releases: https://norton.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/norton-announces-extension-of-comment-period-for-draft-environmental
Data license: MIT · Data source: dwillis/congress-press
This data as json
| url | title | date | year | month | party | chamber | state | member_name | bioguide_id | domain | scraper | source | date_source | text | has_text | collected_at | updated_at |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| https://norton.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/norton-announces-extension-of-comment-period-for-draft-environmental | Norton Announces Extension of Comment Period for Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Washington Union Station Expansion Project, Thanks Federal Railroad Administration | 2020-07-08 | 2020 | 2020-07 | Democrat | House | DC | Eleanor Norton | N000147 | norton.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) today announced that the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has extended the comment period for the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the Washington Union Station Expansion Project until September 28, 2020. Last month, Norton joined a number of District of Columbia stakeholders, including Advisory Neighborhood Commission 6C, Federal City Council, Akridge, the D.C. Department of Transportation, the D.C. Office of Planning, Ward 6 D.C. Councilmember Charles Allen and D.C. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson in requesting an extension of the original comment period deadline of July 27, 2020. In requesting the extension, Norton noted that there are a number of significant issues in FRA's Preferred Alternative A-C that should be thoughtfully addressed in consultation with all stakeholders, including members of the surrounding neighborhoods. Norton expressed her opposition to FRA's plans for a parking deck of approximately 1,600 spaces, which the National Capital Planning Commission, the D.C. Office of Planning and numerous community members have identified as excessive and in need of reduction in any final plan. She also noted that many members of the community have emphasized the need to reconsider the design of current plans for pick-up and drop-off areas, as well as to create spaces that are safe for bikers and pedestrians. The amount of material included in the DEIS (approximately 5,000 pages), the ongoing challenges to the region as a result of the COVID-19 public health crisis and the D.C. Council's ongoing review of the District's budget provided additional rationale for an extension. I am very pleased by the Federal Railroad Administration's decision to consider the needs of the community and the unique challenges presented by the current health crisis in extending the comment period for the DEIS, Norton said. The Washington Union Station Expansion Project is an undertaking of great significance to the District of Columbia, our region, and our broader transportation system. Meaningful engagement and collaboration with stakeholders at all levels is critical to the success of this project. The FRA's decision to extend the comment period for this project is an important step towards prioritizing that collaboration. This extension will ensure that the D.C. Council, stakeholders and members of the community have adequate time to analyze the DEIS and provide well-developed alternative solutions to areas of concern. I thank the FRA for this extension, and I encourage the FRA to continue working closely with stakeholders to ensure that the project moves forward in a manner that is responsive to the transportation needs of the District and the region. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z |