Task 1: Study Framework

This task is intended to seek a consensus concerning the project, the study, its approach, its methods, its purpose, and the universe of alternatives to be considered in the study. In this sense, the task establishes the study framework, and is critical to study success and later relative to support for the study and its findings.   To view Task 1 Statement of Purpose and Need Product - CLICK HERE

Task 2: Existing Situation

The objective of this task is to document and assess the severity of perceived regional needs with respect to economic development, international trade, access to markets, and traffic.   To view Task 2 -Existing Situation Product - CLICK HERE

Task 3: Process to Screen and Evaluate Options

At this stage of the project, a wide range of issues will have been identified and documented, as well as options and alternatives for addressing these issues. For the screening process, the Technical Consultant will focus on a "tight" range of relevant alternatives. The more relevant alternatives will be identified through a combined process including the initial public hearing, discussions with Study Management, other interviews and identification by the Technical Consultant. This includes modes (for MIS purposes), design standards (interstate, expressway, parkway, etc.), location (alignments) and ways to enhance each mode. The committees, the general public, and others will be given the opportunity to identify the various alternatives (including the base case option). The Technical Consultant will catalog the options, map, and describe them. Then, the evaluation will begin.  To view Task 2 -Process to Screen and Evaluate Options - CLICK HERE

Task 4: Predictive Analysis: Forecating Economic and Transportation Impacts

The objective of this task is to assess the economic and transportation impacts of the proposed alternatives, and, conversely, the economic impact on the region (including costs to government economic assistance programs) if no transportation improvements are made. The study team will assess the impacts of the potential alternative transportation projects from two perspectives – transportation impacts (travel efficiencies), including changes in traffic flows, travel time, accidents, and vehicle operating costs; and economic development impacts, including changes in employment, business sales, business costs, and disposable income. Greater attention will be given to the economic development benefits, which are expected to be more significant given the types of transportation needs that exist in the region today. To view Task 4 - NCTS Travel Efficiencies - CLICK HERE. To view Tech Memo 5 - Social and Economic Development - CLICK HERE.

Task 5: Preliminary Environmental Analysis

One overall goal of this study is to ensure that any transportation improvement project recommended for further study is environmentally sound, and respects the natural resources and character of the North Country. To support this goal, an initial environmental screening will be conducted at this time. The preliminary environmental analysis will include a screening of corridors for socioeconomic, physical and biological impacts. While this environmental analysis will not encompass a formal NEPA evaluation, it will provide a preliminary assessment of each corridor and identify potential "fatal flaws". To view literature searches on the impact of community bypasses - CLICK HERE
To view Tech Memo 9 - Environmental Issues, Constraints, and Strategies - CLICK HERE

Task 6: Benefit/Cost Analysis

A public investment in a major highway (or other transportation) project is "economically feasible" if the economy is better with the investment than without it. Without question the investment will be a significant asset to the corridor region. But the key issue is overall efficiency, and whether the highway investment will create sufficient efficiencies and opportunities so as to induce suitable economic productivity and/or economic development, or offset economic decline, to make the transportation investment feasible. To view Tech Memo 6 - Social and Economic Development Feasibility - CLICK HERE. To view Tech Memo 7 - The Proposed Development Concept - CLICK HERE.

Task 7: Financing

The objective of this task is to identify a range of alternative sources of financing for the transportation improvements, and evaluate the feasibility of developing a viable financing strategy for each alternative. To view Tech Memo 8 - Financing Options - CLICK HERE

Task 8: Comparison Across Screening Factors

At this stage of the study, the bulk of the analysis will be complete and the screening data for all the alternatives will be compiled. This task of the study will focus on combining the data on all of the key alternatives remaining under study and compare them across all factors covered in Tasks 4-7.

Task 9: Next Steps

"Next steps" refers to an overall strategy, as well as a detailed action plan (step-by-step) which can serve the Advisory Committee and DANC after this technical study is complete. To view Recommended Plan of Action - CLICK HERE

Task 10: Public Participation Programs

This Technical Consultant Team is committed to an extensive, proactive and comprehensive participation approach, with a strong emphasis on agency coordination and citizen participation. Effective planning and ultimate implementation depends on commitment and active participation from citizens, businesses, community leaders, agency representatives and local staff. To view Public Involvement meeting notes - CLICK HERE