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qQO ,.... XV. POSSIBLE PROJECT IMPACTS. Areas of positive environmental impact include: (U reduction of auto emissions as a result of alternative transportation modes through the city and the availability of commuter parking, (2) mitigation of roadway runoff pollution in the San Marcos River as a result of the drainage ekments oftlùs proposal, (3) education of visiting and resident users of the system through programs of the Education and Interpretive Center. Possible negative impacts include: (1) pollution and impacts on wild rice and other endangered species through increased populations using the river and adjoining trails. Programs planned for the EIC are expected to increase public awareness of the importance of, as well as the recognition of, the fragile indigenous environment. The trail along Purgatory Creek will be concrete to reduce siltation during flood conditions. The section of trail planned for under Cheatham/Houston St. will be decked to prevent negative impacts on adjoining wetland areas. The San Marcos River Education and Interpretation Center (EIC) will be the primary entiy point for an extended trail network through parklands connecting with residential and commercial areas of the city. Its location on the service road and visible from, IH35 will afford highway travelers easy access to the trail and river expenence. The railroad goes through an area of parkland that is heavily used by children. One of the new trail segments will go under the tracks to provide greater safety. Another v.rill be a section of decking over a \vetlands area under CheathamlHouston Street. This will also afford greater safety to trail users. Older sections from City Park past the historic Old Fish Hatchery are in disrepair. Two bridges in this section need replacing, existing steps must be removed and the grade adjusted to accommodate wheeled passage. These improvements, the addition of new connective trail segments, plus one additional bridge will allow for increased bike/bike traffic. In addition, greater wheelchair accessibility will be achieved. Lighting, walkway and other streetscape enhancements for the square and connecting links to parks and SWTSU will provide safer use and access for pedestrians. Three multicultura1low/moderate income neighborhoods adjoin the River parkland Trail system. The central and unifying nature of the trail network means that adults, children and students from these neighbor hoods, the university and visitors will make extensive use of it to move about and through the city to get to a variety of commercial., educational and recreational destinations.. San Marcos will benefit economically through increased tourism, the fastest gfO'wing segment of the local economy. Environmental and ecological benefits include protection and preservation of the river corridor through public education experiences, exhibits and demonstrations originating at the Interpretive Center. There is increased social benefit from enhanced accessibility to recreational opportunity for local residents and tourists. This trail network will connect with other existing or planned bike & bike trails: Southwest Texas State University's existing and planned trails through Sewell Park and the adjoining campus, the planned connector with the Springtown area and the planned "Mercado" to be located south of the "Main Street" area. The proposed enha..'1cements \"ill connect parkland, SWTSU, the new public lib~ry, the soen to be built COill.'11D..T1Íty Activity Center, City Hall, and the historic Hays County Courthouse Square(Courthouse restoration was previously designated ISTEA project). Completion of this project \"ill mean the creation of an alternative transportation network within the city. At the same time aU transportation modes will be integrated: automobile, pedestrian, bike, trolley and rail. XV. PElli'UTS AL'fD CLEAR.\NCES. Navigational Pennits (Section 10) Yes - NoX Section 404 Pennits (wetland Regulations) Yes - NoX Section 106 Clearance (Archeological and Historical Studies) Yes _No X ---- National Pollution Discharge Elimination System Yes - NoX Section 4F (Historical StudieslParks) Yes - NoX- Other Statewide Transportation Enhancement Program , Page 89