TriMet project receives FTA outstanding achievement recognition

The Federal Transit Administration awarded Portland, Ore., area's TriMet the 2011 Outstanding Achievement Award for Excellence in Environmental Document Presentation for the Environmental Impact Statemen produced for the Portland-Milwaukie Light Rail Project. The EIS details the benefits, impacts and costs of the project in a clear, concise publication meant to be easily understood by the public and project stakeholders. When presenting the award this week, the FTA noted that the project EIS "distinguishes itself in a number of ways," highlighting the document's "plain language and clear writing," easy to understand graphics and inclusion of climate change information, along with the project's overall "comprehensive public involvement approach" and detailed website. "This award underscores the great effort Metro, TriMet and our partners have put into ensuring the public has access to vital facts about the project," said TriMet General Manager Neil McFarlane. "We're gratified that these efforts have been recognized by the FTA." The project EIS was prepared by Metro and TriMet with key consultant assistance from Parametrix.