Metropolitan Transit Authority
of Harris County, Texas

Update and highlights 

In case you were wondering, you didn't miss an issue of NewsFlash last week.  We appreciate the fact that you've allowed us to place items in your in-box on a weekly basis. We took a brief hiatus last week because there simply was not enough news.   

Although we don't have "breaking news" for this issue, we want to remind you of the status of some of our projects and milestones coming up.

• North Corridor: A Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) is expected to begin circulation later this fall.  Letters have gone out advising of land surveys needed.  The purpose of the surveys is to establish the exact location of the boundaries between private properties and the public right-of-way.  In the meantime, conceptual and preliminary engineering continues along the corridor.
• Southeast Corridor: Project team members are working feverishly on the completion of the federal environmental processes.  An FEIS is also expected to begin circulation later this fall.  Conceptual and preliminary engineering are also in progress.
• East End Corridor: Individual meetings and visits with property owners have taken place regarding possible right-of-way impacts.  Also, letters have gone out advising of land surveys needed.  The purpose of the surveys is to establish the exact location of the boundaries between private properties and the public right-of-way.
• University Corridor: Due to tremendous public participation, project team members continue to examine dozens of possible routes on both the eastern and western segments.  A final decision by the METRO Board is expected by March 2007.

Save the date 

Due to steadily increasing ridership and many new initiatives, METRO is creating quite a buzz in Houston, including the business community.  President and CEO Frank Wilson will dazzle a Greater Houston Partnership luncheon audience on Wednesday, October 25, when he will focus on METRO's misunderstood role in the Houston region.  Please note that arrangements are being made for people who want to attend, free of charge, to hear the presentation only.  This event promises to leave you thinking about transit in dramatically different ways.  More information to follow in next week's edition of NewsFlash.

Stakeholder Representatives move front and center

As we transition to the design and construction phase of the METRO Solutions Phase 2 Implementation Plan, we want to take a more personal approach to communication.  In addition to our current efforts, Stakeholder Representatives will have a more visible role in each corridor.  Our web site has a list of Stakeholder Representatives so that you may establish direct contact with them as questions and concerns arise.

Poll question of the week  

In the previous issue of NewsFlash, we asked you two questions about this email bulletin.  Most responders (55 percent) agreed that NewsFlash keeps them informed about METRO Solutions.  Also, most respondents (65 percent) said that the best frequency for this email is weekly. 

October 7, 2006
Volume I, No. 24

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Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, Texas
1900 Main
Houston, TX 77002