2021.06.07 CC Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Project Name and/or Number: 2021 Downtown Improvements 015887-000 Attachment C Avoidance and Minimization Project Purpose, Need, and Requirements. Clearly state the purpose of your project and need for your project. Also include a description of any specific requirements of the project as they relate to project location, project footprint, water management, and any other applicable requirements. Attach an overhead plan sheet showing all relevant features of the project (buildings, roads, etc.), aquatic resource features (impact areas noted) and construction details (grading plans, storm water management plans, etc.), referencing these as necessary: The purpose of this project is to improve the mobility of traffic and pedestrians through downtown Hugo by providing local road connections. As part of this improvement, an extension of 147th Street to connect Oneka Parkway providing a direct connection of Oneka Parkway with downtown Hugo. The need of this project is to provide a safe and direct connection to downtown Hugo. The current option for travel between Oneka Parkway and downtown Hugo involves motorists and pedestrians having to access heavily travelled Frenchman Road and Highway 61. Extending 147th Street west to Oneka Parkway will allow local traffic and pedestrians to bypass these roadways, creating a safer and more direct connection. An 8-foot trail is also proposed on the north side of 147th Street. This trail will provide safer pedestrian travels. Requirements: The 147th Street extension is being designed to meet State Aid standards. 147th Street will be constructed with 11.5-foot lanes from center line to curb and gutter. The trail will be 8 feet wide with 2-foot clear zones on each side. Avoidance. Both the CWA and the WCA require that impacts to aquatic resources be avoided if practicable alternatives exist. Clearly describe all on-site measures considered to avoid impacts to aquatic resources and discuss at least two project alternatives that avoid all impacts to aquatic resources on the site. These alternatives may include alternative site plans, alternate sites, and/or not doing the project. Alternatives should be feasible and prudent (see MN Rules 8420.0520 Subp. 2 C). Applicants are encouraged to attach drawings and plans to support their analysis: No Build: The first alternative that was reviewed to avoid wetland impacts was the no build option. This alternative would consist of not completing the project. It would also not create connection between Oneka Parkway and Downtown Hugo. The no build alternative did not meet the purpose or needs of the project and was rejected. Downtown Improvements: This alternative would reconstruct downtown Hugo but would not include the 147th Street extension. This alternative would not create the connection from Oneka Parkway to Downtown Hugo as identified within Hugo’s Comprehensive Plan. Based on not meeting the purpose of the project to create a connection this alternative was rejected. Minimization. Both the CWA and the WCA require that all unavoidable impacts to aquatic resources be minimized to the greatest extent practicable. Discuss all features of the proposed project that have been modified to minimize the impacts to water resources (see MN Rules 8420.0520 Subp. 4): Wetland impacts were minimized by following an existing gravel service road in a northwest direct from the newly proposed intersection of Finale Ave. This alignment prevents 147th Street from going directly west, following the current alignment of 147th Street. Utilizing the existing service road alignment reduces wetland impacts by approximately 1.06 acres. Along with the chosen alignment the proposed trail was designed to minimum state aid standards of 8 feet wide instead of the recommended 10 feet wide, thus reducing wetland impacts. Off-Site Alternatives. An off-site alternatives analysis is not required for all permit applications. If you know that your proposal will require an individual permit (standard permit or letter of permission) from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, you may be required to provide an off-site alternatives analysis. The alternatives analysis is not required for a complete application but must be provided during the review process in order for the Corps to complete the evaluation of your application and reach a final decision. Applicants with questions about when an off-site alternatives analysis is required should contact their Corps Project Manager. NA