Jason Sandford
Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.
From an Asheville city memorandum:
The purpose of this memorandum is to provide an update on the anticipated schedule for the I-26 Connector project. The information should be considered tentative and accurate as of this date but it is subject to change.
The subject project is following the “merger process” which is a shared decision-making process designed to streamline project development and permitting by establishing a project team to ensure that all laws and rules are followed. The process establishes a series of concurrence points (total of seven) that require agreement of the team for a project to move forward. This process has been used successfully on about 240 projects throughout the state and it has consistently reduced project time and improved project quality. The anticipated schedule is listed as follows:
Jun 2009 Concurrence point meeting to solidify Alternate 4B as a viable alternate and to bring it up to the same level of review as the other alternates.
Aug 2009 The supplemental draft environmental impact statement including Alternate 4B should be completed and released for public review and comment.
Sep 2009 The corridor public hearing meeting should be held to discuss the supplemental draft environmental impact statement.
Oct 2009 The post public hearing meeting should be held.
Dec 2009 Concurrence point meetings to select the preferred alternate and to optimize the design and benefits of the project while reducing the environmental impacts should be held.
Oct 2010 The record of decision (ROD) and the design public hearing should occur.
FY 2011 Right-of-way acquisition should begin.
FY 2013 Construction should begin.
Great…