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"The final design stage cannot be <br />initiated until environmental <br />requirements have been satisfied <br />and documented.," <br /> <br />operating efficiencies, and cost effectiveness. To become eligible for federal capital <br />investment funds, the proposed project must emerge from the metropolitan and/or <br />Statewide planning process. In addition, a corridor-level analysis of mode and alignment <br />options must be performed. This alternatives analysis (advanced corridor planning) will <br />provide information on the benefits, costs and impacts of alternative strategies, leading <br />to the selection of a locally-preferred solution to the community's mobility needs. When <br />this work is completed, Mn/DOT will submit the application to the FTA for preliminary <br />engineering that contains documentation of the following items: <br /> <br />· Project justification; <br /> <br />· Mobility improvements; <br /> <br />· Environmental benefits; <br /> <br />· Operating efficiencies; <br /> <br />· Cost-effectivenss; <br /> <br />· Local financial commitment; and <br /> <br />· Land use policies and smart growth initiatives. <br /> <br />FTA will then evaluate the proposed project and determine whether or not to advance the <br />project into preliminary engineering. FTA approval to initiate preliminary engineering is <br />not a commitment to fund final design or construction activities. <br /> <br />Upon approval, project costs, benefits and impacts are further refined. In addition, <br />environmental impact statements are prepared, project management concepts are <br />finalized and required funding sources are put into place. FTA will then evaluate the <br />proposed project and determine whether or not to advance the project into final design. <br /> <br />Final design is the last phase of project development, and includes right-of-way <br />acquisition, utility relocation, and the preparation of final construction plans and detailed <br />cost estimates, and bid documents. The final design stage cannot be initiated until <br />environmental requirements have been satisfied and documented. Once FTA has <br /> <br />· Commuter Rail System Plan 2-7 <br /> <br /> <br />