55C - RESO - FIXED GUIDEWAY PROJECT

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The following summarizes the needs for the project: • Missing Transit Links • Congested Freeways and Arterials • Limited Transportation Improvement Options • Limited Travel Choices • Significant Level of Transit Dependence • Automobile Emissions Contribute to Unhealthy Air Quality The Santa Ana - Garden Grove Fixed Guideway Corridor project included preparation of an Alternatives Analysis (AA) which would satisfy the requirements of the Federal Transit Administration and an environmental review process that would satisfy the requirements of both the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). In the study process followed by the cities of Santa Ana and Garden Grove in completing the requirements of the Go Local Step 2 work program, the AA and the environmental review were conducted concurrently. The Alternatives Analysis Report documented the process followed to define, screen and evaluate the technical merits of alternatives. Through the Santa Ana - Garden Grove Fixed Guideway Corridor AA: • The purpose and need for the project were defined, • A broad range of technology and route options were defined and screened based on the Purpose and Need and other identified criteria, with some concepts eliminated from further consideration, • The remaining technology and route concepts were combined to form alternatives, and an additional screening was conducted in two stages; the first stage included the further analysis of route options while the second stage included the further analysis of technology options (with additional detail) to determine which options best meet the project's Purpose and Need and goals and objectives and which options should be eliminated from further consideration. • The reduced set of alternatives underwent detailed evaluation using screening criteria that were tied to the Purpose and Need and goals and objectives, and • The alternatives which performed best against the criteria and best addressed the Purpose and Need and goals and objectives for the project were identified for potential selection as the LPA. The reduced set of alternatives was also subjected to environmental analyses compliant with NEPA and CEQA. Upon completion of the environmental analysis, an Environmental Assessment /Draft Environmental Impact Report (EA /DEIR) was prepared. The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) served as the lead agency for the preparation of the EA, and the city of Santa Ana was the lead agency for the DEIR. Following review and approval of LPA Decision Report July 2014 55C -28 1 4 1 Page