Public Meeting Set To Discuss Impacts Of ARTIC

Open house will allow public to learn about plans to build a new transportation center in Anaheim that could house high-speed trains
ORANGE – Work is under way to build a landmark transportation center in Anaheim that would connect to the planned high-speed rail system in California, and officials are asking the public for input regarding the project’s environmental impacts.
The project, the Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center (ARTIC), will allow people to move seamlessly between transit services to reach regional activity and business centers.
Residents and commuters are invited to attend a public scoping meeting to learn about the project and provide input on social, economic or environmental issues related to the proposed alternatives.
The meeting will be held between 5 and 7 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 14, at OCTA Headquarters, 600 S. Main St. in Orange. The public also may submit comments online at www.articinfo.com .
Comments will be used in the development of a draft Environmental Impact Statement/Draft Environmental Impact Report that will consider the effects associated with the project alternatives.
Development of ARTIC is anticipated to take form in three phases, beginning first with an initial transportation center. If the environmental document is approved, the station developed in phase one is estimated to be approximately 66,000 total square feet, accommodating passenger arrivals, departures and transfers with supporting retail, restaurants and passenger services within the building.
ARTIC also is planned to accommodate future transit services such as high-speed rail. On Friday, California submitted an application seeking $4.7 billion of the $8 billion in federal stimulus money set aside for high-speed rail. If approved, Orange County could benefit with $2 billion from federal funds for the Anaheim to Los Angeles segment.