This proposed project would expand the scope of the Metro Transit Authority’s Murfreesboro Pike Corridor Planning process to better capitalize on the opportunities presented with dedicated transit resources. The additional funding would be utilized to support the following planning and project development activities: 1. Expand the boundaries of the existing Murfreesboro Pike Planning process. The original boundaries of the project were from the proposed SoBro Transit Center at Lafayette Street and Representative John Lewis Way South on the northern end to the Global Mall site at the southern end. The expanded project boundaries would examine broader connections of this crucial corridor to the more comprehensive transit network, including: a. The Elizabeth Duff Transit Center at WeGo Central through Downtown Nashville via the West Side Transit Priority Corridor as identified in Connect Downtown. b. The proposed East Bank Transit Center and East Bank BRT Corridor via Korean Veterans Boulevard. c. Connection of the Murfreesboro Pike corridor to Nashville International Airport and Donelson Station via Donelson Pike. 2. In close cooperation with affordable housing organizations and advocates such as Metro Planning and the Metropolitan Development and Housing Authority (MDHA), examine and recommend strategies for retaining and increasing affordable and mixed income housing opportunities as the corridor develops with a future transit project. 3. In close cooperation with small business interests similarly examine and recommend strategies for enhancing small business creation and retention in the corridor, and mechanisms to maximize the participation of small and minority businesses in the development and construction of the project. This element would also recommend strategies for business continuity in the corridor during any construction period to minimize disruptions and business loss. 4. Undertake necessary environmental work to obtain a record of decision by the United States Department of Transportation with respect to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) to gain eligibility for Federal funding. 5. Achieve necessary planning and development milestones for both the Murfreesboro Pike and East Bank high-capacity transit corridors to enable each project to enter into, and be competitive for, the Capital Investment Grant (CIG) program of the Federal Transit Administration. 6. Undertake necessary ridership and traffic impact modeling to satisfy requirements of the Tennessee Department of Transportation and Federal Highway Administration with respect to the creation of dedicated transit lanes in TDOT controlled right of way. 7. Engage in a robust public engagement process to assure that residents and business in the corridor are properly informed about the process and are provided the opportunity for input into final designs and alignments. 8. Reach a conceptual design (to about 30%) for the corridor and associated elements of the project, including station location and design and associated roadway and pedestrian improvements.
