BART seeks public comment on extension to Livermore

On Thursday, November 5, BART will release its Draft Program Environmental Impact Report (DPEIR) for an extension between the Dublin/Pleasanton Station and the City of Livermore. The goal of extending BART to Livermore is to increase mobility to, from, and through the Tri-Valley region.  As added benefits, a new station in Livermore would reduce transportation-related greenhouse gas and air pollution emissions; improve community livability and reduce congestion on the I-580 corridor.  The DPEIR evaluates alignment options, environmental impacts and mitigation measures for extending BART to Livermore.  BART is seeking public comment on the Livermore extension and its proposed alignments.

The alignment alternatives under consideration are:

Greenville East Station via I-580
Greenville East Station via Downtown Livermore (2 Options)
Vasco Road ACE Station via I-580/Las Positas
Vasco Road ACE Station via Quarry/Downtown Livermore

OR:

Downtown Livermore via I-580/Portola
Downtown Livermore via Quarry/Railroad
Isabel/I-580 via I-580
Isabel/Stanley via Quarry
 
The proposed stations, whether at Greenville Road/I-580, Vasco Road ACE Station, Downtown Livermore and Isabel Avenue/Stanley Boulevard, would provide a convenient connection to the existing Altamont Commuter Express (ACE) commuter rail service or potential High Speed Rail alignments through Altamont Pass. An intermediate or terminus station at Isabel Avenue/I-580 is also being considered.  BART is also considering building a maintenance yard as well as enhancing existing facilities. 
 
DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT
BART will post the Draft Program Environmental Impact Report on www.barttolivermore.org on Thursday, November 5.  The public can find a list of commonly asked questions about the project there as well.  BART invites the public to review the DPEIR and submit their comments on the alignment alternatives, environmental impacts and mitigation measures to BART online at [email protected] or via mail to Malcolm Quint, San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District, 300 Lakeside Drive, 16th Floor, Oakland, CA 94612.  BART will accept written comments until December 21, 2009.

BART TO HOLD TWO PUBLIC MEETINGS
The public can also submit their comments at two public hearings:

Wednesday, November 18, 2009, 2pm in Livermore
City of Livermore City Council Chambers, 3575 Pacific Avenue, Livermore

Wednesday, December 2, 2009, 6pm in Livermore
Robert Livermore Community Center, 4444 East Avenue, Livermore