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Task 4 Document tbe Project Need and Description This task entails gathering technical and background data for inclusion in the first chapter of the EA. The task will be based principally on information gathered by Hicks & Co. from TxDOT, the City and R&H during Phase lITask 1. This will include data on existing roadway design elements and constraints, current and projected traffic volumes with and without the proposed project, traffic accident data along existing ~\1 12 and other adjacent roads, and proposed typical sections, schematics, and intersection configurations. Hicks & Company staff will work closely with R&H and the City to assist in the development of this information to be incorporated into appropriate EA sections describing the need for the project in tenns of capacity requirements, access and mobility improvements, and the proposed project's relationship to the region's transportation network. The project description section will include text and graphics illustrating the proposed project design. The result of this Task will be Section I of the EA so no deliverable separate from the EA will be provided. Task 5 Alternatives Analysis The alternatives analysis is a key component of all environmental documents prepared under NEPA. R&H will develop line drawings of the various alignment alternatives identified in Task 1 (see Attachment A for more detail). Hicks & Company will prepare narrative descriptions for the alternative alignments investigated and one no-build scenario. Using the information produced or gathered during Phase 1, Hicks & Company will develop an alternatives analysis that is divided into two steps. Step 1 explains the initial corridor and alignment analysis process and culminates in the recommended alternative. Step 2 is an in-depth analysis of the preferred alternative in comparison with the no-build scenario (maintain the existing roadways). This information will be graphically depicted and characterized with respect to location, termini, costs, concept, status, extent of required land acquisition, etc., in sufficient detail so that the comparative merits of each alternative can be evaluated. A quantitative inventory of potential effects (relocations, acres of various land uses affected, etc.) will be supplemented by additional information collected throughout the evaluation process to provide a more detailed comparison of potential environmental impacts. The result of this Task is the alternatives analysis section of the EA which provides support for the selection of a preferred alternative. If analysis and inventory is required for more than three build alternatives, an additional scope and budget will be required. Task 6 Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences For each of the categories listed in this task, Hicks & Company will perform the necessary background and field reconnaissance to be included in the EA and to be used as support materials in any required pennitting process. Data will be provided on a regional scale, where appropriate, but will focus on the project study area and the preferred alternative during the planning process. An analysis of the study corridor will provide the resource information needed to complete the decision-making process. All resources will be evaluated within the study conidor to show how impacts will be minimized and/or avoided during the assessment process. Below is a listing of the various resource issues that will be addressed and how the environmental consequences will be determined: Land Use and Public Facilities - The effects of project alternatives will be characterized in light of land use trends, plans, and policies within the study area. This effort will entail close coordination with the City and will include an analysis of potential secondary effects of the proposed improvements. The EA will include a detailed photo -based land use map of the project area, with quantification of lands in various categories converted to transportation uses. Potential effects on public and community facilities will also be identified and discussed. 3 PAGE 3 OF 15 OF EXHIBIT 1