US 219 IMPROVEMENT PROJECT

Monday, January 23, 2017*

I-68 TO OLD SALISBURY ROAD

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JOINT PUBLIC HEARING

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Snow Dates: Monday, January 30, 2017 or Monday, February 6, 2017*The hearing will be held on the snow date if county public schools are closed or if the county’s snow emergency plan is in effect. If the January 30th snow date is cancelled due to inclement weather, the hearing will be held on February 6th.

6:00 PM Maps/Displays Available

7:00 PM Presentation/Testimony

GrantsvilleElementary School120 Grant StreetGrantsville, MD 21536

Project Planning Team

Mr. C. Scott Pomento, DirectorOffice of Planning and Preliminary EngineeringMaryland Department of TransportationState Highway Administration707 North Calvert Street, MS C-411 Baltimore, MD 21202

Mr. Rick JenarineProject Planning ManagerMaryland Department of TransportationState Highway Administration707 North Calvert Street MS C-301 Baltimore, MD 21202Email: rjenarine@sha.state.md.usPhone: 1-888-204-4828

Ms. Karen ArnoldProject Environmental ManagerMaryland Department of TransportationState Highway Administration707 North Calvert Street MS C-301 Baltimore, MD 21202Email: karnold@sha.state.md.usPhone: 1-866-527-0502

Mr. Anthony CrawfordDistrict Engineer, District 6Maryland Department of TransportationState Highway Administration1251 Vocke RoadLaVale, MD 21502Email: acrawford@sha.state.md.usPhone: 1-800-760-7138

Ms. Deborah A. Carpenter, AICP, DirectorGarrett County Planning & Land Management203 South Fourth Street, Rm. 208Oakland MD 21550Phone: 301-334-1924

Mr. Daniel Suarez, Area EngineerFederal Highway Administration, Maryland DivisionCity Crescent Building10 South Howard Street, Suite 2450Baltimore, MD 21201Phone: 410-779-7159

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Introduction The Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration (SHA), in cooperation with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) are currently pursuing improvements to the 1.4-mile segment of US 219 (Chestnut Ridge Road), from I-68 to Old Salisbury Road in Garrett County. The US 219 Improvement Project was identified as a stand-alone project in the US 219: I-68 (MD) to Meyersdale (PA) Planning and Environment Linkages (PEL) study. The US 219 Improvement Project would add a segment to Corridor N of the Appalachian Development Highway System (ADHS).

Purpose Of The Study The purpose of this project is to provide transportation improvements that are responsive to planned economic development.

Purpose Of The HearingThe purpose of the joint public hearing is to formally present the results of the detailed engineering and environmental studies that have been conducted for this project. The public hearing will provide an opportunity for interested individuals, community associations, citizen groups, and government agencies to offer spoken or written comments for the project record before an alternative is selected. The public hearing also offers the opportunity for the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to receive comments on a Department of the Army (DA) Section 404 permit for the project.

Hearing FormatMaps and other exhibits depicting the study’s alternatives and other information will be on display for public viewing, beginning at 6:00 p.m. Representatives from SHA, Garrett County, USACE, and FHWA will be available to answer project-related questions and receive comments. A formal presentation lasting approximately 30 minutes will begin at 7:00 p.m. and will be followed by public testimony. Testimony may also be given privately to a court reporter. All proceedings will be recorded, and a transcript will be prepared. The transcript will be available for public review approximately eight weeks after the hearing on the project website, and at the libraries and government facilities within the project area listed at the back of this brochure.

*All terms that appear in bold italics are defined in the glossary at the back of this brochure.

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How To Comment On The StudySHA encourages your participation in the public hearing and during the Project Planning process. The postage-paid return mailer included in this brochure will enable you to submit your comments. Additional copies of this mailer will be available at the receptionist’s desk during the hearing. Written comments for inclusion in the project record and the hearing transcript may be submitted until February 16, 2017. The USACE also encourages comments on a DA permit for the project and comments can be provided as noted later in the brochure.

Project Mailing List You may add your name to the project mailing list by completing the enclosed mailer or giving your information to the receptionist at the hearing. If you have previously submitted your name and address, or if you have received this brochure in the mail, you are already on the project mailing list.

Project StatusThe US 219 Improvement Project is included in the following programs and plans: (1) Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) Development and Evaluation Program of the Fiscal Year 2016-2021 Consolidated Transportation Program; (2) SHA’s Long-Range Plan, the Highway Needs Inventory; (3) The 2008 Garrett County Comprehensive Plan; and (4) Status of the Appalachian Development Highway System (ADHS) from 2015. This project is fully funded through Final Design, Right-of-Way Acquisition, and Construction.

Project HistoryThe purpose of the PEL study was to allow transportation agencies, resource agencies and the public to work together to identify goals, objectives, deficiencies and needs for US 219 from I-68 in Maryland to Meyersdale, PA.

The PEL study evaluated 16 alignments and determined that Alignments E and E-Shift would best address the vision, goals, objectives and deficiencies of the 8-mile corridor, while minimizing overall impacts and maximizing economic benefits. The US 219 Improvement Project, from I-68 to Old Salisbury Road is approximately 1.4 miles and extends along US 219 from the I-68 Interchange to a point near Old Salisbury Road. After completion of the PEL process, SHA started the project development process to inform the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) review process.

As the NEPA process began, SHA identified and evaluated seven transportation improvements on the east side of existing US 219 in terms of their potential benefits and impacts. SHA considered whether these improvements would

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best meet the Purpose and Need of this transportation project, and support the accessibility and mobility demands (ease of getting to destinations and ease of travel), as well as the economic needs of the community now and in the future.

A Public Informational Workshop was held on September 8, 2016 at the Grantsville Elementary School and an Open House on September 9, 2016 at the Grantsville Senior Center to present the Purpose and Need and preliminary alternative concepts for the project. These workshops identified key findings and allowed participants to provide community feedback. Seventy-two people attended the workshop and thirty-two people attended the open house.

A Business Owners Meeting was held on July 7, 2016 and a Homeowners Meeting was held on November 10, 2016 to enable participants to discuss interests and concerns with the project team.

Information collected from an analysis of impacts to community, natural and cultural resources, and coordination with citizens, business owners, regulatory and resource agencies, allowed SHA to narrow the range of alternatives for detailed study down to four by eliminating three interchange alternatives due to higher levels of environmental impacts and overall construction costs.

Existing ConditionsUS 219 is a two-lane road (one lane in each direction) from the I-68 Interchange to the state border with Pennsylvania. Residential homes and businesses are located along the corridor, with many having direct access onto US 219.

The posted speed limit in the project area is 40 mph. There is one signalized intersection in the project area at US 219 and US 40 Alternate (National Pike).

Project NeedThe project needs are to support local and regional economic growth, efficient highway operations for development, and community access.

This project would support economic growth by providing enhanced access to a 340-acre mixed use/industrial site known as the Casselman Farm Development site in northeast Garrett County. The Casselman Farm Development site is a proposed development located within an economic development area identified in Garrett County’s Comprehensive Plan (2008) known as the Chestnut Ridge Development Corridor. The corridor runs from the intersection of US 40 Alternate (National Pike), and New Germany Road, east along US 40 Alternate to the intersection of US 40 Alternate and US 219, north along US 219 to the intersection with Old Salisbury Road, and south along US 219 to a point south of I-68.

The US 219 Improvement Project is also intended to meet the regional goals for the ADHS by contributing a 1.4 mile segment to the completion of

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Corridor N. The goals of the ADHS are to generate economic development in previously isolated areas, supplement the interstate system, connect Appalachia to the interstate system, and provide access to markets within the Region and the rest of the nation.

The crash data, from 2013-2015, shows that both angle and left-turn types of crashes occurred at a rate that exceeded the statewide average rate for similar roadways.

The US 219 Improvement Project is also intended to address safety throughout the project area. There are 29 residential access points and 15 commercial access points along existing US 219 in the study area. The large number of access points in a relatively short distance (at an average spacing of every 180 feet) is a safety concern for vehicles entering and exiting US 219 from the adjacent residences and businesses.

Right-turning movements can utilize the existing shoulders as a safe zone, but the majority of left-turning movements in the project area do not occur from a center turn lane and are crossing or merging into traffic moving at approximately 40 mph.

Alternatives Retained For Detailed Study (ARDS)

Alternative 1: No-BuildThe No-Build Alternative includes no major capital improvements. Minor short term improvements would occur as a part of routine maintenance and safetyoperations. The No-Build Alternative does not address the Purpose and Needfor this project. It serves as a baseline for comparing the impacts and benefitsassociated with the build alternatives.

Alternative 2: Widen Existing US 219 Alternative 2 proposes widening US 219 from just north of the I-68 interchange by providing two 12-foot-wide through lanes in each direction of travel, divided by a raised median ranging in width from two feet to sixteen feet, and will transition back to a two-lane roadway to a point near Old Salisbury Road. Median openings with left turn lanes are provided on US 219 to facilitate full traffic movement at major commercial entrance or exit points as well as allow for U-turning movements for vehicles. A dedicated right-turn lane is maintained for the Pilot Travel Center and channelized lanes for right-turning movements are provided at the intersection of US 219 and US 40 Alternate.

Alternative 3: Existing Interchange with Local and Relocated US 219 Alternative 3 proposes to modify existing US 219 between I-68 and US 40 Alternate by providing two 12-foot wide through lanes in each direction of travel, separated by a variable width raised median. Just north of the Pilot Travel Center, US 219 transitions into the proposed two-lane roundabout and provides direct access to the Pilot Travel Center, existing US 219 and US 40 Alternate, and the

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new US 219, where the new proposed four-lane roadway will bridge over US 40 Alternate and continue approximately one mile before tying into existing US 219 near the entrance to the proposed Casselman Farm Development site and Old Salisbury Road. The new alignment of US 219 features two 12-foot wide travel lanes in each direction, and is divided by 28-foot wide grass median.

Alternative 4: Roundabout Interchange with Local and Relocated US 219Alternative 4 proposes a new roadway alignment. This new alignment begins near the I-68 interchange as a two-lane roundabout, and replaces the existing intersection at US 219 and the I-68 westbound on and off ramps. It will loop around the Pilot Travel Center as a four-lane divided highway and cross over US 40 Alternate via a bridge and continue along a new alignment for approximately one mile before it ties back into existing US 219, near the entrance to the proposed Casselman Farm Development site and Old Salisbury Road. The new alignment of US 219 features two 12-foot wide travel lanes in each direction, and is divided by a 28-foot wide grass median.

The current exit ramp from I-68 westbound to US 219 is realigned with I-68 and lengthened to pass under the existing bridge over I-68 and tie-in to the western side of the new roundabout in a partial cloverleaf configuration. The travel lane for each ramp is 15-feet wide. The exit ramp transitions into two access lanes closer to the roundabout and vary in width from 12- to 14-feet.

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Alternative 2: Widening Existing US 219

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Alternative 2: Widening Existing US 219

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Alternative 3: Existing Interchange with Local and Relocated US 219

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Alternative 3: Existing Interchange with Local and Relocated US 219

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Alternative 4: Roundabout Interchange with Local and Relocated US 219

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Alternative 4: Roundabout Interchange with Local and Relocated US 219

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Alternative 2 Typical Section

US 219 from I-68 to Old Salisbury Road

US 219 at Old Salisbury Road

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Alternative 3 Typical Section

Local US 219 from I-68 to the Pilot Gas Station

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Alternative 4 Typical Section

Local US 219 from I-68 to the Pilot Gas Station

Relocated US 219 from North of the Roundabout toOld Salisbury Road

US 219 at Old Salisbury Road

Not to Scale

Alternatives 3 and 4 Typical Section

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Environmental SummaryEnvironmental resources within the project area were identified and documented in the PEL Study. Additional surveys were completed to supplement that data.

Socioeconomic ConditionsLand Use/PFA/Smart GrowthLand use along existing US 219 in the project area is a mix of residential and commercial developments along with undeveloped forested land and agricultural land. The project area is within a Garrett County priority funding area (PFA). Prior to receiving any state funding, the project will be evaluated for compliance with the 1997 Smart Growth and Neighborhood Conservation Act – (Priority Funding Areas Act).

Residential and Business CommunityResidential, retail, and commercial properties are located along US 219 within the project limits. Residences and commercial businesses also extend along both sides of US 40 Alternate, but are concentrated mostly to the west of the US 219/US 40 Alternate intersection. Residential and commercial properties would be impacted by all alternatives, except the No-Build.

Environmental JusticeIn compliance with Executive Order 12898, “Federal Actions to Address Environmental Justice in Minority and Low-Income Populations,” SHA must avoid disproportionately high and adverse effects on minority and low income populations. The US Census and the Environmental Protection Agency’s EJScreen tool shows that the project area does not contain large minority populations, but does contain a high percentage of low-income individuals. We believe that the project will not cause disproportionately high or adverse effects.

Community FacilitiesThree community facilities are located within the project area: Cherry Grove Church of the Brethren, Garrett College Northern Outreach Center, and Savage River State Forest. All alternatives could require right-of-way acquisition from Cherry Grove Church of the Brethren. Alternative 2 may require Right-of-Way acquisition from the Garrett College Northern Outreach Center. The Savage River State Forest would not be impacted.

BusinessesCommercial businesses in the project area include (but are not limited to): the Pilot Travel Center and the Sunoco/Burger King plaza on US 219 just north of I-68, the Grantsville Plaza Shopping Center on US 219 just north of US 40 Alternate, and Hilltop Fruit Market on US 40 Alternate.

Alternative 2 would mainly impact many of the existing business along US 219 and US 40 Alternate. Impacts could involve property acquisition, with a few displacements, and access modifications. Alternatives 3 and 4 would require fewer impacts to businesses because they propose the relocation of US 219.

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Cultural ResourcesSHA, in consultation with the Maryland Historical Trust (MHT) and other interested and consulting parties, has identified two historic properties and one archeological district that contains multiple archeological sites in the area of potential effects that are on or eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. These resources are the Tomlinson Inn and Little Meadows (897 acres), the National Road (US 40 Alternate), and the Little Meadows Archeological District. Impacts range from 0.8 - 1.3 acres to the National Road, and from 46.9 - 85.8 acres of impact to Tomlinson Inn and Little Meadows historic site with Alternatives 2-4. Between 35.0 – 52.6 acres of the above referenced impacts to the Little Meadows/Tomlinson Inn site overlap existing SHA-owned right-of way. The MHT has concurred with SHA’s determination that the project will have an adverse effect on these resources. Consistent with the Section 106 procedures of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), public comments are requested regarding effects on historic properties. For additional information on SHA’s effect determination, contact the SHA Environmental Manager, Ms. Karen Arnold as noted at the front of the brochure.

Because of the adverse effect determination associated with Alternatives 2-4, methods to avoid or minimize historic property impacts have been developed in accordance with Section 106 of the NHPA and Section 4(f) of the U.S. Department of Transportation Act of 1966 (49 USC 303) and associated regulations (23 CFR 774). The extent of the historic property impacts was minimized by using a narrow shoulder, placement of the roadway near the boundary of the historic parcel and lowering the design speed. Further minimization may also be achieved as design efforts continue by investigating the use of retaining walls. This hearing and the circulation of the Draft Section 4(f) Evaluation will allow us to obtain comments on the project impacts and avoidance and minimization options.

Natural Environmental ResourcesSHA, through consultation with the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), has identified waters of the US (WUS), including jurisdictional wetlands, which are regulated by Section 404 of the Clean Water Act. This public hearing also provides the opportunity to present views, opinions, and information which will be considered by the USACE in evaluating a Department of the Army (DA) Section 404 permit. All comments will become part of the formal project record. Copies of written statements concerning impacts to WUS, including jurisdictional wetlands, may be submitted to Mr. John Dinne, US Army Corps of Engineers, Baltimore District, Attn: CENAB-OP-RMN, 10 South Howard Street, Baltimore, MD 21201; or emailed to john.j.dinne@usace.army.mil until February 16, 2017.

Depending on the build alternative, permanent stream and wetland impacts would range from approximately 300 – 3,500 linear feet and from 0.1 – 1.0 acre, respectively. SHA has proposed to provide compensatory mitigation for unavoidable permanent impacts near the existing I-68 and US 219 interchange. The exact type and amount of proposed compensatory mitigation will be based upon the alternative selected by SHA.

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SHA’s environmental documentation, completed during the NEPA process, will serve as the application to the USACE for a DA permit pursuant to Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (33 USC 1344). Coordination with the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) also ensures that the document includes alternatives analysis for the State’s wetland permit review. Application for the State permit will be made after the alternative selection process is completed.

The decision to issue a DA Section 404 permit will be based on the evaluation of the probable impacts of the proposed project on the public interest, including direct, indirect and cumulative impacts. This decision will reflect the national concern for the protection and use of important resources. The benefits which may reasonably be expected to accrue from the proposed project must be balanced against the reasonably foreseeable detriments. All factors which may be relevant to the proposed project will be considered including cumulative effects. Among these factors are conservation, economics, aesthetics, general environmental concerns, wetlands, cultural values, fish and wildlife values, flood hazards, floodplains values, land use, navigational concerns, shoreline erosion and accretion, recreation, water supply and conservation, water quality, energy needs, safety, food and fiber production, considerations of property ownership and in general, the needs and welfare of the people.

The evaluation of the impact of the work described above on the public interest will include application of the Clean Water Act Section 404 (b) (1) Guidelines promulgated by the Administrator, US Environmental Protection Agency, under the authority of the Section 404 of the Clean Water Act. The USACE is soliciting comments from the public, Federal, State, and local agencies and officials, Indian Tribes, and other interested parties in order to consider and evaluate the impacts of this proposed activity. Any comments received will be considered by the USACE to determine whether to issue, modify, condition or deny a permit for this proposal. To make this decision, the USACE takes into account public comments regarding the assessment of impacts on endangered species, historic properties, water quality, general environmental effects, and the other public interest factors listed above. Comments are used in the USACE’s preparation of its Environmental Assessment, pursuant to NEPA. Comments are also used to determine the overall public interest of the proposed activity.

Water quality certification is required for the project from Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) in accordance with Section 401 of the Clean Water Act. Coordination with the MDE also ensures that the project includes alternatives analysis prior to the state’s wetland permit review. Any written comments concerning the work described above which would relate to water quality certification should be sent to Mr. Ed Tinney, Maryland Department of the Environment, Wetlands and Waterways Program, 1800 Washington Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21230 or by emailing etinney@rkk.com.

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TABLE 1 – Summary of Environmental Impacts

ResourcesAlternative 2Widened Existing US 219

Alternative 3Existing Interchange with Local and Relocated US 219

Alternative 4Roundabout Interchange with Local and Relocated US 219

Community Effects

ResidentialDisplacements 4 1 3 1 3 1

No. of Impacts 25 9 9

Total Acres 5.2 5.7 5.9

Commercial

Displacements(buildings/businesses) 3/6 1 1 1 1 1

No. of Impacts 16 5 5

Total Acres 16.8 40.0 45.7

Community Facilities

Displacements 0 0 0

No. of Impacts 2 1 1

Total Acres 1.2 0.5 0.6

Parks and Recreation

Displacements 0 0 0

No. of Impacts 0 0 0

Total Acres 0 0 0

Historic/Archaeological

Displacements 0 0 0

No. of Impacts 2 2 2

Total Acres 2 46.9 58.3 85.8

Right-of-Way (Acres) 25.3 56.5 59.6

Natural Environment

Streams (linear feet)

Permanent 233 756 3,449

Temporary 3 223 223 223

Wetlands (acres)Permanent 0.1 0.7 1.0

Temporary 3 0.4 0.4 0.4

100-Year Floodplains (acres) 0.2 0.2 0.2

Forest (acres) 10.8 23.0 21.7

Green Infrastructure (acres) 0.1 0.2 0.2

Total cost (million $)4 $40-50 $55-65 $70-80

1 The Hilltop Center building, which would be displaced under all build alternatives, is a single structure that contains 1 residence and 4 businesses.

2 Total acres of impact to historic/archaeological sites exceed the total acres of right-of-way required because the National Register boundary of Little Meadows/Tomlinson Inn includes substantial amounts of land already within SHA right-of-way.

3 Temporary impacts for each alternative include 223 l.f. of stream impact and 0.4 acre of wetland impact directly resulting from stream restoration activities.

4 Costs are for 2016 and are not for the year of expenditure. Costs shown include Design and Construction costs, but do not include Right-of-Way costs.

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StreamsA number of unnamed streams are located within the project area. One named stream, Meadow Run, extends parallel and to the east of existing US 219. Alternative 2 would have the fewest stream impacts and the majority would be the result of proposed stream restoration east of the Pilot Travel Center. Alternative 3 would also have comparatively fewer stream impacts thanAlternative 4. Alternative 4 would have greater stream impacts than Alternatives 2 and 3, because it would impact a roadside ditch along westbound I-68.

WetlandsEach of the alternatives would impact wetlands. Alternatives 2 and 3 would require fewer wetland impacts than Alternative 4 because they avoid the largest concentration of wetlands located east of existing US 219, near I-68.

FloodplainsThe Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recorded 100-year floodplains near the project area along Meadow Run. Floodplain impacts are minimal under all of the alternatives. Only the southernmost end of the floodplain associated with Meadow Run would be impacted.

Forest/Green InfrastructureForested land is present throughout the project area with larger tracts located behind the developments along US 219 and US 40 Alternate, and in the Savage River State Forest. Although impacts to the Savage River State Forest would be avoided, forest impacts would occur under all alternatives, with Alternative 2 requiring the fewest impacts.

East of existing US 219, there are green infrastructure hubs (unfragmented natural areas) near Meadow Run, north of US 40 Alternate, and south of I-68. West of US 219, there is a hub near the proposed Casselman Farm Development site. Alternatives 3 and 4 would not impact green infrastructure and Alternative 2 would have minimal impacts to green infrastructure.

Rare, Threatened & Endangered SpeciesCoordination with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) identified species of special concern or habitats near the project area. The proposed work could impact the federally threatened Northern Long-eared Bat and the federally endangered Indiana Bat. These impacts will be resolved through the modification of a FWS Biological Opinion of the US 219 PEL project, to ensure that the project will have no effect on federally listed species or their critical habitat pursuant to Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act, as amended. SHA will continue to coordinate with DNR and FWS regarding methods to avoid or minimize impacts to rare, threatened or endangered species.

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Air QualityGarrett County is classified as “in attainment” (in other words the amounts of criteria pollutants in the air in the county are below – or better than - the maximum standards set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) for all criteria pollutants including: ozone (8-hour and 1-hour); Particulate Matter (PM) 2.5 and 10, sulfur dioxide, lead, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide and the multi-pollutant category.

Noise Noise analyses results indicate that existing noise levels along US 219 range from 42 to 69 dBA with noise levels higher for those areas in closest proximity to existing US 219 and US 40 Alternate. Noise abatement was not feasible for any noise sensitive area since the existing driveway and other access points would prevent the noise barriers from effectively blocking highway noise.

Hazardous MaterialsA Phase I investigation completed in 2016 found two sites warranted further investigation if those sites were impacted by the project. Four additional commercial properties could warrant further investigation based on current or historical environmental conditions. Coordination with MDE would occur, if required, prior to and/or during construction to minimize the potential for adverse effects of treatment, storage, cleanup, or disposal of hazardous waste.

Remaining Steps In The Project Planning Process• Public Hearing – January 23, 2017

• Location and Design Approval – June 2017

• Engineering – 2016 to 2019

• Right-of-Way – 2016 to 2019

• Construction – 2018 to 2020

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Non-Discrimination In Federally Assisted And State-Aid ProgramsFor information concerning non-discrimination in federally assisted and state-aid programs, please contact:

Matt TroutmanCompliance Officer, District 6Maryland Department of TransportationState Highway Administration1251 Vocke RoadLaVale, MD 21502 Email: MTroutman@sha.state.md.usPhone: 1-800-760-7138

Right-Of-Way And Relocation AssistanceThe proposed project may require additional right-of-way. Residential and commercial relocations may also be required. For information regarding right-of-way acquisition and relocation assistance, please contact:

Mr. David DeMaineProperty Manager, District 6Maryland Department of TransportationState Highway AdministrationOffice of Real Estate1251 Vocke RoadLaVale, MD 21502Email: DDeMaine@sha.state.md.usPhone: 1-800-760-7138

Public InvolvementSHA will maintain public involvement throughout the US 219 Improvement Project. SHA representatives are available to meet with community groups, civic associations, and other organizations. Please contact: Rick Jenarine, the Project Manager, as noted in the beginning of the brochure to request a meeting.

The Maryland Relay Service can assist teletype users at 711. Persons requiring assistance to participate should contact the Project Manager. SHA will provide an interpreter for persons with hearing/speech disabilities or those who need assistance with the English language. To request assistance, please contact the Project Manager no later than January 16, 2017. For more information on this project, visit www.US219NorthMD.com.

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Media Used For Meeting Notification An advertisement appeared in the following newspapers to announce this joint public hearing:

• The Baltimore Sun

• Cumberland Times News

• Oakland Republican

Your Opinion Matters This hearing offers members of the public the opportunity to discuss their opinions and concerns about the project and to provide spoken and written comments. We will carefully review and consider project concerns and preferences expressed at the joint public hearing. We have included in this brochure a postage-paid mailer and the contact information for members of the Project Planning Team to assist you in providing comments.

Questions or comments following the workshop may be addressed to any of the Project Team members listed inside the front cover of the brochure. However, we request that all comments be sent to the Project Manager, Mr. Jenarine, to ensure that they are properly routed to the correct team member and for record keeping.

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Documents Available For ReviewThe joint public hearing transcript will be available for review approximately eight weeks after the hearing during normal business hours at the locations listed below. To confirm availability, please call ahead at:

SHA District 6 1251 Vocke Rd.LaVale, MD 21502 Telephone: 301-729-8400Toll Free: 1-800-760-7138

Grantsville Municipal Building 171 Hill St.Grantsville, MD 21536 Telephone: 301-895-3144

Ruth Enlow Library-Grantsville 102 Parkview Dr.Grantsville, MD 21536Telephone: 301-895-5298

SHA Keyser’s Ridge Complex 3876 National PikeAccident, MD 21520Telephone: 301-729-8400

Thank YouThank you for participating in the US 219 Improvement Project Joint Public Hearing. Your comments are greatly appreciated!

For more information about this project and others, visit the project website atwww.US219NorthMD.com, or use the QR Code provided here:

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Glossary Alternatives: Potential solutions that are evaluated to determine whether they will address the Purpose and Need of the project.

American Association of State Highway Transportation Officials (AASHTO): AASHTO is an international leader in setting technical standards for all phases of highway system development. Standards are issued for design, construction of highways and bridges, materials, and many other technical areas.

Appalachian Development Highway System (ADHS): The goals of the ADHS are to generate economic development in previously isolated areas, supplement the interstate system, connect Appalachia to the interstate system, and provide access to areas within the Region as well as to markets in the rest of the nation.

Chestnut Ridge Development Corridor (CRDC): The CRDC extends from the intersection of US 40 Alternate (National Pike), and New Germany Road, to the east along US 40 Alternate, to the intersection of US 40 Alternate and US 219 (Chestnut Ridge Road), north along US 219 to the intersection with Old Salisbury Road, and south along US 219 to a point south of I-68.

Displacement: A building that must be removed to complete a construction project.

Floodplain (100-Year Floodplain): The flat or nearly flat land along a river or stream in tidal areas that is covered by water during a flood. A 100-year flood has a 1 percent chance of being equaled or exceeded in any given year.

Green Infrastructure: According to Maryland’s Department of Natural Resources, Green Infrastructure is our natural support system, providing ecosystem services that are necessary to humans, as well as plants and animals.

Limits of Disturbance (LOD): The boundary limit of all project-related work, including construction, grading, landscaping, material storage and anything else related to the project.

National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA): This act ensures that the environment is given proper consideration prior to significantly altering it.

Median: The area that divides traffic moving in opposite directions on a single roadway.

National Register of Historic Places (NRHP): The official list of the nation’s historic places that are worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act, the NRHP is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

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Planning and Environment Linkages (PEL) Study: An approach to transportation decision making that considers environmental, community, and economic goals early in the planning stage for use during latter phases of project development including design, and construction. PEL studies provide an opportunity to create a seamless decision-making process that fosters a collaborative and integrated transportation process; minimizes duplication of effort; promotes environmental stewardship; and reduces delay in project implementation.

Priority Funding Areas Act: Planning Legislation in 1997 that directs state spending to areas designated by the state as Priority Funding Areas. These areas were existing communities and places identified by local government for their potential for growth.

Rare, Threatened, or Endangered Species: In Maryland: Plant and animal species that are listed on or are candidates for listing on the Federal Endangered Species List and additional species that are considered rare by the Maryland Wildlife and Heritage Service.

Right-of-Way: Land or property (often in a strip) required for transportation purposes, such as roadway widening or improvements.

Smart Growth Initiatives: The general goals of Maryland’s 1997 Smart Growth Initiatives are to enhance the state’s existing communities and other locally designated growth areas; identify and protect the state’s most valuable farmland and other natural resources; and save taxpayers from the cost of building new infrastructure to support poorly planned development. Smart Growth concentrates new development and redevelopment in areas that have existing or planned infrastructure in order to avoid sprawl.

Transcript: The official word-for-word written copy of all spoken and/or written testimony presented during the formal portion of SHA’s public hearings. The transcript is provided by a contracted court reporter and becomes available for public review eight weeks after the hearing concludes.

Wetlands: Areas that are regularly wet or flooded, with vegetation adapted for life under those saturated soil conditions. Wetlands generally include swamps, bogs, marshes, and similar areas.

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