ATLANTA-CHATTANOOGA

HIGH SPEED GROUND TRANSPORTATION PROJECT

TIER 1 COMBINED FINAL ENVIRONMENTAL 

IMPACT STATEMENT AND RECORD OF 

DECISION (TIER 1 FEIS/ROD)

Prepared by:

Federal Railroad Administration (FRA)

Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT)

Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT)

August 2017

PTSCO - 0023-00-002

PI: No. T001684
ATLANTA-CHATTANOOGA 

HIGH SPEED GR9UND TRANSPORTATION PRQJECT 

Tier 1 Combined Final Environmehtal Impact Statement, 

Preliminary Section 4(f) Evaluation( ahd Record of Decision 

Pursuant to: 

National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 USC Section 4321 ef seq.), and implementing regulations'· 

(40 CFR Parts 1500-1508), 23 CFR 771, Section· 4(f) of the U.S. Department of Transportation Act (49 · 

USC 303) and implementing regulations (23 CFR Part 774); ·Federal Railroad Administration, Procedures 

for Considering Environmental Impacts (64 Federal Register 28545); National Historic Preservation Act 

(54 USC 306101 et seq.) and implementing regulatidhs (36 CFR Part 800); Clean Air Act-as amended (42 

USC 7401 et seq.) and implementing regulations (40 CFR Parts 51 and 93);·the·Endangered Species Act 

of 1973 (16 USC 1531-1544) and implementing regulations (SO· CFR Part 402); Clean Water Act (33 USC 

1251-1387) and implementtng regulations (33 CFR Parts 320 to 324 and 40 CFR Part 230); and Section 

6(f) of the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act (36 CFR Part 59). 

Russell R. McMurry, P.E., Commi ner 

Georgia Department of Transportation 

Date: ~/'kl J (~ 

John Schroer, Commissioner 

Tennessee Department of Transportation 

Date:----- ------ ---

P ul Nissenbaum, Associate Administrator 

Railroad Policy & Development 

F,ederal Railroad Administration 

U.S. Oepartment of Transportation 

Date: . "! /f;;. J 17- . I ' 

!' 

Contact the following individuals for additional information concerning this document: 

Nancy C. Cobb, Administrafor 

Division of lntermodal 

Georgia Department of Transportation 

One Georgia Center - 600 West Peachtree NW 

Atlanta, GA 30.308 

Tel.: (404) 347-0574 

Liza M. Joffrion, Director 

Division of Multimodal Transportation Resources 

Tennessee Department of Transportation 

James K. Polk Building, 181

h Floor 

505 Deaderick Street 

Nashville, TN 37243 

Tel.: (615) 741-2781 

John Winkle . 

. . Qffice.,qf Railroad Policy and Development 

Federal Railroad Administration 

.1200 New J.ersey Avenu,e SE, MS-20 

· .. Washington, D,C. 20590 

TeJ.: (202) 493-6067 
ABSTRACT

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), in cooperation with the Georgia Department of Transportation 

(GDOT) and the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT), initiated a program-level Tier 1 

Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and Preliminary Section 4(f) Evaluation for the proposed Atlanta –

Chattanooga High Speed Ground Transportation (HSGT) Project (hereinafter referred to as the Project) in 

accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) and its implementing regulations 

(40 Code of Federal Regulations CFR Parts 1500-1508); Safe Accountable Flexible Efficient 

Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU); Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st

Century Act (MAP-21); the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act (Public Law 114-94); and 

FRA’s Procedures for Considering Environmental Impacts (64 Federal Register 28545). The Project is a 

comprehensive planning effort to evaluate and identify a corridor for proposed, new high-speed intercity 

passenger rail service connecting Atlanta, Georgia and Chattanooga, Tennessee. A program-level Tier 1 

EIS is prepared when large geographic areas are being addressed for proposed improvements, allowing 

the Project sponsor to review reasonable HSGT corridors, general environmental conditions, and 

potential impacts. The Draft EIS (DEIS) was issued on October 7, 2016 with the public and agency review 

and comment period occurring between October 7, 2016 and December 31, 2016. 

The primary purpose of this combined Tier 1 Final EIS (FEIS) and Record of Decision (ROD) (hereinafter 

referred to as Tier 1 FEIS/ROD) is to respond to substantive comments received during the public and 

agency review and comment period. Responses are in the form of factual corrections or clarifications and 

are presented as errata-style edits in a table format attached to the Tier 1 DEIS (DEIS Errata Sheets) and 

document the changes made to the DEIS that are now reflected in the Tier 1 FEIS/ROD. The preparation 

of a FEIS by errata sheets attached to the DEIS if certain conditions are met is set forth in 23 USC 

Section 139(n). As a result of the FAST Act, 23 USC Section 139(n) and 49 USC Section 304(a) require, 

to the maximum extent practicable, and unless certain conditions exist, that the lead United States 

Department of Transportation (USDOT) agency expeditiously develop a single NEPA document that 

combines the FEIS and ROD. The use of errata sheets and this combined FEIS/ROD comply with the 

requirements of the FAST Act. The ROD states the decision, identifies the alternatives considered in 

reaching the decision, summarizes avoidance, minimization, and mitigation strategies and future design 

practices appropriate for this Tier 1 EIS, and states the next steps in the environmental review process 

that may occur with subsequent phases of the Project. Members of the public, project stakeholders, local 

governments, elected officials, non-governmental organizations, Native American Tribes, Federal, State, 

and local agencies have been and will continue to be involved in the Project throughout any subsequent 

phases of the Project. 

This Tier 1 FEIS/ROD describes and summarizes the potential environmental, transportation, and 

economic effects of a No Build and three Corridor Alternatives for new high-speed intercity passenger rail 

service on the population, built, and natural environments within the Project Study Area. The FRA 

identified a NEPA Preferred Corridor Alternative based on analysis presented in the Tier 1 DEIS, input 

from the public, stakeholders, Native American Tribes, Federal, State, and local agencies. The I-75 

Corridor Alternative is the NEPA Preferred Corridor Alternative and most effectively achieves the Purpose 

and Need and is the best performing corridor alternative based on the 12 distinguishing performance 

measures developed for the Project for this program-level Tier 1 EIS and the input received. 

The FRA will hold at least a 30-day waiting period after the release of the Tier 1 FEIS/ROD allowing the 

public, stakeholders, Native American Tribes, Federal, State, and local agencies the opportunity to review 

and provide input on the Preferred Corridor Alternative and the contents of the Tier 1 FEIS/ROD. This will 

not be a formal review and comment period and the FRA, GDOT, and TDOT will not respond to individual 

comments as was required during the Tier 1 DEIS. Rather, the FRA, GDOT, and TDOT will consider input 

received on the Tier 1 FEIS/ROD for any subsequent phases of the Project, which may include a Tier 2 

NEPA process wherein more detailed environmental analyses would be conducted, potential alignments 

within the Preferred Corridor Alternative will be configured, exact station locations will be identified, a 

HSGT vehicle storage and maintenance facility site will be evaluated and selected, an HSGT technology 

will be evaluated and selected, all applicable permits will be identified, and location-specific avoidance 

and mitigation measures will be defined.
Table of Contents August 2017

Atlanta-Chattanooga HSGT Tier 1 FEIS/ROD i

Table of Contents

ABSTRACT..................................................................................................................................................... 1-1

1.0 INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................... 1-1

1.1 Reader’s Guide.........................................................................................................1-1

1.1.1 How to Use this Document.........................................................................1-1

1.1.2 Consistency Between the Tier 1 DEIS and the Tier 1 FEIS ......................1-1

1.1.3 Key Concepts and Terminology.................................................................1-1

1.1.4 Contents of this Combined Tier 1 FEIS/ROD ............................................1-3

1.2 About the Project.....................................................................................................1-4

1.3 Application of the FAST Act Provisions................................................................1-4

1.3.1 Use of Errata Table and Sheets.................................................................1-5

1.3.2 Combined Tier 1 FEIS/ROD.......................................................................1-5

1.4 Tiered NEPA Process ..............................................................................................1-6

2.0 TIER 1 RECORD OF DECISION ..................................................................................................... 2-1

2.1 Tier 1 EIS Process for the HSGT Project...............................................................2-1

2.2 Purpose and Need for the Project..........................................................................2-2

2.3 Alternatives Considered in the Tier 1 DEIS...........................................................2-2

2.4 Description of the NEPA Preferred Corridor Alternative.....................................2-2

2.4.1 Preferred HSGT Technology......................................................................2-1

2.4.2 Preferred HSGT Corridor Attributes...........................................................2-1

2.4.3 Environmental Benefits, Consequences, and Potential Mitigation for the 

NEPA Preferred Corridor Alternative .........................................................2-1

2.5 Preliminary Section 4(f) Evaluation .......................................................................2-5

3.0 TIER 1 FINAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT.......................................................... 3-1

3.1 Preferred Corridor Alternative................................................................................3-1

3.2 Overview of Public and Agency Outreach and Coordination Since Release of 

the Tier 1 DEIS..........................................................................................................3-1

3.2.1 Distribution of the Tier 1 DEIS....................................................................3-1

3.2.2 Public Meetings ..........................................................................................3-2

3.2.3 Additional Public Outreach Activities .........................................................3-3

3.2.4 Comments and Responses on the Tier 1 DEIS.........................................3-3

3.3 Tier 1 DEIS Errata Table ..........................................................................................3-4
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Atlanta-Chattanooga HSGT Tier 1 FEIS/ROD ii

List of Tables

Table 2-1: Comparative Summary of Corridor Build Alternatives .....................................................2-3

Table 3-1: DEIS Public Meetings.......................................................................................................3-2

Table 3-2: Tier 1 DEIS Errata Table .................................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.4

List of Figures

Figure 1-1: Project Study Area Map ..................................................................................................1-7

Figure 2-1: Preferred Corridor Alternative – I-75 Corridor Alternative ..............................................2-2

APPENDICES

Tab

APPENDIX A – TIER 1 DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT .................................... A

APPENDIX B – PUBLIC AND AGENCY INVOLVEMENT SUMMARY REPORT.............................. B

APPENDIX C – AGENCY CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED............................................................ C
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Atlanta-Chattanooga HSGT Tier 1 FEIS/ROD 1-1

1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Reader’s Guide

This section presents guidance on how to “use” this document, defines key concepts and 

terminology used in the environmental analyses, and provides the overall organization of this 

combined Tier 1 Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) and Record of Decision (ROD) 

(hereinafter referred to as Tier 1 FEIS/ROD).

1.1.1 How to Use this Document

This document contains a combined Tier 1 FEIS/ROD for the Atlanta – Chattanooga High Speed 

Ground Transportation (HSGT) Project (the Project). The Tier 1 ROD describes the “NEPA Preferred 

Alternative” as described, evaluated, and recommended in the Atlanta – Chattanooga High Speed 

Ground Transportation Project Tier 1 Draft Environmental Impact Statement (October 2016), and 

includes all technical reports and supporting documentation, incorporated by reference and selected 

as the Preferred Corridor Build Alternative for the Project in the Tier 1 FEIS attached to this Tier 1 

FEIS/ROD document. The Tier 1 FEIS includes clarifications, errata-style edits, and specific 

comments related to information provided in the Tier 1 DEIS and is presented in a table format 

noting sections of the Tier 1 DEIS where the changes appear. The entire Tier 1 DEIS, including 

appendices, is presented here and is updated to reflect changes noted during the public and agency 

review and comment period (October 7, 2016 to December 31, 2016) based on the information 

noted in the Tier 1 DEIS Errata Table and Sheets (Section 3.3 and Table 3-2).

1.1.2 Consistency Between the Tier 1 DEIS and the Tier 1 FEIS

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT), and 

Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) used the same key concepts presented in the Tier 

1 DEIS for the Tier 1 FEIS/ROD to maintain consistency between the evaluation of the No Build 

Alternative, Corridor Alternatives, and the identification of the NEPA Preferred Alternative.

1.1.3 Key Concepts and Terminology 

The following key concepts on the level of environmental detail and analysis remain constant 

between the Tier 1 DEIS and the Tier 1 FEIS/ROD:

Corridor Alternatives: The Corridor Alternatives are those areas that are approximately 1,000 feet 

in width that lie within the Project Study Area and generally follow existing transportation corridors or 

connect existing transportation corridors where a potential HSGT Project may be implemented. They 

define the areas where Tier 2 NEPA studies would be performed, including the definition of potential 

HSGT alignments and other transportation improvements included in Long Range Transportation 

Plans (LRTPs) within the Project Study Area, during subsequent phases of the Project.

Preferred Corridor Alternative: The Preferred Corridor Alternative is the best performing corridor 

alternative based on the performance measures defined in the Tier 1 DEIS. It rates High for most 

performance measures and does not rate Low for any performance measures. The Preferred 

Corridor Alternative is documented in Section 3.0 of the Tier 1 FEIS/ROD and is also referred to as 

the NEPA Preferred Corridor Alternative in Section 2.0 of the Tier 1 FEIS/ROD to be consistent with 

CEQ requirements for Tier 1 EIS documents. The Preferred Corridor Alternative may be the subject 

of additional planning work or Tier 2 NEPA studies during subsequent phases of the Project.

Project Study Area: For the purpose of this Tier 1 Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) process, 

FRA, GDOT and TDOT defined a broad geographic Project Study Area that is contained, wholly or 

in part, in the following counties arranged in alphabetic order: Bartow, Catoosa, Chattooga, 
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Atlanta-Chattanooga HSGT Tier 1 FEIS/ROD 1-2

Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, Douglas, Floyd, Fulton, Gordon, Murray, Paulding, Polk, Walker, and 

Whitfield Counties of Georgia; and Hamilton County of Tennessee. The Project Study Area is shown 

in Figure 1-1. 

High Speed Ground Transportation (HSGT): For the purposes of this Tier 1 EIS process, FRA 

defines HSGT as an exclusive guideway, intercity passenger ground transportation facility–by steelwheel railroad or magnetic levitation (Maglev)—that is time competitive with air travel and/or auto 

travel markets in the approximate range of 100 to 500 miles. A “market” is defined as a city pair - two 

metropolitan areas and markets that, by their proximity and configuration, lend themselves to 

efficient service by ground transportation modes.

Level of Detail: The level of detail presented in the Tier 1 EIS is consistent with the FRA’s tiered 

environmental review process. FRA’s guidance suggests that a tiered NEPA process is appropriate 

for FRA projects where broad program decisions for large expansive corridor programs are 1) too 

complex to be addressed in one document; 2) are phased over time; 3) where future phases are not 

fully defined; or 4) when major routing or service alternatives need to be evaluated.

Horizon Years: As part of the NEPA environmental review process, a “horizon year” is considered 

when conducting analysis and considering potential environmental consequences of transportation 

projects. The horizon year refers to the future timeframe within which environmental consequences 

for a proposed action will be evaluated and is consistent with the future timeframes for the Long 

Range Transportation Plans (LRTP) for each of the five MPOs that serve the Project Study Area. 

With the exception of the Greater Dalton MPO, all MPOs have LRTPs with a horizon year of 2040. 

The Greater Dalton MPO LRTP has a horizon year of 2035. Although two different horizon years are 

considered in this analysis, all known proposed transportation projects that would be constructed 

and/or in operation during the same timeframe as the proposed HSGT Project and are within the 

Project Study Area are reflected in this analysis. 

Data Sources, References, and Geographic Information System (GIS) Tools: Secondary 

source data (GIS data, published reports, technical analyses from USDOT, GDOT, TDOT and other 

government agencies, U.S. Census Bureau data) readily available from Federal, State, and local 

agencies and governments were analyzed as part of this Tier 1 EIS process. No fieldwork or 

subsurface testing any kind occurred as part of this Tier 1 EIS process. A GIS database using 

desktop analysis was developed to define the characteristics of the Corridor Alternatives, such as 

existing environmental conditions, existing and future transportation facilities and existing and future 

land use and land cover characteristics. The database contains resource-specific data and 

information used to create GIS shapefiles or layers. The interaction of the GIS shapefiles defined the 

affected environment and was used to assess the environmental consequences in the Tier 1 DEIS 

desktop analysis. 

Effects Assessment and Methodologies: The same effects assessments and methodologies, 

data sources, and data sets presented in the Tier 1 DEIS to evaluate the No Build Alternative and 

the Corridor Alternatives were used in the Tier 1 FEIS. 

Definition of the No Build Alternative: The definition of the No Build Alternative remained the 

same from the Tier 1 DEIS and the Tier 1 FEIS. The No Build Alternative encompasses the existing 

transportation system and all planned transportation projects listed in the LRTPs for each MPO in 

the Project Study Area excluding any HSGT-related projects.

Evaluation of the Preferred Corridor Alternative: The Preferred Corridor Alternative was 

evaluated and compared to the No Build Alternative using the same performance measures and 

resource categories used to compare the other Corridor Alternatives in the Tier 1 DEIS. The 

Preferred Corridor Alternative emerged as the best performing corridor alternative in the Tier 1 DEIS. 

The evaluation procedures are described in Chapter 6.0 of the Tier 1 DEIS.
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Atlanta-Chattanooga HSGT Tier 1 FEIS/ROD 1-3

Preliminary Section 4(f) Evaluation: The Tier 1 DEIS contains a Preliminary Section 4(f) 

Evaluation prepared to comply with the USDOT Act of 1966 (49 USC Section 303), hereinafter 

referred to as “Section 4(f)” and FRA’s Procedures for Considering Environmental Impacts (64 

Federal Register 28545). The same effects assessments and methodologies, data sources, and 

data sets presented in the Tier 1 DEIS to evaluate potential Section 4(f) impacts from the No Build 

Alternative and the Corridor Alternatives were used in the Tier 1 FEIS. 

1.1.4 Contents of this Combined Tier 1 FEIS/ROD

This Tier 1 FEIS/ROD contains the Tier 1 ROD, Tier 1 FEIS, which is presented as an errata table 

recording the appropriate chapters and page numbers of the Tier 1 DEIS where edits were made, 

and the following Tier 1 FEIS/ROD Appendices: 

 Appendix A: Tier 1 DEIS and Appendices. The Tier 1 DEIS was edited based on the 

changes included in the Tier 1 FEIS errata table and is presented here with the Tier 1 DEIS 

Errata Sheets as the Tier 1 FEIS.

 Appendix B: Tier 1 DEIS Public and Agency Involvement Summary Report, including a 

comments and responses matrix for all comments received during the Tier 1 DEIS public and 

agency comment period and responses from FRA, GDOT, and TDOT included in the Tier 1 

FEIS/ROD.

 Appendix C: Copies of all correspondence received from Native American Tribes, Federal, 

State, and local agencies, including letters and emails, during the Tier 1 DEIS public and 

agency review period.

Each component of this Tier 1 FEIS/ROD is summarized in the sections below.

1.1.4.1 Tier 1 ROD

FRA indicated in the Tier 1 DEIS that the agency intended to issue a combined FEIS/ROD pursuant 

to provisions under MAP-21 and the FAST Act. The Tier 1 ROD provides a written public record for 

FRA’s decision that identifies the NEPA Preferred Corridor Alternative, alternatives considered in the 

Tier 1 EIS process, and states how FRA’s decision was made. The Tier 1 ROD issuance completes 

the Tier 1 NEPA process and provides the basis for future Tier 2 NEPA studies that may occur in 

subsequent phases of the Project. 

1.1.4.2 Tier 1 FEIS

The Tier 1 FEIS discloses all environmental effects associated with the Project, whether they are 

adverse or beneficial, and identifies the Preferred Corridor Alternative. The Tier 1 FEIS includes all 

comments received on the Tier 1 DEIS and responds to those comments. Responses are in the form 

of factual corrections or clarifications and are presented as errata-style edits in a table format 

attached to the Tier 1 DEIS and document the changes made to the DEIS that are now reflected in 

the Tier 1 FEIS/ROD. The preparation of a FEIS by errata sheets attached to the DEIS if certain 

conditions are met is set forth in 23 USC Section 139(n). As a result of the FAST Act, 23 USC 

Section 139(n) and 49 USC Section 304(a) require, to the maximum extent practicable, and unless 

certain conditions exist, that the lead United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) agency 

expeditiously develop a single NEPA document that combines the FEIS and ROD. The use of a Tier 

1 DEIS Errata Table and Sheets attached to the Tier 1 DEIS and presented as Appendix B of this

combined Tier 1 FEIS/ROD comply with the requirements of the FAST Act.
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Atlanta-Chattanooga HSGT Tier 1 FEIS/ROD 1-4

1.1.4.3 Tier 1 DEIS and Tier 1 DEIS Appendices 

The Tier 1 DEIS considers all significant issues related to the Project identified during scoping, 

establishes the Purpose and Need for the Project, discloses the alternatives considered and 

evaluates the alternatives against the Purpose and Need, discloses all environmental effects 

potentially associated with the Project’s alternatives, whether they are adverse or beneficial, 

identifies a best performing alternative based on the performance measures developed for the Tier 1 

EIS process, and establishes a public and agency review and comment period on the document, 

including public meetings and how to participate in the public and agency review and comment 

period. The Tier 1 DEIS Appendices present detailed technical documentation and relevant 

coordination materials that support the information and findings presented in the Tier 1 DEIS 

chapters. 

1.2 About the Project

The Project is a comprehensive planning effort, including a transparent public and agency 

involvement process, to evaluate and identify a corridor for proposed, new high-speed intercity 

passenger rail service connecting Atlanta, Georgia and Chattanooga, Tennessee. The project 

consists of a Tiered NEPA environmental review process that implements FRA’s “Service NEPA” for 

High Speed Intercity Passenger Rail (HSIPR) Corridor Programs. Service NEPA (which the Council 

on Environmental Quality [CEQ] refers to as programmatic NEPA) typically addresses the broader 

questions relating to the type of service(s) being proposed, including cities and stations served, route 

alternatives, service levels, types of operations (speed and technology), ridership forecasts, 

planning-level costs, and other components for future decision-making milestones. For a major FRA 

HSIPR Corridor Program, this type of environmental review must be completed before any 

substantial investments in the corridor can be made, including additional planning, design, and 

engineering work and Tier 2 NEPA for subsequent phases of the Project.

The Project did not involve fieldwork, preliminary engineering or design work, selection of an HSGT 

technology, selection of locations or recommendations of locations for HSGT alignments, HSGT 

station sites, HSGT station facilities, or an HSGT vehicle storage and maintenance facility (VSMF). 

Additional planning, design, and engineering work or Tier 2 NEPA during subsequent phases of the 

Project may involve the selection of an HSGT technology and HSGT components within the 

Preferred Corridor Alternative described in this Tier 1 FEIS/ROD. Technical reports supporting the 

development of preliminary corridor alternatives through a detailed screening process, including the 

three Corridor Alternatives evaluated in the Tier 1 EIS, preliminary planning-level cost estimates and 

identification of potential funding sources, ridership forecasts, and environmental existing conditions 

and evaluation methodologies were developed for the Project and are included with this Tier 1 

FEIS/ROD. 

1.3 Application of the FAST Act Provisions

Section 1304 of the FAST Act, Efficient Environmental Reviews for Project Decision Making, sets 

forth the changes to Title 23 USC Section 139. In particular, subsection (j), Accelerated Decision 

Making; Improving Transparency in Environmental Reviews, amends 23 USC Section 139 by adding 

subjection (n), Accelerated Decision Making in Environmental Reviews. 23 USC 139(n) provides for 

the preparation of an FEIS, including a Tier 1 FEIS, by attaching errata sheets to the DEIS if certain 

conditions are met. In addition, Section 139(n)(2) requires, to the maximum extent practicable, and 

unless certain conditions exist, that the lead USDOT agency expeditiously develop a single, 

combined FEIS/ROD, including a single, combined Tier 1 FEIS/ROD. See also 49 USC Section 

304(a). Therefore, errata sheets and the combined Tier 1 FEIS/ROD provisions can be used 

together, as long as conditions of both subsections are met. With the issuance of this combined Tier 

1 FEIS/ROD, FRA establishes that the conditions of both subsections of 23 USC Section 139 have 

been met. 
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Atlanta-Chattanooga HSGT Tier 1 FEIS/ROD 1-5

1.3.1 Use of Errata Table and Sheets

The use of an errata table and sheets in lieu of rewriting the Tier 1 DEIS is appropriate when 

comments received on a DEIS, including a Tier 1 DEIS, are minor and the responses to those

comments are limited to factual corrections or explanations of why the comments do not warrant 

further response. When applying Title 23 USC Section 139(n)(1), the errata sheets will be made 

available to the public and agencies to the same extent as the Tier 1 DEIS and continued availability 

of the Tier 1 DEIS will be ensured. Comments received from the public and agencies require only 

factual corrections and minor clarifications to the Tier 1 DEIS; however, no comments on the Tier 1

DEIS warranted further response in the form of additional alternatives or consideration of 

undisclosed environmental consequences or impacts. The Tier 1 DEIS is currently available for 

continued public and agency review on the GDOT and FRA project websites and at main branch 

library locations throughout the Project Study Area (see Appendix B). The Tier 1 DEIS errata are 

included in this combined Tier 1 FEIS/ROD and are also available with the Tier 1 DEIS on the 

project websites and at the locations noted in Appendix B. The Tier 1 DEIS is included as 

Appendix A of this combined Tier 1 FEIS/ROD document and issued as the Tier 1 FEIS for the 

Project with the Tier 1 DEIS Errata Table and Sheets attached to indicate where changes were 

made in the Tier 1 DEIS document. 

1.3.2 Combined Tier 1 FEIS/ROD

Traditionally, and in accordance with the CEQ Regulations set forth in 40 CFR Section 1506 

10(b)(2), FEIS and ROD documents, including Tier 1 FEIS and Tier 1 ROD documents, are issued 

separately with a minimum 30-day period between the FEIS and ROD, including a Tier 1 FEIS and 

Tier ROD. As explained above, the FAST Act, to the maximum extent practicable, directs the 

Federal lead agency to expeditiously develop a combined FEIS/ROD, including a combined Tier 1 

FEIS/ROD unless the following occur:

 The FEIS or Tier 1 FEIS makes substantial changes to the proposed action that are relevant 

to environmental or safety concerns or

 There is a significant new circumstance or information relevant to environmental concerns 

and that bears on the proposed action or the impacts of the proposed action.

Additionally, the applicable requirements for both an FEIS and a ROD, including a Tier 1 FEIS and a 

Tier 1 ROD, must be met for the issuance of a single, combined FEIS/ROD document or Tier 1 

FEIS/ROD document. This combined Tier 1 FEIS/ROD does not include substantial changes to the 

proposed action in terms of environmental or safety concerns, nor are there significant new 

circumstances or information relevant to environmental concerns of the proposed action or its 

impacts, as set forth in the law. 

Through the results of the Tier 1 DEIS public and agency review period that closed on December 31, 

2016, the Project has met the requirements for the issuance of a single combined Tier 1 FEIS/ROD, 

including the following:

 Identification of a NEPA Preferred Alternative, which is also the Preferred Corridor 

Alternative as described in Section 3.1 of the Tier 1 FEIS;

 Preliminary, corridor-level Section 4(f) screening and evaluation;

 Initiation of the Section 106 consultation process;

 Identification of potential mitigation activities for the Preferred Corridor Alternative included in

the Tier 1 FEIS; and
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Atlanta-Chattanooga HSGT Tier 1 FEIS/ROD 1-6

 Summary of comments received on the Tier 1 DEIS, public meeting responses included in 

the Tier 1 FEIS, and public and agency coordination activities that have taken place since 

the issuance of the Tier 1 DEIS included in Appendix B of this Tier 1 FEIS/ROD.

1.4 Tiered NEPA Process

FRA, in cooperation with GDOT and TDOT, prepared a Tier 1 EIS to evaluate the program-level 

environmental consequences of a proposed new high-speed intercity passenger rail service corridor 

connecting Atlanta, GA and Chattanooga, TN. FRA is using a tiered NEPA environmental review 

process. The Atlanta – Chattanooga HSGT Project Tier 1 EIS process began with FRA’s publication 

of a Notice of Intent (NOI) in the Federal Register on August 22, 2007. The NOI announced the 

intent to prepare a Tier 1 EIS. Following the NOI, a scoping process was undertaken to inform the 

public, interest groups, and involved agencies about the proposed Project, Corridor Alternatives, and 

issues for public and agency review and input. Comments and recommendations received during the 

scoping process by the public, stakeholders and agencies were used to refine the Project’s Purpose 

and Need Statement, Corridor Alternatives, and the scope of the environmental analysis to be 

included in the Tier 1 EIS process. FRA is the lead Federal agency responsible for conducting the 

Tier 1 NEPA environmental review process for the Project and issuing this Tier 1 FEIS/ROD. When 

the Tier 1 EIS process was initiated, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and FRA served 

as co-Lead agencies for the Project. As such, the agency coordination and consultation was 

conducted in accordance with the requirements of both agencies. By letter dated July 15, 2014, 

FHWA requested to have their role changed from a co-Federal lead agency to a participating agency

and FRA agreed.

The Tier 1 EIS for the Project is a program-level document. A program-level Tier 1 EIS is prepared 

when large geographic areas are being addressed for proposed improvements, allowing FRA to 

review reasonable HSGT corridors, general environmental conditions, and potential impacts. The 

DEIS was issued on October 7, 2016 with the public and agency review and comment period 

occurring between October 7, 2016 and December 31, 2016. The Tier 1 EIS process involved the 

selection of the Preferred Corridor Alternative. Tier 2 NEPA will evaluate specific alignment routes 

within the Preferred Corridor Alternative selected in Tier 1 environmental review process. For 

example, in this Tier 1 EIS, exact locations of stations and potential maintenance and storage 

facilities sites were not determined. Furthermore, a preferred technology for the HSGT will not be 

selected until Tier 2 NEPA occurs. FRA, in coordination with GDOT and TDOT, may determine the 

type of Tier 2 NEPA documents to be prepared in subsequent phases of the Project. The Tier 2 

NEPA documents could include any of the following of three types based upon the proposed action

to implement new HSGT service within the Preferred Corridor Alternative:

 Categorical Exclusions (CEs) for actions that do not individually or cumulatively have a 

significant environmental effect; 

 Environmental Assessments (EAs) for actions in which the significance of the environmental

impact is not clearly established. EAs can lead to the development of EIS documents or a

Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI); or

 Environmental Impact Statements (EISs) for projects where it is known that the action will 

have significant environmental effect and comprehensive analysis is needed to determine 

the environmental consequences of the proposed action.

Should Tier 2 NEPA studies occur, the scope of the evaluations will be appropriately matched to the 

proposed action as determined by the FRA or other Federal lead agency. The public and agency 

involvement efforts initiated in the Tier 1 EIS process will continue and any required permitting

processes necessary for project implementation will occur. In addition, actions to avoid, minimize or 

mitigate adverse environmental consequences will be determined. As of the date of issuance of this 

Tier 1 FEIS/ROD, neither GDOT nor TDOT has identified any funding for Tier 2 NEPA studies.
Chapter 1: Introduction August 2017

Atlanta-Chattanooga HSGT Tier 1 FEIS/ROD 1-7

Figure 1-1: Project Study Area Map

Sources: Transportation Demand Models for ARC, Greater Dalton MPO, Chattanooga-Hamilton County Regional Planning Agency, 

and Rome-Floyd County MPOs 2013 and TDOT 2014
Chapter 2: Tier 1 Record of Decision August 2017

Atlanta-Chattanooga HSGT Tier 1 FEIS/ROD 2-1

2.0 TIER 1 RECORD OF DECISION

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has determined that pursuant to National Environmental 

Policy Act of 1969 (42 USC Section 4321 et seq.), and implementing regulations (40 CFR Parts 

1500-1508), 23 CFR 771, Section 4(f) of the U.S. Department of Transportation Act (49 USC 303) 

and implementing regulations (23 CFR Part 774);1Federal Railroad Administration, Procedures for 

Considering Environmental Impacts (64 Federal Register 28545); National Historic Preservation Act 

(54 USC 306101 et seq.) and implementing regulations (36 CFR Part 800); Clean Air Act as 

amended (42 USC 7401 et seq.) and implementing regulations (40 CFR Parts 51 and 93); the 

Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 USC 1531-1544) and implementing regulations (50 CFR Part 

402); Clean Water Act (33 USC 1251-1387) and implementing regulations (33 CFR Parts 320 to 324 

and 40 CFR Part 230) and Section 6(f) of the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act (36 CFR Part 

59), all obligations for completing a Tier 1 NEPA environmental review process for the Project have 

been met. This Record of Decision (ROD) applies to the NEPA Preferred Alternative described, 

evaluated, and recommended in the Atlanta – Chattanooga High Speed Ground Transportation Tier 

1 Draft Environmental Impact Statement, (October 2016), Preliminary Section 4(f) Evaluation, all 

technical reports, and supporting documentation incorporated by reference, selected as the 

Preferred Corridor Alternative in the Tier 1 FEIS, attached to this Tier 1 FEIS/ROD document. The 

Tier 1 decisions include the selection of the I-75 Corridor Alternative as a general route for 

subsequent analysis and Tier 2 NEPA studies for the Atlanta – Chattanooga High Speed Ground 

Transportation Project (the Project). 

The NEPA environmental review process will be completed for the Project when a Project Sponsor, 

including a Federal lead agency, undertake a Tier 2 NEPA environmental review process(es) and 

issue NEPA decisions for the process(es). Tier 2 NEPA studies will define a high speed ground 

transportation (HSGT) technology, alignment location, station locations, vehicle storage and 

maintenance facility (VSMF) location, ridership and cost forecasts, and avoidance, minimization, and 

mitigation actions for site-specific impacts. Future Tier 2 NEPA environmental review activities will 

take place under separate actions to be announced under separate notices by a Federal lead 

agency. Tier 2 NEPA environmental review activities will recommence the public and agency 

involvement process initiated under this Tier 1 EIS; providing additional engagement opportunities 

for the public, stakeholders, Native American Tribes, Federal, State, and local governments and 

agencies, and owners of rights-of-way where an HSGT alignment and HSGT facilities could be sited.

2.1 Tier 1 EIS Process for the HSGT Project

FRA is the lead Federal agency responsible for conducting the NEPA environmental review process 

for the Project and issuing this Tier 1 FEIS/ROD. FRA, in cooperation with GDOT and TDOT, 

prepared a Tier 1 EIS to evaluate the program-level environmental consequences of a proposed 

new high-speed intercity passenger rail service corridor connecting Atlanta, GA and Chattanooga, 

TN. The Tier 1 EIS process began with FRA’s publication of a Notice of Intent (NOI) in the Federal 

Register on August 22, 2007. The NOI announced the intent to prepare a Tier 1 EIS. Following the 

NOI, FRA, GDOT and TDOT initiated a scoping process to inform the public, interest groups, and 

involved agencies about the proposed Project, Corridor Alternatives, and issues for public and 

agency review and input. Comments and recommendations received during the scoping process by 

the public, stakeholders and agencies were used to refine the Project’s Purpose and Need

 

1

23 CFR 774 applies to the Federal Highway Administration, but FRA will use these regulations as guidance when 

appropriate.
Chapter 2: Tier 1 Record of Decision August 2017

Atlanta-Chattanooga HSGT Tier 1 FEIS/ROD 2-2

Statement, Corridor Alternatives, and the scope of the environmental analysis to be included in the 

Tier 1 EIS process.

2.2 Purpose and Need for the Project

FRA, GDOT, and TDOT developed the Purpose and Need for the Project during the Scoping 

process following the issuance of the NOI to prepare this Tier 1 EIS. The Purpose and Need 

remained consistent between the Tier 1 DEIS and Tier 1 FEIS and is presented in Chapter 1.0 of 

the Tier 1 DEIS, and, in summary is: the purpose of the project is to enhance intercity mobility and 

economic growth within the project study area based on the need to address population and 

employment growth within the region, increasing travel demand and highway congestion, and limited 

transportation options. The project also serves the growing need for enhanced access to airports 

and intermodal facilities in Atlanta, GA and Chattanooga, TN and within the project study area. The 

Purpose and Need serves as the basis for the development of the Project objectives and goals and 

performance measures for which the FRA has based its Decision in selecting the NEPA Preferred 

Corridor for the Project. 

2.3 Alternatives Considered in the Tier 1 DEIS

The alternatives considered under the Tier 1 DEIS and Tier 1 FEIS remained consistent. The Tier 1 

DEIS evaluated a No Build Alternative and three Corridor Build Alternatives. The methodology and 

screening process used to develop the No Build Alternative and Corridor Alternatives considered 

during the Tier 1 EIS process are described in Chapter 2.0 of the Tier 1 DEIS. The No Build 

Alternative and Corridor Alternatives were evaluated against the performance measures developed 

for the Tier 1 EIS process, their effectiveness in meeting the Purpose and Need for the Project, and 

are compared in consideration of their relative benefits and consequences to each other and are 

presented in Chapter 6.0 of the Tier 1 DEIS. Table 2-1 in the Tier 1 DEIS provides a summary 

comparison of each Corridor Alternative considered in the Tier 1 DEIS. 

2.4 Description of the NEPA Preferred Corridor Alternative

The NEPA Preferred Alternative is the I-75 Corridor Alternative, identified as the Preferred Corridor 

Alternative in the Tier 1 FEIS Section 3.1 and illustrated in Figure 2-1. The I-75 Corridor Alternative 

is an approximately 1,000-foot wide corridor that begins on the eastern side of Hartsfield Jackson 

Atlanta International Airport (HJAIA) immediately adjacent to Interstate 75 (I-75) and follows I-75 

northward to near I-285 where the corridor then follows the I-75 and I-85 shared facility (Downtown 

Connector) northward to the University Avenue overpass where the corridor then follows along both 

the Norfolk Southern-owned railroad right-of-way and I-75/I-85 into Downtown Atlanta. This allows 

for two design options to be further evaluated during additional planning activities and Tier 2 NEPA 

studies during any subsequent phases of the Project, including a potential connection to the 

proposed Georgia Multimodal Passenger Terminal (MMPT) site near Centennial Olympic Park Drive 

and Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive in Downtown Atlanta. Both corridor design options continue 

northward to I-75 at Howell Mill Road where the corridor then follows I-75 northward to I-24 south of 

Chattanooga, TN. North of I-24 the corridor continues parallel to CSX-owned railroad right-of-way 

(W&L railroad line) into Downtown Chattanooga. Stations would likely be located at HJAIA, 

Downtown Atlanta, Cumberland Galleria, Town Center, Cartersville, Dalton, Chattanooga 

Metropolitan Airport (CMA), and Downtown Chattanooga. The 1,000-foot wide I-75 Corridor 

Alternative gives Project Sponsors the flexibility to develop one or more alignments during Tier 2 

NEPA studies and to potentially avoid or minimize impacts to resources within the corridor.
Chapter 2: Tier 1 Record of Decision August 2017

Atlanta-Chattanooga HSGT Tier 1 FEIS/ROD 2-1

Table 2-1: Comparative Summary of the Corridor Build Alternatives

Needs Measures

Corridor Alternative

I-75 (NEPA 

Preferred)

East I-75/Rome

Enhance regional 

transportation mobility 

and accessibility

Time to Travel Alternative End 

to End (minutes) 88 95 102

Population within 10 miles of 

Proposed Station Locations 

(millions)

2.85 2.86 2.95

Employment within 5 Miles of 

Proposed Station Locations 

(thousands)

869 870 894

Daily Ridership 

(number of boardings) 11,725 8,556 13,204

Spur economic growth 

and regional vitality Capital Cost (2014$ millions) $8,760 $10,420 $9,811

Provide safe, efficient, 

reliable transportation

Provide passenger HSGT 

service on exclusive guideway Yes Yes Yes

Enhance airport 

access and intermodal 

connections

Provide access to HJAIA and 

CMA; connect to MARTA, 

GRTA and CCT service areas

Yes Yes Yes

Improve air quality 

nonattainment areas 

and minimize 

environmental impacts

Proportion of Corridor 

Alternative within Existing 

Transportation Corridor 

(percent)

76% 31% 53%

Ratio of EJ areas to overall 

corridor (based on linear miles) 0.6:1 0.5:1 0.5:1

Noise-sensitive Land Uses 

(acres) 5,914 7,519 8,425

Vibration-sensitive Land Uses 

(acres) 891 1,695 1,372

Ratio of Station Areas with and 

without EJ populations 6:2 6:2 6:2

Parklands and Wildlife Refuges 

(acres)

443 447 442

Parklands and Wildlife Refuges 

(number) 25 19 30

Known Archaeological 

Resources (number) 32 46 38

Known Historic Resources 

(number) 26 66 33

Cemeteries (number) 4 3 5

Wetlands (acres) 205 205 251

Stream Crossings (number) 21 18 35

Floodplains (acres) 1,563 2,576 1,689

Known Threatened and 

Endangered Species Habitats 

(number)

21 38 21

Known Threatened and 

Endangered Species Habitats 

(acres)

1,907 2,158 1,817

2.4.1 Preferred HSGT Technology

HSGT is a mode of transportation that can travel at greater speeds than traditional passenger rail 

technology and can provide improved passenger mobility and reduce travel times in the Project 

Study Area. An HSGT technology was not selected for the Tier 1 FEIS/ROD. A Preferred HSGT 

technology selection will be made during Tier 2 NEPA studies at subsequent phases of the Project.
Chapter 2: Tier 1 Record of Decision August 2017

Atlanta-Chattanooga HSGT Tier 1 FEIS/ROD 2-2

Figure 2-1: Preferred Corridor Alternative – I-75 Corridor Alternative

Source: AECOM GIS
Chapter 2: Tier 1 Record of Decision August 2017

Atlanta-Chattanooga HSGT Tier 1 FEIS/ROD 2-1

2.4.2 Preferred HSGT Corridor Attributes

The vertical alignments would vary along the I-75 Corridor Alternative from at-grade, elevated 

structure, and tunnel sections, depending on the topographic, land use, land cover, and 

environmental conditions along the route. The exact location and alignment configurations will be 

defined during subsequent planning activities and during Tier 2 NEPA studies. A tunnel section 

through Downtown Atlanta is currently assumed for the I-75 Corridor Alternative to potentially 

connect the HSGT alignment to the proposed Georgia MMPT in Downtown Atlanta and to avoid 

significant environmental impacts to the built and social environments in Downtown Atlanta and to 

avoid disruptions in operations at existing transportation facilities. The I-75 Corridor Alternative 

assumes an exclusive HSGT alignment where the entire HSGT facility would be devoted to HSGT 

services only; the HSGT system would not share tracks with freight or other non-HSGT passenger

rail trains and all crossings with other transportation modes would be grade-separated crossings. 

GDOT assumes that a heavy VSMF facility will be located at HJAIA at the southern terminus for the 

Project corridor and TDOT assumes that a light VSMF will be located near CMA near the northern 

terminus for the Project. VSMF locations, designs, amenities, operations and facilities plans, and 

site-specific impacts such as land use and zoning considerations and the handling of potentially 

hazardous materials, would be evaluated during Tier 2 NEPA. The I-75 Corridor Alternative includes 

a total of eight stations. Stations would likely be located at HJAIA, Downtown Atlanta, Cumberland 

Galleria, Town Center, Cartersville, Dalton, Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport (CMA), and Downtown 

Chattanooga. Exact station locations, designs, amenities, and site-specific impacts such as land use 

and zoning considerations, would be evaluated during Tier 2 NEPA.

2.4.3 Environmental Benefits, Consequences, and Potential Mitigation for the 

NEPA Preferred Corridor Alternative

The I-75 Corridor Alternative is the best performing Corridor Alternative as evaluated in the Tier 1 

DEIS and FRA selected the I-75 Corridor Alternative as the Preferred Corridor Alternative and the 

NEPA Preferred Corridor Alternative in this Tier 1 FEIS/ROD. The I-75 Corridor Alternative rated 

High for most of the performance measures developed for the Tier 1 EIS process (see Table 6-4 in 

the Tier 1 DEIS). The issues and resources that will be assessed and analyzed in the Tier 2 NEPA 

phase will require a site-specific design with greater precision in identifying the direct and indirect

and cumulative effects of the Project on those resources identified within the Project Study Area than 

is possible in a broad, program-level assessment undertaken in this Tier 1 EIS process. During Tier 

2 NEPA analysis, site-specific research, fieldwork, and effects analyses will be performed and the 

public and agency involvement program will continue.

Section 3.2 and Table 3-1 in the Tier 1 DEIS provides a summary of potential benefits, 

consequences, and mitigation for the NEPA Preferred Corridor Alternative. The issues and 

resources listed below are the focus of this Tier 1 EIS process:

 Transportation

 Air Quality

 Noise and Vibration

 Socioeconomics and Environmental Justice

 Parklands, Recreational Areas, and Wildlife Refuges

 Cultural Resources
Chapter 2: Tier 1 Record of Decision August 2017

Atlanta-Chattanooga HSGT Tier 1 FEIS/ROD 2-2

 Water Resources

 Biological Resources

Summary of environmental consequences and benefits of the NEPA Preferred Corridor Alternative

(the I-75 Corridor):

 The I-75 Corridor would improve mobility and accessibility in the Project Study Area. 

Transportation benefits and impacts are based on ridership forecasts, proximity of the NEPA 

Preferred Corridor Alternative to existing transportation corridors, traffic data, and potential 

for the Project to transfer trips from the highway system to HSGT ridership, thereby 

potentially improving traffic conditions on highways; 

 The I-75 Corridor would address some of the transportation needs of projected population 

and employment growth in the Project Study Area, particularly in terms of increasing 

transportation options, increasing airport and intermodal connections, address transportation 

limitations on economic growth, provide faster and more reliable ground transportation as an 

alternative to highway, intercity bus and air travel; 

 The I-75 Corridor would have the shortest end-to-end travel time of approximately 88 

minutes;

 The I-75 Corridor would provide an opportunity to use the largest area of existing 

transportation rights-of-way with only minimal use of land areas and land cover not currently 

classified as an existing transportation corridor; 

 The I-75 Corridor would improve air quality by providing a transportation option that does not 

increase the quantity or the growth rate of mobile source emissions resulting from vehicle 

miles traveled on the highway network in the Project Study Area; and

 The I-75 Corridor would potentially have impacts on communities, parks, wildlife refuges and 

recreational areas, cultural resources, water resources, and biological resources identified in 

the Tier 1 DEIS.

A brief description of the benefits, consequences, and mitigation to be further evaluated for each 

resource during any subsequent phases of work for the Project, including Tier 2 NEPA studies, are 

summarized below:

 Executive Order 12898 and Environmental Justice Populations: Populations protected 

by Executive Order 12898, Federal Actions to Address Environmental Justice in Minority 

Population and Low Income Populations were assessed for the NEPA Preferred Corridor

based on the procedures and guidance included in USDOT Order 5610.2(a), Department of 

Transportation Actions to Address Environmental Justice in Minority Populations and Low 

Income Populations. Additional analysis during subsequent phases of the Project, including 

Tier 2 NEPA, would evaluate potential impacts to the populations protected by the Executive 

Order and would provide additional opportunities for outreach and engagement of lowincome and minority populations within the NEPA Preferred Corridor Alternative. 

 Air Quality and the Clean Air Act: Air quality impacts were assessed as the overall

potential reduction in emissions of the criteria air pollutants based on the forecast trips

transferred from the highway system to HSGT ridership, thereby potentially reducing the 

number of vehicles on the highway systems within the Project Study Area from which mobile 

emissions, including emissions from the criteria air pollutants that are the subject of the 
Chapter 2: Tier 1 Record of Decision August 2017

Atlanta-Chattanooga HSGT Tier 1 FEIS/ROD 2-3

EPA’s National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) under the Clean Air Act. This Tier 1 

EIS methodology does not include an analysis of greenhouse gases (GHG). FRA anticipates

that a project-level conformity analysis would be performed during Tier 2 NEPA studies. All 

regulations for the determination of the Project’s impact on air quality within the nonattainment regions in the Project Study Area and potential air quality impacts to 

neighborhoods and communities adjacent to HSGT facilities, including stations and VSMFs 

would be assessed at that time. An assessment of the Project’s air quality impacts to 

populations protected by Executive Order 13045, Protection of Children from Environmental 

Health Risks and Safety Risks and Executive Order 12898, Federal Actions to Address 

Environmental Justice in Minority Population and Low Income Populations would occur 

during Tier 2 NEPA studies. 

 Water Resources, Water Quality, and the Clean Water Act: The Tier 1 DEIS identified 

numerous water resources within the NEPA Preferred Corridor Alternative. An analysis of 

potential impacts to water resources, including 303(d) listed impaired waters, and general 

water quality within the NEPA Preferred Corridor Alternative would occur during Tier 2 NEPA 

studies. 

 Section 4(f) and Section 6(f): Based on parklands, recreational areas, and wildlife refuges 

resources identified during the desktop analysis of the GIS database, the resources identified 

include several properties and resources protected under Section 4(f) and Section 6(f) within 

the NEPA Preferred Corridor Alternative. The potential use of these resources protected by 

Section 4(f) and Section 6(f) as a result of the Project will be further evaluated during Tier 2 

NEPA studies.

 Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act: Historic and archeological 

resources identified during desktop analysis of the GIS database will be further evaluated 

during Tier 2 NEPA studies. Further consultation activities with the Georgia State Historic 

Preservation Officer (SHPO), Tennessee SHPO, Tribal Historic Preservation Officers 

(THPO), and other consulting parties as required by Section 106 of the National Historic 

Preservation Act (NHPA) will occur during Tier 2 NEPA studies. 

 High Speed Ground Transportation Noise and Vibration Impact Assessment: Potential 

noise and vibration effects from the Project were identified during an initial screening 

procedure during the Tier 1 EIS. The screening procedure followed the guidelines of the FRA 

High Speed Ground Transportation Noise and Vibration Impact Assessment Manual (FRA 

2012). Specifically, the screening procedure consisted of the identification of potential noiseand vibration-sensitive receptors through GIS-based analysis of current and future land use 

data within the NEPA Preferred Corridor Alternative. A general assessment which 

determines the potential for noise and vibration impacts from the Project by applying 

simplified models to estimate HSGT vehicle noise and vibration to existing ambient 

conditions within the NEPA Preferred Corridor Alternative will be performed during Tier 2 

NEPA studies. A detailed noise and vibration analysis may be performed at subsequent 

phases of the Project. The detailed analysis allows for site-specific noise and vibration 

predictions and mitigation evaluations for receptors following the general assessment once 

the location of HSGT alignments and facilities are determined. 

 Farmland Protection Policy Act and Farmland Soils: The Farmland Protection Policy Act 

(FFPA) intends to minimize the impact of Federal programs that may result in the 

unnecessary and irreversible conversion of farmland to nonagricultural uses. It assures to 

the extent possible that Federal programs are administered to be compatible with State, local 

and private programs and policies to protect farmland. Federal agencies, including the FRA, 

are required to develop and review their policies and procedures to implement the FFPA, this 
Chapter 2: Tier 1 Record of Decision August 2017

Atlanta-Chattanooga HSGT Tier 1 FEIS/ROD 2-4

includes FRA’s HSIPR Corridor Programs. Because of the program-level evaluation of this 

Tier 1 EIS, the level of information currently available does not include the location and 

attributes of an HSGT alignment and other HSGT facilities. Therefore, the Tier 1 EIS process 

evaluated the potential impacts of the Project on land use and land cover conversion as a 

percentage of land not within existing transportation rights-of-way. 

“Portion of Corridor Alternative within Existing Transportation Corridor (percent)” was 

included as a performance measure developed for the evaluation of the Corridor 

Alternatives. The NEPA Preferred Alternative was the best performing alternative for this 

performance measure (see Chapter 3.0 and Chapter 6.0 of the Tier 1 DEIS). The evaluation 

methodology assumed that any land use and land cover areas not considered existing 

transportation rights-of-way for the NEPA Preferred Corridor Alternative, would be further 

evaluated during Tier 2 NEPA studies to determine the potential effects of the Project on any

land use and land cover conversion, including farmland soils protected by the FFPA. 

Farmland soils within the Project Study Area with any level of designation by the Natural 

Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) will be identified and mapped relative to the 

proximity of the Project and Farmland Conservation Impact Rating Forms will be completed 

and submitted to NRCS during Tier 2 NEPA studies when information about the location of 

HSGT facilities within the corridor becomes available. See Appendix B for correspondence

received from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), NRCS, during the Tier 1 DEIS 

public and agency review period.

 Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation: FRA believes that it is reasonable to assume

under this Tier 1 EIS process that the NEPA Preferred Corridor Alternative would result in 

fewer GHG emissions along with the criteria air pollutants identified in Chapter 3.0 of the 

Tier 1 DEIS as the Project has the potential to transfer trips from the highway system to 

HSGT ridership, thereby potentially reducing vehicle emissions that include GHG emissions. 

The Project may result in GHG emissions depending on the HSGT technology selected; 

however, this would be the same for each Corridor Alternative considered in the Tier 1 EIS. 

A GHG emissions analysis will be performed during Tier 2 NEPA studies. 

Similarly, because of the program-level evaluation of this Tier 1 EIS, the level of information 

currently available under this Tier 1 EIS does not include the location and attributes of an 

HSGT alignment that would allow for the evaluation of potential climate change impacts such 

as flooding that may occur within the vicinity of HSGT alignments and facilities located near 

water resources and floodplains, and heat-related damages to HSGT infrastructure that may 

be intensified by climate change and extreme weather events. The potential for heat-related 

damages, such as rail buckling and designs to mitigate flooding potential to HSGT 

alignments and other HSGT infrastructure, varies by HSGT technology and will be evaluated 

during Tier 2 NEPA studies. See Appendix B for correspondence received from the USEPA 

during the Tier 1 DEIS public and agency review period.

 State- and Federal-Listed Species of Concern, Threatened and Endangered Species, 

and the Endangered Species Act: There is the potential to encounter numerous flora 

(plants) and fauna (bird, bat, fish, invertebrate and vertebrate animal species) habitat and 

individual occurrences of species protected under state and Federal laws in the NEPA 

Preferred Corridor Alternative based on information obtained during coordination activities 

with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (GADNR) and the Department of the 

Interior (DOI), United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), during this Tier 1 EIS 

process. Further analysis of potential impacts to these resources, including a potential 

Section 7 consultation process under the Endangered Species Act for potential adverse 

impacts to protected species within the NEPA Preferred Corridor Alternative, would occur 

during Tier 2 NEPA studies. 
Chapter 2: Tier 1 Record of Decision August 2017

Atlanta-Chattanooga HSGT Tier 1 FEIS/ROD 2-5

2.5 Preliminary Section 4(f) Evaluation

The Tier 1 DEIS contains a Preliminary Section 4(f) Evaluation prepared to comply with the USDOT 

Act of 1966 (49 USC Section 303), hereinafter referred to as “Section 4(f)” and FRA’s Procedures for 

Considering Environmental Impacts (64 Federal Register 28545) (see Chapter 4.0 of the Tier 1 

DEIS). The same effects assessments and methodologies, data sources, and GIS-based data sets 

presented in the Tier 1 DEIS to evaluate potential Section 4(f) impacts from the No Build Alternative 

and the Corridor Alternatives were used in the Tier 1 FEIS. The I-75 Corridor Alternative contains a 

total of 83 properties protected under Section 4(f) within the 1,000-foot wide NEPA Preferred 

Corridor Alternative. During Tier 2 NEPA studies, the Federal lead agency will further evaluate 

HSGT alignments within the I-75 Corridor Alternative and will then make determinations for the 

potential use of properties protected under Section 4(f). The tiered NEPA approach allows FRA to 

not preclude the ability to identify, evaluate, and ultimately select a specific corridor alternative that 

satisfies Section 4(f) requirements in addition to NEPA requirements for the Project. The 1,000-foot 

wide I-75 Corridor Alternative gives Project Sponsors the flexibility to develop one or more 

alignments during Tier 2 NEPA studies and to potentially avoid or minimize impacts to resources 

within the corridor. Opportunities to minimize harm to any Section 4(f) properties that may be used 

by the Project as evaluated during subsequent Tier 2 NEPA studies are not precluded by this Tier 1 

FEIS/ROD.
Chapter 3: Tier 1 Final Environmental Impact Statement August 2017

Atlanta-Chattanooga HSGT Tier 1 FEIS/ROD 3-1

3.0 TIER 1 FINAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT

3.1 Preferred Corridor Alternative

The Preferred Corridor Alternative is the I-75 Corridor Alternative, an approximately 1,000-foot wide 

corridor that begins on the eastern side of Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport (HJAIA) 

immediately adjacent to Interstate 75 (I-75) and follows I-75 northward to near I-285 where the 

corridor then follows the I-75 and I-85 shared facility (Downtown Connector) northward to the 

University Avenue overpass where the corridor then follows along both the Norfolk Southern-owned 

railroad right-of-way and I-75/I-85 into Downtown Atlanta. This allows for two design options to be 

further evaluated during additional planning activities and Tier 2 NEPA studies during any 

subsequent phases of the Project, including a potential connection to the proposed Georgia 

Multimodal Passenger Terminal (MMPT) site near Centennial Olympic Park Drive and Martin Luther 

King, Jr. Drive in Downtown Atlanta. Both corridor design options continue northward to I-75 at 

Howell Mill Road where the corridor then follows I-75 northward to I-24 south of Chattanooga, TN. 

North of I-24 the corridor continues parallel to CSX-owned railroad right-of-way (W&L railroad line) 

into Downtown Chattanooga. The Preferred Corridor Alternative, the I-75 Corridor Alternative, 

defines the general study area for additional planning activities or Tier 2 NEPA studies during 

subsequent phases of the Project. 

3.2 Overview of Public and Agency Outreach and Coordination 

Since Release of the Tier 1 DEIS

This section provides an overview of the public and agency outreach and coordination that has 

occurred since the release of the Atlanta – Chattanooga High Speed Ground Transportation Tier 1 

DEIS. Appendix B contains the complete Tier 1 DEIS Public and Agency Involvement Summary 

Report which provides more detail regarding outreach and coordination activities.

3.2.1 Distribution of the Tier 1 DEIS

The Tier 1 DEIS was included in the October 7, 2016 Environmental Protection Agency’s Notice of 

Availability published in the Federal Register. This date marked the initiation of the public and 

agency review and comment period, which ran for 45 days ending November 21, 2016; however,

comments were received until early 2017 because the public and agency review and comment 

period was opened in close proximity to the holiday time period and FRA, GDOT, and TDOT 

recognized that additional time was needed to provide comments.

The complete Tier 1 DEIS, including appendices, and the Tier 1 DEIS Executive Summary were 

made available for public review online via GDOT’s and FRA’s project websites. Digital copies of 

the Tier 1 DEIS were also available at main branch libraries in each county within the project study 

area. Instructions for sending comments to FRA, GDOT, or TDOT were included in the Tier 1 DEIS. 

FRA and GDOT mailed letters notifying Native American Tribes, participating agencies, Federal and 

State agencies, and State and U.S. elected officials of availability of the Tier 1 DEIS and upcoming 

public meetings. GDOT also relayed an email notification to local government offices, local elected 

officials, and all staff-level contacts within State and local-level agency offices with jurisdiction within 

the Project Study Area. Legal notices announcing public meetings and the availability of the Tier 1 

DEIS appeared in 17 newspapers designated as legal organs for each county within the Project 

Study Area. 
Chapter 3: Tier 1 Final Environmental Impact Statement August 2017

Atlanta-Chattanooga HSGT Tier 1 FEIS/ROD 3-2

3.2.2 Public Meetings

During the public and agency review period, the FRA and GDOT held three public meetings in 

Atlanta, GA, Chattanooga, TN, and Dalton, GA. The purpose of the public meetings was to provide 

agencies and the public with the opportunity to learn about the proposed project, ask questions, and 

provide comments on the DEIS, the proposed alternatives, and other issues related to the 

development of the Project. Those with an interest in the Project who were not able to attend the 

meetings were able to participate by reviewing information shared on the GDOT project website. 

Additionally, those who viewed the website were able to offer comments on the project through the 

project email address or by sending written comments to the GDOT Project Address or to the FRA.

Notice of public meetings and the availability of the Tier 1 DEIS and other project information were 

advertised for approximately two weeks prior to the date of each public meeting through 

advertisements in the newspaper legal organs for each county within the project corridor and 

through GDOT-run social media, the Fall 2016 Project Newsletter, and email notifications. Table 3-1

provides a list of public meeting locations and attendance. Attendance numbers reported here are 

based on the number of persons who registered on a sign-in sheet and may slightly underestimate 

the actual number of attendees since it was not mandatory for attendees to provide their information 

on the sign-in sheet. Based on sign-in sheet information, 93 persons attended the three public 

meetings. 

Table 3-1: DEIS Public Meetings

Public Meeting Location Date/Time Number of 

attendees1

Atlanta, GA

GDOT General Office

One Georgia Center 

Room 403 and 404

600 West Peachtree Street, NW

Atlanta, GA 30308

Tuesday,

November 15, 2016

6:00 PM to 8:00 PM

16

Chattanooga, 

TN

Chattanooga-Hamilton County Regional Planning Agency 

(CHCRPA)

Development Resource Center

Conference Room 1A-50

1250 Market Street # 2000

Chattanooga, TN 37402

Wednesday, 

November 16, 2016

6:00 PM to 8:00 PM

25

Dalton, GA

City of Dalton City Hall and Administration Building

Main Auditorium

300 W. Waugh Street

Dalton, GA 30720

Thursday, 

November 17, 2017

6:00 PM to 8:00 PM

52

Total 93

1

Based on the number of individuals who registered on the sign-in sheets. Additional persons may have been present 

but did not choose to register.

Source: AECOM, 2016

Meeting attendees received handouts including the Fall 2016 Project Newsletter, facts, and 

frequently asked questions. Meeting attendees also had the opportunity to review project 

information on a series of five project boards and a looping PowerPoint presentation with voiceover 

narration. Comment cards were available to submit written comments and a separate area was set 

up for those who wished to make private comments to a court reporter.

Due to audio-visual problems during the looping presentation, the format for the public meeting in 

Dalton, Georgia was changed to accommodate the number of attendees present. The PowerPoint 
Chapter 3: Tier 1 Final Environmental Impact Statement August 2017

Atlanta-Chattanooga HSGT Tier 1 FEIS/ROD 3-3

for the looping presentation was shown and a speaker verbally narrated each slide. Afterwards, 

attendees were allowed to ask questions and representatives from FRA and GDOT were available to 

provide responses. 

3.2.3 Additional Public Outreach Activities

Following the three public meetings, representatives from the City of Cartersville and Bartow County 

requested an additional briefing to their constituents due to the proximity of all evaluated 

alternatives. In response to this request, FRA, GDOT, and the Cartersville-Bartow Metropolitan 

Planning Organization (CBMPO) agreed that GDOT would attend one of the regularly scheduled 

CBMPO Technical Coordinating Committee (TCC) meetings to share information on the project and 

its potential impacts to the City of Cartersville and Bartow County. GDOT representatives provided a 

brief presentation to the CBMPO TCC during the regularly scheduled TCC meeting on January 18, 

2017. CBMPO TCC meeting attendees were invited to provide comments on the DEIS through 

January 31, 2017. 

3.2.4 Comments and Responses on the Tier 1 DEIS

The FRA, GDOT, and TDOT encouraged public review and comment on the Tier 1 DEIS at each of 

the public meetings and through notices in the Federal Register, the Fall 2016 Project Newsletter, 

social media postings, advertisements in the legal organs of each county in the Project Study Area 

and on the FRA and GDOT project websites. During the public and agency review period for the Tier 

1 DEIS, the FRA, GDOT, and TDOT received a total of 49 comments. Comments were submitted in 

several formats, including email, US mail, or at public meetings on comment sheets and through the 

services of a court reporter provided at each public meeting. Comments received represented the 

viewpoints from Native American Tribes, Federal, State and local government agencies, businesses, 

residents, interested individuals, and property owners. Of the submittals, 28 comments generally 

were in support of the Project, and two (2) were generally opposed to the Project. The remaining 

comments were on specific information provided in the DEIS, requesting further review, or 

acknowledging receipt and review of the Tier 1 DEIS. Most comments were received from the public. 

Most comments indicating support for a particular corridor evaluated in the Tier 1 DEIS supported 

the I-75 corridor, due to the minimal environmental impacts and direct route. Several comments also 

suggested that FRA and GDOT consider a hybrid alternative of the I-75 and I-75/Rome Corridor, 

citing the importance of serving Rome as a key factor.

The project sponsors have reviewed all of the public and agency comments, prepared responses, 

and have taken the comments into consideration in the decision-making process for the Tier 1 EIS. 

Upon publication of this Tier 1 FEIS/ROD, letters will be sent to all individuals and agencies that 

provided comments during the public and agency review period. The letters will inform the 

commenters that the Tier 1 FEIS/ROD, which includes responses to comments, is available for 

public and agency review for approximately 30 days after the FRA official signs the Tier 1 FEIS/ROD 

document. The FRA will hold at least a 30-day waiting period after the release of the Tier 1 

FEIS/ROD allowing the public, stakeholders, Native American Tribes, Federal, State, and local 

agencies the opportunity to review and provide input on the Preferred Corridor Alternative and the 

contents of the Tier 1 FEIS/ROD. This will not be a formal review and comment period and the FRA, 

GDOT, and TDOT will not respond to individual comments similar to the Tier 1 DEIS public and 

agency review and comment period. Rather, the FRA, GDOT, and TDOT will consider input received 

on the Tier 1 FEIS/ROD for any subsequent phases of the Project, which may include a Tier 2 NEPA 

process. 
Chapter 3: Tier 1 Final Environmental Impact Statement August 2017

Atlanta-Chattanooga HSGT Tier 1 FEIS/ROD 3-4

3.3 Tier 1 DEIS Errata Table

Table 3-2 documents changes that have been made to the Tier 1 DEIS released on October 7, 

2016. Appendix A of this Tier 1 FEIS/ROD contains the edited Tier 1 DEIS based on the actions 

listed and described in Table 3-2 and where changes were made to the text, tables, or figures, a 

yellow highlight is included. The edited Tier 1 DEIS combined with the Tier 1 DEIS Errata Table is 

issued as the Tier 1 FEIS for the Project under this Tier 1 FEIS/ROD. 

Table 3-2: Tier 1 DEIS Errata Table

ID Chapter

Page(s) in

Tier 1 

DEIS

Description of Action

Page(s) in

Tier 1 

FEIS

Comment Number 

Addressed (see 

Appendix C)

1

0. Executive 

Summary 0-6

In Section 0.1.3.4: Alternatives 

Evaluated in this Tier 1 DEIS, revised 

reference to “CSX rail ROW” located 

between Rome and where the I75/Rome Corridor Alternative would rejoin I-75 to “NS rail ROW.”

0-6

N/A: Errata 

identified in open 

house portion of 

Dalton Public 

Hearing

2

0. Executive 

Summary 0-12

Revised text in Section 0.3:

Evaluation of Alternatives to more 

clearly reflect the benefits of the 

Corridor Build Alternatives.

0-12 34

3

0. Executive 

Summary

0-12 

through

0-13

In Section 0.3: Evaluation of 

Alternatives, revised ratings of High, 

Medium, and Low to Best-Performing 

Corridor Alternative, ModeratelyPerforming Corridor Alternative, and 

Worst-Performing Corridor Alternative. 

In addition, included text to define the 

ratings and revised the legend of 

Table 0-3: Summary of 

Distinguishing Performance 

Measures to be consistent with 

revision. 

0-12 

through

0-13

38

4

0. Executive 

Summary 0-12

Revised Table 0-3: Summary of 

Distinguishing Performance

Measures to reflect a rating of WorstPerforming Corridor Alternative for the 

I-75/Rome Corridor Alternative with 

regard to Noise-sensitive Land Uses 

(acres) as it had the highest number of 

impacts of the three Corridor 

Alternatives for that particular 

measure.

0-12

N/A: Errata 

identified by 

Project Team

5

2. Alternatives 

Considered 2-1

In Section 2.1.1: High Speed Ground 

Transportation Train Technologies, 

added a clarification that the Tier 1 

Record of Decision will not include a 

decision on technology.

2-1 3, 4, 28, 31, 42

6

2. Alternatives 

Considered

2-21 

through

2-22

In Section 2.2: Corridor Screening 

Process and Results, included further 

information regarding the screening for 

reasonable alternatives.

2-21 

through

2-22

3, 4, 28, 31, 42

7

2. Alternatives 

Considered 2-23 In Table 2-5, updated project number for US 411 Connector project. 2-23

N/A: Errata 

identified by 

Project Team
Chapter 3: Tier 1 Final Environmental Impact Statement August 2017

Atlanta-Chattanooga HSGT Tier 1 FEIS/ROD 3-5

ID Chapter

Page(s) in

Tier 1 

DEIS

Description of Action

Page(s) in

Tier 1 

FEIS

Comment Number 

Addressed (see 

Appendix C)

8

2. Alternatives 

Considered 2-25

In Section 2.3.2: Corridor 

Alternatives, revised reference to 

“CSX” rail ROW located between 

Rome and where the I-75/Rome 

Corridor Alternative would re-join I-75 

to “NS” rail ROW.

2-25

N/A: Errata 

identified in open 

house portion of 

Dalton Public 

Hearing

9

3. Affected 

Environment 

and 

Environmental 

Consequences

3-1

In Section 3.1: Introduction, revised 

text due to a spelling error. 3-1

N/A: Errata 

identified by 

Project Team

10

3. Affected 

Environment 

and 

Environmental 

Consequences

3-15

Revised title of Figure 3-4: Use of 

Existing Transportation Corridors to 

“Use of Existing Highway Corridors.”

3-15

N/A: Errata 

identified by 

Project Team

11

3. Affected 

Environment 

and 

Environmental 

Consequences

3-21 

through

3-23

Revised Section 3.4.2: Methodology

and Section 3.4.6: Subsequent 

Analysis of the Air Quality analysis to 

reflect that future phases of the Project 

will include a conformity determination.

3-21 

through

3-23

38

12

3. Affected 

Environment 

and 

Environmental 

Consequences

3-28 

through

3-29

Included additional introductory text to 

Section 3.6: Socioeconomics and 

Environmental Justice, and text in 

Section 3.6.1: Legal and Regulatory 

Context to include effects on children, 

as per Executive Order 13045 –

Protection of Children From 

Environmental Health Risks and Safety 

Risks.

3-28 

through

3-29

38

13

3. Affected 

Environment 

and 

Environmental 

Consequences

3-39 

through

3-40

Included additional text in Section 

3.6.6: Subsequent Analysis to 

include effects on children, as per 

Executive Order 13045 – Protection of 

Children From Environmental Health 

Risks and Safety Risks.

3-40 

through

3-41

38

14

3. Affected 

Environment 

and 

Environmental 

Consequences

3-45

Added text to Section 3.7.6: 

Subsequent Analysis to reflect the 

potential for impacts to conservation 

lands and mitigation of these types of 

impacts.

3-47 37, 41, 49

15

3. Affected 

Environment 

and 

Environmental 

Consequences

3-64

Revised text in Section 3.9.3.2 

Streams, Lakes, and Watersheds to 

accurately reflect the location of the 

Chattahoochee River headwaters.

3-66 

through

3-67

37

16

3. Affected 

Environment 

and 

Environmental 

Consequences

3-73 Revised Table 3-24 to include fishing 

designations.

3-75 38

17

3. Affected 

Environment 

and 

Environmental 

Consequences

3-76

In Section 3.9.4: Environmental 

Consequences, added text regarding 

construction effects on water 

resources and water quality and 

effects to groundwater that could occur 

due to blasting/drilling activities or 

through natural fissures.

3-78 38
Chapter 3: Tier 1 Final Environmental Impact Statement August 2017

Atlanta-Chattanooga HSGT Tier 1 FEIS/ROD 3-6

ID Chapter

Page(s) in

Tier 1 

DEIS

Description of Action

Page(s) in

Tier 1 

FEIS

Comment Number 

Addressed (see 

Appendix C)

18

3. Affected 

Environment 

and 

Environmental 

Consequences

3-77

In Section 3.9.6: Permits, added 

information regarding Section 408 and 

coordination that would be required for 

impacts to Lake Allatoona or any 

streams/open waters considered a 

Public Works project within the Mobile 

Basin.

3-79 44

19

3. Affected 

Environment 

and 

Environmental 

Consequences

3-78

In Section 3.9.7: Subsequent 

Analysis, added geotechnical 

assessments to the list of subsequent 

analysis to occur in Tier 2 to ensure 

that the project would not pollute 

groundwater through natural fissures 

or during blasting/drilling activities.

3-80 37

20

3. Affected 

Environment 

and 

Environmental 

Consequences

3-82 

through

3-87

Revised Table 3-25: Reformatted table 

to organize by species scientific name, 

rather than county. Added a footnote to 

the state status column to indicate that 

state status applies to the applicable 

state or both Georgia and Tennessee 

unless the differences in state status 

are specified. Updated federal and 

state status for species based on 

updated IPaC and GDNR data. 

Corrected spelling of scientific name 

for Freckled Darter. Combined 

instances of the same species with 

differing common names used by 

Georgia and Tennessee. 

3-84 

through

3-90

37

21

3. Affected 

Environment 

and 

Environmental 

Consequences

3-89

In Section 3.10.3: Affected 

Environment, clarified text regarding 

the Etowah Aquatic Habitat 

Conservation Plan to reflect that it is 

not formally adopted, but provides 

guidance for the protection of water 

quality and imperiled aquatic species.

3-92 37

22

3. Affected 

Environment 

and 

Environmental 

Consequences

3-90

Added text to Section 3.10.5: 

Potential Mitigation to reflect mention 

of minimization strategies and to add 

consideration of conservation banking 

and in-lieu fee or in-kind mitigation for 

unavoidable impacts to listed species 

and their habitats.

3-93 37, 49

23

3. Affected 

Environment 

and 

Environmental 

Consequences

3-90

Added text to Section 3.10.6: 

Subsequent Analysis to reflect 

information and analyses that would be 

carried out in Tier 2 and that the 

USFWS has requested be considered 

for this project.

3-93 

through

3-94

49

24

3. Affected 

Environment 

and 

Environmental 

Consequences

3-95

In Section 3.11.3: Potential for 

Secondary and Cumulative Effects, 

added additional information indicating 

that station locations were preliminary 

and conceptual in nature at this point 

in the process. Station configurations 

and layouts will be refined to a greater 

level of precision during future 

analysis.

3-95 38
Chapter 3: Tier 1 Final Environmental Impact Statement August 2017

Atlanta-Chattanooga HSGT Tier 1 FEIS/ROD 3-7

ID Chapter

Page(s) in

Tier 1 

DEIS

Description of Action

Page(s) in

Tier 1 

FEIS

Comment Number 

Addressed (see 

Appendix C)

25

3. Affected 

Environment 

and 

Environmental 

Consequences

3-94

In Section 3.11.3.4: Subsequent 

Analysis, added examples of 

resources to be further evaluated in 

Subsequent Tier 2 analysis for the 

potential for secondary land 

development and cumulative effects.

3-98 38

26 6. Evaluation 

of Alternatives 6-7

Revised text in Section 6.3: 

Balancing Benefits and Effects to 

more clearly reflect the benefits of the 

Corridor Build Alternatives. 

6-7 34

27 6. Evaluation 

of Alternatives

6-7 

through

6-8

In Section 6.3 Balancing Benefits 

and Effects, revised ratings of High, 

Medium, and Low to Best-Performing 

Corridor Alternative, ModeratelyPerforming Corridor Alternative, and 

Worst-Performing Corridor Alternative. 

In addition, included text to define the 

ratings and revised the legend of 

Table 6-4: Summary of 

Distinguishing Performance 

Measures to be consistent with 

revision and table included in the 

Executive Summary. 

6-8 

through

6-9

38