In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA), the Council of Environmental Quality (CEQ) regulations (40 CFR 1500-1508), and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Environmental Impact and Related Procedures (23 CFR 771); the FHWA and DDOT prepared an Environmental Assessment (EA). This EA analyzed the potential impacts resulting from constructing and operating portions of the MBT on sections of land owned by the NPS within the area north of Fort Totten (Reservation 451 West), the area east of Fort Totten (Reservation 451 East), the Community Gardens (Reservation 497), and Tacoma Park (Reservation 531). 

The EA was released for agency and public review on November 15, 2010. Subsequently, a Final EA was prepared to fully address all agency and public comments received and identifies FHWA/DDOT’s Preferred Alternatives after consideration of public and agency comments.

The FHWA has determined that the Preferred Alternatives will not have a significant impact on the natural, human or built environment and has issued a FONSI for the Metropolitan Branch Trail project. This FONSI is based on FHWA’s review of the Final EA, from which FHWA determined that the Final EA adequately discussed the need, environmental issues, and impacts of the proposed project and appropriate mitigation measures. Additionally, FHWA determined that the Final EA provides sufficient evidence and analysis for determining that an environmental impact statement is not required. The issuance of the FONSI completes the NEPA process for the Metropolitan Branch Trail project.

The FONSI will be available to review beginning on Wednesday, September 28, 2011 at the following District locations:

• District Department of Transportation, Planning, Policy, and Sustainability Administration:
  55 M Street SE 4th Floor, Washington, DC 20003
• Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library:
  901 G Street, NW, Washington, DC 20001