Transportation Corridor Preservation and The Official Map Act

OVERVIEW OF LAW Passed in 1987 Environmental Screening on proposed route required Public Hearing Required No building permits or subdivision of property allowed DOT may grant variances where appropriate DOT may acquire property early in cases of hardship

OVERVIEW OF LAW (CONTINUED) One year to initiate environmental studies if not already complete Authorizes Regional Transit and Transportation Authorities to file maps of rail and transit corridors Undeveloped land within map limits that has not been subdivided is taxed at 20% of General Tax Rate

CRITERIA Programmed in the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) Generally large projects in developing suburban regions Control of access preferred (i.e. freeways) Completed EIS preferred but not required Availability of Funds

BENEFITS Early corridor identification eliminates uncertainty Reduces right-of-way costs Reduces disruption of homes and businesses Early property acquisitions allowed

RESULTS 21 corridor maps filed since 1987 Since 1987, over 150 variances have been granted Since 1993, DOT has authorized early acquisition of more than 450 parcels within protected corridors Quick review process for variances - average of 5 days per review Saved taxpayers money by acquiring land prior to development or directing development outside the corridor