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problem magnitude does lndeed make a difference to the community. To <br />determine whether community residents' perceptions have changed, the Phase <br />I mail survey will be repeated. The responses will be compared with those <br />received during Phase I to establish the degree of change that has <br />occurred. <br /> The data collected will provide the basis for drawing conclusions <br />about project effectiveness. The data will be analyzed to determine <br />effectiveness in terms of reduction in problem magnitude. Comparison of <br />results among communities will provide insight into the applicability of <br />projects in different settings. <br /> Phase III is scheduled for completion in December 1980. The <br /> results will be documented in a ~eport that will be available from the <br /> Minnesota Department of Transportation. <br /> <br />CONCLUSIONS <br /> <br /> Phase II has significantly advanced the understanding of <br />rail/com~,uity conflicts and of ways in which these conflicts may be <br />addressed. Analysis methodologies have been developed, problem magnitudes <br />have been estimated, the role of unit coal trains has been clarified, and <br />Iow-cost alternatives have been identified and evaluated. <br /> Most significantly, several projects have been selected for <br />demonstration in case study co~,nities. Review of these projects reveals <br />the exciting potential of low-cost actions in resolving rail/com~,nity <br />conflicts. At the same time, such actions will not solve all problems in <br />all com~,nities. In some communities, the actions may merely contain <br />problems while more extensive solutions are designed and implemented. In <br /> <br />34 <br /> <br /> <br />