Opening of Proposals - Safe Roads to School Kennedy School - DLZ Inc.

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Safe Routes to School | 7 Utility Coordination Utility Coordination is an important aspect of all projects, and we believe it is a critical component of design to maintain schedule, even on curb ramp and sidewalk projects. Our experience and preliminary observation of the project area indicates that utility conflicts will likely be present. It is anticipated that a majority of these conflicts can be avoided through detailed and creative design. We are prepared to take a proactive approach to avoid delays and issues during construction. Utility coordination activities will include: • Initial notice to utilities and verification of facilities • Periodic status and plan updates of the project to keep utilities informed • Correspondence and meetings with utilities to discuss potential conflicts and resolutions, if necessary. • Obtaining utility work plans, including relocation plans, when necessary. Missing sidewalk Environmental Documentation The use of federal funding triggers compliance with National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) documentation requirements. DLZ has conducted a field visit and preliminary reviews of GIS data available on the IndianaMap website, the IDEM Virtual File Cabinet, IDNR’s Indiana Buildings, Bridges, and Cemeteries Map website and other information to identify potential “red flag” resources or issues that may need to be considered during design. Resources/issues noted in and near the project area include public parks, schools, an active railroad, an abandoned railroad, a planned trail and hazardous materials sites. Designs that minimize impacts to such resources and issues will be developed. The identified features are not anticipated to impede project development. The project will also require compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, which sets forth a review process for identifying historic properties (including archaeological sites) and assessing potential effects. The project proposes work types which receive Section 106 approval under the MPPA. The services of Qualified Professional cultural subconsultants would be required if the project were to impact historic character-defining features or impact previously undisturbed soils. If less than 0.5 acre of new right of way is to be acquired, a Level 1 Categorical Exclusion (CE) would be required. A Level 2 CE would be required if more than 0.5 acre of new right of way is to be acquired. Section 4(f) involvement with a public park would require preparation of a Level 4 CE. ENVIRONMENTAL CHALLENGES SOLUTIONS Section 106 The project proposes work types which receive Section 106 approval under the Minor Projects Programmatic Agreement (MPPA). MPPA applicability will expedite completion of the NEPA documentation. Section 4(f) Section 4(f) properties, including public parks and historic properties, were noted in the project area. No impacts are anticipated at this time. If it is determined that right of way is required, the project intent will be to limit any impacts such that De minimis impact/ Section 4(f) MOU criteria are met. A De Minimis finding(s)/Section 4(f) MOU applicability will expedite completion of the NEPA documentation. Stream and Water Quality Impacts Implementation of INDOT Standard Specifications is anticipated to adequately address water quality concerns. No streams were noted near the project area. Impacts are not anticipated. Wetlands No NWI-mapped wetlands were noted near the project area. Impacts are not anticipated. Floodplains/ Floodways No floodplain areas were noted within the project area. No impacts are anticipated. Threatened and Endangered Species DLZ will conduct programmatic consultation for bat species of concern using the on- line USFWS IPaC system, which streamlines the consultation process. “No Effect” determinations, or “May Affect, Not Likely to Adversely Affect” determinations are anticipated. If trees are removed/trimmed, a seasonal tree clearing restriction is expected (trees may not be removed from April 1 through September 30). Hazardous Materials Sites Hazardous materials sites were noted within the project area. Given the minor nature of sidewalk construction activities, no impacts are anticipated.