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7 Fall 2013 Proposed transit services in the Gateway Corridor between down- town St. Paul and Woodbury have moved into the next phase of devel- opment. The Federal Transit Admin- istration’s Draft Environmental Im- pact Statement process will provide a full discussion of the environmen- tal impacts of constructing and op- erating the transit alternatives under consideration, bus rapid transit and light rail transit. Part of the process includes review- ing decisions made in earlier phas- es, according to Washington County Commissioner Lisa Weik, chair of the Gateway Corridor Commission. “It’s normal during this phase to ex- plore changes to the project based on more thorough review and com- munity feedback,” Weik said. For example, the Oakdale Station location will be reviewed. Results of the Alternatives Analysis identified a station location near I-694 and 4th Street North in Oakdale to provide access to the Oaks and Crossroads Business Parks. Since the study was concluded, the City of Oakdale has proposed shifting that station to the east to be located near the current Guardian Angels Park and Ride. The City of Oakdale proposed shift- ing the station because it provides access to residents and businesses north of I-94 from Oaks Business Park to Inwood Avenue, takes ad- vantage of development potential along 4th Street and Inwood Ave- nue, and provides improved access to businesses and residents in Lake Elmo. During the scoping phase held now into early 2014, the feasibility, costs, benefits, and potential impacts of this alignment will be compared to the costs and benefits of the align- ment studied as part of the Alter- natives Analysis. This 4th Street alignment was not evaluated in the Alternatives Analysis. Also during the scoping phase, an East 7th Street/White Bear Ave- nue alignment will be re-evaluated based on its feasibility, costs, ben- efits, and potential impacts. This alternative could be dismissed in scoping based on those findings, or if it is inconsistent with the purpose and need of the project. The purpose of the DEIS is to in- form decision-makers and the pub- lic of the social, economic and en- vironmental impact of the proposed transit line from downtown St. Paul to Woodbury. Examples of impacts include wetlands, protected species of animals and plants, as well as impacts to people, such as minority populations and cultures. The environmental impact work will take approximately two years. Dur- ing that time, a transit mode will be selected, either light rail or bus rapid transit in a dedicated lane. Learn more about the Draft EIS scoping process at www.TheGate- wayCorridor.com. At the website, people can sign up for occasional e-newsletters which will provide no- tice of opportunities to attend public meetings and provide input on the proposals. Environmental Process Reviews Gateway Corridor Choices, Investigates Issues Lake Elmo sixth grad- ers will learn the value of civility this year, through the Lake Elmo Speak Your Peace project. A unique curriculum based off of a com- munity-wide initiative launched last spring will inform students how to effectively handle conflict with others and encourage them to become active participants in their community. The nine tools of civility, which serve as the program’s foundation, cover impor- tant communication and relational skills including active listening, using constructive language, showing respect, seeking common ground, and taking responsibility. “Creating a culture of civility requires the contributions of many, including our youngest citizens,” stated Kris- tina Sickman, sixth grade teacher at Lake Elmo El- ementary. “The Speak Your Peace Program will equip sixth graders with the leadership skills to serve as solid role models for their younger peers, and provide them with the confidence to make the transition into junior high school.” The sixth-grade program will include a visit with local officials at Lake Elmo City Hall, role-play and skill build- ing exercises for each of the nine tools, and capstone projects presented by students. For more information about the Speak Your Peace initiative, visit www.SpeakYourPeaceLakeElmo.org. Lake Elmo Sixth Graders Learn the Power of Civility