Following a series of Open Houses that examined the proposed light rail project and design options for Austin Light Rail Phase 1, Austin Transit Partnership (ATP) released the Austin Light Rail Phase 1 Project Scoping Summary Report. ATP hosted the Open Houses in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) scoping requirements. NEPA is a federal process ATP is conducting in partnership with the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) that is required to receive federal grant funding.
The events provided an opportunity for the community to better understand the proposed project and potential design options that will undergo comprehensive studies during the NEPA process.
What does this report include?
The Austin Light Rail Phase 1 Project Scoping Summary Report summarizes scoping, an early step in the NEPA process. The report also provides an overview of the Austin Light Rail Phase 1 Project, a description of the scoping activities, and comprehensive comments from the public, agencies, and partners.
How was the scoping process conducted?
The 45-day NEPA scoping period began January 19, 2024, following the FTA’s filing of the Notice of Intent, and concluded March 4, 2024. During this time, ATP hosted a series of in-person and virtual Open House events where they shared the purpose and need for Austin Light Rail, educated the community on the environmental analysis process, and shared maps and diagrams that describe the proposed project.
These events were hosted at multiple locations throughout Austin—and at different times—to encourage all community members to learn more about the project and share their feedback. Comments were also accepted through an online survey, via mail and by email.
What’s next?
ATP remains committed to creating and delivering a community-driven Austin Light Rail project. In the coming months, ATP will work closely with the FTA to prepare a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the Austin Light Rail Phase 1 Project, which will be released to the public in fall 2024. Once this document has been released, ATP will conduct another public comment period where they will seek additional public and stakeholder feedback, eventually leading to the final Environmental Impact Statement in 2025.
Access the Austin Light Rail Phase 1 Project Scoping Summary Report:
For additional information about upcoming community engagement events, please visit www.atptx.org/events.
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About Austin Transit Partnership
The Austin Transit Partnership (ATP) is the local government corporation responsible for implementing Project Connect and leading Austin Light Rail. ATP is responsible for the day-to-day implementation, planning, financing, execution and oversight of Austin Light Rail.
