including several communication type utilities plus water and sewer mains. Existing overhead utilities include power lines on utility poles. Utility coordination will occur during the design phase with each utility owner and utility relocation schedules prepared for existing utility relocations. The relocation of the overhead utilities will need to consider any potential constructability and clearance issues with drainage systems. The recommended alternative proposes widening SR 860 to provide additional left turn lanes for all approaches. Florida Power and Light (FP&L) has a high voltage (230kV) transmission line with power poles located in private easements on the south side of SR 860. Relocation of several transmission poles is identified with the recommended alternative. Based on the above findings and measures to minimize direct effects; and no identified indirect or cumulative impacts, the impact determination for Utilities and Railroads is Not Significant. 6.D.8 Navigation During ETDM Screening, United States Coast Guard (USCG) provided the following comments on March 6, 2012: No Coast Guard bridge permit(s) will be required for the proposed roadway widening project on NW 47 th Avenue / Palm Avenue. During ETDM Screening, a Degree of Effect of None was assigned by USACE, on March 3, No additional comments were provided. On June 22, 2013 the ETDM Summary Coordinator for FDOT District Six assigned a Degree of Effect of None and provided the following comments: The USACE and the USCG commented that no navigable waters are identified within the vicinity of the project according to the EST GIS analysis results. Therefore, no impacts to navigation are anticipated as a result of the proposed project and no further involvement on this issue is necessary with either agency. Based on the foregoing, a Summary DOE of None has been assigned to the Navigation issue. Per US Coast Guard review, the impact determination of No Involvement for Navigation is recommended to the FHWA to comply with 23 CFR 650, Subpart H. FHWA can make the determination that this project is exempt from a U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) permit. Based on the above findings of no direct, indirect or cumulative impacts, the impact determination for Navigation is No Involvement. Page 44 of 44

46 Appendix A Social & Economic A-1

47 MEETING AGENDA & NOTES SR 847 / NW 47 Ave PD&E Study From NW 183 rd Street to Premier Parkway FM# , F.A.P. # U, ETDM # Date: September 23, 2013 Place: Project: Purpose: SR 847 / NW 47 Ave. FM Transit Coordination Meeting Notes By: MDT 15th Floor South Conference, 701 NW 1st Court, Suite 1500, Miami, FL Bill Evans ITEMS TO BE DISCUSSED: 1. SR 847 Alternatives and Typical Sections Bus Design Standards Existing Bus Routes and Bays Planned Bus Routes, Shelters, Bays County R/W Easements NOTES: The meeting was held at the 15 th Floor, South Conference Room of the Miami Dade Transit building located at 701 NW 1 st Court. Attending from Miami-Dade Transit (MDT) were Monica Cejas, Jackie Carranza, Doug Robinson, Jeffrey Bryan, and Glen LeBlanc. Attending from FDOT were Bao-Ying Wang, and from Stanley Consultants were Bill Evans and Freddie Vargas. 1. A project overview of the alternatives, typical sections, and transit features were provided. a. The study is considering a four lane roadway section throughout the project limits. b. The PD&E public hearing is scheduled for March 2014 and FHWA Location Design Concept Acceptance August This project is a fast track project with the design component tracking the PD&E study. c. NW 183 rd Street traffic volumes require additional left and right turn lanes, therefore right of way acquisition is anticipated for this intersection. d. MDT noted that the alternatives with a 9 foot minimum distance between the back of curb and right of way line was adequate for the ADA required 8 ft x 5 ft landing area. 2. Bus Design Standards: a. MDT noted the bus bay and shelter criteria are found in the FDOT Transit Handbook. (current version is Accessing Transit, Design Handbook for Florida Bus Passenger Facilities, Version III, 2013) b. Rule of thumb for bus stops is 5 per mile. A mile is estimated at 16 blocks per Street and 10 blocks per Avenue. c. Bus stops located on the far side of the signalized intersection are generally better. d. MDT would like to see the turning movement volumes (notably the right turns) to help select the best bus stop locations. e. Stanley Consultants will provide the approved turning movement volumes. f. MDT to respond to the PD&E Study team regarding future bus stop locations for the proposed alternative and suggestions on any mid-block pedestrian crossings. Page 1 of 2

48 3. The existing bus service is via Routes 32, 99, and 183. a. The existing route on SR 847 serves northbound and southbound between NW 183 rd Street and NW 199 th Street; and serves southbound between NW 199 th Street and NW 215 th Street. b. It would be beneficial to MDT, where there is an opportunity to preserve the existing shelters during the construction and relocate them for future service. c. Changes to the routes are being planned. 4. MDT has planning underway for a new grid type route system in the SR 847 area and has the follow items under consideration: a. The entire length of Route 32 on SR 847 would be replaced by Route 135 with 30 minute peak/off peak headway operation from 5:00 AM to 9:30 PM. b. Route 99 would continue to serve NW 199 th Street along the east/west route. c. The loop portion of Route 99 around the north section of SR 847 would be removed from service between June 2014 and June d. Replacement of the existing bus layover bay along southbound SR 847 just north of the proposed right turn lane at NW 199 th Street should be in the PD&E alternative. The new bay should be sized for two single bus units. e. A mid-block crossing between NW 199 th Street and NW 207 th Drive Street would be beneficial to riders. f. It was noted that a future multimodal park and ride station located on the County Landmark Center property would be beneficial to regional bus travel to transfer between the Miami-Dade Transit and the Broward County Transit systems. 5. Easements: a. The proposed bus bay will require an agreement with Miami-Dade County as the bay would be constructed on County owned land called the Landmark Center. Page 2 of 2

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53 Appendix B Cultural B-1

54 City of Miami Gardens Environmental Assessment Study Completed October 2002 Project Limits: NW 37th Avenue to Florida's Turnpike Project Status: Seeking Design and Construction Funding Army Corps/SFWMD Greenway Project Unincorporated Miami-Dade County Proposed Greenway Connection s e Iv Dolphins Stadium Sn ak ec re ek Miami-Dade County PARD Study Project Limits: Florida's Turnpike to Miami Gardens Drive Project Status: Feasibility Study Underway, Anticipated Study Completion September 2005 k r a P a r r e i S 441 d a o R y r i a D Existing 8-foot Multi-Use Trails within Snake Creek Park Constructed in the 1990s Connections Planned to Greynolds Park, Oleta River, and Haulover Beach Bi ke wa y 95 Sky Lake Existing 6.5-foot Asphalt Path Constructed in a 1975 PARD Easement Project Status: Enhancements being studied under Feasibility Study City of North Miami Beach ay nw ee Gr Army Corps PARD SFWMD SFRC Feasibility Study Area U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Park and Recreation Department South Florida Water Management District South Florida Rail Corridor ch ea ib iam M e v i r D s n e d r a G i m a i M rth No C R F S

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57 Evans, Bill From: Sent: To: Subject: Follow Up Flag: Flag Status: Wang, BaoYing Wednesday, March 12, :23 PM Evans, Bill; Arena, Courtney FW: NW 47Ave PD&E_Section 4(f) DOA Follow up Flagged Bao-Ying Wang, P.E. Project Manager Florida Department of Transportation - District Six Adam Leigh Cann Building 1000 NW 111th Avenue, Room 6251 Miami, Florida Phone: (305) ; Fax: (305) BaoYing.Wang@dot.state.fl.us From: Cathy.Kendall@dot.gov [mailto:cathy.kendall@dot.gov] Sent: Tuesday, March 11, :16 PM To: Wang, BaoYing Cc: Jorge.Rivera@dot.gov; Jackson, Roy; Castro, Joy; Huynh, Dat; Benito.Cunill@dot.gov Subject: RE: NW 47Ave PD&E_Section 4(f) DOA Thank you for the additional information below and for the 3/10/14 teleconference to discuss our remaining questions on the Section 4(f) determination of applicability for the Snake Creek Trail/Greenway that is planned to occur in the vicinity of the SFWMD s C-9/Snake Creek Canal right-of-way. FHWA hereby finds that the planned trail in this area is a Section 4(f) protected resource, even though the exact boundary locations of this planned trail has not yet been determined. However, because of the following, FHWA finds that there will be no Section 4(f) impact to this resource by the currently proposed NW 47 th Avenue widening project: 1) the NW 47 Avenue widening project at this location will be within existing FDOT right-of-way that already serves as a transportation use; 2) the widening project would not prevent the potential construction of a trail project up to the right-of-way for NW 47 th Avenue; 3) the project provides connections from the proposed sidewalk and pedestrian crossing for the NW 47 th Avenue widening project to a future trail on both sides of the FDOT right-of-way; and 4) there will be no permanent incorporation of a Section 4(f) resource into a transportation use. Please retain this finding as part of the project records. Cathy Kendall Senior Environmental Specialist FHWA - FL, PR and VI 545 John Knox Road, Suite 200 Tallahassee, FL (850) cathy.kendall@dot.gov 1

58 From: Wang, BaoYing Sent: Tuesday, March 11, :42 PM To: Kendall, Cathy (FHWA) Cc: Rivera, Jorge (FHWA); Jackson, Roy; Castro, Joy; Huynh, Dat Subject: Re: NW 47Ave PD&E_Section 4(f) DOA Cathy, Thank you for prompt review of the SR 847 Section 4(f) Determination of Applicability and the opportunity to address your questions on the teleconference. RE: Teleconference on Section 4(f) Determination of Applicability SR 847/ NW 47 th Avenue Project Development & Environment Study From SR 860/NW 183 rd Street to Premier Parkway County: Miami-Dade and Broward Efficient Transportation Decision Making Number: Financial Management Number: Federal Aid Project: U Attendees: Cathy Kendall, FHWA, Bao-Ying Wang, FDOT Project Manager, Bill Evans, Consultant Project Manager. On March 11, 2014, a teleconference between FDOT and FHWA was held to clarify the three questions from FHWA regarding the Section 4(f) Determination of Applicability. Clarification was provided regarding the trail crossing and existing right-of-way. To provide a more detailed and larger scale drawing you may refer to the attached two plan sheets from the build alternative. The 12 foot wide access connection is labeled on the plan sheet 20. Through ongoing coordination with Miami-Dade County Parks, the trail crossing was envisioned to occur at the roadway level and not under the bridge. On the east side of SR 847, the build alternative will provide a 12 foot wide paved access connection between the trail which will be located on the South Florida Water Management District canal right-of-way and the crosswalk at NW 207 th Drive. Trail Users would use the crosswalk to cross both the northbound and southbound lanes of SR 847. Then the trail would connect to the SR 847 sidewalk at a location convenient to the trail on the west side of SR 847 or use the existing SFWMD maintenance access and gate to the west of SR 847. FHWA Questions: 1) Will the right-of-way width be widened at this specific location where the trail is located? FDOT Response: Roadway and bridge improvements are within the existing right of way. Refer to Fig 4-2 in the Section 4(f) DOA: On the west side of SR 847 there are two right-of-way lines. The west right-of-way line, which is red in color and curved, is the original right-of-way line for roadway, and the yellow right-of-way line is also existing roadway right-of-way per Plat Book 2 page 39 and Plat Book 2 page 75 according to the FDOT R/W records. The on the east side of SR 847, the existing right-of-way line is the red line adjacent to the 12 foot wide path. The FDOT build alternative will be constructed within the existing roadway right-of-way. 2) Will the SFWMD property change to FDOT right-of-way, or will it be more in the form of air rights over the SFWMD canal (and trail) property? FDOT Response: FDOT will obtain a permit to cross over the SFWMD canal right-of-way and improvements will stay within the FDOT right-of-way on the north and south of the canal. The bridge will not go over the trail. 3) Is the trail intended to cross over both the north bound and south bound lanes of the road, or will it go over the existing bridge portion and under the new? 2

59 FDOT Response: The low member elevation of the existing and proposed bridge and the design high water of the canal will not allow for pedestrian access under the bridge, therefore the trail will not cross under the existing or proposed bridge. Please contact me if you have any further questions and advise of your approval. Thank you. Bao-Ying Wang, P.E. Project Manager Florida Department of Transportation - District Six Adam Leigh Cann Building 1000 NW 111th Avenue, Room 6251 Miami, Florida Phone: (305) ; Fax: (305) BaoYing.Wang@dot.state.fl.us From: Cathy.Kendall@dot.gov [mailto:cathy.kendall@dot.gov] Sent: Monday, March 10, :09 PM To: Wang, BaoYing Cc: Jorge.Rivera@dot.gov; Jackson, Roy Subject: RE: NW 47Ave PD&E_Section 4(f) DOA I have been looking at this DOA and from the information provided, the planned trail would be a protected 4(f) resource. I am having more difficulty determining if there is a transportation use of this resource. A portion of the trail location (which is designated only generally as a planned facility) is already being used for transportation (the existing roadway). Will the right-of-way width be widened at this specific location where the trail is located? I can see that most of the road will be within existing right-of-way, but the bridge location may be expanding the right-of-way width. Will the WMD property change to FDOT right-of-way, or will it be more in the form of air rights over the WMD canal (and trail) property? Lastly, the two bridge alternatives described on page 2-5 of the DOA may impact the 4(f) resource differently. If the existing bridge is retained and retrofitted (Bridge Alternative 2A), is the trail intended to cross over both the north bound and south bound lanes of the road, or will it go over the existing bridge portion and under the new? From this, it would look like Bridge Alternative 2B might better avoid the 4(f) resource either through crossing over the trail without touching, or as a jointly planned 4(f)/transportation improvement. There is a statement in the DOA, however, about lowering the road profile to accommodate access. This lowering of profile may make Bridge Alternative 2B less feasible to accomplish. All of these questions will determine whether our determination is 1) a no 4(f) use due to either not touching the resource due to a simple air right agreement over the canal; 2) no 4(f) use because it is considered joint planning (if the new design accommodates the planned trail as the WMD and Miami-Dade Parks Department requested in their letters); or, 3) 3) if there is a 4(f) use due to additional right-of-way needed from the planned trail area. This use, if it is a use, might be de minimis, but we would need input from officials with jurisdiction and the public on the proposed use acquisition to make that determination. Please contact me if you wish to discuss these questions further, or provide additional information to address these questions so that we can complete the determination. I have copied Roy Jackson on my response so that he will be aware of our questions in case you seek his assistance in this determination. Cathy Kendall Senior Environmental Specialist 3

60 FHWA - FL, PR and VI 545 John Knox Road, Suite 200 Tallahassee, FL (850) cathy.kendall@dot.gov From: Wang, BaoYing [mailto:baoying.wang@dot.state.fl.us] Sent: Monday, March 10, :02 PM To: Kendall, Cathy (FHWA) Subject: re: NW 47Ave PD&E_Section 4(f) DOA Good afternoon Cathy, Jorge mentioned to me earlier that you are reviewing the subject Section 4(f) DOA. Would you please kindly let me know its status as I am preparing for the Public Hearing? Thank you. Bao-Ying Wang, P.E. Project Manager Florida Department of Transportation - District Six Adam Leigh Cann Building 1000 NW 111th Avenue, Room 6251 Miami, Florida Phone: (305) ; Fax: (305) BaoYing.Wang@dot.state.fl.us From: Wang, BaoYing Sent: Monday, March 10, :55 PM To: jorge.rivera@dot.gov Subject: RE: NW 47Ave PD&E_Section 4(f) DOA Hi Jorge, I havn t heard back for your review on the Section 4(f) DOA. I would like to follow up with you to see if you need any further information or have any questions for your review and your approval on the Section 4(f) DOA. Thank you. Bao-Ying Wang, P.E. Project Manager Florida Department of Transportation - District Six Adam Leigh Cann Building 1000 NW 111th Avenue, Room 6251 Miami, Florida Phone: (305) ; Fax: (305) BaoYing.Wang@dot.state.fl.us From: baoying.wang@dot.state.fl.us [mailto:baoying.wang@dot.state.fl.us] Sent: Tuesday, February 04, :51 AM To: jorge.rivera@dot.gov 4

61 Cc: Castro, Joy; Huynh, Dat Subject: NW 47Ave PD&E_Section 4(f) DOA You have received 2 secure files from baoying.wang@dot.state.fl.us. Use the secure links below to download. Good morning Jorge, Attached for your review and approval are the Section 4(f) DOA and the Concurrence request letter for the subject project. The original was mailed to you. If there are any questions, please feel free to contact me. Thank you. Bao-Ying Wang, P.E. Project Manager Florida Department of Transportation - District Six Adam Leigh Cann Building 1000 NW 111th Avenue, Room 6251 Miami, Florida Phone: (305) ; Fax: (305) BaoYing.Wang@dot.state.fl.us Secure File Downloads: Available until: 19 February 2014 Click links to download: SR847_Section4(f)DOA_01_30_14.pdf 25, KB Section 4f DOA Concurrence Request Letter (Signed ).pdf 1, KB Thank you for sharing files securely. Secured by Accellion 5

62 Appendix C Natural C-1

63 MEETING NOTES No Date: September 19, 2013 Place: Purpose: Project: Attendees: Notes By: SFWMD Headquaters, 3301 Gun Club Road, Building B-1, West Palm Beach, FL Interagency Review Meeting SR 847 / NW 47 th Ave. PD&E Study (NW 186 th Street to Premier Parkway) FAP: U ETDM: SFWMD and USACE personnel representing the Interagency Review Team, Bao-Ying Wang, Joy Castro, Bill Evans, Courtney Arena, John Palenchar, Mohamed Shahed-Pervez Bill Evans The following meeting notes set forth our understanding of the discussions and decisions made at this meeting. If no objections, questions, additions, or comments are received within 5 working days from issuance of the meeting notes, we will assume that our understandings are correct. We are proceeding based on the contents of these meeting notes. The meeting was to brief the SFWMD on the SR 847 PD&E study alternatives and obtain input from the agency. The discussion topics included the following items. 1) Wetland/Swale Area a) Wetland/swale impacts were illustrated and explained in a graphic presented at the meeting. Approximately 0.05 acres of impact are associated with the alternatives. The impacts would occur along the swale section between NW 199 th Street and the C-9/Snake Creek Canal. b) SFWMD inquired if the swale/ditch wetland area was permitted for drainage. If the swale is not permitted, then the SFWMD may claim it as a wetland at locations where the appropriate vegetation occurs. SFWMD requested an investigation of the previous permitting of the swale for stormwater/drainage purposes. c) SFWMD noted the project would be under the new ERP Rules as of October Compensatory mitigation that may be required would likely be through a mitigation bank. Permitting would entail the ERP, Section 404 and Section 408 review process. d) Due to the minimal amount of impact, USACE did not anticipate mitigation being required. e) A wetlands site review with FDOT and SFWMD was recommended for October Rob Hopper would be the field contact person. 2) Drainage and Stormwater a) The roadway drainage system was discussed as primarily consisting of French drains. A new outfall may be required at the A-2 Canal (Carol City Canal). b) SFWMD noted that existing and new outfalls should be identified in the permit. Outfalls to canals will require manatee protection. 3) C-9 (Snake Creek) Canal a) The canal will have either a retrofit with a new parallel bridge or total replacement bridge. b) The bridge low member and canal design section were provided in a previous letter from SFWMD which was reviewed at the meeting. Page 1 of 2

64 c) SFWMD noted the canal design section would be required east and west of the bridge. If the existing canal section is larger, backfill is not required to meet the design section. 4) C-9 (Snake Creek Canal) Access a) The SFWMD will require canal access to be maintained on the northeast, southeast and southwest corners. SFWMD anticipates a 50 foot long area in advance of the gate and 50 foot turning radii on the approaches. b) A canal access site review meeting was recommended for October Beverly Miller is the contact person. 5) A-2 or Carol City Canal a) A culvert exists under SR 847 that will be replaced and extend to provide a maintenance pad for Miami-Dade County. It is believed the culvert connects to a stormwater/drainage pond or borrow pit located west of SR 847. Distribution: File Page 2 of 2

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69 Water Quality Impact Evaluation (WQIE) Checklist Project Name: County: Project Development and Environment (PD&E) Study for SR 847/NW 47th Avenue from NW 181st Street to Premier Parkway Miami-Dade FIN (Financial Number): Federal Aid Project No: N/A Short project description: The NW 47th Av PD&E study identifies and evaluates various alternatives to widen or reconstruction the existing two-land road within the project limits to meet future travel demands in the design Year The project length is approximately miles. PART 1: DETERMINATION OF WQIE SCOPE Does project increase impervious surface area? Yes No Does project alter the drainage system? Yes No If the answer to both questions is no, complete the WQIE by checking Box A in Part 4 Do environmental regulatory requirements apply? Yes No PART 2: PROJECT CHARACTERISTICS 20-year design ADT: 39,500 vpd Expected speed limit: 40 mi/hr Drainage area: acres 87 % Impervious 13 % Pervious Land Use: 13.7 % Residential 7.7 % Commercial 0.0 % Industrial 0.0 % Agricultural 0.2 % Wetlands 2.7 % Other Natural Potential large sources of pollution (identify): Florida Auto Auction of Orlando, Inc. (closed landfill, adjacent on east side of SR 847, south of NW 215 St Groundwater receptor (name of aquifer or N/A): Biscayne Aquifer Designated well head protection area? Yes No Name: Sole source aquifer Yes No Name: Biscayne Aquifer Groundwater recharge mechanism: Exfiltration through proposed French drains. (Notify District Drainage Engineer if karst conditions expected) SR 847/NW 47th Avenue PD&E Study 1

70 Water Quality Impact Evaluation (WQIE) Checklist Surface water receptor (name or N/A): C-9 (Snake Creek) Canal, Carol City Canal (A-2), and Palm Canal Classification I II III IV V Special designation (check all that apply): ONRW OFW Aquatic Preserve Wild & Scenic River Special Water SWIM Area Local Comp Plan MS4 Area Other (specify): Conceptual storm water conveyances & system (check all that apply): Swales Curb and Gutter Scuppers Pipe French Drains Retention/Detention Ponds Other: PART 3: ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS Regulatory Agency (Check all that apply) Reference citation for regulatory criteria (attach copy of pertinent pages) Most stringent criteria (Check all that apply) USEPA FDEP WMD (Specify) South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) South Broward Drainage District (SBDD) OTHER (Specify) Miami-Dade County Department of Regulatory and Economic Resources (DRER) Clean Water Act, as amended (40 CFR) NPDES Section F.S. Chapters 40E-4, 40E-40, , F.A.C. Chapter , F.S. Chapter 24, sections and 25-58, M-DCCO Proceed to Part 4 and check Box C SR 847/NW 47th Avenue PD&E Study 2

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75 SR Snail Kite Consultation 2013/08/22

76 SR Snail Kite Consultation 2013/08/22

77 SR 847/ NW 47 th Ave PD&E Study Wood Stork Core Foraging Areas (CFA) Project Corridor Florida Wood Stork Nesting Colony Core Foraging Areas Florida Wood Stork Nesting Colonies Nest ID: 12 Latitude Longitude Nest ID: 13 Latitude Longitude