RTC NEWS RELEASE
On Friday, Feb. 21, the Regional Transportation Commission submitted its response to Public Comments to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) for its permit application for Section 404 of the Clean Water Act. The USACE has permit decision authority with regard to impacts to the Waters of the U.S. from construction of Phase 2 of the SouthEast Connector project (SEC).
The USACE will continue its evaluation and analysis of RTC’s application with the additional information provided in its submittal this past Friday. The response provides additional information requested from the USACE which addresses comments it received during the extended public comment period last fall.
On a related matter, it should be noted the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) for the USACE 50-Year Flood Protection Project contains outdated information. The information contained within the FEIS does not include the work the USACE did in actually modeling the SEC in the USACE flood model.
The results of the USACE flood modeling effort demonstrate that any rise attributed to the SEC was less than 2.5 inches and occurred along the south bank of the Truckee River on the eastern side of the UNR Main Station Farms, well away from any occupied structures or homes. The SEC actually reduced flood water elevations near structures and homes in the USACE’s flood model.
It should also be noted that this flood modeling analysis was done in combination with the USACE 50-year Flood Protection Project. All local flood ordinances as it pertains to the SEC have been met, and the SEC does not have any negative net impact to water surface elevations when compared to existing conditions. The USACE flood modeling results are available on our websites listed below.
RTC executive director Lee Gibson stated, “We recognize the work the Corps has before it and will continue to provide them the information they need for a complete and thorough analysis of our application. The RTC is committed to ensuring we are in compliance with the Clean Water Act and constructing a roadway which will bring benefit to commuters, the environment and our region.” A decision from the USACE is anticipated within the next 60 to 90 days.
For information about the SouthEast Connector project and to view the Response Submittal to the USACE dated Feb. 21, 2014, and supporting materials, visit www.southeastconnector.com and www.rtcwashoe.com and click on Hot Topics.
About RTC
The Regional Transportation Commission of Washoe County serves the citizens of Reno, Sparks and unincorporated areas of Washoe County. As the federally designated Metropolitan Planning Organization for the region, the RTC provides leadership in planning, public policy development and implementation of quality transportation systems through a commitment to excellence and stewardship to meet the community’s present and future transportation needs. For more information about RTC projects visit rtcwashoe.com and sign up for free email updates using MyRTC or call (775) 348-0400.
