Public Involvement

During the scoping period of this proceeding, we received a large number of comments from the public and are working now to fully address them in the Draft Environmental Impact Study (Draft EIS). Once this process is complete, we will make the Draft EIS available to the public and will again host several public meetings in the affected area to gather comments for inclusion in the Final EIS.

What is the purpose of this website?

This website is intended to provide necessary information to the public and to encourage all interested parties to participate in the EIS process. This website also provides guidance on how to submit comments (see the Contact Information page). In addition to this website, a toll-free project information line has been established to assist the public in participating in the EIS process: 1-800-347-0689.

When were the scoping meetings held?

Scoping meetings were held January 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 17, and 22, 2008, in Mundelein, Barrington, Joliet, Matteson, Gary, West Chicago, and Chicago respectively. All scoping meetings were held in an open house format, with the same information presented during each meeting.

In keeping with the open house format of the scoping meetings, there were no formal presentations made by agency representatives. Rather, SEA staff was available to answer questions and receive comments individually. Interested persons asked questions about the proposed acquisition and the Board's environmental review process, and discussed the potential environmental effects of the proposed acquisition with project team members.

Information on this study was presented on a series of boards (30" x 40"). These boards are available for viewing (click on links below) and include:

• Welcome
• What is the Purpose of This Open House Scoping Meeting?
• Who is Hosting This Meeting?
• What is the Proposed Acquisition?/What is the Purpose of the Acquisition?
• Project Location Map
• What Changes are Anticipated from the Acquisition?
• Communities Along Affected Rail Line Segments
• Anticipated Changes to Rail Traffic Volumes
• What Process Will SEA Follow?
• What Issues did the Draft Scope of Study Identify?
• How Do I Submit Comments?

A series of flip charts were used to illustrate proposed track improvements at six locations along the EJ&E rail line. These charts are available for viewing (click on links below) and include:

• Project Track Improvements - Proposed Rail Connection on EJ&E Locations
• Project Track Improvements - Munger, IL
• Project Track Improvements - Joliet, IL
• Project Track Improvements - Matteson, IL
• Project Track Improvements - Griffith, IN
• Project Track Improvements - Ivanhoe, IN
• Project Track Improvements - Kirk Yard, IN