Agenda - Council - 05/28/2019 - Laserfiche WebLink

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(c) Economic Competitiveness The Department will assess whether the project will (1) decrease transportation costs and improve access, especially for rural communities or communities in Opportunity Zones10, through reliable and timely access to employment centers and job opportunities; (2) improve long-term efficiency, reliability or costs in the movement of workers or goods; (3) increase the economic productivity of land, capital, or labor, including assets in Opportunity Zones; (4) result in long-term job creation and other economic opportunities; or (5) help the United States compete in a global economy by facilitating efficient and reliable freight movement. Projects that address congestion in major urban areas, particularly those that do so through the use of congestion pricing or the deployment of advanced technology, projects that bridge gaps in service in rural areas, and projects that attract private economic development, all support local or regional economic competitiveness. (d) Environmental Sustainability The Department will consider the extent to which the project improves energy efficiency, reduces dependence on oil, reduces congestion -related emissions, improves water quality, avoids and mitigates environmental impacts and otherwise benefits the environment, including through alternative right of way uses demonstrating innovative ways to improve or streamline environmental reviews while maintaining the same outcomes. The Department will assess the project's ability to: (i) reduce energy use and air or water pollution through congestion mitigation strategies; (ii) avoid adverse environmental impacts to air or water quality, wetlands, and endangered species; or (iii) 'o See https://www.cdfifund.gov/Pages/Opportunity-Zones.aspx for more information on Opportunity Zones PAGE 32