Agenda - Economic Development Authority - 02/11/2021

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A map showing cultural features and locations of potential environmental concerns within the County Road 116 corridor study area is provided in Figure 12. For the purpose of this report, these issues have been categorized as either "Location Determining Issues" or as "Other Issues and Factors." These are listed below: Location Determinism Issues Wetlands (Section 404) Numerous wetlands are found throughout the study area. The primary wetland concentration is along the central portion of the study area from County Road 56 (Ramsey Boulevard) to CSAH 57 (Sunfish Lake Boulevard). In addition, there are some wetlands in the eastern and western portions of the study area. Figure 12 illustrates wetland locations. The NWI wetlands are also shown on this figure. Potential corridor improvement alternatives should be developed to avoid identified wetland areas. If impacts cannot be avoided, alignments should seek to minimize wetland impacts. A final delineation and wetland determination will be required once the potential improvements have been selected and prior to permit application. Wild and Scenic Rivers The Rum River is a wild and scenic river within the study area. Parks (Section 40/60) Section 4(f) applies only to federally funded projects, and only if the park, recreation area, or waterfowl or wildlife refuge is significant and publicly owned. Significant historic and archaeological sites are covered under Section 4(f) without regard to whether the site is owned by a public agency or private party. The Rivers Bend Park (along the eastern portion of the study area) and the trail that parallels County Road 116 are Section 4(f) resources. Transportation agencies using federal funds are prohibited from using such lands unless: (1) there is no feasible or prudent alternative to the use, and (2) the project includes all possible planning to minimize harm to the protected resource. Figure 12 shows the location of the Rivers Bend Park. Anytime Section 4(f) involvement occurs, the possibility for Section 6(f) involvement also exists. The Rum River Nature Area was at one time a Section 4(f)/6(f) resource because LAWCON (Land and Water Conservation) funds were used to either plan, develop or improve the open space; however, in the early 1990's all federal restrictions were removed (see the supporting information in Appendix A). Potential corridor improvements should avoid the use or constructive use of any of the Section 4(f)/6(f) resources. If the use of Section 4(f)/6(f) land cannot be avoided, impacts should be minimized. Impacts to these lands will require completion of the procedural requirements of Section 4(f)/6(f). SRF Consulting Group, Inc. - 25 - February 2004