The U.S. Department of Transportation's Surface Transportation Board (STB) is a Cooperating Agency on the Southwest Transitway Draft EIS. In response to questions from the STB's Office of Environmental Analysis regarding potential changes to freight rail facilities and service as described in the Draft EIS, the Federal Transit Administration, Hennepin County Regional Railroad Authority, and Metropolitan Council prepared the following documents.
The Draft EIS was available for public review and comment from October 11 through December 31, 2012. During this time, Hennepin County hosted three public hearings to receive comments on the document. Comments were also received by mail and email. Comments were provided by individuals, organizations and public agencies.