Acadia Gateway Center Environmental Assessment

Maine Department of Transportation

'Proposed Action: The Federal Transit Administration in cooperation with the National Park Service, Maine Department of Transportation, Friends of Acadia, Downeast Transportation, Inc., and other partners proposes to construct the Acadia Gateway Center (AGC) in the Town of Trenton, Maine. The proposed Acadia Gateway Center would serve as a welcome center, public transportation center, and bus maintenance facility. The purpose of the project would be to reduce traffic congestion on the Route 3 corridor and in Acadia National Park by attracting visitors and commuters to the Island Explorer Transit System and other transportation alternatives. The Acadia Gateway Center would also enhance the experience of visitors to the park and allow for the efficient operation of the Island Explorer. This project is proposed to be developed outside the ParkÆs boundary on a site along State Highway 3, approximately two miles north of the Hancock County-Bar Harbor Airport, adjacent to Crippens Brook. The project would: 1) provide connections to the Island Explorer and other bus services; 2) provide parking for visitors and commuters; 3) provide administrative, light maintenance, and storage facilities for Downeast Transportation, Inc. in support of the Island Explorer Bus System; 4) provide and area to sell National Park Service passes that support the Island Explorer Bus System; 5) orient visitors to the Acadia Region; and 6) protect natural and cultural resources. This Environmental Assessment evaluates the No-Action Alternative and the Preferred Alternative, and presents the potential adverse and beneficial impacts that would result from each. The Federal Transit Administration, in cooperation with MaineDOT, and the National Park Service hopes to make a decision by the fall of 2006 whether or not to construct this facility before the option for Friends of Acadia to purchase the land expires, and has circulated this Environmental Assessment for public review and comment to assist in this decision-making.' This document contains an Executive Summary, description of the Purpose and Need, Alternatives Considered, the Environmental Assessment of the affected areas of the land, Environmental Consequences and Mitigation, and Coordination and Consultation. The Environmental part of the document include investigations into wetlands present within the project area and wildlife species observed in the area, among other chemical and or biological concerns/issues associated with the project. /STUDY LOCATIONS:/ /Trenton/