Des 1401127 - Nickel Plate Bunker Hill Extension Approved CE by Green3

Indiana Department of Transportation County

Miami

Route

Former Railroad corridor

1401127

Des. No.

Part I - PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT Every Federal action requires some level of public involvement, providing for early and continuous opportunities throughout the project development process. The level of public involvement should be commensurate with the proposed action. Yes Does the project have a historic bridge processed under the Historic Bridges PA*? If No, then: Opportunity for a Public Hearing Required?

X X

*A public hearing is required for all historic bridges processed under the Historic Bridges Programmatic Agreement between INDOT, FHWA, SHPO, and the ACHP. Discuss what public involvement activities (legal notices, letters to affected property owners and residents (i.e. notice of entry), meetings, special purpose meetings, newspaper articles, etc.) have occurred for this project. Remarks:

The trail in this project is part of a larger system located in north central Indiana, the Nickel Plate Trail. The Indiana Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is the project sponsor, and the Nickel Plate Trail Inc., is the sub-recipient of the Recreational Trail Program (RTP) funds. Nickel Plate Trail Inc. holds monthly meetings that are open to the public at the Firehouse Activity Center in the town of Peru, Miami County, Indiana. The group discussed this project in two meetings, February and April 2014, in advance of the group’s 2014 Recreational Trails Program (RTP) grant application (see Appendix G for February and April 2014 meeting minutes). The group also sent a letter to adjacent property owners on March 30, 2015 notifying them of the group’s purchase of the former railroad corridor and asked that owners remove equipment and materials from the corridor (Appendix G-183). The proposed project will result in the acquisition of more than 0.5 acre of right-of-way; land acquisition is estimated to be 9.19 acres of permanent right-of-way. Therefore, the proposed project will meet the minimum requirements described in the current Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) Public Involvement Manual 2012, required the project sponsor and Nickel Plate Trail Inc., the sub-recipient of the RTP funds, to offer the public an opportunity to submit comment and/or request a public hearing. A legal notice announcing the Notice of Planned Improvement was issued in the Peru Tribune on September 16, 2016 and September 23, 2016, with a published comment period ending on October 3, 2016 (see Appendix G-13 to G-14). The draft Categorical Exclusion (CE) environmental document was made available for public review and comment at the following locations: § Peru Public Library, 102 E. Main St., Peru, IN 46970 § Green 3 LLC, 1104 Prospect Street, Indianapolis IN 46203 Planned Improvement Letters, a copy of the legal notice announcing the Notice of Planned Improvement, and project maps were mailed to adjacent property owners and area stakeholders on September 14, 2016 (Appendix G-4 to G-12). Two people who own property adjacent to project area requested a public hearing in emails to Green 3 LLC on September 22, 2016 and October 3, 2016 (Appendix G-16 to G-17). In addition, one law firm responded in a letter dated October 3, 2016 and received by Green 3 LLC via email on October 3, 2016 (Appendix G-18). Attached to the law firm’s letter was a letter from the Miami County property owners requesting a public hearing and a written statement regarding their rights to the former railroad corridor land, signed by 24 property owners (Appendix G-19 to G-25). In their September 19, 2016 meeting, the Miami County Commissioners discussed the Notice of Planned Improvement and made a motion to request a public hearing; see minutes in Appendix G-26 to G-28. However, the commissioners did not make a formal request for a public hearing. Two letters supporting the project dated October 18, 2016 and October 23, 2016 were received after the published comment period (Appendix G-29 and G-30).

This is page 2 of 32

Project name:

Nickel Plate Trail Bunker Hill Extension Form Version: June 2013

Attachment 2

Date:

March 2, 2017

Indiana Department of Transportation County

Miami

Route

Former Railroad corridor

Des. No.

1401127

Based upon comments submitted to the project sponsor and Nickel Plate Trail Inc., the sub-recipient of the RTP funds, in response to the Notice of Planned Improvement, it was determined that a public hearing would be in the community’s best interest. The consultant also contacted INDOT’s Office of Public Involvement to ensure public involvement activities were consistent with state and federal requirements. Therefore, a legal notice announcing the public hearing was advertised in the Peru Tribune on November 8, 2016 and November 15, 2016 (see Appendix G-40 to G-41 for the publisher’s affidavit). Public Hearing letters, a copy of the legal notice announcing the public hearing, and project maps were mailed to adjacent property owners, stakeholders, agencies, and elected officials on November 7, 2016 (see Appendix G-32 to G-39 for the mailing list, letters, and attachments). The public hearing was held on November 29, 2016 at 6 p.m. at the Bunker Hill Town Hall (280 W. Broadway, Bunker Hill, IN 46914). This CE was made available for public viewing at the Peru Library (102 E. Main St., Peru, IN 46970) and the office of Green 3 LLC (1104 Prospect St., Indianapolis). The two-week period for which written comments regarding the environmental documentation could be submitted ended on December 13, 2016. The public hearing presentation included discussion of the public comment period; the project purpose and need; the preferred and discarded alternatives; project details; project funding; and an overview of the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) land acquisition process (see Appendix G-49 to G-65 for the presentation slides). Public hearing information packets were available for attendees (Appendix G-43 to G48). Public comment sheets were made available in the information packet as well as on a table in the meeting room. An attendee sign-in sheet was circulated as well as a sign-up sheet for persons wanting to provide a public statement for the record. Some attendees erroneously signed the public statement sign-up sheet instead of the attendee sign-in sheet, and vice versa. Therefore, all names on all sheets in Appendix G67 to G-71 were called to ensure that everyone that wanted to provide a public statement was given the opportunity to do so. Twenty-five (25) attendees provided public statements for the record (see hearing minutes in Appendix G-73 to G-85). The following list is a summary of all comments received during the public involvement process: • concerns on wildlife impacts • concerns regarding pets and proximity to the trail • concerns on maintenance of the trail • concerns on trash/litter • concerns on impacts to farm yields • questions on the legality of the land uses and sale • questions regarding who would use the trail • concerns regarding safety • concerns of increased crime, such as vandalism and trespassing • concerns regarding privacy • concerns regarding illegal parking • concerns regarding the choice for the trail’s location • concerns regarding the maintenance of the trailhead in Bunker Hill • overall support of the trail construction and existing trail • support of increased recreational trails and safe travel alternatives • support of increased cohesion of trail systems • support of trail due to increased economic activity in Bunker Hill • support of increased tourism for the area In addition, seven written statements were submitted to Green 3 LLC immediately after the public hearing was adjourned (Appendix G-87 to G-109). In the two-week comment period after the public hearing, Green 3

This is page 3 of 32

Project name:

Nickel Plate Trail Bunker Hill Extension Form Version: June 2013

Attachment 2

Date:

March 2, 2017

Indiana Department of Transportation County

Miami

Route

Former Railroad corridor

Des. No.

1401127

LLC received via email a cover letter from a law firm along with 16 written statements from property owners (Appendix G-111 to G-171). Nickel Plate Trail Inc., the sub-recipient of the RTP funds, responded to these statements by stating that the Nickel Plate Trail Inc. group has all deeds and titles to the land that has been acquired and those documents can be made available upon request (Appendix G-178 to G-181). Adjacent property owners expressed concerns regarding privacy and the movement of farm equipment to and from fields adjacent to the proposed project. To address these concerns, two commitments were incorporated into the Environmental Commitments section at the end of this CE document. (Refer to Commitment Nos. 10 and 11 in Section J.) Many of public hearing attendees and persons that submitted written statements expressed concern regarding past and future land acquisition. Because the acquisition of all right-of-way for this project will be completed after the approval of this CE document, those concerns will be addressed at that time. A packet containing all required public involvement documentation was submitted to INDOT Public Hearings Office for certification of public involvement on December 20, 2016. The INDOT Public Hearings Office certified the public involvement documentation on December 21, 2016 (Appendix G-2). The public involvement process for this CE document is now complete and FHWA requirements have been fulfilled. All associated public involvement documents are in Appendix G of this CE document. This project falls under the Minor Projects Programmatic Agreement (MPPA Category B-8); projects that qualify for the MPPA typically have no effects on historic properties. The MPPA was used to approve this project for Section 106 clearance; therefore, there are no public involvement requirements that need to be met under Section 106.

Public Controversy on Environmental Grounds Will the project involve substantial controversy concerning community and/or natural resource impacts? Remarks:

Yes

This project will construct a 10-foot wide multi-use trail length from the intersection of the current Nickel Plate Trail and the former Pennsylvania Railroad corridor in Bunker Hill to the intersection of the former Pennsylvania Railroad corridor and Strawtown Pike in Loree. All concerns regarding natural resource impacts were addressed during the Early Coordination phases of this project (refer to Appendix C for environmental agency responses). The project will be part of a larger trail system for which planning and construction has been underway for over 10 years. As part of the 2014 RTP grant requirements for funding, letters of support from the public were acquired and this project was discussed during the two public meetings as mentioned above. The Nickel Plate Trail Inc., the sub-recipient of the RTP funds, has worked with public and private stakeholders to establish a trail route that takes into account concerns of the public. All concerns regarding the community impacts were addressed in the public involvement phase of this project in November and December, 2016, as discussed above. Adjacent property owners expressed concerns regarding privacy and the movement of farm equipment to and from fields adjacent to the proposed project. To address these concerns, two commitments were incorporated into the Environmental Commitments section at the end of this CE document. (Refer to Commitment Nos. 10 and 11 in Section J.) Concerns regarding right-of-way acquisition that were expressed during the public involvement phase will be addressed during the right-of-way acquisition process, which will be completed after this CE document is approved.

This is page 4 of 32

Project name:

Nickel Plate Trail Bunker Hill Extension Form Version: June 2013

Attachment 2

Date:

March 2, 2017

Indiana Department of Transportation County

Miami

Former Railroad corridor

Route

1401127

Des. No.

Part II - General Project Identification, Description, and Design Information

Sponsor of the Project: Local Name of the Facility:

Indiana Dept. of Natural Resources (sub-recipient of RTP funds- Nickel Plate Trail Inc.) Nickel Plate Trail Bunker Hill Extension

Funding Source (mark all that apply):

Federal

State

Local

Fort Wayne INDOT District:

Other*

*If other is selected, please indentify the funding source:

PURPOSE AND NEED: Describe the transportation problem that the project will address. The solution to the traffic problem should NOT be discussed in this section. (Refer to the CE Manual, Section IV.B.2. Purpose and Need)

The purpose of this project is to provide a direct connection to an existing trail system for the residents in Bunker Hill. Bunker Hill is in need of Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant alternative transportation routes that connect local amenities and provide for increased tourism activity via the use of the Northern Tier Transcontinental Bike Route and the American Discovery Trail, which will bring trail users and tourists into the town. The project will play an important role in expanding the Nickel Plate Trail such that in the future it may be able to connect with the Cardinal Greenway Trail, which is also located on the same former railroad corridor as this project. This connection will greatly increase trail mileage and expand the trail network throughout the state. The proposed trail will also provide a much needed facility that will increase use by pedestrians and cyclists, thus improving overall health and fitness of trail users. In addition, the proposed trail will provide for a much needed alternative transportation route between communities and amenities that does not force pedestrians and bicyclists onto roadways that are not American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) compliant, thus improving safety for pedestrians and bicyclists.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION (PREFERRED ALTERNATIVE):

County:

Municipality:

Miami

Limits of Proposed Work:

Total Work Length:

This is page 5 of 32

Bunker Hill

From the intersection of the current Nickel Plate Trail and the former Pennsylvania Railroad corridor to the intersection of the former Pennsylvania Railroad corridor and Strawtown Pike 2.6

Project name:

Mile(s)

Total Work Area:

Nickel Plate Trail Bunker Hill Extension Form Version: June 2013

Attachment 2

Approx. 5

Acre(s)

Date:

March 2, 2017

Indiana Department of Transportation County

Miami

Route

Former Railroad corridor

Des. No.

1401127 Yes

Is an Interchange Modification Study / Interchange Justification Study (IMS/IJS) required? If yes, when did the FHWA grant a conditional approval for this project?

No X

Date:

If an IMS or IJS is required; a copy of the approved CE/EA document must be submitted to the FHWA with a request for final approval of the IMS/IJS. In the remarks box below, describe existing conditions, provide in detail the scope of work for the project, including the preferred alternative. Include a discussion of logical termini. Discuss any major issues for the project and how the project will improve safety or roadway deficiencies if these are issues.

This project will involve the construction of a section of the Nickel Plate Trail that will connect Bunker Hill and Loree in Miami County, Indiana. The project sponsor is the IDNR, and Nickel Plate Trail Inc.is the sub-recipient of the RTP funds. The project is being funded with federal and local funds. The total estimated cost of the project, including preliminary engineering and construction, is $187,500. The costs associated with permanent and temporary right-of-way acquisition are not included in this project. Preliminary plans are not currently available. Standard details for constructing roadway crossings, signage, and trail cross sections used on past Nickel Plate Trail projects are shown in Appendix I-14 to I-27 for general reference only. This project will construct a 10-foot wide asphalt multi-use trail with two-foot stone shoulders approximately 2.6 miles in length from the intersection of the current Nickel Plate Trail and the former Pennsylvania Railroad corridor in Bunker Hill to the intersection of the former Pennsylvania Railroad corridor and Strawtown Pike in Loree. The trail will begin at the intersection of the existing Nickel Plate Trail and the former Pennsylvania Railroad corridor approximately 400 feet north of Vine Street in Bunker Hill and travel southeast approximately 390 feet along the former corridor. Here the trail will turn south, traveling on the east side of an existing drainage ditch for approximately 165 feet before turning east and traveling along the north side of Vine Street for approximately 300 feet to the intersection of Vine and John Streets. From here, the trail will cross John Street at a new marked crossing and turn north, traveling approximately 160 feet on the east side of John Street to Bennoville Street. At this point, the trail will turn east and travel approximately 500 feet east along the north side of Bennoville Street and will continue approximately 300 feet through Bunker Hill Town Park. The trail will then turn south and travel approximately 500 feet along the park boundary to the former Pennsylvania Railroad corridor. From here, the trail travels southeast along the railroad corridor approximately 1160 feet to a new trail crossing with access control at SR 218. The trail will continue traveling southeast along the former Pennsylvania Railroad corridor. After traveling approximately 1.14 miles, the trail will cross CR E 800 S at a new marked trail crossing, where access control will be provided again to ensure a safe crossing for trail users. From the south side of CR E 800 S the trail will continue traveling southeast along the former railroad corridor. After traveling approximately 4,100 feet (0.79 mile), the trail will reach its terminus at Strawtown Pike in Loree. The existing conditions of the project area consist primarily of the former Pennsylvania Railroad line, residential property, and roadsides. Maconaquah High School is located adjacent to the former railroad line at CR 800 S. Pipe Creekâ&#x20AC;&#x201C; Niger Ditch, a drainage ditch, and another unnamed stream are located within the project area. Some minor clearing and grubbing of trees, fescue grass, and lawn along the edges of the alignment will be required for this project. Electric lines run along the edges of the right-of-way of Vine Street, John Street, Park Drive, Meridian Road, Strawtown Pike, and SR 218. These lines will not be affected by the proposed work. Nickel Plate Trail Inc. acquired 65 acres of permanent right-of-way in January 2014 from a private owner using local funds and state funds from the Bicentennial Nature Trust and the Indiana Heritage Trust that were previously awarded to the group for land acquisition. Nickel Plate Trail Inc. purchased the 65 acres of land in anticipation of receiving federal funds through the RTP in the future to construct the trail in this project as well as future trails. Of the 65 acres, approximately 8.2 acres will be used for the construction of the Nickel Plate Trail Bunker Hill Extension.

This is page 6 of 32

Project name:

Nickel Plate Trail Bunker Hill Extension Form Version: June 2013

Attachment 2

Date:

March 2, 2017

Indiana Department of Transportation County

Miami

Route

Former Railroad corridor

Des. No.

1401127

In addition to the property acquisition described above, it is anticipated that this project will also include approximately 0.99 acre of additional land acquisition for permanent right-of-way to be acquired from the Town of Bunker Hill (street right-of-way and park property) and from private owners (residential and agricultural). Limits will be established at the time of acquisition. No relocations of businesses or residents will occur as a result of this project. This alternative will satisfy the stated purpose to provide increased access to the trail system for the residents in Bunker Hill and the stated need to create alternative transportation routes that connect local amenities with the existing Nickel Plate Trail.

OTHER ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED: Describe all discarded alternatives, including the Do-Nothing Alternative and an explanation of why each discarded alternative was not selected.

Two alternatives to the preferred alternative discussed above were considered and discarded: MARKED ROUTE ALTERNATIVE: One alternative considered would have extended the Nickel Plate Trail along a marked route on streets in Bunker Hill, SR 218, and CR E 800 S. While this alternative would provide connectivity between local amenities, it would force bicyclists and pedestrians onto roadways that have not been designed with adequate width to provide AASHTO compliant bike lanes. These safety concerns do not make this alternative a viable option because it does not meet the stated purpose and need to create a safe alternative transportation route between communities and amenities. Therefore, this alternative was dismissed for further consideration. DO NOTHING ALTERNATIVE: The other alternative considered was the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Do Nothingâ&#x20AC;? alternative. This alternative would cost nothing, but it would not meet the stated purpose and need to provide a safe, direct connection to an existing trail system in Bunker Hill that would promote tourism, health and fitness, and would provide connectivity to existing and planned trail systems in Bunker Hill and in northern Indiana. Therefore, this alternative was dismissed for further consideration.

The Do Nothing Alternative is not feasible, prudent or practicable because (Mark all that apply): It would not correct existing capacity deficiencies; It would not correct existing safety hazards; It would not correct the existing roadway geometric deficiencies; It would not correct existing deteriorated conditions and maintenance problems; or It would result in serious impacts to the motoring public and general welfare of the economy. Other It does not meet the stated purpose and need of the project because it does not provide a safe alternative transportation route between communities and amenities that is AASHTO and ADA compliant

ROADWAY CHARACTER: Former Railroad Corridor: Functional Classification: Current ADT: Design Hour Volume (DHV): Designed Speed (mph):

This is page 7 of 32

N/A (Trail) N/A VPD (20--) Design Year ADT: N/A Truck Percentage (%) N/A N/A Legal Speed (mph): N/A

Project name:

Nickel Plate Trail Bunker Hill Extension Form Version: June 2013

Attachment 2

N/A

VPD (20--)

Date:

March 2, 2017

Indiana Department of Transportation County

Miami

Route

Former Railroad corridor

Existing Trail Number of Lanes: Type of Lanes: Pavement Width: Shoulder Width: Median Width: Sidewalk Width:

N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

Setting: Topography:

Proposed 1 Asphalt 10 N/A N/A N/A

ft. ft. ft. ft.

Urban Level

X X

1401127

Des. No.

Suburban Rolling

ft. ft. ft. ft.

Rural Hilly

If the proposed action has multiple roadways, this section should be filled out for each roadway.

DESIGN CRITERIA FOR BRIDGES: Structure/NBI Number(s):

Sufficiency Rating:

N/A Existing

Bridge Type:

Proposed

N/A

Number of Spans: Weight Restrictions: Height Restrictions: Curb to Curb Width: Outside to Outside Width: Shoulder Width: Length of Channel Work:

N/A (Rating, Source of Information)

Ton ft. ft. ft. ft.

Prefabricated metal truss (pedestrian bridge) One N/A (not determined at this time) N/A (not determined at this time) N/A (not determined at this time) 14 N/A (not determined at this time) 0

Ton ft. ft. ft. ft. ft.

Describe bridges and structures; provide specific location information for small structures. Remarks: A prefabricated truss bridge will be installed for trail users to cross Pipe Creek â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Niger Ditch just

southwest of the former railroad corridorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s intersection with SR 218. This single-span bridge will be 14 feet wide by 80 feet long. Preliminary plans for the prefabricated bridge are not available at this time. Should preliminary plans be completed during review of this CE document, they will be included in Appendix B in future submittals. The trail will cross an existing drainage ditch and an unnamed stream utilizing two existing culverts which carry the former railroad corridor. The drainage ditch is located approximately 350 linear feet southeast of the project point of beginning at the existing Nickel Plate Trail connection. The trail will then turn and travel approximately 165 feet south alongside the ditch, approximately 25 feet east of the ditch. The second culvert is located approximately 655 linear feet northwest of the intersection of the former railroad corridor and CR 800 S. No alterations to these culverts will occur; the trail will be constructed over these culverts. No other bridges, culverts, or small structures are involved in this project.

This is page 8 of 32

Project name:

Nickel Plate Trail Bunker Hill Extension Form Version: June 2013

Attachment 2

Date:

March 2, 2017

Indiana Department of Transportation County

Miami

Former Railroad corridor

Route

Des. No.

1401127

Yes No Will the structure be rehabilitated or replaced as part of the project? X If the proposed action has multiple bridges or small structures, this section should be filled out for each structure.

N/A

MAINTENANCE OF TRAFFIC (MOT) DURING CONSTRUCTION:

Yes

Remarks:

X X X

Is a temporary bridge proposed? Is a temporary roadway proposed? Will the project involve the use of a detour or require a ramp closure? (describe in remarks) Provisions will be made for access by local traffic and so posted. Provisions will be made for through-traffic dependent businesses. Provisions will be made to accommodate any local special events or festivals. Will the proposed MOT substantially change the environmental consequences of the action? Is there substantial controversy associated with the proposed method for MOT?

X X

During construction, traffic on local roads in Bunker Hill, SR 218, and Strawtown Pike may be minimally disrupted at locations where the trail alignment crosses roadways. Disruptions will include the use of flaggers, temporary signage, and/or temporary lane restrictions during construction but no road closures. The project will not permanently affect motorized vehicular traffic patterns.

ESTIMATED PROJECT COST AND SCHEDULE:

Engineering:

$ 32,500

(2017)

Right-of-Way:

Anticipated Start Date of Construction: Date project incorporated into STIP

10,500 (to be acquired with state BNT & $ IHT funds)

(2017)

Construction:

$ 155,000 (FY 2017)

Spring/summer 2017 July 1, 2015

Yes

Is the project in an MPO Area? If yes, Name of Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO)

N/A (not in MPO)

Location of Project in TIP

N/A

Date of incorporation by reference into the STIP

N/A (not in MPO)

This is page 9 of 32

Project name:

Nickel Plate Trail Bunker Hill Extension Form Version: June 2013

Attachment 2

Date:

March 2, 2017

Indiana Department of Transportation County

Miami

Route

Former Railroad corridor

1401127

Des. No.

RIGHT OF WAY: Amount (acres) Land Use Impacts Residential Commercial Agricultural Forest Wetlands Other: Railroad corridor Other: Bunker Hill Park Other: Town of Bunker Hill (street right-of-way) TOTAL

Permanent

Temporary

0.47 0 0.08 0 0 8.2 0.1 0.34

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

9.19 acres

0 acres

Describe both Permanent and Temporary right-of-way and describe their current use. Typical and Maximum right-of-way widths (existing and proposed) should also be discussed. Any advance acquisition or reacquisition, either known or suspected, and there impacts on the environmental analysis should be discussed. Remarks:

Nickel Plate Trail Inc. acquired 65 acres of permanent right-of-way in January 2014 on an “at risk” basis. The property was acquired from a private property owner using state funds awarded to Nickel Plate Trail Inc. from the Bicentennial Nature Trust and the Indiana Heritage Trust and local matching funds. Timing restrictions on the state funds required Nickel Plate Trail Inc. to purchase the property prior to the completion of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process for this federally funded RTP trail project. (Note: the early coordination letter dated November 20, 2015 and the project description that accompanied this letter in Appendix C-3 to C-5 erroneously stated that federal funds will not be used for this project. Therefore, a follow-up letter stating that federal funds will be used for this project was sent to environmental review agencies on January 14, 2016; see Appendix C-18. Also, the project description included an estimate of 3.15 acres of permanent right-of-way acquisition, which was later amended to be the current 9.19 acres described in this CE document). Of the 65 acres, approximately 8.2 acres of the former railroad corridor will be used for the construction of the proposed project. Acquiring property “at risk” is defined as the acquisition of property utilizing nonfederal funds in advance of the NEPA approval of the environmental document for the project assuming Federal approval of the project. All “at risk” acquisitions must comply with the Uniform Act and must not influence the decision of the environmental review process of the project required under NEPA. These requirements apply to all projects that receive or are expected to receive Federal-aid funding for any part of the project. These requirements are applicable even if the local public agency (LPA) does not intend to apply acquisition costs against the state share under 23 CFR 710.501(b) or to seek reimbursement under 23 CFR 710.501(c). All right-of-way for this project has already been, or will be acquired following the Uniform Act. The preferred alternative was selected as it represents the most effective way of meeting the purpose and need while reducing any negative impact to the environment. Property acquired “at risk” by Nickel Plate Trail Inc. did not influence the selection of the preferred alternative. In addition to the property acquisition described above, it is anticipated that this project will also include

This is page 10 of 32

Project name:

Nickel Plate Trail Bunker Hill Extension Form Version: June 2013

Attachment 2

Date:

March 2, 2017

Indiana Department of Transportation County

Miami

Former Railroad corridor

Route

Des. No.

1401127

approximately 0.99 acre of additional land acquisition for permanent right-of-way to be acquired from the Town of Bunker Hill (street right-of-way and park property) and from private owners (residential and agricultural). The property to be acquired from the Town of Bunker Hill will be completed via a donation to the Nickel Plate Trail Inc., the sub-recipient of the RTP funds. Locations of right-of-way acquisition will be noted on the preliminary plans when the plans are developed.

Part III – Identification and Evaluation of Impacts of the Proposed Action SECTION A – ECOLOGICAL RESOURCES

Presence

Streams, Rivers, Watercourses & Jurisdictional Ditches Federal Wild and Scenic Rivers State Natural, Scenic or Recreational Rivers Nationwide Rivers Inventory (NRI) listed Outstanding Rivers List for Indiana Navigable Waterways Remarks:

Impacts Yes No

There are nine stream/river segments and three impaired streams located within 0.5 mile of the project (see red flag investigation report pages in Appendix E-4 to E-5 and water resources map in Appendix E-10 and F2). Two stream segments, Pipe Creek-Niger Ditch and an unnamed tributary (UNT), are located within the project area and are United States Geological Survey (USGS) blue-line water features. Pipe Creek – Niger Ditch is approximately 10 feet in width where the proposed prefabricated bridge will cross, and the UNT, which is located approximately 655 linear feet northwest of the intersection of the former railroad corridor and CR 800 S., is approximately 16 feet in width. These streams are likely Waters of the US due to their nexus with Pipe Creek, which is located approximately 0.6 mile north at the creek’s closest point to the proposed alignment along the former railroad corridor near where it crosses SR 218. Green 3 LLC noted no other stream segments during the September 16, 2015 site investigation of the proposed trail project area. One impaired stream, Pipe Creek – Niger Ditch, is located within the project area; this stream is listed as impaired due to E. coli presence above acceptable state levels. Due to the potential for exposure, workers who are working in or near waters impaired with E. Coli should take care to wear proper personal protective equipment (PPE), observe proper hygiene procedures including regular hand washing, and limit personal exposure in accordance with the Environmental Commitments of this CE document. Environmental review agencies were sent early coordination project information on November 20, 2015 (a full list of agencies included in the mailing can be found in Appendix C-2). The US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) did not provide a response. The US Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS) responded on December 7, 2015 and acknowledged the presence of tributaries of Pipe Creek and existing culverts along the proposed trail alignment but did not provide any recommendations specific to streams (Appendix C-12 to C13).

This is page 11 of 32

Project name:

Nickel Plate Trail Bunker Hill Extension Form Version: June 2013

Attachment 2

Date:

March 2, 2017

Indiana Department of Transportation County

Miami

Route

Former Railroad corridor

Des. No.

1401127

The IDNR Division of Fish and Wildlife responded on December 11, 2015 and provided several recommendations specific to minimizing and avoiding impacts to streams (Appendix C-14 to C-17). These recommendations include using stream crossing structures that span the entire length of the stream channel, placing supports/abutments no less than 10 feet landward from the tops of the stream banks, and utilizing existing crossings. All applicable IDNR recommendations are included in the Environmental Commitments of this CE document. The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) provides a standard list of recommendations for water quality in an automated response letter (Appendix C-29 to C-35). Recommendations include not removing stream and riparian vegetation, providing appropriate measures to control erosion and storm water runoff, and obtaining proper permits for work within waterways. All applicable IDEM recommendations are included in the Environmental Commitments of this CE document. The trail will cross a drainage ditch approximately 350 feet southeast of the point of beginning at the existing Nickel Plate Trail system utilizing an existing culvert on the former railroad corridor, and will then travel approximately 165 feet south at a distance approximately 25 feet from the east side the ditch. This drainage ditch does not appear as a stream in the map in Appendix E-10 and does not exhibit regular water flow or an Ordinary High Water Mark (OHWM). Based on the September 16, 2015 site investigation by Green 3 LLC and conversations with local residents, this ditch has been filled in with debris over the years since the railroad corridor was no longer used by the railroad company. No physical evidence of stone walls or other structures in this ditch were observed during the site investigation; refer to the site investigation photos of this drainage ditch in Appendix B-13 to B-14. A prefabricated pedestrian bridge 14 feet wide and 80 feet in length will be constructed to span over the entire width of Pipe Creek – Niger Ditch, with end supports being well beyond the banks of the stream. No piers or foundations will be constructed within the stream’s banks. The existing conditions of the area surrounding Pipe Creek – Niger Ditch, where the bridge will be placed, consist of maintained lawn (refer to site photos in Appendix B-23). Based on review of historic aerial photos (available online at: https://igs.indiana.edu/ihapi/map/) and conversations with local residents, the former railroad corridor crossed Pipe Creek – Niger Ditch via a culvert at this location, which has since been removed. The banks of the creek consist of overgrown vegetation and saplings (see photos in Appendix B-24). Because no work will be done within the banks of the creek, within the waterway, or below the OHWM, no impacts are expected to occur to Pipe Creek – Niger Ditch. The former railroad corridor crosses the UNT on an existing culvert. The existing conditions of the crossing consist of fescue grass as well as gravel that make up the old railroad corridor bed. During the site investigation on September 16, 2015, it was noted that the former corridor in and near this stream crossing is used intermittently by motorized vehicles (refer to tire tracks in site photos in Appendix B-26 to B-29). Asphalt and base aggregate for the trail will be placed over the existing railroad ballast for that portion of the project that traverses on the former corridor (approximately 1.14 miles in length), which includes the crossing over the UNT. Because this project will utilize an existing crossing and no work to the existing culvert is proposed, no impacts to the UNT are expected. Therefore, it has been concluded that the project will not have impacts to Pipe Creek – Niger Ditch or the UNT. Based on review of the aerial maps in Appendix B-5 and B-6, the National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) area map in Appendix F-2, and a site investigation on September 16, 2015 by Green 3 LLC, there are no other streams, rivers, watercourses, or jurisdictional ditches within the project area.

This is page 12 of 32

Project name:

Nickel Plate Trail Bunker Hill Extension Form Version: June 2013

Attachment 2

Date:

March 2, 2017

Indiana Department of Transportation County

Miami

Former Railroad corridor

Route

1401127

Des. No.

Presence Other Surface Waters Reservoirs Lakes Farm Ponds Detention Basins Storm Water Management Facilities Other:

Remarks:

Yes

Impacts No

Based on site investigations by Green 3 LLC on September 16, 2015, the NWI map in Appendix F-2, the aerial photo of the project area (Appendix B-5 and B-6), and the Indiana Geological Survey (IGS) map in Appendix E-10, there are three lakes within 0.5 mile of the project. The closest lake is approximately 1,981 feet northeast of the project alignment from a point approximately 4,300 feet (0.82 mile) where the alignment crosses SR 218. All surface waters are located well outside of the project area, and no impacts are expected to occur. Presence Yes

Impacts No

Wetlands Total wetland area:

acre(s)

Total wetland area impacted:

X 0

acre(s)

(If a determination has not been made for non-isolated/isolated wetlands, fill in the total wetland area impacted above.) Wetland No.

N/A

Classification

N/A

Total Size (Acres)

N/A

Impacted Acres

N/A

Comments

N/A

Documentation

ES Approval Dates

Wetlands (Mark all that apply) Wetland Determination Wetland Delineation USACE Isolated Waters Determination Mitigation Plan

N/A N/A N/A N/A

Improvements that will not result in any wetland impacts are not practicable because such avoidance would result in (Mark all that apply and explain): Substantial adverse impacts to adjacent homes, business or other improved properties; Substantially increased project costs; Unique engineering, traffic, maintenance, or safety problems; Substantial adverse social, economic, or environmental impacts, or The project not meeting the identified needs. Measures to avoid, minimize, and mitigate wetland impacts need to be discussed in the remarks box. Remarks:

Based on the NWI map (Appendix F-2) and IGS map in Appendix E-10, there are eight mapped wetlands within 0.5 mile of the project area. One mapped wetland is a Freshwater Forested/Shrub Wetland

This is page 13 of 32

Project name:

Nickel Plate Trail Bunker Hill Extension Form Version: June 2013

Attachment 2

Date:

March 2, 2017

Indiana Department of Transportation County

Miami

Route

Former Railroad corridor

Des. No.

1401127

(PSS1/EM1C) located on the north side of SR 218, approximately 180 feet northeast of the trail that will be constructed on the former railroad corridor. Due to the distance between the project and this mapped wetland, and the fact that the trail will be constructed within the boundaries of a former railroad corridor disturbed by previous use, no impacts are expected to occur. All other wetlands within 0.5 mile of the project are located well outside of the project area, therefore no impacts will occur. According to the National Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Soil Survey map in Appendix F-3, the dominant soil types that make up the former railroad corridor portion of the project area are: SOIL TYPE

CONSIDERED HYDRIC PER NRCS HYDRIC SOILS LIST (http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/soils/use/hydric/)?

Blount silt loam (BgmA) Glynwood clay loam (GlpC3) Glynwood silt loam, ground moraine, 2-6% slopes (GlsB) Pewamo silty clay loam (Pw) Shoals silt loam (Sh)

Yes- considered a hydric soil Yes- considered a hydric soil No- not considered a hydric soil Yes- considered a hydric soil No- not considered a hydric soil

The dominant soil types that make up the portion of the project alignment located along streets and within Bunker Hill Town Park are: SOIL TYPE

CONSIDERED HYDRIC PER NRCS HYDRIC SOILS LIST (http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/soils/use/hydric/)?

Blount silt loam (BgmA) Glynwood clay loam (GlpC3) Glynwood silt loam, ground moraine, 2-6% slopes (GlsB)

Yes- considered a hydric soil Yes- considered a hydric soil No- not considered a hydric soil

Hydric soils, hydrology, and hydrophytic plants are indicators of the presence of wetlands. All three criteria must be met in order for a site to be considered a wetland. Hydrophytic plants were observed near the project alignment during a site investigation on September 16, 2015 by Green 3 LLC in two locations. The first site is located approximately 40 feet west of the intersection of Vine Street and Water Street, near the trail section that will traverse north from the north side of Vine Street before rejoining the former railroad corridor alignment and terminating at an existing section of Nickel Plate Trail in Bunker Hill. The trail will travel north on the east side of an existing drainage ditch through an area of maintained lawn (refer to site photo in Appendix B-13). Vegetation observed within this drainage ditch included the following species, which are listed with their appropriate wetland indicator status in parentheses: Jewel Weed (FACW), Cattails (OBL), Canadian Goldenrod (FACU), Queen Anneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Lace (UPL), Giant Foxtail (FACU), and Milk Thistle (UPL). This location also featured hydric soils (GlpC3), but is not depicted as a USGS blue line on the USGS topographic map in Appendix B-3. Water was observed in this ditch during the September 16, 2015 site investigation by Green 3 LLC. This ditch meets the criteria for wetlands. However, because the trail will be constructed to the east of the ditch, and this area consists of maintained lawn with no hydrophytic plants observed, it was concluded that this portion of the trail alignment will not affect any potential unmapped wetlands in or near this location. Based on the September 16, 2015 site investigation by Green 3 LLC and conversations with local residents, this ditch has been filled in with debris over the years after the railroad corridor was no longer used by the railroad company. The second area is located approximately 150 feet southeast of the intersection of the former Pennsylvania Railroad line and SR 218, within the banks of Pipe Creek - Niger Ditch where the proposed prefabricated

This is page 14 of 32

Project name:

Nickel Plate Trail Bunker Hill Extension Form Version: June 2013

Attachment 2

Date:

March 2, 2017

Indiana Department of Transportation County

Miami

Route

Former Railroad corridor

1401127

Des. No.

pedestrian bridge will be constructed. Vegetation observed on the banks of the stream included the following species, which are listed with their appropriate wetland indicator status in parentheses: Jewel Weed (FACW), Reed Canary Grass (FACW), Canadian Goldenrod (FACU), Queen Anne’s Lace (UPL), and Milk Thistle (UPL). Vegetation adjacent to the stream consists of turf lawn. This location featured standing water during the September 16, 2015 site investigation and is shown as a USGS blue line on the USGS topographic map in Appendix B-3. Hydric soils (Sh) are present at this location. Therefore, the area encompassed by the banks of Pipe Creek - Niger Ditch meets the criteria for wetlands. However, because the prefabricated pedestrian bridge will span 80 feet over the wetland area and Pipe Creek - Niger Ditch, with end supports well outside of the banks of the stream, no potential unmapped wetlands at this location will be affected by the project. It should also be noted that no wet spots, marshes, swamps, streams, perennial waters, or canals were identified in the NRCS soil map of either of the two wetland areas identified during the September 16, 2015 site investigation (Appendix F-3). Therefore, it was concluded that this project will have no negative impacts on wetlands.

Presence

Terrestrial Habitat Unique or High Quality Habitat

Impacts Yes No

Use the remarks box to identify each type of habitat and the acres impacted (i.e. forested, grassland, farmland, lawn, etc). Remarks:

This project will involve the construction of a 10-foot wide multi-use trail approximately 2.6 miles in length primarily along a former railroad corridor and town streets. The project area consists primarily of lawn, fescue, trees and saplings including American Sycamore, Sugar Maple, American Elm, and Hickory, and invasive species (Bush Honeysuckle). The former railroad corridor has been periodically maintained and therefore clearing of lawn, fescue, and trees for the project will be confined to the edges of the former railroad corridor, along town streets, along the existing drainage ditch located approximately 450 linear feet southeast of the existing section of Nickel Plate Trail, and the alignment through Bunker Hill Town Park. The total width of vegetation clearing is anticipated to be approximately 20 feet in order to remove vegetation along the alignment for trail construction and to remove adjacent vegetation that will hang over the edges of the trail. Approximately 4.4 acre (193,140 square feet) of lawn and fescue and 0.21 acre (10,660 square feet) of trees and invasive species will be affected. The locations of vegetation removal are summarized in the table below and shown in the aerial map in Appendix B-7. (Note: the “clearing” mentioned in the February 2014 Nickel Plate Trail Inc. public meeting minutes in Appendix G-185 is referring to snow clearing and not vegetation clearing). Approximate Acres/Square Feet of Vegetation Removed 0.1 acre (6,240 square feet) of lawn 0.3 acre (12,900 square feet) of lawn 4.0 acre (174,000 square feet) of fescue

This is page 15 of 32

Project name:

Location of Vegetation Removed Along existing drainage ditch located approx. 450 linear feet southeast of existing Nickel Plate Trail alignment in Bunker Hill and along Vine Street Along Bennoville and John Streets, and along proposed trail alignment within Bunker Hill Town Park Along former railroad corridor

Nickel Plate Trail Bunker Hill Extension Form Version: June 2013

Attachment 2

Date:

March 2, 2017

Indiana Department of Transportation County

Miami

Route

Approximate Acres/Square Feet of Vegetation Removed 0.023 acre (1,020 square feet) of trees

0.02 acre (870 square feet) of trees 0.02 acre (850 square feet) of trees 0.019 acre (820 square feet) of trees 0.028 acre (1,200 square feet) of trees

0.1 acre (5,900 square feet) of trees

Former Railroad corridor

Des. No.

1401127

Location of Vegetation Removed South of former railroad corridor, near the existing drainage ditch that is located approx. 450 linear feet southeast of existing Nickel Plate Trail alignment in Bunker Hill and along Vine Street Along east-west alignment within Bunker Hill Town Park Along north-south alignment within Bunker Hill Town Park Along the former railroad corridor, starting at a point on the north side of SR 218 and ending at a point 0.2 mile (1,020 linear feet) northwest of SR 218 Along 0.7 mile (3,740 linear feet) of alignment along the former railroad corridor, starting at a point approximately 405 feet southeast of the proposed trail crossing at SR 218 and ending at a point 0.8 mile (4,090 linear feet) southeast of the proposed trail crossing at SR 218 Along the former railroad corridor, from Strawtown Pike (proposed trail point of ending) to a point approximately 0.2 mi (1,240 linear feet) northwest of Strawtown Pike

There are no core forests within the project area; a core forest is defined in the 2013 Categorical Exclusion Manual as “a patch of forest that is located far enough away from disturbances to ensure that species within them remain relatively unaffected by the activities that occur outside the forest.” Therefore, no impacts will occur to core forests. Early Coordination letters and project information were mailed to environmental review agencies on November 20, 2015, and letters with updated project information were mailed to environmental review agencies on and January 14, 2016. Refer to Appendix C-2 for a complete list of all agencies included in the Early Coordination process. In order to minimize impacts to terrestrial habitat for construction of the project, the actions as addressed in the IDNR Fish and Wildlife recommendations will be implemented (see letter dated December 11, 2015, Appendix C-14 to C-17). The applicable recommendations have been included in the Environmental Commitments at the end of this CE document. The IDNR Division of Fish and Wildlife responded to the updated early coordination information in an email on January 14, 2016 to report that the change reported in the letter does not alter the Division’s review process or comments sent on December 11, 2015 (Appendix C19). The USFWS, in their response letter dated December 7, 2015 (Appendix C-12 to C-13), stated, “Some trees and other woody vegetation may need to be cleared in various locations, particularly near the Bunker Hill Park… however, much of the corridor retains a cleared opening where little vegetation removal would be required. We request that removal of native trees and shrubs be limited to the minimum necessary to construct the trail, that invasive species in general be removed to the extent possible, and that trees lost to the project be replaced along areas of the trail corridor where trees currently are not present.” The USFWS did not provide any other comments or recommendations regarding impacts to terrestrial habitat. By constructing the trail by following IDNR Fish and Wildlife and USFWS recommendations, adverse impacts to terrestrial habitat will be minimized. Refer to the Environmental Commitments section at the end of this document.

This is page 16 of 32

Project name:

Nickel Plate Trail Bunker Hill Extension Form Version: June 2013

Attachment 2

Date:

March 2, 2017

Indiana Department of Transportation County

Miami

Former Railroad corridor

Route

1401127

Des. No.

If there are high incidences of animal movements observed in the project area, or if bridges and other areas appear to be the sole corridor for animal movement, consideration of utilizing wildlife crossings should be taken.

Karst Is the proposed project located within or adjacent to the potential Karst Area of Indiana? Are karst features located within or adjacent to the footprint of the proposed project?

Yes

X X

If yes, will the project impact any of these karst features? Use the remarks box to identify any karst features within the project area. (Karst investigation must comply with the Karst MOU, dated October 13, 1993) Remarks:

This project is outside of the designated karst area of the state as identified in the October 13, 1993 Memorandum of Understanding between INDOT, IDEM, IDNR, and the USFWS. The IGS was sent early coordination packet containing a letter, a project description, and maps on November 20, 2015. The IGS, in their response dated November 30, 2015, did not provide any information regarding karst features in or near the project (Appendix C-11). It was therefore concluded that there are no concerns regarding impacts to karst features related to this project. Presence

Threatened or Endangered Species Within the known range of any federal species Any critical habitat identified within project area Federal species found in project area (based upon informal consultation) State species found in project area (based upon consultation with IDNR) Yes

Impacts Yes No X

Is Section 7 formal consultation required for this action? Remarks:

Indiana is within the range of the Indiana bat (Myotis sodalis), a federally listed endangered species managed by the USFWS under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Indiana is also within the range of the Northern long-eared bat (Myotis septentrionalis), which is listed as threatened under the ESA. A list of all state and federally listed threatened, endangered, and rare species in Miami County are included in Appendix E-13. The IDNR Division of Fish and Wildlife, in their letter dated December 11, 2015, stated that to date, no plant or animal species listed as state or federally threatened, endangered, or rare have been reported to occur in the project vicinity (Appendix C-14 to C-17). The USFWS, in their letter dated December 7, 2015 (Appendix C-12 to C-13), stated, â&#x20AC;&#x153;The proposed project is within the range of the Federally endangered Indiana bat (Myotis sodalis) and the threatened northern longeared bat (Myotis septentrionalis) and rabbitsfoot mussel (Quadrula cylindrica cylindrica). There is no habitat in the area for the rabbitsfoot. There may be suitable summer nursery and foraging habitat for the two bat species along the wooded portion of the trail corridor near Bunker Hill where the old railroad right-ofway connects with adjacent woodlands. Therefore, any required tree clearing needs to take place when the bats would not be present, which is the time period between October 1 and April 1. With these tree clearing restrictions in place, we agree that the proposed project is not likely to adversely affect these endangered and threatened species.â&#x20AC;?

This is page 17 of 32

Project name:

Nickel Plate Trail Bunker Hill Extension Form Version: June 2013

Attachment 2

Date:

March 2, 2017

Indiana Department of Transportation Miami

County

Route

Former Railroad corridor

Des. No.

1401127

The USFWS comments preclude the need for further consultation on this project as required under Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended. Further consultation with USFWS will be required if project plans change significantly or if a revised species list be published. Based on these comments and the fact that tree removal will be minimal, it was concluded that impacts to threatened, endangered, or rare species is not likely.

SECTION B – OTHER RESOURCES Presence Drinking Water Resources Wellhead Protection Area Public Water System(s) Residential Well(s) Source Water Protection Area(s) Sole Source Aquifer (SSA)

Impacts Yes No

If a SSA is present, answer the following: Yes

Is the Project in the St. Joseph Aquifer System? Is the FHWA/EPA SSA MOU Applicable? Initial Groundwater Assessment Required? Detailed Groundwater Assessment Required? Remarks:

The proposed project is in Miami County; therefore, the project not located within the area of the St. Joseph Sole Source Aquifer, the only legally designated sole source aquifer in the state of Indiana. Therefore, the Federal Highway Administration/US Environmental Protection Agency Sole Source Aquifer Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) is not applicable to this project, and a detailed groundwater assessment is not required. According to the IDEM Ground Water Section’s letter dated November 30, 2015, the project site is located within a Wellhead Protection Area (Appendix C-8). The owner of the Wellhead Protection Area, the Town of Bunker Hill, responded to an email sent containing project information and mapping on March 11, 2016 (Appendix C-26). The town responded via fax by providing a map of the wells near the project and saying that all maintenance is to be done by the Town (Appendix C-27; the wellhead protection area map that was sent with the facsimile cover letter was excluded from the Appendix due to the sensitive nature of the map’s content). In a follow-up phone call on March 23, 2016, the town clarified that maintenance such as mowing, spraying, etc. along the trail, including within the Wellhead Protection Area, will be performed by the town. The town also clarified that no other entity should do any spraying along the trail due to concerns about impacts on the Wellhead Protection Area from chemicals used for spraying. Nickel Plate Trail Inc., the subrecipient of the RTP funds, will coordinate with the Town of Bunker Hill regarding maintenance of the trail portions in the town limits. Research of water wells using IGS’s Indiana Maps (http://igs.indiana.edu/) revealed twenty-nine (29) wells located within 0.5 mile of the project area. Of these twenty-nine, only one well is within the project area, and this well is located within the Wellhead Protection Area owned by the Town of Bunker Hill. Any project work done near this well will be done according to the recommendations made by the owner of the Wellhead Protection Area, the Town of Bunker Hill; as such, this well will not be affected. Because there are no other

This is page 18 of 32

Project name:

Nickel Plate Trail Bunker Hill Extension Form Version: June 2013

Attachment 2

Date:

March 2, 2017

Indiana Department of Transportation County

Miami

Route

Former Railroad corridor

1401127

Des. No.

wells within or near the project area, it was concluded that the project will not adversely impact any water wells. No public water supply lines were observed near the project area. In addition, the trail will be constructed primarily on the former Pennsylvania Railroad corridor. A utility location service will be contacted by the construction contractor in accordance with Indiana Code (IC) 8-1-26 prior to construction to ensure that public water systems and other public utilities are not adversely affected (see Environmental Commitments at the end of this document). Early coordination with utility companies, including public water, has been initiated by Nickel Plate Trail Inc., the sub-recipient of the RTP funds. Therefore, it was concluded that no water supply lines will be adversely affected by the project. In order to minimize potential impacts to the overall water quality in the project vicinity, measures in accordance with IDEM recommendations (see letter dated April 29, 2016, Appendix C-29 to C-35) will be taken; these are included in the Environmental Commitments at the end of this document. By implementing the measures discussed above, impacts to drinking water resources will be minimized.

Presence

Impacts Yes No

Flood Plains Longitudinal Encroachment Transverse Encroachment Project located within a regulated floodplain Homes located in floodplain within 1000’ up/downstream from project

Discuss impacts according to classification system described in the “Procedural Manual for Preparing Environmental Studies”. Remarks:

According to the results of the Red Flag Investigation (Appendix E-4 to E-5) and research of floodplain maps (Appendix F-6 to F-7), there is one floodplain (a 100-year Flood Zone) located approximately 2,500 feet north of the project limits. Due to the distance between the floodplain and the project, no impacts are expected to occur. The project does not encroach upon a regulatory floodplain as determined from available Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) floodplain maps (Appendix F-6 to F-7). Therefore, it does not fall within the guidelines for the implementation of 23 CFR 650, 23 CFR 771, and 44 CFR. In their letter dated December 11, 2015, the IDNR Division of Fish and Wildlife stated that the project will not require the formal approval under the regulatory programs administered by the IDNR Division of Water (Appendix C-14). Therefore, it was concluded that this project will not affect any floodplains. Presence

Farmland Agricultural Lands Prime Farmland (per NRCS)

X X

Total Points (from Section VII of CPA-106/AD-1006*

Impacts Yes No X X

121

*If 160 or greater, see CE Manual for guidance.

See CE Manual for guidance to determine which NRCS form is appropriate for your project.

This is page 19 of 32

Project name:

Nickel Plate Trail Bunker Hill Extension Form Version: June 2013

Attachment 2

Date:

March 2, 2017

Indiana Department of Transportation County

Miami

Remarks:

Former Railroad corridor

Route

1401127

Des. No.

The NRCS, in their February 10, 2016 response to the January 14, 2016 re-coordination letter, stated that the project will result in a conversion of prime farmland (Appendix C-22 to C-23). As is required by the Farmland Protection Policy Act, Form NRCS-CPA-106 has been completed. Since this project received a total point value of less than 160 points, this site will receive no further consideration for farmland protection. No other alternatives other than those already discussed in this document will be considered without re-evaluation of the projectâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s potential impacts upon farmland. This project will not have a significant impact to farmland. Refer to Appendix C-24 for Form NRCS-CPA-106.

SECTION C â&#x20AC;&#x201C; CULTURAL RESOURCES

Category

Minor Projects PA Clearance

Type

INDOT Approval Dates

N/A

4/18/2016

Eligible and/or Listed Resource Present

Results of Research Archaeology NRHP Buildings/Site(s) NRHP District(s) NRHP Bridge(s) Project Effect No Historic Properties Affected

No Adverse Effect

Adverse Effect

Documentation Prepared Documentation (mark all that apply) Historic Properties Short Report Historic Property Report Archaeological Records Check/ Review Archaeological Phase Ia Survey Report Archaeological Phase Ic Survey Report Archaeological Phase II Investigation Report Archaeological Phase III Data Recovery APE, Eligibility and Effect Determination 800.11 Documentation

ES/FHWA Approval Date(s)

ES/FHWA 4/18/2016

SHPO Approval Date(s)

SHPO N/A

MOA Signature Dates (List all signatories) Memorandum of Agreement (MOA)

This is page 20 of 32

Project name:

Nickel Plate Trail Bunker Hill Extension Form Version: June 2013

Attachment 2

Date:

March 2, 2017

Indiana Department of Transportation County

Miami

Route

Former Railroad corridor

1401127

Des. No.

Describe all efforts to document cultural resources, including a detailed summary of the Section 106 process, using the categories outlined in the remarks box. The completion of the Section 106 process requires that a Legal Notice be published in local newspapers. Please indicate the publication date, name of paper(s) and the comment period deadline. Likewise include any further Section 106 work which must be completed at a later date, such as mitigation or deep trenching. Remarks:

The Section 106 process was managed by Green 3 LLC, who is listed on the IDNR Department of Historic Preservation and Archaeologyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Roster of Qualified Professionals. On April 18, 2016, the INDOT Cultural Resources Office (CRO) determined that this project falls within the guidelines of Category B-8, under the Minor Projects Programmatic Agreement (MPPA; see Appendix D-2). Category B minor projects require review by INDOT Cultural Resources Office (CRO). B-8 projects are certain projects entailing recreational trail projects; Condition 2 projects are projects in which the construction of a trail would occur within previously undisturbed soils and such trail construction would not occur on, within, or adjacent to National Register eligible or listed archaeological resources, as determined by an archaeological investigation of the project area. An Archaeological Short Report was prepared for this project (Jackson, April 2016). This report included a Phase 1a Field Reconnaissance for areas of the alignment that are considered previously disturbed; this included the former railroad corridor, which has been previously disturbed by construction of the corridor. The railroad corridor was visually examined only as part of the Archaeological Short Report. Areas that were not considered to have previously disturbed soils included the crossing at CR 800 S., along Park Drive, Bennoville Street, North John Street, Vine Street, the proposed trail that will traverse alongside the existing drainage ditch located approximately 450 feet southeast of the connection with the existing Nickel Plate Trail. Therefore, these undisturbed areas were investigated for archaeological sites through shovel probe testing and visual inspection. The report noted that the proposed crossing over SR 218 has been previously surveyed and the area altered with the realignment of SR 218, and therefore no further archaeological investigation was undertaken at that location. No sites were found, and INDOT CRO concurred with the Archeological Report (Jackson, April 2016) in their MPPA determination (Appendix D-5). Because the project falls under the MPPA Category B-8, no further consultation is required. This fulfills the requirements of the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) for the Section 106 process (see Appendix D for complete Section 106 documentation). If any archaeological artifacts or human remains are uncovered during construction, federal law and regulations (16 USC 470, et seq.; 36 CFR 800.11, et al.) and State Law (IC 14-21-1) require that work must stop immediately within 100 feet of the discovery and that the discovery must be reported to the Division of Historic Preservation and Archaeology in the Indiana Department of Natural Resources within 2 business days.

SECTION D â&#x20AC;&#x201C; SECTION 4(f) RESOURCES/ SECTION 6(f) RESOURCES Section 4(f) Involvement (mark all that apply) Presence Parks & Other Recreational Land Publicly owned park Publicly owned recreation area Other (school, state/national forest, bikeway, etc.)

This is page 21 of 32

Project name:

Use Yes

Nickel Plate Trail Bunker Hill Extension Form Version: June 2013

Attachment 2

Date:

March 2, 2017

Indiana Department of Transportation Miami

County

Route

Former Railroad corridor

1401127

Des. No.

Evaluations Prepared FHWA Approval date

Programmatic Section 4(f)* “De minimis” Impact* Individual Section 4(f) Presence Wildlife & Waterfowl Refuges National Wildlife Refuge National Natural Landmark State Wildlife Area State Nature Preserve

Use Yes

Evaluations Prepared FHWA Approval date

Programmatic Section 4(f)* “De minimis” Impact* Individual Section 4(f) Presence Historic Properties Sites eligible and/or listed on the NRHP

Use Yes

Evaluations Prepared FHWA Approval date

Programmatic Section 4(f)* “De minimis” Impact* Individual Section 4(f)

*FHWA approval of the environmental document also serves as approval of any Section 4f Programmatic and/or De minimis evaluation(s) discussed below. Discuss Programmatic Section 4(f) and “de minimis” Section 4(f) impacts in the remarks box below. Individual Section 4(f) documentation must be separate Draft and Final documents. For further discussions on Programmatic, “de minimis” and Individual Section 4(f) evaluations please refer to the “Procedural Manual for the Preparation of Environmental Studies”. Discuss proposed alternatives that satisfy the requirements of Section 4(f). Remarks:

Section 4(f) of the US Department of Transportation Act of 1966 prohibits the use of certain public and historic lands for federally funded transportation projects, and applies to significant publicly owned parks, recreation areas, and wildlife/waterfowl refuges, and National Register eligible or listed historic resources. This project will traverse through Bunker Hill Park and will connect to the Nickel Plate Trail at the westernmost project endpoint, both of which are 4(f) resources. These are the only two 4(f) resources within or adjacent to the project area. Because the project is being developed with Recreational Trail Program (RTP) funds, this project is specifically exempted from all requirements of Section 4(f).

This is page 22 of 32

Project name:

Nickel Plate Trail Bunker Hill Extension Form Version: June 2013

Attachment 2

Date:

March 2, 2017

Indiana Department of Transportation Miami

County

Route

Former Railroad corridor

Section 6(f) Involvement

1401127

Des. No.

Presence

Use Yes

Section 6(f) Property Discuss proposed alternatives that satisfy the requirements of Section 6(f). Discuss any Section 6(f) involvement. Remarks:

The US Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965 established the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), which was created to preserve, develop, and assure accessibility to outdoor recreation resources. Section 6(f) of this Act prohibits conversion of lands purchased with LWCF monies to a non-recreation use. A review of 6(f) properties in Miami County on the National Park Service website at http://wasolwcf.ncrc.nps.gov/public/index.cfm and at http://www.invw.org/data/lwcf/grants-in.html revealed a total of one (1) property; this property is the Miami State Recreation Area, located over 7 miles northeast of the easternmost project end point (Appendix I-13). The IDNR Division of Outdoor Recreation was sent an Early Coordination information packet via email on November 20, 2015 and responded in an email dated November 23, 2015, stating “there is no impact on any LWCF 6(f) boundary encumbered park properties” (Appendix C-7). Therefore, there will be no impacts to 6(f) resources as a result of this project.

SECTION E – Air Quality

Air Quality Conformity Status of the Project Is the project in an air quality non-attainment or maintenance area? If YES, then: Is the project in the most current MPO TIP? Is the project exempt from conformity? If the project is NOT exempt from conformity, then: Is the project in the Transportation Plan (TP)? Is a hot spot analysis required (CO/PM)?

Yes

Level of MSAT Analysis required? Level 1a

Remarks:

Level 1b

Level 2

Level 3

Level 4

Level 5

The project is listed in the FY 2014-2017 and 2016-2019 Indiana State Transportation Improvement Programs (STIP; see Appendix H). The project area is not within any MPO. Miami County is in attainment for all criteria pollutants as regulated under the Clean Air Act (See IDEM’s County List of All Regulated Criteria Pollutants at http://www.in.gov/idem/airquality/files/nonattainment_county_list.pdf). This project is of a type qualifying as a categorical exclusion (Group 1) under 23 CFR 771.117 (c), or exempt under the Clean Air Act conformity rule under 40 CFR 93.126, and as such, a Mobile Source Air Toxics analysis is not required.

This is page 23 of 32

Project name:

Nickel Plate Trail Bunker Hill Extension Form Version: June 2013

Attachment 2

Date:

March 2, 2017

Indiana Department of Transportation County

Miami

Route

Former Railroad corridor

1401127

Des. No.

SECTION F - NOISE Noise

Yes

Is a noise analysis required in accordance with FHWA regulations and INDOT’s traffic noise policy?

ES Review of Noise Analysis Remarks:

No N/A

Yes/ Date

This project is a Type III project. In accordance with 23 CFR 772 and the INDOT Traffic Noise Policy, this action does not require a formal noise analysis.

SECTION G – COMMUNITY IMPACTS

Regional, Community & Neighborhood Factors Will the proposed action comply with the local/regional development patterns for the area? Will the proposed action result in substantial impacts to community cohesion? Will the proposed action result in substantial impacts to local tax base or property values? Will construction activities impact community events (festivals, fairs, etc.)? Does the community have an approved transition plan? If No, are steps being made to advance the community’s transition plan? Does the project comply with the transition plan? (explain in the remarks box)

Remarks:

Yes

X X X X X X

This project is consistent with the local development patterns and plans for the area. The project is part of the larger Nickel Plate Trail system, which is located along the route of the Northern Tier Transcontinental Bike Route and the American Discovery Trail, both of which are nationally recognized long distance trails. The Nickel Plate Trail currently connects Rochester with Kokomo through the towns of Macy, Birmingham, Deedsville, Denver, Peru, Bunker Hill, Miami, Bennetts Switch, and Cassville. The trail extension in this project will be critical next step in forging an eventual link between the Cardinal Greenway, also following the former Pennsylvania Railroad corridor, and the Nickel Plate Trail, which will create the longest viable alternative transportation corridor in the state. The 60-mile Cardinal Greenway Trail and the 40-mile Nickel Plate Trail are both listed by the State of Indiana as Priority State Visionary Trails. This project meets the goals and objectives for trail development discussed in the State Trails, Greenways, and Bikeways Plan (found at: https://secure.in.gov/dnr/outdoor/files/chapter4.pdf) and the 2016-2020 State Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (found at: https://secure.in.gov/dnr/outdoor/4201.htm). This project will not substantially impact the tax base or property values; it will require a small amount of right-of-way from multiple property owners. The project will not substantially impact community cohesion or adversely impact local community events. Miami County has an ADA Transition Plan in place at this time (a copy of the plan can be viewed at the Miami County Planning Department, 25 N. Broadway, Room 105, Peru, IN 46970). The project will conform to current ADA standards as required by the RTP program.

This is page 24 of 32

Project name:

Nickel Plate Trail Bunker Hill Extension Form Version: June 2013

Attachment 2

Date:

March 2, 2017

Indiana Department of Transportation County

Miami

Route

Former Railroad corridor

Des. No.

Indirect and Cumulative Impacts Will the proposed action result in substantial indirect or cumulative impacts? Remarks:

1401127

Yes

According to 40 CFR 1508.7 cumulative impacts are those that “result from the incremental impact of the action when added to other past, present, and reasonably foreseeable future actions…cumulative impacts can result from individually minor but collectively significant actions taking place over a period of time.” Indirect effects are caused by the action and are later in time or farther removed, but are still reasonably foreseeable. These may include growth inducing effects and other effects related to induced changes in the pattern of land use, population density or growth rate, and related effects on air and water and other natural systems, including ecosystems. The terms “impact” and “effect” are used interchangeably, and include impacts to ecological, aesthetic, historic, cultural, economic, social, and/or health. The Nickel Plate Trail Bunker Hill Extension project will result in a positive indirect impact in the form of increased opportunities for current and future generations to improve health and fitness through use of the proposed trail. The project, by constructing the Nickel Plate Trail Bunker Hill Extension, will also result in positive impacts to the overall Nickel Plate Trail and Cardinal Greenway trail systems by advancing the goal to connect these two trails, thus will create the longest viable alternative transportation corridor in the state. This project involves the construction of an extension of the Nickel Plate Trail. This project will not result in induced changes in the pattern of land use, the population density, or the growth rate of the area. At the November 29, 2016, public hearing, many property owners expressed concern regarding access to farm fields after construction of the trail. Nickel Plate Trail Inc., the sub-recipient of the RTP funds, has in the past and will continue to work with property owners to construct trail enhancements to accommodate large farm equipment. To address this concern, one commitment was incorporated into the Environmental Commitments section of this CE document. (Refer to Commitment No. 11 in Section J.) Refer to the public hearing disposition in Appendix G-173 to G-181 for responses to all public concerns expressed in the public hearing. The project will not result in indirect effects on air, water, or natural systems (direct effects on air, water, and natural systems have been discussed in previous sections of this document). This project will not result in incremental impacts to the environment nor will it result in cumulative impacts from collectively significant actions taking place over a period of time. In conclusion, this project will not result in indirect or cumulative impacts.

Public Facilities & Services Will the proposed action result in substantial impacts on health and educational facilities, public and private utilities, emergency services, religious institutions, airports, public transportation or pedestrian and bicycle facilities? Discuss how the maintenance of traffic will affect public facilities and services. Remarks:

Yes

This project involves the construction of a trail that will cross John Street in Bunker Hill, SR 218, and CR E 800 S at new marked roadway crossings. During construction, traffic on SR 218 may be minimally disrupted during construction of the trail near the roadway and the construction of a new marked crossing. Disruptions may include the use of flagging, temporary signage, and/or temporary lane restrictions during construction and no closures. The project will not permanently affect motorized vehicular traffic patterns. Coordination with INDOT will occur prior to construction by Nickel Plate Trail Inc., the sub-recipient of the RTP funds, to ensure that there are no adverse

This is page 25 of 32

Project name:

Nickel Plate Trail Bunker Hill Extension Form Version: June 2013

Attachment 2

Date:

March 2, 2017

Indiana Department of Transportation County

Miami

Route

Former Railroad corridor

1401127

Des. No.

effects as a result of the disruption on SR 218. Also, Nickel Plate Trail Inc., the sub-recipient of the RTP funds, will contact the North Miami Community Schools and Maconaquah School Corporation and emergency services at least two weeks prior to any disruptions to traffic (see Environmental Commitments at the end of this document). There are two railroads within 0.5 mile of the project area (see Appendix E-4 and E-9). However, these railroads are no longer in use by the railroad company and the tracks have been removed, leaving only the rail bed. One former railroad corridor will be utilized for a majority of this project. Because these railroads are no longer in use, no impacts to active railroads will occur. There are five recreational facilities within 0.5 mile of the project area (see Appendix E-4 and E-9). The nearest of these facilities is the Bunker Hill Town Park, which is located within the project area. This project will provide a pedestrian and bicycle facility that will connect this park to the larger Nickel Plate Trail System, thus connecting two local amenities and resulting in a positive impact to the park. All other recreational facilities are located at least 100 feet outside of the project area. Due to the distance between the project and these facilities, no impacts will occur. There are two trails within 0.5 mile of the project area (see Appendix E-4 and E-9). The completed Nickel Plate Trail intersects the northernmost point of the project limits running north to south. The Nickel Plate Trail Extension to Grissom Air Park is proposed and is located along the railroad corridor extending northwest to Grissom Air Park. Due to the fact that these trails will be part of the same trail system, no impacts will occur. There is one pipeline located within 0.5 mile of the project area, located approximately 695 feet northwest of the northernmost point of the project limits (see Appendix E-4 and E-9). Due to the distance between the project and the pipeline, no impacts will occur. Overhead electric lines run along the edges of the right-of-way of Vine Street, John Street, Park Drive, Meridian Road, Maconaquah High School, Strawtown Pike, and SR 218; these lines are not anticipated to be affected by proposed project work. There are no other known utilities along the former Pennsylvania Railroad corridor, and relocation of utilities is not anticipated. Coordination with the Town of Bunker Hill will be conducted and a utility location service will be contacted to avoid impacts to utilities such as utility service disruptions due to construction (see Environmental Commitments at the end of this document). Because measures will be in place to minimize impacts, it was concluded that this project will not result in substantial adverse impacts to public facilities and services.

Environmental Justice (EJ) (Presidential EO 12898) During the development of the project were EJ issues identified? Does the project require an EJ analysis? If YES, then: Are any EJ populations located within the project area? Will the project result in adversely high or disproportionate impacts to EJ populations? Remarks:

Yes

X X X X

An Environmental Justice (EJ) analysis was conducted because over 0.5 acre of right-of-way will be acquired through early acquisition for this project (refer to the right-of-way section above for more details). The Community of Comparison (COC) was Miami County, Indiana. The Affected Community (AC) was Miami County Census Tract 9527 (AC1) in the analysis. AC1 was not found to possess an EJ population for lowincome population, as the percentage of low-income population (14.3%) was below 125% of the low-income

This is page 26 of 32

Project name:

Nickel Plate Trail Bunker Hill Extension Form Version: June 2013

Attachment 2

Date:

March 2, 2017

Indiana Department of Transportation County

Miami

Former Railroad corridor

Route

1401127

Des. No.

population of the COC (20.9%). AC1 was not found to possess an EJ population for minority population, as the percentage of minority population (11.2%) was below 125% of the minority population of the Community of Comparison (12.5%). The low-income and minority populations are below 50% of the total population, which would have automatically made either or both a population of EJ concern. This table summarizes the findings of the EJ analysis: Community of Comparison: Miami County, Indiana Affected Community: Miami County Census Tract 9527 125% of low income & minority populations of the COC EJ Population?

Percent of Low-Income 16.7%

Percent Minority 10.0%

14.3%

11.2%

20.9%

12.5%

The EJ analysis was submitted to INDOT Environmental Services (ES) for review and comment. INDOT ES responded on March 23, 2016 stating that there are no EJ populations of concern for the project (Appendix SS). Refer to Appendix I-2 and I-11 for complete EJ analysis documentation and corresponding maps. Relocation of People, Businesses or Farms

Yes

X X X X

Will the proposed action result in the relocation of people, businesses or farms? Is a Business Information Survey (BIS) required? Is a Conceptual Stage Relocation Study (CSRS) required? Has utility relocation coordination been initiated for this project? Number of relocations:

Residences:

Businesses:

Farms:

Other:

If a BIS or CSRS is required, discuss the results in the remarks box. Remarks:

This project will not result in the relocations of residences, businesses, or farms. No utilities will be relocated as part of this project.

SECTION H â&#x20AC;&#x201C; HAZARDOUS MATERIALS & REGULATED SUBSTANCES Documentation Hazardous Materials & Regulated Substances (Mark all that apply) Red Flag Investigation Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (Phase I ESA) Phase II Environmental Site Assessment (Phase II ESA) Design/Specifications for Remediation required? No ES Review of Investigations

Yes/ Date

N/A

Include a summary of findings for each investigation.

This is page 27 of 32

Project name:

Nickel Plate Trail Bunker Hill Extension Form Version: June 2013

Attachment 2

Date:

March 2, 2017

Indiana Department of Transportation County Remarks:

Miami

Route

Former Railroad corridor

Des. No.

1401127

A Red Flag Investigation and a Hazardous Materials Site Assessment were conducted via GIS research and site investigations by Green3 on September 16, 2015 (Appendix E). There are three Underground Storage Tanks (USTs), three Leaking Underground Storage Tanks (LUSTs) and two National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) facilities within 0.5 mile of the project area. The closest UST is located approximately 350 feet north of the proposed trail alignment along Bennoville Street. The closest LUST is located in the southeast quadrant of the intersection of SR 218 and Elm Street, approximately 485 feet southwest of the westernmost project end point at the existing Nickel Plate Trail. The closest NPDES facility is located at Maconaquah High School, approximately 1,355 feet northeast of the trail alignment. Although potential environmental sites of concern were identified in the project vicinity, none were identified within the project area. Due to the distance between the project and the sites mentioned above, and due to the minor scope of the project (trail construction primarily on a former railroad corridor), it was concluded that no impacts to environmental sites of concern are anticipated, and further investigation for hazardous materials is not required at this time. If contaminated soils or groundwater are encountered during project construction, Nickel Plate Trail Inc., the sub-recipient of the RTP funds, must contact IDEM Office of Land Quality at 1317-308-3103 immediately.

SECTION I â&#x20AC;&#x201C; PERMITS CHECKLIST Permits (mark all that apply)

Likely Required

Army Corps of Engineers (404/Section10 Permit) Individual Permit (IP) Nationwide Permit (NWP) Regional General Permit (RGP) Pre-Construction Notification (PCN) Other Wetland Mitigation required Stream Mitigation required IDEM Section 401 WQC Isolated Wetlands determination Rule 5 Other Wetland Mitigation required Stream Mitigation required

Construction in a Floodway Navigable Waterway Permit Lake Preservation Permit Other Mitigation Required US Coast Guard Section 9 Bridge Permit Others (Please discuss in the remarks box below) Remarks:

A Rule 5 permit will be required due to the disturbance of more than one acre of land. As discussed previously, the IDNR Division of Fish and Wildlife stated that formal approval by the Department of Natural Resources under the regulatory programs administered by the Division of Water is not required for this

This is page 28 of 32

Project name:

Nickel Plate Trail Bunker Hill Extension Form Version: June 2013

Attachment 2

Date:

March 2, 2017

Indiana Department of Transportation County

Miami

Route

Former Railroad corridor

Des. No.

1401127

project (Appendix C-14). As such, a Construction in a Floodway permit is not anticipated to be required. It will be the responsibility of the project sponsor or designer on behalf of the project sponsor to obtain the necessary permits.

SECTION J- ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITMENTS The following information should be provided below: List all commitments, name of agency/organization requesting the commitment(s), and indicating which are firm and which are for further consideration. The commitments should be numbered. Remarks:

Firm: 1. If permanent or temporary right of way amounts change, INDOT Environmental Services will be contacted immediately. (INDOT-ES) 2. If any archaeological artifacts or human remains are uncovered during construction, federal law and regulations (16 USC 470, et seq.; 36 CFR 800.11, et al.) and State Law (IC 14-21-1) require that work must stop immediately within 100 feet of the discovery and that the discovery must be reported to the Division of Historic Preservation and Archaeology in the Indiana Department of Natural Resources within 2 business days. (INDOT-ES). 3. Obtain a Rule 5 Storm Water Runoff Permit from the Office of Water Quality if there will be a disturbance of land area over one acre. (IDEM) 4. The sub-recipient of the RTP funds, Nickel Plate Trail Inc., should coordinate with the Town of Bunker Hill regarding maintenance of the trail portions in the town limits to avoid impacts to the wellhead protection area. (Town of Bunker Hill) 5. Workers who are working in or near Pipe Creek – Niger Ditch should take care to wear proper personal protective equipment, observe proper hygiene procedures including regular hand washing, and limit personal exposure. (INDOT ES) 6. A utility location service will be contacted by the construction contractor in accordance with IC 8-1-26 prior to construction to ensure that public water systems and other public utilities are not adversely affected. (INDOT) 7. If a spill occurs or contaminated soils or water are encountered during construction, appropriate PPE should be used. Contaminated materials will need to be properly handled by trained personnel and disposed in accordance with current regulations. IDEM should be notified through the spill line at (888) 233-7745 within 24 hours of discovery of contamination. (INDOT) 8. Do not cut any trees suitable for Indiana bat or northern long-eared bat roosting (greater than 3 inches DBH, living or dead, with loose hanging bark) from April 1 through September 30. (USFWS, IDNR) 9. Coordination with INDOT will occur prior to construction by Nickel Plate Trail Inc., the sub-recipient of the RTP funds, to ensure that there are no adverse effects as a result of the disruption on SR 218. (INDOT) 10. Prior to construction, the sub-recipient of the RTP funds, Nickel Plate Trail Inc., will work with property owners to address screening properties for privacy. (Nickel Plate Trail Inc.) 11. Prior to construction, the sub-recipient of the RTP funds, Nickel Plate Trail Inc., will work with property owners to provide trail strength enhancements that will allow for the passage of farm equipment to and from fields adjacent to the trail. (Nickel Plate Trail Inc.)

For Further Consideration: 12. For each tree over 10” in diameter at breast height (DBH) that is removed, at least five trees at least 2” in DBH will be planted. (IDNR Fish & Wildlife) 13. Post DO NOT DISTURB signs at the construction zone boundaries, and do not clear trees or understory vegetation outside the boundaries. (USFWS)

This is page 29 of 32

Project name:

Nickel Plate Trail Bunker Hill Extension Form Version: June 2013

Attachment 2

Date:

March 2, 2017

Indiana Department of Transportation County

Miami

Route

Former Railroad corridor

Des. No.

1401127

14. Post “Do Not Mow or Spray” signs along the right-of-way. (IDNR Fish & Wildlife) 15. Wastes and unused building materials shall be managed and disposed of in accordance with all applicable statutes and regulations. (IDEM) 16. A stable construction site access shall be provided at all points of construction traffic ingress and egress to the project site. (IDEM) 17. Public or private roadways shall be kept cleared of accumulated sediment that is a result of run-off or tracking. (IDEM) 18. Implement temporary erosion and siltation control devices such as placement of straw bales in drainage ways and ditches, covering exposed areas with burlap, jute matting or straw, and grading slopes to retain runoff in basins. (USFWS) 19. Re-vegetate all disturbed soil areas immediately upon project completion. (USFWS) 20. Reasonable precautions must be taken to minimize fugitive dust emissions from construction and demolition activities. Dirt tracked onto paved roads from unpaved areas should be minimized. (IDEM) 21. Raised boardwalks should be constructed in wet areas or near wetlands. A material such as composite decking should be used rather than treated wood which can leach elements toxic to aquatic life. (IDNR Fish & Wildlife) 22. When designing or constructing a trail, disturb as narrow an area as possible to help minimize negative impacts. Where significant impacts to fish, wildlife, or botanical resources are likely due to the trail’s width, reduce the width to help avoid those impacts. (IDNR Fish & Wildlife) 23. Avoid unnecessary stream crossings. Instead, make use of or modify existing stream crossings or avoid crossing the stream altogether. Where stream crossings are unavoidable, pedestrian bridges with supports/abutments placed no less than 10 feet landward from the tops of the banks on each side of the waterway are recommended. Alternatively, a three-sided culvert may be used. (IDNR Fish & Wildlife) 24. Screen wildlife habitat from the trail corridor. Vegetation, topography, and fences can help reduce the impact of noise and line of site disturbances of trail users on wildlife. Walls can create wildlife movement barriers and potential impacts must be considered. Native grass buffers (2-3’ tall) are recommended along the edges of trails near habitats such as wetlands. (IDNR Fish & Wildlife) 25. Place the trail in or adjacent to existing right-of-ways where possible to minimize significant impacts to natural resource habitat. Also, utilize previously disturbed or degraded areas. Align the trail along or near existing man-made edges or areas that have the potential to be restored or enhanced by trail construction (i.e. railroad corridors), rather than routing the trail through previously undisturbed areas. (IDNR Fish & Wildlife) 26. Do not focus only on the direct impact of the trail’s width; also consider the trail’s impact to the surrounding habitat. (IDNR Fish & Wildlife) 27. Shoulders should be constructed using unconsolidated materials where possible. In some situations, solid shoulders are necessary. In those cases, shoulders should be constructed using porous concrete. (IDNR Fish & Wildlife) 28. Seed and protect all disturbed streambanks and slopes that are 3:1 or steeper with erosion control blankets or use an appropriate structural armament; seed and apply mulch on all other disturbed areas. (IDNR Fish & Wildlife) 29. The use of cutback asphalt, or asphalt emulsion containing more than seven percent (7%) oil distillate, is prohibited during the months of April and October. (IDEM) 30. The physical disturbance of the stream and riparian vegetation, especially large trees overhanging any affected water bodies should be limited to only that which is absolutely necessary to complete the project. (IDEM) 31. Do not deposit or allow demolition/construction materials or debris to fall or otherwise enter the waterway. (IDNR Fish & Wildlife) 32. Keep the bridge waterway opening free of debris and sediment at all times. (IDNR Fish & Wildlife) 33. The project must not create conditions that are less favorable for wildlife passage under the structure compared to current conditions. This includes maintaining land under the bridge unarmored with riprap to allow for wildlife passage. (IDNR Fish & Wildlife)

This is page 30 of 32

Project name:

Nickel Plate Trail Bunker Hill Extension Form Version: June 2013

Attachment 2

Date:

March 2, 2017

Indiana Department of Transportation County

Miami

Route

Former Railroad corridor

Des. No.

1401127

34. The USFWS recommends that removal of trees be limited to the minimum necessary to construct the trail, and trees lost be replaced along areas where trees currently are not present. (USFWS) 35. The USFWS recommends that invasive species in general be removed to the greatest extent possible. (USFWS)

This is page 31 of 32

Project name:

Nickel Plate Trail Bunker Hill Extension Form Version: June 2013

Attachment 2

Date:

March 2, 2017

Indiana Department of Transportation County

Miami

Route

Former Railroad corridor

Des. No.

1401127

SECTION K- EARLY COORDINATION Please list the date coordination was sent and all agencies that were contacted as a part of the development of this Environmental Study. Also, include the date of their response or indicate that no response was received. INDOT and FHWA are automatically considered early coordination participants and should only be listed if a response is received. Remarks:

Early Coordination packets were sent to regulatory agencies on November 20, 2015, to the Town of Bunker Hill on November 30, 2015, and to the Miami County Council on December 7, 2015. Because the November 20, 2015 early coordination letter erroneously stated no federal funds were involved in the project, a follow up re-coordination letter was sent to regulatory agencies on January 14, 2016. Responses received from agencies are listed below. Agency IDNR, Division of Fish and Wildlife NRCS USFWS Indiana Geological Survey IDEM Automated Response (Online) INDOT Aviation Section INDOT Public Hearings Office NPS HUD IDEM, Groundwater Section Miami County Highway Department Miami County Commissioners Monroe County Council Miami County Surveyor IDNR, Division of Outdoor Recreation USACE â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Louisville District Bunker Hill Town Council Town of Bunker Hill Utilities

This is page 32 of 32

Project name:

November 20, 2015 Early Coordination Response Dates 12/11/2015 No response 12/7/2015 11/30/2015 N/A 11/23/2015 No response No response No response 11/30/2015 No response No response No response No response 11/23/2015 No response No response No response

Nickel Plate Trail Bunker Hill Extension Form Version: June 2013

Attachment 2

January 14, 2016 Early ReCoordination Response Dates 1/14/2016 2/10/2016 No response 2/18/2016 4/29/2016 No response No response No response No response 1/19/2016 No response No response No response No response No response No response No response 3/11/2016

Date:

March 2, 2017

TABLE OF CONTENTS Appendix A- Threshold Chart

CE Level Threshold Chart

Appendix B – Maps, Graphics, and Photos

Maps of the Project Area Aerial Photo of Entire Project Area Aerial Maps of the North & South Sections of the Project Area Aerial Photo Showing Locations of Anticipated Vegetation Removal Photo Key Site Photographs of the Project Area

B2-B3 B4 B5 to B6 B7 B8 B9-B30

Appendix C – Early Coordination

11/20/2015 Early Coordination Mailing List & Review Agency Letter Project Information Sent with Early Coordination Agency Responses 1/14/2016 Updated Project Information Letter Agency Responses

C2-C3 C4-C5 C6-C17 C18 C19-C34

Appendix D – Section 106 of NHPA Coordination

INDOT Cultural Resources approval email of Minor Projects MPPA Determination Documentation

Appendix E – Red Flag and Hazardous Materials Investigations

D2 D3-D6

Hazardous Materials Site Visit Form LPA Red Flag Survey Form Supporting Maps State & Federally Endangered, Threatened, & Rare Species in Miami County

E2 E3-E8 E9-E12 E13

Appendix F – Water Resources

NWI Map NRCS Soil Survey Map, Legend, & Soils Information of entire project area FEMA Floodplain Map Potential Wetland Maps (2)

Appendix G – Public Involvement

F2 F3-F5 F6-F7 F8-F9

12/21/2016 Public Involvement Certification Email Notice of Planned Improvement Documentation & Public Responses Notice of Public Hearing Documentation & Public Responses Public Comment Disposition & Evaluation 3/30/2015 Nickel Plate Trail, Inc. Letter to Property Owners 2/26/2014 & 4/30/2014 Nickel Plate Trail, Inc. Meeting Minutes

G2 G3-30 G31-171 G172-181 G182-183 G184-G191

Appendix H – Air Quality

Indiana Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) page

Appendix I â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Additional Studies and Information

Environmental Justice Approval & Documentation Miami County ADA Transition Plan documentation LWCF Property List for Miami County Nickel Plate Trail Standard Design Details

I2-I11 I12 I13 I14-I27

APPENDIX A- THRESHOLD CHART

A-1

Categorical Exclusion Level Thresholds

Relocations Right-of-Way1 Length of Added Through Lane Permanent Traffic Pattern Alteration New Alignment Wetlands Stream Impacts* Section 4(f) Section 6(f) Section 106* Noise Analysis Required Threatened/Endangered Species Sole Source Aquifer Groundwater Assessment Approval Level • ESM5 • ES6 • FHWA

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Level 4

None < 0.5 acre None

≤2 < 10 acres None

>2 ≥ 10 acres Any

> 10 ≥ 10 acres Any

None

Yes

None < 0.1 acre ≤ 300 linear feet of stream impacts, no work beyond 75 feet from pavement None None “No Historic Properties Affected” or falls within guidelines of Minor Projects PA No "Not likely to Adversely Affect", or Falls within Guidelines of USFWS 9/8/93 Programmatic Response Detailed Assessment Not Required

None < 1 acre > 300 linear feet impacts, or work beyond 75 feet from pavement None None “No Adverse Effect” or “Adverse Effect”

< 1 mile < 1 acre N/A

≥ 1 mile2 ≥ 1 acre N/A

None Any impacts N/A

Any impacts Any impacts If ACHP involved Or Historic Bridge Involvement7

No N/A

Yes3 N/A

Yes3 “Likely to Adversely Affect” 4

Detailed Assessment Not Required

Detailed Assessment Required

Yes

Yes Yes

Yes Yes Yes

These thresholds have changed from the March 2011 Manual. Permanent and/or temporary right-of-way. 2 If the length of the new alignment is equal to or greater than one mile, contact the FHWA’s Air Quality/Environmental Specialist. 3 In accordance with INDOT’s Noise Policy. 4 If the project is considered Likely to Adversely Affect Threatened and/or Endangered Species, INDOT and the FHWA should be consulted to determine whether a higher class of document is warranted. 5 Environmental Scoping Manager 6 Environmental Services Division 7 Any involvement with a bridge processed under the Historic Bridge Programmatic Agreement 1

A-2

APPENDIX B- MAPS, GRAPHICS, AND PHOTOS

B-1

Source: Wikipedia, User: Arkyan

Source: INDOT - State Transportation Map

Bunker Hill/Miami County/Indiana

Project is located in Miami County, Indiana from its beginning at the intersection of the current Nickel Plate Trail and the former Pennsylvania Railroad corridor in Bunker Hill to its end at the intersection of the former Pennsylvania Railroad corridor and Strawtown Pike in Loree.

NTS

State County Locate Map Nickel Plate Trail Spur To Maconaquah Project

Pipe Creek , Washington, and Clay Townships/ Miami County, Indiana Des. No.1401127 B-2

Source: USGS Bunker Hill Topographic Quadrangle 1963

7.5 Minute USGS Topographic Quadrangle Bunker Hill Quadrangle, 1963 Displayed at 1:24,000 scale.

Project Alignment

USGS Topographic Quadrangle (Bunker Hill) Nickel Plate Trail Spur To Maconaquah Project

Pipe Creek , Washington, and Clay Townships/ Miami County, Indiana Des. No.1401127 B-3

Source: National Wetlands Inventory, 2015

Map Scale 1”: 36,112”

Project Alignment

Aerial Photo of Entire Project Nickel Plate Trail Spur To Maconaquah Project

Pipe Creek , Washington, and Clay Townships/ Miami County, Indiana Des. No.1401127 B-4

Des 1401127 Aerial Map- North Section

SR 218

CR 800 S

N July 18, 2016

Project Alignment

1:16,000

0.125

0.25

0.5 mi

0.2

0.4

0.8 km

Indiana Spatial Data Portal, UITS, ESRI Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT), U.S. Census Bureau (USCB), Indiana Geographic Information Council (IGIC), UITS, Indiana Spatial Data Portal

B-5

Des 1401127 Aerial Map- South Section

SR 218

CR 800 S

Strawtown Pike

N July 18, 2016 Project Alignment

1:16,000

0.125

0.25

0.5 mi

0.2

0.4

0.8 km

Indiana Spatial Data Portal, UITS, ESRI Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT), U.S. Census Bureau (USCB), Indiana Geographic Information Council (IGIC), UITS, Indiana Spatial Data Portal

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0.02 acre of trees to be removed along east-west alignment and 0.02 acre of trees to be removed from north-south alignment in Bunker Hill Town Park

Approx. 0.023 acre of trees to be removed near existing drainage ditch

0.028 acre of trees to be removed along 0.7 mile (3,740 linear feet) of alignment along the former railroad corridor, starting at a point approximately 405 feet southeast of the proposed trail crossing at SR 218 and ending at a point 0.8 mile (4,090 linear feet) southeast of the proposed trail crossing at SR 218

SR 218

Approx. 0.1 acre of lawn to be removed along existing drainage ditch and Vine Street

0.3 acre of lawn to be removed along John and Bennoville Streets and within Bunker Hill Town Park

Map Scale 1â&#x20AC;?: 36,112â&#x20AC;?

0.1 acre of trees to be removed along the former railroad corridor, from Strawtown Pike (proposed trail point of ending) to a point approximately 0.2 mi (1,240 linear feet) northwest of Strawtown Pike

Source: National Wetlands Inventory, 2015

Approx. 4.0 acre of lawn (fescue) to be removed from former railroad corridor

CR 800 S 0.019 acre of trees to be removed along the former railroad corridor, starting at a point on the north side of SR 218 and ending at a point 0.2 mile (1,020 linear feet) northwest of SR 218

Project Alignment

Vegetation Removal Locations Nickel Plate Trail Spur To Maconaquah Project

Pipe Creek , Washington, and Clay Townships/ Miami County, Indiana Des. No.1401127 B-7

*P ho to_ 25 *P ho tos _2 3-2 4

*P *P hot ho os to _3 _3 10 32

0 2

8-4

tos

_3 tos

*P ho

to_

*P ho

Map Scale 1”: 9, 028”

1-4

tos

*P ho

to s

*P ho

s_5 ---8

to _

4-3

*P ho

*P ho to_ *P 26 h o *P t o ho s to_ _27 29 -28 *P ho to_ 33

*P ho

tos

*P ho

_1 0*P 12 ho tos _1

tos

9-2

-4

Source: National Wetlands Inventory, 2015

Map Scale 1”: 36,112”

Project oject Alig Alignmen nmentt

Bunker Hill Project Area (See the zoomed in map of Bunker Hill for more details)

Photo Key Nickel Plate Trail Spur To Maconaquah Project

Pipe Creek , Washington, and Clay Townships/ Miami County, Indiana Des. No.1401127 B-8

1. Facing North toward Nickel Plate Trail from Point of Beginning

2. Facing West from Point of Beginning B-9

3. Facing South toward Nickel Plate Trail from Point of Beginning

4. Facing Southeast from Nickel Plate Trail toward Point of Beginning B-10

5. Facing North from Nickel Plate Trail & Vine St

6. Facing East from Nickel Plate Trail & Vine St B-11

7. Facing West from Nickel Plate Trail & Vine St

8. Facing South from Nickel Plate Trail & Vine St B-12

9. Facing Northeast toward drainage ditch from Vine St

10. Facing North toward drainage ditch near Vine St & Water St B-13

11. Facing South toward drainage ditch near Vine St & Water St

12. Facing West toward Nickel Plate trail from Vine St and drainage ditch B-14

13. Facing North from Vine St & John St

14. Facing West from Vine St & John St B-15

15. Facing East from Vine St & John St

16. Facing South from Vine St & John St B-16

17. Facing West toward Pennsylvania Railroad (PRR) corridor from Vine St & John St

18. Facing East toward PRR corridor from Vine St & John St B-17

19. Facing East from Bennoville St & John St

20. Facing South from Bennoville St & John St B-18

21. Facing West from Bennoville St & John St

22. Facing North from Bennoville St & John St B-19

23. Facing South toward PRR corridor from alignment

24. Facing West toward Bennoville St from trailhead at park

Note to Reader: the trailhead mentioned in Photos 24 and 25 has been removed from the project scope. B-20

25. Facing East toward trailhead at park from Bennoviille St

26. Facing Northwest toward PRR corridor near SR 218

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27. Facing Northwest toward PRR corridor

28. Facing SE toward crossing at SR 218 from PRR corridor

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29. Facing Northwest toward crossing at SR 218

30. Facing Northwest toward stream crossing near SR 218

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31. Facing North toward stream crossing near SR 218

32. Facing South toward stream crossing near SR 218

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33. Facing Southeast toward PRR corridor from stream crossing near SR 218

34. Facing Southwest toward stream crossing on PRR corridor

B-25

35. Facing North toward stream crossing on PRR corridor

36. Facing Southeast toward PRR corridor from stream crossing

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37. Facing Northwest toward PRR corridor from stream crossing

38. Facing West from E 800 S & Meridian St B-27

39. Facing East from E 800 S & Meridian St

40. Facing South from E 800 S & Meridian St B-28

41. Facing Northwest toward PRR corridor

42. Facing Southeast toward PRR corridor

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43. Facing Southeast toward PRR corridor from Point of Ending

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APPENDIX C- EARLY COORDINATION

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Nickel Plate Trail Spur to Maconaquah, Des 1401127 Early Coordination Notice sent to the Following Agencies: Christie Stanifer (2 copies) Environmental Coordinator IDNR, Div. of Fish & Wildlife 402 W. Washington St. Rm W-273 Indianapolis, IN 46204-2641 **EMAIL TO: environmentalreview@dnr.in.g ov Ms. Jane Hardisty State Conservationist NRCS 6013 Lakeside Boulevard Indianapolis, IN 46278 **EMAIL TO: daniel.phillips@in.usda.gov Field Supervisor U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 620 South Walker Street Bloomington, IN 47403-2121 Ms. Nancy Hasenmueller Indiana Geological Survey ** EMAIL TO: IGSenvir@indiana.edu IDEM On-Line Submission http://www.in.gov/idem/enviro review/hwy_earlyenviroreview. html FHWA Rm. 254, Federal Office Bldg. 575 North Pennsylvania St. Indianapolis, IN 46204 ** EMAIL TO: joyce.newland@dot.gov

Regional Environmental Coordinator Midwest Regional Office National Park Service 601 Riverfront Drive Omaha, NE 68102 US Dept. of HUD Attention: Steve Vahl Region 5 Environmental Officer Medcalfe Federal Bldg. 77 W. Jackson Blvd., Rm 2401 Chicago, IL 60604 ** EMAIL TO: steve.vahl@hud.gov Chief, Groundwater Section Indiana Department of Environmental Management 100 N. Senate Avenue Indianapolis, IN 46204 http://www.in.gov/idem/files/ wellhead_proxform.pdfl ** EMAIL TO: jsulliva@idem.IN.gov Manager, Public Hearings INDOT 100 N. Senate Ave Indianapolis, IN 46204 ** EMAIL TO: rclark@indot.in.gov Environmental Scoping Mngr. INDOT Fort Wayne District 5333 Hatfield Road Fort Wayne, IN 46808 ** EMAIL TO: jenniferjenbraun@indot.in.gov rbales@indot.in.gov Miami County Council 25 North Broadway Peru, IN 46970

Mike Sisson, Highway Superintendent Miami County Highway Dept. 35 Germann St. Peru, IN 46970 Miami County Commissioners 25 N. Broadway Peru, IN 46970 Miami County Council 25 North Broadway Peru, Indiana 46970 Greg Wilkinson Miami County Surveyor 25 N. Broadway Room 104 Peru, IN 46970 INDOT Office of Aviation ** EMAIL TO: jkinder2@indot.in.gov Chief, Environmental Resources Department of the Army Louisville District, Corps of Engineers ATTN: CEPMP-P-E PO Box 59 Louisville, KY 40201-0059 ** EMAIL TO: gregory.a.mckay@usace.army. mil IDNR Division of Outdoor Recreation ** EMAIL TO: bbronson@dnr.in.gov jkeith@dnr.in.gov Bunker Hill Town Council ** EMAIL TO: info@townofbunkerhillin.com bunkerhillclerktreasurer@gmail .com

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November 20, 2015 Dear Environmental Reviewer, The Nickel Plate Trail Spur to Maconaquah project is being proposed in Bunker Hill in Miami County Indiana (Des No 1401127). The project is located in Sections 32, 33, 34, and 3 in Range 4E and Townships 25N and 26N. Nickel Plate Trail, Inc., the project sponsor, has not been awarded federal funds for this project.

E nviro nm e nta l D e sig n La n d sc a p e A rc hitec ture G ra nt W riting

The project involves the construction of a 10’ wide multi-use trail approximately 2.6 miles in length from the intersection of the current Nickel Plate Trail route and the abandoned Pennsylvania Railroad corridor Bunker Hill to the intersection of abandoned railroad Pennsylvania Railroad corridor and Strawtown Pike. A more detailed project description is included in this Early Coordination packet. Information specific to your agency’s area of expertise concerning the effects of the project should be forwarded to Lyndsay Crespo, Green 3, 1104 Prospect Street, Indianapolis, IN 46203. If you have any questions or comments regarding this request, please contact Lyndsay at (317) 634-4110 or direct e-mail lyndsay@green3studio.com. Your response is requested within 30 days. Thank you for your assistance. Sincerely,

Lyndsay Crespo

Note to Reader: This letter erroneously states that no federal funds were awarded to this project. A follow up re-coordination letter was sent on January 14, 2016 to environmental review agencies correcting this statement; refer to Appendix C-18 below. The following graphics were also sent to environmental review agencies along with this sample early coordination letter and project description: Appendix B-2 to B-4 and B-8 to B-30 (project maps and site photos) Appendix F-2 (NWI map) Appendix F-6 to F-7 (FEMA maps)

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Note to Reader: The land acquisition stated in this project description was estimated to be 3.15 acres at the time of this early coordination mailing; later estimates found that 9.19 acres. However, the graphics provided with early coordination represented the current alignment. Nickel Plate Trail Spur to Maconaquah Project, Des. No. 1401127 Project Information Project Location The Nickel Plate Trail Spur to Maconaquah Project is located in Pipe Creek, Washington, and Clay Townships, Miami County, Indiana. The project is located in Sections 32, 33, 34, and 3 in Range 4E and Townships 25N and 26N. The project sponsor is Nickel Plate Trail, Inc., and no federal funds have been awarded for this project. Purpose and Need The purpose of this project is to build on the success of the existing Cardinal Greenway and Nickel Plate Trails and to provide increased access to the trail system for the residents in Bunker Hill. The Nickel Plate Trail was initiated to enhance local outdoor recreation and wellness opportunities available to residents to capitalize on the potential economic benefits of a long distance rail trail; completing the trail spur to Maconaquah in order to eventually connect with the Cardinal Greenway Trail will increase the vitality of Bunker Hill, making the town more competitive for new businesses and more attractive to current and future residents and thus meeting needs related to economic prosperity and quality of life. In addition, Bunker Hill is in need of alternative transportation routes connecting areas of interest to each other and providing a more balanced and complete alternative transportation system. Project Description The Nickel Plate Trail Spur to Maconaquah Project (Des. No. 1401127) involves the construction of a 10â&#x20AC;&#x2122; wide multi-use path from its point of beginning at the intersection of the current Nickel Plate Trail and the abandoned Pennsylvania Railroad line in Bunker Hill to its point of ending approximately 2.6 miles southeast at the intersection of an abandoned railroad corridor and Strawtown Pike. On the way, the path will cross over SR 218 and CR E 800S, and fencing and access control will be provided to ensure a safe crossing for trail users. An alternative route is currently under consideration; this route begins at the intersection of the current Nickel Plate Trail and Vine Street in Bunker Hill and joins with the route described above at a point just east of the intersection of Vine Street and Water Street in Bunker Hill. Existing Conditions of Project Area The project area consists of the Nickel Plate Trail, the abandoned Pennsylvania railroad line, adjacent vegetation, and residential property adjacent in some of the project area. Additionally, Maconaquah High School is adjacent to the abandoned Pennsylvania railroad line, on which the project will generally be constructed. Roadways present in the project area include Vine Street, Bennoville Street, SR 218, Meridian Road, CR W 800S, and Strawtown Pike. Some vegetation removal may occur as a part of this project. Electric lines run along the edges of the right-of-way of Vine Street, John Street, Park Drive, Meridian Road, Maconaquah High School, Strawtown Pike, and SR 218. These lines are not anticipated to be impacted by the proposed work. Right-of-Way At this time, all right-of-way along the railroad corridor is currently in early acquisition with funding provided by the Bicentennial Nature Trust Fund and the Indiana Heritage Trust Fund; a total of 65 acres will be acquired for the purpose of constructing a multi-use path from Grissom Air Force Base to McGrawsville. The acreage required for the spur to Maconaquah (this project) is approximately 3.15 acres. No relocations of businesses or residents will occur as a result of this project. Resources and Anticipated Environmental Impacts Pipe Creek â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Niger Ditch, which is impaired due to E. Coli, and another unnamed stream that is part of the Pipe Creek system is located within the project limits. In addition, there are four freshwater forested/shrub wetlands within a half mile of the proposed trail alignment. These resources were identified during a site investigation through assessment of the National Wetlands Inventory, the Indiana Geological Survey, and other aerial maps and will be confirmed during an upcoming site investigation. There are no known resources listed or eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places in or

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adjacent to the project area. All identified and potential historic resources and potential effects will be reviewed and addressed via full Section 106 documentation. A Minor Projects Programmatic Agreement is anticipated. Anticipated Permit Requirements The Nickel Plate Trail Spur to Maconaquah Project (Des. No. 1401127) crosses over Pipe Creek â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Niger Ditch, a tributary to a Waters of the US (Pipe Creek), but no work will be done within the waterway. As such, it is not anticipated that USACE Section 404 permitting and IDEM Section 401 permitting will be required. A Rule 5 permit may be required due to the disturbance of over one acre of land area. No other permits are anticipated at this time.

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Questionnaire for the Indiana Department of Transportation, Office of Aviation Des/Bridge No: 1401127

Job No. Project Description:

Nickel Plate Trail Spur to Maconaquah project in Bunker Hill, Miami County, Indiana

Requested By: Green 3 Are there any existing or proposed airports within or near the project limits?

YES

If yes, describe any potential conflicts with air traffic during or after the construction of the project. The Grissom Air force Base is located 9,900 West of the project. If any permanent structures or equipment utilized for the project penetrates the 100:1 slope from the airport FAA Form 7460 (Notice of Proposed contstruction or alteration) must be filed.

For assistance contact Marcus Dial, INDOT Office of

Aviation, 317-232-1494.

This information was furnished by: Name:

James W. Kinder

Title:

Chief Airport Inspector â&#x20AC;&#x201C; INDOT Office of Aviation

Date:

November 23, 2015

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From: Subject: Date: To:

Lyndsay Crespo lyndsay@green3studio.com Re: Des. No. 1401127 Early Coordination for NPT Spur to Maconaquah March 8, 2016 at 4:22 PM joyce.newland@dot.gov

Hi Joyce, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m emailng to confirm with you whether you received the updated Early Coordination for the above-mentioned project. There were no changes to the project other than that federal funds will be used. Please let me know if that changes anything for the purposes of your review, and thank you!

Lyndsay Crespo

On Nov 27, 2015, at 5:30 PM, joyce.newland@dot.gov wrote:

Just%curious,%will%federal%funds%be%used?%%If%so,%what%type.%%Thanks! % From: Lyndsay Crespo [mailto:lyndsay@green3studio.com] Sent: Friday, November 20, 2015 4:54 PM To: Newland, Joyce (FHWA) Subject: Des. No. 1401127 Early Coordination for NPT Spur to Maconaquah

Hello, Attached please find the early coordination information for the above-mentioned project. Thank you for your review! Lyndsay Crespo

<image001.png>

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From: Subject: Date: To:

Lyndsay lyndsay@green3studio.com Re: Des. No. 1401127 Early Coordination for NPT Spur to Maconaquah November 30, 2015 at 12:57 PM Joyce.Newland@dot.gov

Hi Joyce, No federal funds will be used for this project. Let me know if you have any other questions, Lyndsay Crespo Green 3 Studio

From: <Joyce.Newland@dot.gov> To: <lyndsay@green3studio.com> Sent: 11/27/2015 5:30 PM Subject: RE: Des. No. 1401127 Early Coordination for NPT Spur to Maconaquah

Hello, Attached please find the early coordination information for the above-mentioned project. Thank you for your review! Lyndsay Crespo

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Des. No.

Project No. Project Description

1401127

Nickel Plate Trail Spur to Maconaquah Project, Miami County, Indiana

Name of Organization requesting early coordination: Green 3 Studio LLC QUESTIONNAIRE FOR THE INDIANA GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

Do unusual and/or problem ( ) geographic, ( ) geological, ( ) geophysical, or ( ) topographic features exist within the project limits? Describe: None

Have existing or potential mineral resources been identified in this area? Describe: Limestone, which is a resource, underlies the area but is buried by up to 100 feet of unconsolidated sediments.

Are there any active or abandoned mineral resources extraction sites located nearby? Describe: None

This information was furnished by: Name: Robin Rupp Title: Geologist Address: 611 North Walnut Grove, Bloomington, IN 47405 Phone: 812-855-7428 Date: November 30, 2015

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H isto ric Fo un ta in S q u a re 1 1 0 4 Pro sp ec t S tre et Ind ia n a p o lis, Ind ia na 4 6 2 0 3 p 3 1 7 .6 3 4 .4 1 1 0 f 8 6 6 .4 2 2 .2 0 4 6 (to ll fre e) www.g ree n3 llc .c o m E nviro nm e nta l D e sig n La n d sc a p e A rc hitec ture G ra nt W riting

January 14, 2016 Dear Environmental Reviewer, This letter serves to revise the early coordination information sent out in November 2015 regarding the Nickel Plate Trail Spur to Maconaquah project proposed in Bunker Hill in Miami County, Indiana (Des No 1401127). The information sent out stated that that project sponsor, Nickel Plate Trail, Inc., had not been awarded federal funds for this project; however, this information is incorrect as Recreational Trail Program funds have been awarded for this project. As such, federal funds are involved with this project. All of the other information sent out as part of the early coordination packet sent in November 2015 is correct. However, if the involvement of federal funds in the project requires a revised response from your agency, please forward this information to Lyndsay Crespo, Green 3, 1104 Prospect Street, Indianapolis, IN 46203. If you have any questions or comments regarding this request, please contact Lyndsay at (317) 634-4110 or direct e-mail lyndsay@green3studio.com. Your response is requested within 30 days. Thank you for your assistance. Sincerely,

Lyndsay Crespo

Note to Reader: no additional information was sent with this sample follow up early re-coordination letter.

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From: Subject: Date: To:

Review, Environmental environmentalreview@dnr.IN.gov RE: Des. No. 1401127 Revised Early Coordination for NPT Spur to Maconaquah January 14, 2016 at 11:38 AM Lyndsay Crespo lyndsay@green3studio.com

Lyndsay'Crespo, ' Thank'you'for'the'updated'informa6on.'This'change'in'funding'does'not'alter'our'review'process'or'our comments'sent'to'you'on'December'11,'2015. ' Sincerely, ' Olivia'Leonard'Vaught Environmental'Review'Biologist IDNR,'Division'of'Fish'and'Wildlife 402'W.'Washington'St.'W273 Indianapolis,'IN'46204 317Q234Q2719 ' !

The!Indiana!Division!of!Fish!and!Wildlife!is!funded!by!fishing!and!hun7ng!license!revenue,!as well!as,!through!the!Wildlife!and!Sport!Fish!Restora7on!programs.!These!programs!collect excise!taxes!on!shoo7ng,!archery,!and!fishing!equipment!and!motor!boat!fuel.!!This!userDpay, everyoneDbenefits!system!has!resulted!in!millions!of!acres!of!habitat!saved!and!nearD miraculous!popula7on!increases!in!many!species!of!fish!and!wildlife!over!the!last!75!years. For!more!informa7on!on!Fish!and!Wildlife!Management!in!Indiana!visit:!wildlife.IN.gov.

' ' ' From: Lyndsay Crespo [mailto:lyndsay@green3studio.com] Sent: Thursday, January 14, 2016 11:14 AM To: Review, Environmental Subject: Des. No. 1401127 Revised Early Coordination for NPT Spur to Maconaquah

**** This is an EXTERNAL email. Exercise caution. DO NOT open attachments or click links from unknown senders or unexpected email. **** Hello, Please see the attached revised early coordination information for the above-mentioned project. Thanks! Lyndsay Crespo

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From: Subject: Date: To:

Blazey, Samuel SBlazey@idem.IN.gov RE: Des. No. 1401127 Revised Early Coordination for NPT Spur to Maconaquah January 19, 2016 at 9:05 AM lyndsay@green3studio.com

Hi Lyndsay,

! As!I!understand!the!revision!le1er,!the!project!area!has!not!changed.!!Due!to!this!the!le1er!sent!from IDEM!regarding!the!WHPA!in!November!is!sBll!correct. ! If!you!have!any!quesBons!or!concerns!please!let!me!know. ! Samuel!Blazey,!Environmental!Manager Ground!Water!SecBon!â&#x20AC;&#x201C;!Drinking!Water!Branch Indiana!Department!of!Environmental!Management 100!North!Senate!Avenue Indianapolis,!Indiana!46204Q2251 (317)!232Q8728 ! ! From: Lyndsay Crespo [mailto:lyndsay@green3studio.com] Sent: Thursday, January 14, 2016 11:19 AM To: SULLIVAN, JAMES Subject: Des. No. 1401127 Revised Early Coordination for NPT Spur to Maconaquah

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Des. No.

Project No. Project Description

1401127

Nickel Plate Trail Spur to Maconaquah Project, Miami County, Indiana

Name of Organization requesting early coordination: Green 3 Studio LLC QUESTIONNAIRE FOR THE INDIANA GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

Do unusual and/or problem ( ) geographic, ( ) geological, ( ) geophysical, or ( ) topographic features exist within the project limits? Describe: None

Have existing or potential mineral resources been identified in this area? Describe: Limestone, which is a resource, underlies the area but is buried by up to 100 feet of unconsolidated sediments.

Are there any active or abandoned mineral resources extraction sites located nearby? Describe: None

This information was furnished by: Name: Robin Rupp Title: Geologist Address: 611 North Walnut Grove, Bloomington, IN 47405 Phone: 812-855-7428 Date: February 18, 2016

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From: Subject: Date: To:

Lyndsay Crespo lyndsay@green3studio.com Wellhead Protection Area in Bunker Hill March 9, 2016 at 12:15 PM bh.utilities@gmail.com

Hi Steve, My name is Lyndsay Crespo, and I’m and environmental consultant working on the Nickel Plate Trail Spur to Maconaquah project, which runs from Bunker Hill to Loree, Indiana. The trail project passes through a Wellhead Protection Area (WPA) in Bunker Hill, and I was wondering if you could tell me whether you think there would be any impacts to the WPA. I’ve attached a project description and route map for your reference. So you know, the project description cites 3.15 acres for the trail, but the corridor width has since changed from 10’ wide to 30’ wide (the length has not changed). The new acreage for the trail is now 9.54 acres. Thanks!

Lyndsay Crespo

2. Project Info.pdf

3. CE Mapset 11.19.15.pdf

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Note to Reader: the map of wellhead protection area in the park has been removed due to the sensitive nature of the information.

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4/29/2016

Proposed Roadway Letter -

Indiana Department of Environmental Management

We make Indiana a cleaner, healthier place to live.

Mike Pence Governor Thomas W. Easterly Commissioner Nickel Plate Trail, Inc. Michael Kuepper PO Box 875 Peru , IN 46970

100 North Senate Avenue Indianapolis , Indiana 46206 (317) 232-8603 800) 451-6027 www.IN.gov/idem Green3 Lyndsay Crespo 1104 Prospect Street Indianapolis , IN 46203

Date To Engineers and Consultants Proposing Roadway Construction Projects: RE: This project involves the construction of the Nickel Plate Spur to Maconaquah in Bunker Hill and Loree, Miami County, Indiana. The project will be a 10' wide multi-use trail approximately 2.6 miles in length from the intersection of the current Nickel Plate Trail and the abandoned Pennsylvania Railroad corridor in Bunker Hill to the intersection of the abandoned Pennsylvania Railroad corridor and Strawtown Pike in Loree. This letter from the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) serves as a standardized response to enquiries inviting IDEM comments on roadway construction, reconstruction, or other improvement projects within existing roadway corridors when the proposed scope of the project is beneath the threshold requiring a formal National Environmental Policy Act-mandated Environmental Assessment or Environmental Impact Statement. As the letter attempts to address all roadway-related environmental topics of potential concern, it is possible that not every topic addressed in the letter will be applicable to your particular roadway project. For additional information on speciﬁc roadway-related topics of interest, please visit the appropriate Web pages cited below, many of which provide contact information for persons within the various program areas who can answer questions not fully addressed in this letter. Also please be mindful that some environmental requirements may be subject to change and so each person intending to include a copy of this letter in their project documentation packet is advised to download the most recently revised version of the letter; found at: http://www.in.gov/idem/5283.htm. To ensure that all environmentally-related issues are adequately addressed, IDEM recommends that you read C-28 https://eauth.idem.in.gov/idemwebforms/roadwayletter.aspx

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Proposed Roadway Letter -

this letter in its entirety, and consider each of the following issues as you move forward with the planning of your proposed roadway construction, reconstruction, or improvement project:

WATER AND BIOTIC QUALITY 1. Section 404 of the Clean Water Act requires that you obtain a permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) before discharging dredged or fill materials into any wetlands or other waters, such as rivers, lakes, streams, and ditches. Other activities regulated include the relocation, channelization, widening, or other such alteration of a stream, and the mechanical clearing (use of heavy construction equipment) of wetlands. Thus, as a project owner or sponsor, it is your responsibility to ensure that no wetlands are disturbed without the proper permit. Although you may initially refer to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service National Wetland Inventory maps as a means of identifying potential areas of concern, please be mindful that those maps do not depict jurisdictional wetlands regulated by the USACE or the Department of Environmental Management. A valid jurisdictional wetlands determination can only be made by the USACE, using the 1987 Wetland Delineation Manual. USACE recommends that you have a consultant check to determine whether your project will abut, or lie within, a wetland area. To view a list of consultants that have requested to be included on a list posted by the USACE on their Web site, see USACE Permits and Public Notices (http://www.lrl.usace.army.mil/orf /default.asp) and then click on "Information" from the menu on the right-hand side of that page. Their "Consultant List" is the fourth entry down on the "Information" page. Please note that the USACE posts all consultants that request to appear on the list, and that inclusion of any particular consultant on the list does not represent an endorsement of that consultant by the USACE, or by IDEM. Much of northern Indiana (Newton, Lake, Porter, LaPorte, St. Joseph, Elkhart, LaGrange, Steuben, and Dekalb counties; large portions of Jasper, Starke, Marshall, Noble, Allen, and Adams counties; and lesser portions of Benton, White, Pulaski, Kosciusko, and Wells counties) is served by the USACE District Office in Detroit (313-226-6812). The central and southern portions of the state (large portions of Benton, White, Pulaski, Kosciosko, and Wells counties; smaller portions of Jasper, Starke, Marshall , Noble, Allen, and Adams counties; and all other Indiana counties located in north-central, central, and southern Indiana ) are served by the USACE Louisville District Office (502-315-6733). Additional information on contacting these U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) District Offices, government agencies with jurisdiction over wetlands, and other water quality issues, can be found at http://www.in.gov/idem/4396.htm. IDEM recommends that impacts to wetlands and other water resources be avoided to the fullest extent. 2. In the event a Section 404 wetlands permit is required from the USACE, you also must obtain a Section 401 Water Quality Certification from the IDEM Office of Water Quality Wetlands Program. To learn more about the Wetlands Program, visit: http://www.in.gov/idem/4384.htm. 3. If the USACE determines that a wetland or other water body is isolated and not subject to Clean Water Act regulation, it is still regulated by the state of Indiana . A State Isolated Wetland permit from IDEM's Office of Water Quality (OWQ) is required for any activity that results in the discharge of dredged or fill materials into isolated wetlands. To learn more about isolated wetlands, contact the OWQ Wetlands Program at 317-233-8488. 4. If your project will involve over a 0.5 acre of wetland impact, stream relocation, or other large-scale alterations to water bodies such as the creation of a dam or a water diversion, you should seek additional input from the OWQ Wetlands Program staff. Consult the Web at: C-29 https://eauth.idem.in.gov/idemwebforms/roadwayletter.aspx

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http://www.in.gov/idem/4384.htm for the appropriate staff contact to further discuss your project. 5. Work within the one-hundred year floodway of a given water body is regulated by the Department of Natural Resources, Division of Water. The Division issues permits for activities regulated under the follow statutes: IC 14-26-2 Lakes Preservation Act 312 IAC 11 IC 14-26-5 Lowering of Ten Acre Lakes Act No related code IC 14-28-1 Flood Control Act 310 IAC 6-1 IC 14-29-1 Navigable Waterways Act 312 IAC 6 IC 14-29-3 Sand and Gravel Permits Act 312 IAC 6 IC 14-29-4 Construction of Channels Act No related code For information on these Indiana (statutory) Code and Indiana Administrative Code citations, see the DNR Web site at: http://www.in.gov/dnr/water/9451.htm . Contact the DNR Division of Water at 317232-4160 for further information. The physical disturbance of the stream and riparian vegetation, especially large trees overhanging any affected water bodies should be limited to only that which is absolutely necessary to complete the project. The shade provided by the large overhanging trees helps maintain proper stream temperatures and dissolved oxygen for aquatic life. 6. For projects involving construction activity (which includes clearing, grading, excavation and other land disturbing activities) that result in the disturbance of one (1), or more, acres of total land area, contact the Office of Water Quality – Watershed Planning Branch (317/233-1864) regarding the need for of a Rule 5 Storm Water Runoff Permit. Visit the following Web page http://www.in.gov/idem/4902.htm To obtain, and operate under, a Rule 5 permit you will first need to develop a Construction Plan (http://www.in.gov/idem/4917.htm#constreq), and as described in 327 IAC 15-5-6.5 (http://www.in.gov/legislative/iac/T03270/A00150 [PDF], pages 16 through 19). Before you may apply for a Rule 5 Permit, or begin construction, you must submit your Construction Plan to your county Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) (http://www.in.gov/isda/soil/contacts/map.html). Upon receipt of the construction plan, personnel of the SWCD or the Indiana Department of Environmental Management will review the plan to determine if it meets the requirements of 327 IAC 15-5. Plans that are deemed deficient will require re-submittal. If the plan is sufficient you will be notified and instructed to submit the verification to IDEM as part of the Rule 5 Notice of Intent (NOI) submittal. Once construction begins, staff of the SWCD or Indiana Department of Environmental Management will perform inspections of activities at the site for compliance with the regulation. Please be mindful that approximately 149 Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) areas are now being established by various local governmental entities throughout the state as part of the implementation of Phase II federal storm water requirements. All of these MS4 areas will eventually take responsibility for Construction Plan review, inspection, and enforcement. As these MS4 areas obtain program approval from IDEM, they will be added to a list of MS4 areas posted on the IDEM Website at: http://www.in.gov/idem/4900.htm. If your project is located in an IDEM-approved MS4 area, please contact the local MS4 program about meeting their storm water requirements. Once the MS4 approves the plan, the NOI can be submitted to IDEM. Regardless of the size of your project, or which agency you work with to meet storm water C-30 https://eauth.idem.in.gov/idemwebforms/roadwayletter.aspx

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requirements, IDEM recommends that appropriate structures and techniques be utilized both during the construction phase, and after completion of the project, to minimize the impacts associated with storm water runoff. The use of appropriate planning and site development and appropriate storm water quality measures are recommended to prevent soil from leaving the construction site during active land disturbance and for post construction water quality concerns. Information and assistance regarding storm water related to construction activities are available from the Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) offices in each county or from IDEM. 7. For projects involving impacts to fish and botanical resources, contact the Department of Natural Resources - Division of Fish and Wildlife (317/232-4080) for addition project input. 8. For projects involving water main construction, water main extensions, and new public water supplies, contact the Office of Water Quality - Drinking Water Branch (317-308-3299) regarding the need for permits. 9. For projects involving effluent discharges to waters of the State of Indiana , contact the Office of Water Quality - Permits Branch (317-233-0468) regarding the need for a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit. 10. For projects involving the construction of wastewater facilities and sewer lines, contact the Office of Water Quality - Permits Branch (317-232-8675) regarding the need for permits.

AIR QUALITY The above-noted project should be designed to minimize any impact on ambient air quality in, or near, the project area. The project must comply with all federal and state air pollution regulations. Consideration should be given to the following: 1. Regarding open burning, and disposing of organic debris generated by land clearing activities; some types of open burning are allowed (http://www.in.gov/idem/4148.htm) under speciﬁc conditions. You also can seek an open burning variance from IDEM. However, IDEM generally recommends that you take vegetative wastes to a registered yard waste composting facility or that the waste be chipped or shredded with composting on site (you must register with IDEM if more than 2,000 pounds is to be composted; contact 317/232-0066). The ﬁnished compost can then be used as a mulch or soil amendment. You also may bury any vegetative wastes (such as leaves, twigs, branches, limbs, tree trunks and stumps) onsite, although burying large quantities of such material can lead to subsidence problems, later on. Reasonable precautions must be taken to minimize fugitive dust emissions from construction and demolition activities. For example, wetting the area with water, constructing wind barriers, or treating dusty areas with chemical stabilizers (such as calcium chloride or several other commercial products). Dirt tracked onto paved roads from unpaved areas should be minimized. Additionally, if construction or demolition is conducted in a wooded area where blackbirds have roosted or abandoned buildings or building sections in which pigeons or bats have roosted for 3-5 years precautionary measures should be taken to avoid an outbreak of histoplasmosis. This disease is caused by the fungus Histoplasma capsulatum, which stems from bird or bat droppings that have accumulated in one area for 3-5 years. The spores from this fungus become airborne when the area is disturbed and can cause infections over an entire community downwind of the site. The area should be wetted down prior to cleanup or demolition of the project site. For more detailed information on histoplasmosis prevention and control, please contact the Acute Disease Control Division of the Indiana State C-31

https://eauth.idem.in.gov/idemwebforms/roadwayletter.aspx

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Department of Health at (317) 233-7272. 2. The U.S. EPA and the Surgeon General recommend that people not have long-term exposure to radon at levels above 4 pCi/L. (For a county-by-county map of predicted radon levels in Indiana, visit: http://www.in.gov/idem/4145.htm.) The U.S. EPA further recommends that all homes (and apartments within three stories of ground level) be tested for radon. If in-home radon levels are determined to be 4 pCi/L, or higher, EPA recommends a follow-up test. If the second test confirms that radon levels are 4 pCi/L, or higher, EPA recommends the installation of radon-reduction measures. (For a list of qualified radon testers and radon mitigation (or reduction) specialists visit: http://www.in.gov/isdh/regsvcs/radhealth/pdfs/radon_testers_mitigators_list.pdf.) It also is recommended that radon reduction measures be built into all new homes, particularly in areas like Indiana that have moderate to high predicted radon levels. To learn more about radon, radon risks, and ways to reduce exposure visit: http://www.in.gov/isdh/regsvcs/radhealth/radon.htm, http://www.in.gov/idem/4145.htm, or http://www.epa.gov/radon/index.html. 3. With respect to asbestos removal: all facilities slated for renovation or demolition (except residential buildings that have (4) four or fewer dwelling units and which will not be used for commercial purposes) must be inspected by an Indiana-licensed asbestos inspector prior to the commencement of any renovation or demolition activities. If regulated asbestos-containing material (RACM) that may become airborne is found, any subsequent demolition, renovation, or asbestos removal activities must be performed in accordance with the proper notification and emission control requirements. If no asbestos is found where a renovation activity will occur, or if the renovation involves removal of less than 260 linear feet of RACM off of pipes, less than 160 square feet of RACM off of other facility components, or less than 35 cubic feet of RACM off of all facility components, the owner or operator of the project does not need to notify IDEM before beginning the renovation activity. For questions on asbestos demolition and renovation activities, you can also call IDEM's Lead/Asbestos section at 1-888-574-8150. However, in all cases where a demolition activity will occur (even if no asbestos is found), the owner or operator must still notify IDEM 10 working days prior to the demolition, using the form found at http://www.in.gov/icpr/webfile/formsdiv/44593.pdf. Anyone submitting a renovation/demolition notification form will be billed a notification fee based upon the amount of friable asbestos containing material to be removed or demolished. Projects that involve the removal of more than 2,600 linear feet of friable asbestos containing materials on pipes, or 1,600 square feet or 400 cubic feet of friable asbestos containing material on other facility components, will be billed a fee of $150 per project; projects below these amounts will be billed a fee of $50 per project. All notification remitters will be billed on a quarterly basis. For more information about IDEM policy regarding asbestos removal and disposal, visit: http://www.in.gov/idem/4983.htm. 4. With respect to lead-based paint removal: IDEM encourages all efforts to minimize human exposure to lead-based paint chips and dust. IDEM is particularly concerned that young children exposed to lead can suffer from learning disabilities. Although lead-based paint abatement efforts are not mandatory, any abatement that is conducted within housing built before January 1, 1978 , or a child-occupied C-32 https://eauth.idem.in.gov/idemwebforms/roadwayletter.aspx

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facility is required to comply with all lead-based paint work practice standards, licensing and notification requirements. For more information about lead-based paint removal visit: http://www.in.gov/isdh/19131.htm. 5. Ensure that asphalt paving plants are permitted and operate properly. The use of cutback asphalt, or asphalt emulsion containing more than seven percent (7%) oil distillate, is prohibited during the months April through October. See 326 IAC 8-5-2 , Asphalt Paving Rule (http://www.ai.org/legislative/iac/T03260/A00080.PDF). 6. If your project involves the construction of a new source of air emissions or the modification of an existing source of air emissions or air pollution control equipment, it will need to be reviewed by the IDEM Office of Air Quality (OAQ). A registration or permit may be required under 326 IAC 2 (View at: www.ai.org/legislative/iac/t03260/a00020.pdf.) New sources that use or emit hazardous air pollutants may be subject to Section 112 of the Clean Air Act and corresponding state air regulations governing hazardous air pollutants. 7. For more information on air permits visit: http://www.in.gov/idem/4223.htm, or to initiate the IDEM air permitting process, please contact the Office of Air Quality Permit Reviewer of the Day at (317) 233-0178 or OAMPROD atdem.state.in.us.

LAND QUALITY In order to maintain compliance with all applicable laws regarding contamination and/or proper waste disposal, IDEM recommends that: 1. If the site is found to contain any areas used to dispose of solid or hazardous waste, you need to contact the Ofﬁce of Land Quality (OLQ)at 317-308-3103. 2. All solid wastes generated by the project, or removed from the project site, need to be taken to a properly permitted solid waste processing or disposal facility. For more information, visit http://www.in.gov/idem/4998.htm. 3. If any contaminated soils are discovered during this project, they may be subject to disposal as hazardous waste. Please contact the OLQ at 317-308-3103 to obtain information on proper disposal procedures. 4. If PCBs are found at this site, please contact the Industrial Waste Section of OLQ at 317-308-3103 for information regarding management of any PCB wastes from this site. 5. If there are any asbestos disposal issues related to this site, please contact the Industrial Waste Section of OLQ at 317-308-3103 for information regarding the management of asbestos wastes (Asbestos removal is addressed above, under Air Quality). 6. If the project involves the installation or removal of an underground storage tank, or involves contamination from an underground storage tank, you must contact the IDEM Underground Storage Tank program at 317/308-3039. See: http://www.in.gov/idem/4999.htm.

FINAL REMARKS Should you need to obtain any environmental permits in association with this proposed project, please be mindful that IC 13-15-8 requires that you notify all adjoining property owners and/or occupants within ten days your submittal of each permit application. However, if you are seeking multiple permits, you can still C-33 https://eauth.idem.in.gov/idemwebforms/roadwayletter.aspx

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APPENDIX D- SECTION 106 OF NHPA DOCUMENTATION (CULTURAL RESOURCES)

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From: Subject: Date: To: Cc:

Miller, Shaun (INDOT) smiller@indot.IN.gov RE: Des. 1401127 Nickel Plate Trail Spur to Maconaquah Project - MPPA Determinaton April 18, 2016 at 12:03 PM Karen karen@green3studio.com Kennedy, Mary MKENNEDY@indot.in.gov, Dawn dawn@green3studio.com, Archmidwest@aol.com, Harrington, Susan SHarrington@indot.in.gov

Karen, Thank you for providing project informa8on regarding 1401127 for our review under the MPPA. We have determined that Category B-8 is applicable, thus concluding the Sec8on 106 process. The completed determina8on form is aMached for inclusion in the CE. Please forward one hard copy of the archaeological report to DHPA, indica8ng in the cover leMer that since the project qualified as a Minor Project the report is for their records only and no formal review is required under Sec8on 106. In addi8on, we ask that a copy of the DHPA submiMal leMer be sent to INDOT-CRO c/o Shaun Miller during the 8me of submission. Please keep in mind that if the scope of the project or project limits should change, our office will need to re-examine the informa8on to determine whether the MPPA s8ll applies. Please don't hesitate to contact us should you have any ques8ons or need addi8onal informa8on. Thank you, Shaun Miller Archaeological Team Lead INDOT, Cultural Resources Office smiller@indot.in.gov (317) 233-6795 From: Karen [mailto:karen@green3studio.com] Sent: Tuesday, April 12, 2016 2:22 PM To: Miller, Shaun (INDOT) Cc: Kennedy, Mary; Dawn; Lyndsay; Erin Subject: Des. 1401127 Nickel Plate Trail Spur to Maconaquah Project - MPPA Determinaton

**** This is an EXTERNAL email. Exercise caution. DO NOT open attachments or click links from unknown senders or unexpected email. **** Shaun, Attached is the MPPA determination for the above mentioned project for your review. In addition, would you like me to continue submitting MPPA determinations directly to you? Because of the changes in uploading documents through ERMS and submitting ECLs and HPRs through the cultural resources email, I wasn’t sure if any of these changes also applied to MPPA determinations. How would you like me to proceed in the future? Thanks, D-2

Minor Projects PA Project Assessment Form â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Category B Projects with Archaeology Work

Date: 4/18/16 Project Designation Number: Route Number:

1401127

Nickel Plate Trail Spur to Maconaquah

Project Description: The Nickel Plate Spur to Maconaquah project is located along the abandoned Pennsylvania Railroad corridor in the Town of Bunker Hill and the unincorporated community of Loree, Pipe Creek, Washington, and Clay Townships, Miami County, Indiana. The project involves the construction of a 10â&#x20AC;&#x2122; wide multi-use path from its point of beginning at the intersection of the current Nickel Plate Trail and the abandoned Pennsylvania Railroad corridor (403 ft. north of Vine St.) in Bunker Hill to its point of ending approximately 2.6 miles southeast at the intersection of the abandoned Pennsylvania Railroad corridor and Strawtown Pike in Loree. The trail begins at the intersection of the existing Nickel Plate Trail and the abandoned Pennsylvania Railroad corridor approximately 403 ft. north of Vine St. in Bunker Hill and travels southeast approximately 383 feet along the abandoned corridor. Here the trail turns south and connects with Vine St. approximately 50 ft. east of Water St., turning east along Vine St. for approximately 257 ft. to the intersection of Vine St. and John St. From here, the trail turns north and travels approximately 160 feet toward Bennoville Street. At this point, the trail turns east and travels approximately 820 feet east to the eastern border of a park. From here, the trail turns south and travels approximately 500 feet toward the abandoned Pennsylvania Railroad corridor. From here, the trail travels southeast along the railroad corridor approximately 1150 feet toward SR 218. Upon crossing SR 218, fencing and access control will be provided to ensure a safe crossing for trail users. The trail will continue on the south side of SR 218 and will continue traveling southeast along the abandoned Pennsylvania Railroad corridor. After traveling approximately 1.17 miles, the trail crosses CR E800S, where fencing and access control will be provided again to ensure a safe crossing for trail users. The trail will continue on the other side of CR E800S and will continue traveling southeast along the abandoned Pennsylvania Railroad corridor. After traveling approximately 4100 feet, the trail will reach its end at Strawtown Pike in Loree. Feature crossed (if applicable): Township: City/County:

Pipe Creek, Washington, Clay Bunker Hill & Loree/Miami County

Information reviewed (please check all that apply): General project location map

USGS map

Aerial photograph

Written description of project area

General project area photos

Previously completed archaeology reports

Interim Report

Previously completed historic property reports Soil survey data

Bridge inspection information

Other (please specify):

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Jackson, Christopher 2016 A Phase Ia Archaeological Literature Review and Reconnaissance Survey for the Proposed Nickel Plate Trail Spur to Maconaquah Project (Des 1401127) from the Town of Bunker Hill to the Community of Loree in Pipe Creek, Washington, and Clay Townships, Miami County, Indiana.

Results of the Records Review for Above-Ground Resources: With regard to above-ground resources, an INDOT Cultural Resources architectural historian who meets the Secretary of the Interior’s Professional Qualification Standards as per 36 CFR Part 61 checked the Indiana Register of Historic Sites and Structures (State Register) and National Register of Historic Places (National Register) lists for Miami County. No listed properties are located near the project area. The “Miami County Interim Report” (1998; Pipe Creek Township Scattered Sites; Washington Township Scattered Sites; Clay Township Scattered Sites; Town of Bunker Hill Scattered Sites) of the Indiana Historic Sites and Structures Inventory (IHSSI) was checked. The National Register & IHSSI information is available in the Indiana State Historic Architectural and Archaeological Research Database (SHAARD) and SHAARD GIS and the SHAARD information was checked against the Interim Report hard copy maps. Several IHSSI properties are recorded near the project area as follows. Pipe Creek Township Scattered Sites: None Town of Bunker Hill Scattered Sites: 103-079-36016, Gable-front House, Benoville St., “contributing” 103-079-36017, City Building, E. Broadway St., “contributing” 103-079-36018, Commercial Building, 121 E. Broadway St., “contributing” 103-079-36019, Commercial Building, E. Broadway St., “contributing” 103-079-36025, Bungalow, 123 Railroad St., “contributing” 103-079-36026, I-house, 27 John St., “contributing” Washington Township Scattered Sites: None Clay Township Scattered Sites: 103-079-60003, Bungalow, CR 850 S, “contributing” 103-079-60004, Anderson Farm, 80 E. Strawtown Pike, “contributing” 103-079-60005, Loree Brethren Church, Strawtown Pike, “notable” 103-079-60006, Lippold House, Strawtown Pike, “contributing” 103-079-60007, Farm, CR 800 S, “contributing” Generally, properties rated "contributing" do not possess the level of historical or architectural significance necessary to be considered National Register eligible. If they retain material integrity, properties rated “notable” might possess the necessary level of significance after further research. On September 15, 2015, a Green3 historian who meets the Secretary of the Interior’s Professional Qualification Standards as per 36 CFR Part 61 conducted a field investigation of the project area and gathered photographs and data on all of the properties within the probable area of potential effects (APE) for the project. The historian noted that IHSSI # 103-079-36025 appears to have been demolished. Regarding the “notable” rated church – IHSSI #103-079-60005 – according to the National Register Criteria Considerations, ordinarily, properties owned by religious institutions or used for religious purposes shall not be considered eligible for the National Register unless they derive primary significance from architectural or artistic distinction or historical importance. This does not appear to be the case with the Loree Brethren Church, which is a modets example of a rural church. Additionally, a large mid-20th D-4

century addition is located on one end of this circa 1908 structure, which diminishes its architectural integrity. One property within the APE has turned 50 years of age since the IHSSI survey - the Maconaquah High School, located at 256 E CR 800 South. Reviewing the USGS 7.5â&#x20AC;&#x2122; series Bunker Hill, Indiana topographic quadrangle map from 1963 that was updated in 1980, the school was built within that time period - circa 1965. It appears to have been added onto several times since its original construction and lacks signficance. The Green3 historian did not recommend any of the properties within the APE as being National Register-eligible. Reviewing the materials provided, the INDOT architectural historian agrees with this assessment. Based on the available information, as summarized above, no above-ground concerns exist. Archaeology Report Author/Date: Christopher Jackson/April 8, 2016 Summary of Archaeology Investigation Results: The archaeological records check determined that no sites have been previously recorded within the proposed project area. The proposed trail corridor was examined through a combination of shovel probe, oakfield probe and pedestrian survey. No archaeological sites were identified by the reconnaissance and no further work was recommended. The report was reviewed by INDOT Cultural Resources personnel who meet the Secretary of the Interiorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Professional Qualification Standards as per 36 CFR Part 61. It is our opinion that the report is acceptable, and we concur with the evaluations and recommendations made by Archaeological Consultants of the Midwest (Jackson: April 8, 2016). Therefore, there are no archaeological concerns. Does the project appear to fall under the Minor Projects PA?

yes

If yes, please specify category and number: For the purposes of this programmatic agreement, certain recreational trail projects are considered minor projects, IF ONE OF THE FOLLOWING TWO CONDITIONS IS MET: Condition 1 Construction of a trail would occur within an existing roadway, sidewalk, or rail bed where replacement, repair, or installation of a trail feature occurs within areas previously disturbed by vertical and horizontal construction activities, and not on, within, or adjacent to a National Register listed or eligible site, bridge, property or historic district. In such a case, the project may be reviewed as a minor project, according to Stipulation 2 of this agreement, as long as the project is not otherwise disqualified from treatment of a minor project. If the trail construction occurs on, within, or adjacent to a National Register listed or eligible archaeological site, bridge, property or historic district, then the project must complete full Section 106 review consultation pursuant to Stipulation 4 of this agreement. Any archeological resources uncovered accidentally during construction must be treated according to Stipulation 5 of this agreement. OR Condition 2 Construction of a trail would occur within previously undisturbed soils and such trail construction would not occur on, within or adjacent to National Register eligible or listed archaeological resources, as determined by an archaeological investigation (archaeological records check up to a Phase Ia D-5

reconnaissance, as determined by the INDOT Cultural Resources Section) of the project area, submitted to the INDOT Cultural Resources Section by the applicant. If the archaeological investigation determines that no National Register eligible or listed archaeological resources are present within the project area, then the project may be reviewed as a minor project, according to Stipulation 2 of this agreement, as long as the project is not otherwise disqualified from treatment as a minor project. If the archaeological investigation locates National Register eligible or listed archaeological resources, then the project must complete full Section 106 review consultation pursuant to Stipulation 4 of this agreement. Any archaeological resources uncovered accidentally during construction must be treated according to Stipulation 5 of this agreement. Copies of any reports will be provided to the DHPA from the INDOT Cultural Resources Section and the archaeological site form information will be entered directly into SHAARD. In addition, trail construction must not occur on, within, or adjacent to an above-ground National Register listed or eligible site, bridge, property or historic district. If the trail construction occurs on, within, or adjacent to an above-ground National Register listed or eligible site, bridge, property or historic district, then the project must complete full Section 106 review consultation pursuant to Stipulation 4 of this agreement. Activities related to trail projects that are considered minor in nature may include the following: • roadway surface replacement; rehabilitation, resurfacing, or reconstruction; overlays; laying down of crushed stone or gravel • shoulder treatments; pavement repair; seal coating; pavement grinding • pavement marking • installation of new signals and other traffic control devices • installation of new safety appurtenances such as guardrails and barriers • installation of trees, bike racks, benches, trash cans, and other amenities, excluding lighting • the installation of directional signage • trail heads that do not involve rehabilitation or alteration of National Register eligible, potentially eligible, or listed structures and occur within areas previously disturbed by vertical and horizontal construction activities but do not involve rehabilitation or alteration of National Register eligible, potentially eligible, or listed structures • parking lots that occur within areas previously disturbed by vertical and horizontal construction activities Any activities NOT included in the above list are NOT considered minor in nature, are not covered under this agreement, and require a full Section 106 review consultation pursuant to Stipulation 4 of this agreement. If no, please explain: Additional comments: If any archaeological artifacts or human remains are uncovered during construction, demolition, or earthmoving activities, construction in the immediate area of the find will be stopped, and the INDOT Cultural Resources Office and the Division of Historic Preservation and Archaeology will be notified immediately. INDOT Cultural Resources staff reviewer(s): Mary Kennedy & Shaun Miller ***Be sure to attach this form to the National Environmental Policy Act documentation for this project. Also, the NEPA documentation shall reference and include the description of the specific stipulation in the PA that qualifies the project as exempt from further Section 106 review.

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APPENDIX E- RED FLAG & HAZARDOUS MATERIALS INVESTIGATIONS

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HAZARDOUS MATERIALS SITE VISIT FORM Des # 1401127 Project # 1401127 Road # NA Type of Road Project: Trail project Description of area (either general location or exact location of parcel): Abandoned Pennsylvania RR. Person completing this Field Check: Lyndsay Crespo

X Yes □ No

1. Has a Red Flag Investigation been completed? Notes: 2. Right-of-Way Requirements: □ No New ROW □ Strip ROW

X Minor Take

□ Whole Parcel Take

□ Information Not Available

Notes: 3. Land Use History and Development: (Commercial, Agricultural, Residential) Other – also, indicate source of data: visual inspection, aerial photos, U.S.G.S. topo maps, etc.) Setting (rural or urban): both - urban in town of Bunker Hill and rural along railroad alignment Current Land Uses: abandoned railroad bed, residential, agricultural, commercial, recreational Previous Land Uses: Railroad bed Adjacent Land Uses: Residential, Agricultural, abandoned railroad bed, commercial, recreational Describe any structures on the property: No structures will be removed for this project. 4. Visual Inspection: Storage Structures: Underground Tanks Surface Tanks Transformers Sumps Ponds/Lagoons Drums Basins Landfills Other

Property _______ _______ _______ _______ _______ _______ _______ _______ _______

Adjoining Property ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______

5. Is a Phase I, Initial Site Assessment required? Yes

Property Evidence of Contamination: Junkyard ______ Auto Graveyard ______ Surface Staining ______ Oil Sheen ______ Odors ______ Vegetation Damage ______ Dumps ______ Fill Dirt Evidence ______ Vent pipes or fill pipes_____ Other _____

Adjoining Property ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______

No X

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Date: From: Re:

March 9, 2016 Erin Mulryan Fort Wayne District (Project Location) 1104 Prospect Street Indianapolis, IN erin@green3studio.com RED FLAG INVESTIGATION DES # 1401127 Project description: The Nickel Plate Trail Spur to Maconaquah project involves the construction of a 10’ wide multi-use path from its point of beginning at the intersection of the current Nickel Plate Trail and the abandoned Pennsylvania Railroad line in Bunker Hill to its point of ending approximately 2.6 miles southeast at the intersection of an abandoned railroad corridor and Strawtown Pike. Road: Generally along the abandoned Pennsylvania Railroad corridor Pipe Creek, Washington, and Clay Townships, Miami County, Indiana

NARRATIVE The Nickel Plate Trail Spur to Maconaquah project involves the construction of a 10’ wide multi-use path from its point of beginning at the intersection of the current Nickel Plate Trail and the abandoned Pennsylvania Railroad line in Bunker Hill to its point of ending approximately 2.6 miles southeast at the intersection of the abandoned railroad corridor and Strawtown Pike. On the way, the path will cross over SR 218 and CR E 800S, and fencing and access control will be provided to ensure a safe crossing for trail users. Nickel Plate Trail, Inc. acquired 65 acres of permanent right-of-way in January 2014 on an “at risk” basis. The property was acquired from Wayde Allen using state funds awarded to Nickel Plate Trail, Inc. from the Bicentennial Nature Trust and the Indiana Heritage Trust and local matching funds. Timing restrictions on the state funds required Nickel Plate Trail, Inc. to purchase the property prior to the completion of the NEPA process for the federally funded RTP trail project. Of this 65 acres, approximately 8.16 acres will be required for the construction of the spur to Maconaquah. Acquiring property “at risk” is defined as the acquisition of property utilizing non-federal funds in advance of the NEPA approval of the environmental document for the project assuming Federal approval of the project. All “at risk” acquisitions must comply with the Uniform Act and must not influence the decision of the environmental review process of the project required under NEPA. These requirements apply to all projects that receive or are expected to receive Federal-aid funding for any part of the project. These requirements are applicable even if the State LPA does not intend to apply acquisition costs against the State share under 23 CFR 710.501(b) or to seek reimbursement under 23 CFR 710.501(c). All right-of-way for this project was acquired following the Uniform Act. The preferred alternative was selected as it represents the most effective way of meeting the purpose and need of the project while reducing any negative impact to the environment. In addition to the property acquisition described above, it is anticipated that this project will involve land acquisition to amount to about 1.38 acres of permanent right-of-way. No relocations of businesses or residents will be required. Note to Reader: the anticipated permanent right of way acquisition for this project has been revised to be 0.99 acre. www.in.gov/dot/ An Equal Opportunity Employer

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SUMMARY Infrastructure Indicate the number of items of concern found within ½ mile, including an explanation why each item within the ½ mile radius will/will not impact the project. If there are no items, please indicate N/A: Religious Facilities

N/A

Recreational Facilities

Airports

N/A

Pipelines

Cemeteries

N/A

Railroads

Hospitals

N/A

Trails

Schools

N/A

Managed Lands

N/A

Explanation: (Please provide a separate paragraph for each item.) There are five recreational facilities within 0.5 mile of the project area, with the nearest facility, the Bunker Hill Town Park, located within the project area along Park Dr. between Main St. and Bennoville St. Coordination with the Town of Bunker Hill regarding the project is ongoing. All other recreational facilities are located well outside the project area. Due to the distance between the project and these facilities, no impacts will occur. There is one pipeline within 0.5 mile of the project area, located approximately 695 feet northwest of the northernmost point of the project limits. Due to the distance between the project and the pipeline, no impacts will occur. There are two railroads with 0.5 mile of the project are, one intersecting with the northernmost point of the project limits and the second located along the proposed project line. However, these railroads have been abandoned with the tracks and ties removed, leaving only the rail bed. Due to the abandonment of these rail lines and conversion of the railroad corridor property to other uses, no impacts to railroads will occur. There are no active railroads within 0.5 mile of the project. There are two trails within 0.5 mile of the project area. One is completed and intersects with the northernmost point of the project limits running north to south; and the second trail is a planned trail and is the trail in this project. Due to the fact that these trails will be part of the same trail system, no negative impacts will occur. Because roadways will not be closed at any point during construction, access to these facilities will be maintained. Water Resources Indicate the number of items of concern found within ½ mile, including an explanation why each item within the ½ mile radius will/will not impact the project. If there are no items, please indicate N/A: NWI - Points

N/A

NWI - Wetlands

Karst Springs

N/A

IDEM 303d Listed Lakes

N/A

Canal Structures – Historic

N/A

Lakes

NWI - Lines IDEM 303d Listed Rivers and Streams (Impaired) Rivers and Streams

N/A

Floodplain - DFIRM

Cave Entrance Density

N/A

Sinkhole Areas

N/A

Canal Routes - Historic

N/A

Sinking-Stream Basins

N/A

Explanation: (Please provide a separate paragraph for each item.) www.in.gov/dot/ An Equal Opportunity Employer

E-4

There are three impaired streams located within 0.5 mile of the project area, but two are well outside the immediate project area. Due to the distance between these two impaired streams and the project, no impacts will occur. The third impaired stream, Pipe Creek – Niger Ditch, is within the project area. It exceeds state limits for E coli. Workers who are working in or near Pipe Creek – Niger Ditch should take care to wear proper personal protective equipment, observe proper hygiene procedures including regular hand washing, and limit personal exposure. There are nine stream/river segments within 0.5 mile of the project area. These closest of these are Pipe Creek – Niger Ditch and one unnamed stream, which both cross the project alignment. A prefabricated pedestrian bridge will be constructed to cross over Pipe Creek – Niger Ditch; because no work will be done within the waterway or within the creek banks, no impacts are expected to occur. The project will cross the unnamed stream utilizing an existing culvert under the abandoned railroad corridor; therefore, no impacts to the stream are anticipated. Due to the distance between the remaining seven streams and the project, no impacts will occur. There are eight mapped wetlands, including one identified as Pipe Creek, within 0.5 mile of the project area. The nearest mapped wetland is along the Niger Ditch located approximately 180 feet northeast of the project area. Due to the distance between this wetland and the project, no impacts will occur. Two areas were identified as potential wetlands during a site investigation on September 16, 2015; these potential unmapped wetlands are located adjacent to but not within the project alignment. It was concluded that no impacts to wetlands will occur. There are three lakes/ponds within 0.5 mile of the project area. The nearest lake is located approximately 1,981 feet northeast of the middle section of the project location. Due to the distance between the lake and the project, no impacts will occur. There is one floodplain within 0.5 mile of the project area, and it is located approximately 2,500 feet north of the project limits. Due to the distance between the floodplain and the project, no impacts will occur. Mining/Mineral Exploration Indicate the number of items of concern found within ½ mile, including an explanation why each item within the ½ mile radius will/will not impact the project. If there are no items, please indicate N/A: Petroleum Wells

Petroleum Fields

N/A

Mines – Surface

N/A

Mines – Underground

N/A

Explanation: (Please provide a separate paragraph for each item.) There is one petroleum well located with 0.5 mile of the project area, approximately 880 feet west of the northernmost point of the project area. Due to the distance between this well and the project, no impacts will occur.

www.in.gov/dot/ An Equal Opportunity Employer

E-5

Hazmat Concerns Indicate the number of items of concern found within ½ mile, including an explanation why each item within the ½ mile radius will/will not impact the project. If there are no items, please indicate N/A: Brownfield Sites

N/A

Restricted Waste Sites

N/A

Corrective Action Sites (RCRA)

N/A

Septage Waste Sites

N/A

Confined Feeding Operations

N/A

Solid Waste Landfills

N/A

Construction Demolition Waste Industrial Waste Sites (RCRA Generators) Infectious/Medical Waste Sites

N/A

State Cleanup Sites

N/A

Tire Waste Sites

N/A

Lagoon/Surface Impoundments

N/A

Waste Transfer Stations RCRA Waste Treatment, Storage, and Disposal Sites (TSDs)

N/A

Leaking Underground Storage Tanks (LUSTs) Manufactured Gas Plant Sites

Underground Storage Tanks

N/A

Voluntary Remediation Program

N/A

NPDES Facilities

Superfund

N/A

NPDES Pipe Locations

N/A

Institutional Control Sites

N/A

Open Dump Sites

N/A

Explanation: (Please provide a separate paragraph for each item.) There are three LUSTs located within 0.5 mile of the project area. The closest of these LUSTs is located approximately 450 feet west of the westernmost point of the project area. Due to the distance between the project and this LUST, no impacts will occur. There are two NPDES facilities within 0.5 mile of the project area. The closest of these NPDES facilities is owned by the Maconaquah School Corporation and is located approximately 1,280 feet north of the project area. Due to the distance between the project and this NPDES facility, no impacts will occur. There are three USTs located within 0.5 mile of the project area. The closest of these are two tanks located approximately 340 feet north of the project area along Bennoville Street. Due to the distance between the project and these USTs and the minor scope of the project (trail construction), no impacts will occur. There are no other hazardous material sites of concern within 0.5 mile of the project. Ecological Information The Miami County listing of the Indiana Natural Heritage Data Center information on endangered, threatened, or rare (ETR) species and high quality natural communities is attached with ETR species highlighted. Early coordination with resource agencies has been conducted to determine potential impacts, if any, which may occur to ETR species (letters and project information were sent on November 20, 2015 with an update sent on January 14, 2016). The Indiana Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) Division of Fish and Wildlife responded on December 11, 2016 stating that no plant or animal species listed as state or federally threatened, endangered, or rare have been reported to occur in the proposed project vicinity. The IDNR Division of Fish and Wildlife responded to the additional information sent on January 14, 2016, stating that the additional information did not change the agency’s previous www.in.gov/dot/ An Equal Opportunity Employer

E-6

comments. The IDNR’s recommendations regarding terrestrial habitat will be applied to the project to minimize impacts. The USFWS, in their letter dated December 7, 2015, stated, “The proposed project is within the range of the Federally endangered Indiana bat (Myotis sodalis) and the threatened northern long-eared bat (Myotis septentrionalis) and rabbitsfoot mussel (Quadrula cylindrica cylindrica). There is no habitat in the area for the rabbitsfoot. There may be suitable summer nursery and foraging habitat for the two bat species along the wooded portion of the trail corridor near Bunker Hill where the old railroad right-of-way connects with adjacent woodlands. Therefore, any required tree clearing needs to take place when the bats would not be present, which is the time period between October 1 and April 1. With these tree clearing restrictions in place, we agree that the proposed project is not likely to adversely affect these endangered and threatened species.” The USFWS comments preclude the need for further consultation on this project as required under Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended. Further consultation with USFWS will be required if project plans change significantly or if a revised species list be published. Cultural Resources All identified and potential historic resources and potential effects will be reviewed. It is anticipated that this project will fall under the Minor Projects Programmatic Agreement (MPPA), Category B; these types of projects require formal approval from INDOT Cultural Resources Office. RECOMMENDATIONS Include recommendations from each section. If there are no recommendations, please indicate N/A: INFRASTRUCTURE: N/A WATER RESOURCES: Wetlands: Work will not occur within or near the two locations identified as potential unmapped wetlands. Streams: Work will not occur within or near the banks or ordinary high water marks of Pipe Creek – Niger Ditch or the unnamed stream, both of which are located within the project area. Impaired Streams: Workers who are working in or near Pipe Creek – Niger Ditch, which is located in the project area, should take care to wear proper personal protective equipment, observe proper hygiene procedures including regular hand washing, and limit personal exposure. MINING/MINERAL EXPLORATION: N/A HAZMAT CONCERNS: N/A ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION: The IDNR Division of Fish and Wildlife and USFWS recommendations should be incorporated into the project to minimize potential impacts to any threatened or endangered species or to state or federal species of special concern as a result of this project. If the scope of the project changes, USFWS will be contacted. CULTURAL RESOURCES: Based on review of submitted documentation for the project, INDOT Cultural Resources determined on April 18, 2016 that this project falls under the Minor Projects Programmatic Agreement (MPPA), Category B. These types of projects require formal approval from INDOT Cultural Resources Office. If the project scope

www.in.gov/dot/ An Equal Opportunity Employer

E-7

changes, INDOT Cultural Resources Office should be contacted regarding potential impacts to any resources identified in the MPPA for the project. INDOT Environmental Services concurrence: N/A (LPA project) (Signature) Prepared by: Erin Mulryan NEPA Document Preparer Green3 LLC Graphics: A map for each report section with a 0.5-mile radius buffer around all project area(s) showing all items identified as possible items of concern is attached. If there is not a section map included, please change the YES to N/A: GENERAL SITE MAP SHOWING PROJECT AREA: YES INFRASTRUCTURE: YES WATER RESOURCES: YES MINING/MINERAL EXPLORATION: YES HAZMAT CONCERNS: YES

www.in.gov/dot/ An Equal Opportunity Employer

E-8

Red Flag Investigation - Infrastructure Nickel Plate Spur to Maconaquah Project; Des. No. 1401127 Bunker Hill and Loree, Pipe Creek, Washington and Clay Townships, Miami County, Indiana

State of Indiana

Infrastrucure Legend 0.5

0.25

Sources: Non Orthophotography Data - Obtained from the State of Indiana Geographical Information Office Library Orthophotography - Obtained from Indiana Map Framework Data (www.indianamap.org) Map Projection: UTM Zone 16 N Map Datum: NAD83

This map is intended to serve as an aid in graphic representation only. This information is not warranted for accuracy or other purposes.

0.5 Miles

0#I p Ý ® v

m n

Religious Facility Religious Facility Indiana Map Airport

Recreation Facility

Project Area

Railroad

Interstate

Managed Lands

US Route

Pipeline

Half Mile Radius

Cemeteries

Trails

State Route

School

County Boundary

Local Road

Hospital

E-9

Red Flag Investigation - Water Resources Nickel Plate Spur to Maconaquah Project; Des. No. 1401127 Bunker Hill and Loree, Pipe Creek, Washington and Clay Townships, Miami County, Indiana

State of Indiana

Water Resources Legend 0.5

0.25

This map is intended to serve as an aid in graphic representation only. This information is not warranted for accuracy or other purposes.

0.5 Miles

NWI - Point

ò 0W WX X

Karst Spring

Wetlands

Lake - Impaired

Canal Structure - Historic NWI- Line Stream - Impaired

! ! " " NPS NRI listed River

Canal Route - Historic

Lake

Floodplain - DFIRM

W W WCave Entrance Density WÜ WÜ WSinkhole Area < < < Ü Sinking-Stream Basin <Ü <Ü <County Boundary Ü

Project Area Half Mile Radius

Interstate

State Route US Route

Local Road

E-10

Red Flag Investigation - Mining Mineral Exploration Nickel Plate Spur to Maconaquah Project; Des. No. 1401127 Bunker Hill and Loree, Pipe Creek, Washington and Clay Townships, Miami County, Indiana

ยบ

Mining/Mineral Exploration Legend 0.5

0.25

0.5

Miles Sources: Non Orthophotography Data - Obtained from the State of Indiana Geographical Information Office Library Orthophotography - Obtained from Indiana Map Framework Data (www.indianamap.org) Map Projection: UTM Zone 16 N Map Datum: NAD83 This map is intended to serve as an aid in graphic representation only. This information is not warranted for accuracy or other purposes.

Petroleum Well

333Mine - Surface 333 B B BMine Underground

BBB

! ! ! Petroleum Field ! ! !

County Boundary Project Area

Half Mile Radius

State of Indiana

Interstate

State Route US Route

Local Road E-11

Red Flag Investigation - Hazmat Concerns Nickel Plate Spur to Maconaquah Project; Des. No. 1401127 Bunker Hill and Loree, Pipe Creek, Washington and Clay Townships, Miami County, Indiana

ยบ

State of Indiana

HazMat Concerns Legend k j A @

& !

E $ " W X

. @ ! A @

O < !

Brownfield RCRA Corrective Action Sites Confined Feeding Operation Construction/Demolition Site Infectious/Medical Waste Site

Leaking Underground Storage Tank Manufactured Gas Plant NPDES Facilites NPDES Pipe Locations Open Dump Waste Site 0.5

0.25

0.5 Miles

This map is intended to serve as an aid in graphic representation only. This information is not warranted for accuracy or other purposes.

R S P M

! . 9 : ` _ [ !

RCRA Generator/TSD

Restricted Waste Site Septage Waste Site Solid Waste Landfill

$ #

State Cleanup Site Superfund Tire Waste Site Underground Storage Tank

V W ! A

Waste Transfer Station

! ?

Voluntary Remediation Program

Institutional Controls County Boundary Project Area Half Mile Radius Interstate

State Route US Route

Local Road

E-12

Page 1 of 1 02/11/2016

Indiana County Endangered, Threatened and Rare Species List County: Miami

Species Name

Common Name

FED

STATE

GRANK

SRANK

SE SE SSC SE SE SE SSC SE SSC SSC SE

G2T2 G3 G5 G4G5 G4 G3 G1G2 G4G5 G3G4T3 G3Q G4 G2

SX S1 S3 S2 S1 S1 S1 S2 S1 S2 S2 S1

Mollusk: Bivalvia (Mussels) Epioblasma torulosa rangiana Epioblasma triquetra Lampsilis fasciola Ligumia recta Obovaria subrotunda Plethobasus cyphyus Pleurobema clava Ptychobranchus fasciolaris Quadrula cylindrica cylindrica Toxolasma lividus Venustaconcha ellipsiformis Villosa fabalis

Northern Riffleshell Snuffbox Wavyrayed Lampmussel Black Sandshell Round Hickorynut Sheepnose Clubshell Kidneyshell Rabbitsfoot Purple Lilliput Ellipse Rayed Bean

Fish Moxostoma valenciennesi

Greater Redhorse

Reptile Emydoidea blandingii Thamnophis proximus proximus

Blanding's Turtle Western Ribbon Snake

SE SSC

G4 G5T5

S2 S3

Bird Circus cyaneus Haliaeetus leucocephalus

Northern Harrier Bald Eagle

SE SSC

G5 G5

S2 S2

Mammal Taxidea taxus

American Badger

SSC

Vascular Plant Crataegus succulenta Hypericum pyramidatum Napaea dioica

Fleshy Hawthorn Great St. John's-wort Glade Mallow

SR ST SR

G5 G4 G4

S2 S1 S2

High Quality Natural Community Forest - upland dry-mesic Forest - upland mesic

Dry-mesic Upland Forest Mesic Upland Forest

SG SG

G4 G3?

S4 S3

GNR

SNR

Other Significant Element Geomorphic - Nonglacial Erosional Feature Water Fall and Cascade

Indiana Natural Heritage Data Center Division of Nature Preserves Indiana Department of Natural Resources This data is not the result of comprehensive county surveys.

Water Fall and Cascade

LE LE

LE LE LT

Fed: State:

LE = Endangered; LT = Threatened; C = candidate; PDL = proposed for delisting SE = state endangered; ST = state threatened; SR = state rare; SSC = state species of special concern; SX = state extirpated; SG = state significant; WL = watch list GRANK: Global Heritage Rank: G1 = critically imperiled globally; G2 = imperiled globally; G3 = rare or uncommon globally; G4 = widespread and abundant globally but with long term concerns; G5 = widespread and abundant globally; G? = unranked; GX = extinct; Q = uncertain rank; T = taxonomic subunit rank SRANK: State Heritage Rank: S1 = critically imperiled in state; S2 = imperiled in state; S3 = rare or uncommon in state; G4 = widespread and abundant in state but with long term concern; SG = state significant; SH = historical in state; SX = state extirpated; B = breeding status; S? = unranked; SNR = unranked; SNA = nonbreeding status unranked

E-13

APPENDIX F- WATER RESOURCES

F-1

Apr 9, 2015

N This map is for general reference only. The US Fish and Wildlife Service is not responsible for the accuracy or currentness of the base data shown on this map. All wetlands related data should be used in accordance with the layer metadata found on the Wetlands Mapper web site.

User Remarks:

F-2

575500

576000

576500

577000

577500

578000

86° 3' 6'' W

578500

579000

579500

580000

4502200

86° 6' 28'' W

Soil Map—Miami County, Indiana

4501200

4500700

4500200

4499700

4499200

576000

576500

577000

577500

578000

Map Scale: 1:21,600 if printed on A landscape (11" x 8.5") sheet.

Meters 1800 Feet 0 1000 2000 4000 6000 Map projection: Web Mercator Corner coordinates: WGS84 Edge tics: UTM Zone 16N WGS84 0

300

Natural Resources Conservation Service

600

1200

Web Soil Survey National Cooperative Soil Survey

578500

579000

579500

40° 38' 21'' N

580000 86° 3' 6'' W

575500 86° 6' 28'' W

40° 38' 21'' N

40° 40' 1'' N

4501700

40° 40' 1'' N

5/4/2015 Page 1 of 3

F-3

Soil Mapâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;Miami County, Indiana

MAP LEGEND Area of Interest (AOI) Area of Interest (AOI) Soils Soil Map Unit Polygons Soil Map Unit Lines Soil Map Unit Points Special Point Features Blowout Borrow Pit Clay Spot Closed Depression Gravel Pit Gravelly Spot Landfill Lava Flow Marsh or swamp

MAP INFORMATION Spoil Area

The soil surveys that comprise your AOI were mapped at 1:20,000.

Stony Spot

Please rely on the bar scale on each map sheet for map measurements.

Very Stony Spot Wet Spot Other Special Line Features Water Features Streams and Canals Transportation Rails Interstate Highways US Routes Major Roads Local Roads Background Aerial Photography

Mine or Quarry

Source of Map: Natural Resources Conservation Service Web Soil Survey URL: http://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov Coordinate System: Web Mercator (EPSG:3857) Maps from the Web Soil Survey are based on the Web Mercator projection, which preserves direction and shape but distorts distance and area. A projection that preserves area, such as the Albers equal-area conic projection, should be used if more accurate calculations of distance or area are required. This product is generated from the USDA-NRCS certified data as of the version date(s) listed below. Soil Survey Area: Miami County, Indiana Survey Area Data: Version 18, Sep 16, 2014 Soil map units are labeled (as space allows) for map scales 1:50,000 or larger. Date(s) aerial images were photographed: 2011

Sep 17, 2011â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Oct 3,

The orthophoto or other base map on which the soil lines were compiled and digitized probably differs from the background imagery displayed on these maps. As a result, some minor shifting of map unit boundaries may be evident.

Miscellaneous Water Perennial Water Rock Outcrop Saline Spot Sandy Spot Severely Eroded Spot Sinkhole Slide or Slip Sodic Spot

Natural Resources Conservation Service

Web Soil Survey National Cooperative Soil Survey

5/4/2015 Page 2 of 3

F-4

Soil Mapâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;Miami County, Indiana

Map Unit Legend Miami County, Indiana (IN103) Map Unit Symbol

Map Unit Name

BgmA

Blount silt loam, ground moraine, 0 to 2 percent slopes

FsA

Fox silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes

Gessie silt loam

GlpC3

Acres in AOI

Percent of AOI 806.3

42.2%

1.2

0.1%

15.3

0.8%

Glynwood clay loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, severely eroded

205.8

10.8%

GlsB

Glynwood silt loam, ground moraine, 2 to 6 percent slopes

325.4

17.0%

HeG

Hennepin silt loam, 25 to 50 percent slopes

9.7

0.5%

MtD3

Morley silty clay loam, 12 to 25 percent slopes, severely eroded

19.3

1.0%

OcA

Ockley silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes

6.1

0.3%

Orthents, loamy

14.4

0.8%

Pewamo silty clay loam

395.7

20.7%

Shoals silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded

101.4

5.3%

Water

8.1

0.4%

Washtenaw silt loam

3.3

0.2%

1,911.8

100.0%

Totals for Area of Interest

Natural Resources Conservation Service

Web Soil Survey National Cooperative Soil Survey

5/4/2015 Page 3 of 3

F-5

F-6

F-7

Des 1401127 Wetland Site #1

N May 12, 2016 Stream Features

Active

Streams (Local-Resolution NHD)

Rivers (NHD)

Streams (NHD)

State Boundary

Rail System - Active and Abandoned (INDOT) Abandoned

Project Alignment Study Area

Wetlands NWI (USFWS)

0.0075

0.0125

1:1,000

0.015

0.025

0.03 mi 0.05 km

U.S. Geological Survey U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS),National Standards and Support Team,National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) Indiana Spatial Data Portal, UITS, ESRI Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT), U.S. Census Bureau

Potential Wetland Boundaries (as determined in field)

F-8

Des 1401127 Wetland Site #2

N May 13, 2016 Rail System - Active and Abandoned (INDOT) Abandoned Active Wetlands NWI (USFWS) Wetlands Project Metadata NWI (USFS)

Project Alignment Study Area

Streams (Local-Resolution NHD) Rivers (NHD)

0.0075

0.0125

1:1,000

0.015

0.025

0.03 mi 0.05 km

Streams (NHD) State Boundary

Potential Wetland Boundaries (as determined in field)

F-9

APPENDIX G- PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT

G-1

Thursday, December 22, 2016 at 4:14:49 PM Eastern Standard Time

Subject: Date: From: To: CC: AEachments:

RE: 1401127 Cer-ďŹ ca-on Signature Page Wednesday, December 21, 2016 at 8:26:10 AM Eastern Standard Time Wright, Mary Erin Mulryan, WortkoeIer, Andrew J. Harrington, Susan, Bales, Ronald 1401127 Cer-ďŹ ca-on Signature Page.pdf

As a result of a Notice of Planned Improvement and in turn a Public Hearing held on Tuesday, November 29, 2016 at the Bunker Hill Town Hall, please find the attached CE Signature Page documenting the Certification of Public Involvement dated: December 21, 2016 Due to the size of the certification package all documents including the attached signature page will be submitted within the CE document when it is submitted for final review. The documents include but not limited to the proof of publication of the legal notices along with comments and responses.

I have requested SPMS to be updated with the hearing certification information. Thanks, Mary Wright INDOT Public Hearings 317-234-0796

G-2

NOTICE OF PLANNED IMPROVEMENT DOCUMENTATION & PUBLIC RESPONSES

G-3

Nickel Plate Trail-Bunker Hill Extension RTP project Des. 1401127 Notice of Planned Improvement Mailing List Property Owners: David Lee & Gregory Lynn Bartrum 8313 South Meridian Road Bunker Hill, IN 46914 Rex L & Teresa Betzner 7175 South 125 W. Bunker Hill, IN 46914 James L & Ronna Lita Boone 775 W. SR 218 Bunker Hill, IN 46914 James L & Ronna Lita Boone 8757 S. 200 E. Bunker Hill, IN 46914 Todd A & Richard J Burns 232 W. 800 S. Bunker Hill, IN 46914 James J & Norma J Clem 973 W. SR 218 Bunker Hill, IN 46914 Robert L & Suzette R. Daine 969 W. SR 218 Bunker Hill, IN 46914 Larry J & Bernadette M. Dillman 893 W. SR 218 Bunker Hill, IN 46914 Gregory P. Endsley 829 W. SR 218 Bunker Hill, IN 46914

G-4

Noel Finster 225 W. 800 S. Bunker Hill, IN 46914 Cameron & Krystin Gatliff 8304 S. Strawtown Pike Bunker Hill, IN 46914 William M. & Kay F. Hintz 735 W. SR 218 Bunker Hill, IN 46914 Matthew E. & Christi Kunkle 877 W. SR 218 Bunker Hill, IN 46914 Wayne & Jenna Ladd 2698 W. 800 S. Bunker Hill, IN 46914 Timothy William McGinnis 516 W. SR 218 Bunker Hill, IN 46914 Earnest D. & Carolynn P. Morris 147 E. 800 S. Bunker Hill, IN 46914 Brent J & Kimberly Ann Myers 684 E. 800 S. Bunker Hill, IN 46914 Leland R. & Darlene Stonger 8272 Strawtown Pike Bunker Hill, IN 46914 Allie R. & Cindy L. Wilson 8313 S. Meridian Road Bunker Hill, IN 46914 Franklin D. & Jannie K. Witt 1034 W. SR 218 Bunker Hill, IN 46914

G-5

Stakeholders: Town of Bunker Hill Attention: Steve Whybrew 280 W. Broadway PO Box 565 Bunker Hill, IN 46914 Miami County Commissioners 25 N. Broadway Peru, IN 46970 Maconaquah School Corporation Attention: Dr. Doug Arnold, Superintendent 7932 S. Strawtown Pike Bunker Hill, IN 46914

G-6

fun.

innovative.

smart.

Note to Reader: This sample letter was sent to all property owners adjacent to this project along with a copy of the legal notice of planned improvement and project maps below. Name Address City Re: Proposed Nickel Plate Trail-Bunker Hill Extension project; Des. No. 1401127 September 14, 2016 Dear Property Owner, The Nickel Plate Trail Inc. group, assisted by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources Division of Outdoor Recreation, is proposing a 10-foot wide asphalt trail, approximately 2.6 miles in length, from Bunker Hill to a point of ending at Strawtown Pike. The project will be constructed primarily on the out of use Pennsylvania Railroad corridor. A legal notice offering the public the opportunity to provide comment on the project and the opportunity to request a public hearing for the proposed project will be published in the Peru Tribune. The project is being paid for with federal funding administered by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources under Des. No. 1401127 through the Recreational Trails Program (RTP) as well as with local funds. A Categorical Exclusion (CE) environmental document is being prepared for the project. This document describes the project and its potential impacts to the environmental, social, and cultural resources in and near the project area. This document will be available for review and comment at the Peru Public Library and at the office of Green 3 LLC as described in the attached copy of the legal notice. A project map is included with this letter as well. As a property owner adjacent to the project location, you are being contacted directly to both provide you with the project information and to inform you of the opportunity to request a public hearing. If you have any questions or comments regarding the opportunity to request a public hearing or of the proposed Nickel Plate Trail-Bunker Hill Extension project, please donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t hesitate to contact me directly at the number below or by email at erin@green3studio.com.

Sincerely,

Erin Mulryan, MPA Project Consultant attachments 1104 Prospect Street Indianapolis, IN 46203

www.green3studio.com

p 317.634.4110 f 866.422.2046

G-7

fun.

Name Address City

innovative.

smart.

Note to Reader: This sample letter as sent to all stakeholders listed above along with a copy of the legal notice of planned improvement and project maps below.

Re: Proposed Nickel Plate Trail-Bunker Hill Extension project; Des. No. 1401127 September 14, 2016 Dear Project Stakeholder, The Nickel Plate Trail Inc. group, assisted by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources Division of Outdoor Recreation, is proposing a 10-foot wide asphalt trail, approximately 2.6 miles in length, from Bunker Hill to a point of ending at Strawtown Pike. The project will be constructed primarily on the out of use Pennsylvania Railroad corridor. A legal notice offering the public the opportunity to provide comment on the project and the opportunity to request a public hearing for the proposed project will be published in the Peru Tribune. The project is being paid for with federal funding administered by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources under Des. No. 1401127 through the Recreational Trails Program (RTP) as well as with local funds. A Categorical Exclusion (CE) environmental document is being prepared for the project. This document describes the project and its potential impacts to the environmental, social, and cultural resources in and near the project area. This document will be available for review and comment at the Peru Public Library and at the office of Green 3 LLC as described in the attached copy of the legal notice. A project map is included with this letter as well. As a project stakeholder, you are being contacted directly to both provide you with the project information and to inform you of the opportunity to request a public hearing. If you have any questions or comments regarding the opportunity to request a public hearing or of the proposed Nickel Plate Trail-Bunker Hill Extension project, please donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t hesitate to contact me directly at the number below or by email at erin@green3studio.com. Thank you for your involvement. Sincerely,

Erin Mulryan, MPA Project Consultant attachments 1104 Prospect Street Indianapolis, IN 46203

www.green3studio.com

p 317.634.4110 f 866.422.2046

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NOTICE OF PLANNED IMPROVEMENT Des. No. 1401127 The Indiana Department of Natural Resources, as a sponsor to the Nickel Plate Trail, Inc. group is developing plans for the Nickel Plate Trail Bunker Hill Extension project in Miami County, Indiana. The project will use federal funds awarded through the Recreational Trails Program (RTP) as well as local funds. The purpose of this project is to provide a direct connection to an existing trail system for the residents in Bunker Hill. Bunker Hill is in need of Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant alternative transportation routes that connect local amenities and provide for increased tourism activity via the use of the Northern Tier Transcontinental Bike Route and the American Discovery Trail, which will bring trail users and tourists into the town. The project will play an important role in expanding the Nickel Plate Trail such that in the future it may be able to connect with the Cardinal Greenway Trail, which is also located on the same former Pennsylvania Railroad corridor location as this project. This connection will greatly increase trail mileage and expand the trail network throughout the state. The proposed trail will also provide a much needed facility that will increase use by pedestrians and cyclists, thus improving overall health and fitness of trail users. In addition, the proposed trail will provide for a much needed alternative transportation route between communities and amenities that does not force pedestrians and bicyclists onto roadways that are not American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) compliant, thus improving safety for pedestrians and bicyclists. The estimated cost of the project, including engineering and construction, is $150,000. This project will construct a 10-foot wide asphalt multi-use trail with two-foot stone shoulders approximately 2.6 miles in length from the intersection of the current Nickel Plate Trail and the former Pennsylvania Railroad corridor location in Bunker Hill to the intersection of the former Pennsylvania Railroad corridor location and Strawtown Pike in Loree. The trail will begin at the intersection of the existing Nickel Plate Trail and the former railroad corridor location approximately 400 feet north of Vine Street in Bunker Hill and travel southeast approximately 390 feet along the former railroad corridor location. Here the trail will turn south, traveling on the east side of an existing drainage ditch for approximately 165 feet before turning east and traveling along the north side of Vine Street for approximately 300 feet to the intersection of Vine and John Streets. From here, the trail will cross John Street at a new marked crossing and turn north, traveling approximately 160 feet on the east side of John Street to Bennoville Street. At this point, the trail will turn east and travel approximately 500 feet east along the north side of Bennoville Street and will continue approximately 300 feet through Bunker Hill Town Park. The trail will then turn south and travel approximately 500 feet along the park boundary to the former railroad corridor location. From here, the trail travels southeast along the former Pennsylvania Railroad corridor location approximately 1160 feet to a new trail crossing with access control at SR 218. The trail will continue traveling southeast along the former railroad corridor location. After traveling approximately 1.14 miles, the trail will cross CR E 800 S at a new marked trail crossing, where access control will be provided again to ensure a safe crossing for trail users. From the south side of CR E 800 S the trail will continue traveling southeast along the former Pennsylvania Railroad corridor location. After traveling approximately 4,100 feet (0.79 mile), the trail will reach its terminus at Strawtown Pike in Loree. Nickel Plate Trail, Inc. acquired 65 acres of permanent right-of-way in January 2014 from a private owner using local funds and state funds from the Bicentennial Nature Trust and the Indiana Heritage Trust that were previously awarded to the group for land acquisition. The Nickel Plate Trail, Inc. purchased the 65 acres of land in anticipation of receiving federal funds through the RTP in the future to construct the trail in this project as well as future trails. Of the 65 acres,

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approximately 8.2 acres will be used for the construction of the Nickel Plate Trail Bunker Hill Extension. In addition to the property acquisition described above, it is anticipated that this project will also include approximately 0.99 acre of additional land acquisition for permanent right-of-way to be acquired from the Town of Bunker Hill (street right-of-way and park property) and from private owners (residential and agricultural). Limits will be established at the time of acquisition. No relocations of businesses or residents will occur as a result of this project, and no impacts to wetlands are anticipated. During construction, traffic on local roads in Bunker Hill, SR 218, and Strawtown Pike may be minimally disrupted at locations where the trail alignment crosses roadways. Disruptions will include the use of flaggers, temporary signage, and/or temporary lane restrictions during construction but no road closures. The project will not permanently affect motorized vehicular traffic patterns. The Categorical Exclusion (CE) environmental document describing the proposed project and potential impacts to environmental, social, and cultural resources can be viewed at the following locations during normal business hours: Peru Public Library, 102 E. Main Street, Peru, IN 46970; 765-473-3069 Green 3 LLC, 1104 Prospect Street, Indianapolis IN 46203; 317-634-4110 Contact: erin@green3studio.com All interested persons may request a public hearing or express their concerns by submitting comments to Green 3 LLC at the address, email, and phone number above or to Nickel Plate Trail Inc. representative Mike Kuepper at mike@nickelplatetrail.org. All comments must be received by October 3, 2016. If a hearing is determined to be in the best interest of the public, a notice will be advertised with the date, time, and place. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you have a disability for which the Nickel Plate Trail Inc. group needs to provide accessibility to the documents, please contact Erin Mulryan at 317-634-4110 or erin@green3studio.com. This notice is published in compliance with Code of Federal Regulations, Title 23, Section 771 (CFR 771.111(h)(1) which states: “Each State must have procedures approved by the FHWA to carry out a public involvement/public hearing program.” 23 CFR 450.212(a)(7) states: “Public involvement procedures shall provide for periodic review of the effectiveness of the public involvement process to ensure that the process provides full and open access to all and revision of the process as necessary.” Approved by the Federal Highway Administration, US Department of Transportation on August 16, 2012.

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Source: Wikipedia, User: Arkyan

Source: INDOT - State Transportation Map

Bunker Hill/Miami County/Indiana

Project is located in Miami County, Indiana from its beginning at the intersection of the Nickel Plate Trail and Vine Street in Bunker Hill to its end at Strawtown Pike.

NTS

State County Locate Map Nickel Plate Trail- Bunker Hill Extension Project Pipe Creek , Washington, and Clay Townships/ Miami County, Indiana Des. No.1401127 G - 11

Source: National Wetlands Inventory, 2015

Project Alignment

0.5 MILES

Aerial photo (2015 National Wetlands Inventory) showing the project location.

Aerial Photo Nickel Plate Trail- Bunker Hill Extension Project Pipe Creek , Washington, and Clay Townships/ Miami County, Indiana Des. No.1401127 G - 12

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RESPONSES TO THE NOTICE OF PLANNED IMPROVEMENT (OPPORTUNITY TO REQUEST A PUBLIC HEARING)

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Friday, September 23, 2016 at 9:21:38 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Subject: Date: From: To:

Trail expansion Thursday, September 22, 2016 at 8:59:04 PM Eastern Daylight Time Robert Daine Erin Mulryan

Erin, my name is Robert Daine I live adjacent to the current proposed expansion. I am requesKng a public hearing be held so all parKes can be heard. This project from the get go has been done without noKfying adjacent land owners about anything. I have also talked with the state of Indiana several Kmes and they have never been noKďŹ ed of any planned encroachment onto their right of way. I request there is a public hearing held so some resoluKon might be achieved. Robert Daine 969 West state road 218 Robert Daine | Sales/ EsKmator Central Rent-A-Crane | ALL Family of Companies Mobile 765.776.0008 OďŹ&#x192;ce 888.203.4500

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Tuesday, October 4, 2016 at 9:23:23 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Subject: Date: From: To:

Nickel plate Monday, October 3, 2016 at 8:06:10 PM Eastern Daylight Time earnest morris Erin Mulryan

This is earnest Morris and I want a public hearing Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhone

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Note to Reader: These minutes were retrieved on 10/18/2016 from the Miami County website at: http://www.miamicountyin.gov/departments/Commissioners/2016Minutes.html MIAMI COUNTY COMMISSIONERS 25 N BROADWAY PERU, IN 46970 September 19, 2016 Commissioner Chairman Josh Francis called the meeting to order. All Commissioners are present. MINUTES Commissioner West made a motion to approve the minutes as corrected. Commissioner Hamman 2nd the motion and it passed 2-0-1 (Hamman abstained because he was absent for that meeting). HEALTH DEPARTMENT Due to a death in the family, an employee in the Health Department who does Birth and Death Certificates, is out of the office. Chairman Francis spoke with the Health Officer about bring in someone in the evenings to do the certificates, especially death certificates because people need those as quickly as they can get them. Chairman Francis and Dr. Farag also discussed going to the Council to get some part time money in the Health budget for these kinds of situations as well as doing cross training within the department. There was a question regarding the part time pay amount and Chairman Francis stated that the Salary Ordinance says that except for certain positions, the part time pay is 10.50 an hour and this position would not fall in to a special category and therefore will only pay 10.50. Tom Eddy, local funeral homeowner came to the meeting to express concern on the possible delay in getting death certificates. CLERK Tawna Leffel-Sands brought in the list of polling places for the General Election for the Commissioners approval. They are as follows: EARLY VOTING *Miami County Courthouse *Bunker Hill Community Center *Converse Town Hall *Denver Baptist Church *Blair Ridge Health Center NOVEMBER 8, 2016 GENERAL ELECTION *Miami County Courthouse (2 rooms, G.A.R. and the Commissioners) *Bunker Hill Community Center *Converse Town Hall *Blair Ridge Health Center *Denver Baptist Church *Parkview UMC *Area 5 Agency *Macy Christian Church *Miami County Fairgrounds Commissioner West made a motion to approve. Commissioner Hamman 2nd the motion and it passed 3-0. CLAIMS Commissioner West made a motion to approve the claims. Commissioner Hamman 2nd the motion and it passed 3-0. PROPOSED NICKEL PLATE TRAIL EXTENSION PROJEST The Board received a proposed plan for an extension (Bunker Hill) to the Nickel Plate Trail. Commissioner West made a motion to request a Public Hearing (He will do that). Commissioner Hamman 2nd the motion and it passed 3-0.

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Commissioner West stated that he is not against it, he just really feels that there needs to be a public hearing. IT Jim Denniston brought the watch guard renewal for the Boards review. A one year renewal would be $9,654.73 and a 3 year renewal would be $17,846.00 (a savings of over $11,000). Commissioner West made a motion to approve the 3 year contract. Commissioner Hamman 2nd the motion and it passed 3-0. ASSESSOR/TREASURER Assessor Sara McAuliffe and Treasurer Annette Phillippo spoke to the Commissioners about Master Touch, which is a program they would like to switch to since the Pitney Bowes contract is ending. Each office will have their own contract but if they do it at the same time, there will be a savings to each office. The Board asked them to get more information and a copy of a contract so they can check it out. ASSESSOR Assessor Sara McAuliffe, along with Lowell Davis from Pictometry, asked the Board about the Pictometry contract. Assessor McAuliffe would like to have it every two years but Commissioner West thought every three years would be better. Commissioner Hamman made a motion to approve (since the Assessor has the money to pay for it) to sign the contract for every 3 years. Commissioner West 2nd the motion and it passed 3-0. ESTATES AT EAGLES POINT Phillip Gustolise, Vice-President and General Counsel for Trinity Affordable Housing Corporation, came before the Board of Commissioners to discuss their purchase of 585 units at Eagles Point. The original correspondence stated they wanted the County to sign for a bond issue for them. They have found another way to finance the bonds and only need the Board of Commissioners to have a public meeting on the proposal. The Board of Commissioners would sign off that the public hearing was held. They are a not-forprofit organization and even though they think the rent is low out there, they do not plan to raise the rent. Mr. Guistolise also stated that they would set back $300 per unit each year for repairs. They will initially spend $700,000 to repair the properties they purchase. Chairman Francis stated that they have had a lot of issues out there and the Association has not been real easy to work with. CASA John Walker, CASA, asked the Board about being able to get more space in the annex. He thought maybe they would be able to use some of the space freed up from Solid Waste moving. Commissioner not sure if there is space available. They will have to check. Note to Reader: This document to be signed was for a different INDOT project and not the Nickel Plate Trail- Bunker Hill Extension project (Des. 1401127)

INDOT DOCUMENT Commissioner West made a motion to have Chairman Francis to sign the INDOT Document. Commissioner Hamman 2nd the motion and it passed 3-0.

CORRESPONDENCE: *IDEM - CFO – Kyle Musselman – approved *IDEM – FESOP – Renewal – Dean Baldwin Painting *IDEM – CFO – Hudson Farms – approved *Letter from J&S Pork request to build a ween-to-finish production building *Letter from Stanley Hudson on making improvements to existing CFO *Letter re: proposed Nickle Plate Extension

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Commissioner West made a motion to adjourn. Commissioner Francis 2nd the motion and it passed 2-0.

______________________________________, Chairman Joshua Francis ______________________________________, Vice-Chairman Larry West _______________________________________, Member Jerry Hamman Attest: ________________________________, Auditor Jane Lilley

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NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING DOCUMENTATION & PUBLIC RESPONSES

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Nickel Plate Trail-Bunker Hill Extension RTP project Des. 1401127 11/29/2016 Public Hearing Mailing List Property Owners:

David Lee & Gregory Lynn Bartrum 8313 South Meridian Road Bunker Hill, IN 46914 James L & Ronna Lita Boone 775 W. SR 218 Bunker Hill, IN 46914 Todd A & Richard J Burns 232 W. 800 S. Bunker Hill, IN 46914 Robert L & Suzette R. Daine 969 W. SR 218 Bunker Hill, IN 46914 robert.daine@allcrane.com Gregory P. Endsley 829 W. SR 218 Bunker Hill, IN 46914 Cameron & Krystin Gatliff 8304 S. Strawtown Pike Bunker Hill, IN 46914 Matthew E. & Christi Kunkle 877 W. SR 218 Bunker Hill, IN 46914 Timothy William McGinnis 516 W. SR 218 Bunker Hill, IN 46914 Brent J & Kimberly Ann Myers 684 E. 800 S. Bunker Hill, IN 46914 Allie R. & Cindy L. Wilson 8313 S. Meridian Road Bunker Hill, IN 46914

Rex L & Teresa Betzner 7175 South 125 W. Bunker Hill, IN 46914 James L & Ronna Lita Boone 8757 S. 200 E. Bunker Hill, IN 46914 James J & Norma J Clem 973 W. SR 218 Bunker Hill, IN 46914 Larry J & Bernadette M. Dillman 893 W. SR 218 Bunker Hill, IN 46914 Noel Finster 225 W. 800 S. Bunker Hill, IN 46914 William M. & Kay F. Hintz 735 W. SR 218 Bunker Hill, IN 46914 Wayne & Jenna Ladd 2698 W. 800 S. Bunker Hill, IN 46914 Earnest D. & Carolynn P. Morris 147 E. 800 S. Bunker Hill, IN 46914 crash6721@yahoo.com Leland R. & Darlene Stonger 8272 Strawtown Pike Bunker Hill, IN 46914 Franklin D. & Jannie K. Witt 1034 W. SR 218 Bunker Hill, IN 46914

Stakeholders:

Town of Bunker Hill Attention: Steve Whybrew 280 W. Broadway PO Box 565 Bunker Hill, IN 46914

Miami County Commissioners 25 N. Broadway Peru, IN 46970

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Maconaquah School Corporation Attention: Dr. Doug Arnold, Superintendent 7932 S. Strawtown Pike Bunker Hill, IN 46914

Ackerson Kauffman Fex Attorneys, PC Attention: Nels Ackerson 1300 Pennsylvania Ave, NW Suite 700 Washington, DC 20004

Legislators:

U.S. Senator Dan Coats B-40E Dirksen Building United States Senate Washington, DC 20510 U.S. Representative Dan Burton 209 S. Washington St. Marion, IN 46952 State Representative Rich W. McClain 2135 S. Ridgeview Way Logansport, IN 46947

U.S. Senator Richard Lugar 306 Hart Senate Office Building Washington, DC 20510 State Representative William C. Friend 3127 West 1500 North Macy, IN 46951 State Representative P. Eric Turner 327 E. Main St. Gas City, IN 46933

State Senator Randall Head 200 W. Washington St. Indianapolis, IN 46204

Agencies:

FHWA Indiana Division Administrator Joyce Newland, Joyce.Newland@dot.gov INDOT Rebecca Berfanger (ESM reviewer) RBerfanger1@indot.IN.gov Ron Bales (Signature Authority) rbales@indot.IN.gov

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fun.

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Name Address City Re: Proposed Nickel Plate Trail-Bunker Hill Extension project; Des. No. 1401127 November 7, 2016 Dear Project Stakeholder, A letter and a copy of the legal notice that was published on September 16, 2016 and September 23, 2016 in the Peru Tribune for the above-mentioned trail project was sent to you along with proposed project maps on September 14, 2016. The legal notice announced to the public the opportunity to request a public hearing for the project. Based on the responses received during this public comment period, it was determined that a public hearing to discuss the environmental, social, and historic impacts of the project is in the best interest of the public. Therefore, the project sponsor, the Nickel Plate Trail Inc. group, will hold a public hearing on November 29, 2016 at 6pm at the Bunker Hill Town Hall, located at 280 W. Broadway, Bunker Hill, Indiana, 46914. The public hearing will consist of a formal presentation of the proposed trail project followed by a public statement session. A sign-up sheet to speak during the public statement session will be circulated before and during the public hearing presentation. Persons interested in providing statements for the record must sign up; in order to allow time for everyone with an interest in providing a statement to speak, statements will be limited to three minutes. The project is being paid for with federal funding administered by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources under Des. No. 1401127 through the Recreational Trails Program (RTP) as well as with local funds. A Categorical Exclusion (CE) environmental document is being prepared for the project. This document describes the project and its potential impacts to the environmental, social, and cultural resources in and near the project area. This document will be available for review and comment as described in the attached copy of the legal notice. As a project stakeholder, you are being contacted directly to both provide you with the project information and to inform you of the public hearing. If you have any questions or comments regarding the public hearing or of the proposed Nickel Plate Trail-Bunker Hill Extension project, please donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t hesitate to contact me directly at the number below or by email at erin@green3studio.com. Thank you for your involvement. Sincerely,

Erin Mulryan, MPA Project Consultant attachments

1104 Prospect Street Indianapolis, IN 46203

www.green3studio.com

p 317.634.4110 f 866.422.2046

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fun.

innovative.

smart.

Name Address City Re: Proposed Nickel Plate Trail-Bunker Hill Extension project; Des. No. 1401127 November 7, 2016 Dear Property Owner, A letter and a copy of the legal notice that was published on September 16, 2016 and September 23, 2016 in the Peru Tribune for the above-mentioned trail project was sent to you along with proposed project maps on September 14, 2016. The legal notice announced to the public the opportunity to request a public hearing for the project. Based on the responses received during this public comment period, it was determined that a public hearing to discuss the environmental, social, and historic impacts of the project is in the best interest of the public. Therefore, the project sponsor, the Nickel Plate Trail Inc. group, will hold a public hearing on November 29, 2016 at 6pm at the Bunker Hill Town Hall, located at 280 W. Broadway, Bunker Hill, Indiana, 46914. The public hearing will consist of a formal presentation of the proposed trail project followed by a public statement session. A sign-up sheet to speak during the public statement session will be circulated before and during the public hearing presentation. Persons interested in providing statements for the record must sign up; in order to allow time for everyone with an interest in providing a statement to speak, statements will be limited to three minutes. The project is being paid for with federal funding administered by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources under Des. No. 1401127 through the Recreational Trails Program (RTP) as well as with local funds. A Categorical Exclusion (CE) environmental document is being prepared for the project. This document describes the project and its potential impacts to the environmental, social, and cultural resources in and near the project area. This document will be available for review and comment as described in the attached copy of the legal notice. As a property owner adjacent to the project location, you are being contacted directly to both provide you with the project information and to inform you of the public hearing. If you have any questions or comments regarding the opportunity to request a public hearing or of the proposed Nickel Plate Trail-Bunker Hill Extension project, please donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t hesitate to contact me directly at the number below or by email at erin@green3studio.com. Sincerely,

Erin Mulryan, MPA Project Consultant attachments

1104 Prospect Street Indianapolis, IN 46203

www.green3studio.com

p 317.634.4110 f 866.422.2046

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NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Des. No. 1401127 As a result of a prior Notice of Planned Improvement for the proposed Nickel Plate Trail- Bunker Hill extension project, it was determined to be in the best interest to the public to facilitate a public hearing for the project. Therefore, the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, as a sponsor to the Nickel Plate Trail, Inc. group, will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, November 29, 2016, at 6pm at the Bunker Hill Town Hall located at 280 W. Broadway, Bunker Hill, Indiana, 46914. The purpose of the public hearing is to offer all interested persons an opportunity to comment on the environmental document and preliminary route of the proposed Nickel Plate Trail- Bunker Hill Extension project in Miami County, Indiana. The proposed trail project will use federal funds awarded through the Recreational Trails Program (RTP) as well as local funds. The purpose of this project is to provide a direct connection to an existing trail system for the residents in Bunker Hill. Bunker Hill is in need of Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant alternative transportation routes that connect local amenities and provide for increased tourism activity via the use of the Northern Tier Transcontinental Bike Route and the American Discovery Trail, which will bring trail users and tourists into the town. The project will play an important role in expanding the Nickel Plate Trail such that in the future it may be able to connect with the Cardinal Greenway Trail, which is also located on the same former Pennsylvania Railroad corridor location as this project. This connection will greatly increase trail mileage and expand the trail network throughout the state. The proposed trail will also provide a much needed facility that will increase use by pedestrians and cyclists, thus improving overall health and fitness of trail users. In addition, the proposed trail will provide for a much needed alternative transportation route between communities and amenities that does not force pedestrians and bicyclists onto roadways that are not American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) compliant, thus improving safety for pedestrians and bicyclists. The estimated cost of the project, including engineering and construction, is $150,000. This proposed project will construct a 10-foot wide asphalt multi-use trail with two-foot stone shoulders approximately 2.6 miles in length. The trail will begin at the intersection of the existing Nickel Plate Trail and the former railroad corridor location in Bunker Hill and will travel southeast along the former railroad corridor location. Here the trail will turn south, traveling on the east side of an existing drainage ditch before turning east and traveling along the north side of Vine Street to the intersection of Vine and John Streets. From here, the trail will cross John Street at a new marked crossing and travel north to Bennoville Street. At this point, the trail will turn east and travel along the north side of Bennoville Street and will continue through Bunker Hill Town Park. The trail will then turn south and travel along the park boundary to the former railroad corridor location. The trail will then travel southeast along the former Pennsylvania Railroad corridor to a new trail crossing with access control at SR 218. The trail will continue traveling southeast along the former railroad corridor location, crossing CR E 800 S at a new marked trail crossing, where access control will be provided again to ensure a safe crossing for trail users. From the south side of CR E 800 S, the trail will continue traveling southeast along the former Pennsylvania Railroad corridor to its terminus at Strawtown Pike in Loree. Nickel Plate Trail, Inc. acquired 65 acres of permanent right-of-way in January 2014 from a private owner using local funds and state funds from the Bicentennial Nature Trust and the Indiana Heritage Trust that were previously awarded to the group for land acquisition. The Nickel Plate Trail, Inc. purchased the 65 acres of land in anticipation of receiving federal funds through the RTP in the future to construct the trail in this project as well as future trails. Of the 65 acres,

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approximately 8.2 acres will be used for the construction of the Nickel Plate Trail Bunker Hill Extension. In addition to the property acquisition described above, it is anticipated that this project will also include approximately 0.99 acre of additional land acquisition for permanent right-of-way to be acquired from the Town of Bunker Hill (street right-of-way and park property) and from private owners (residential and agricultural). No relocations of businesses or residents will occur as a result of this project, and no impacts to wetlands are anticipated. During construction, traffic on local roads in Bunker Hill, SR 218, and Strawtown Pike may be minimally disrupted at locations where the trail alignment crosses roadways. Disruptions will include the use of flaggers, temporary signage, and/or temporary lane restrictions during construction but no road closures. The project will not permanently affect motorized vehicular traffic patterns. The Categorical Exclusion (CE) environmental document describing the proposed project and potential impacts to environmental, social, and cultural resources can be viewed at the following locations during normal business hours: Peru Public Library, 102 E. Main Street, Peru, IN 46970; 765-473-3069 Green 3 LLC, 1104 Prospect Street, Indianapolis IN 46203; 317-634-4110 Contact: erin@green3studio.com Public statements for the record will be taken as part of the public hearing procedure. Public statements will be limited to three minutes. All verbal statements recorded during the public hearing and all written comments submitted prior to, during and for a period of two (2) weeks following the hearing date, will be evaluated, considered, and addressed in subsequent environmental documentation. Written comments in regards to the project overall, and the views of the public on the Categorical Exclusion (CE) environmental document, may be submitted prior to the public hearing and within the comment period to Green 3 LLC or to Nickel Plate Trail Inc. representative Mike Kuepper at mike@nickelplatetrail.org at the addresses above. With advance notice, the Nickel Plate Trail, Inc. group can provide special accommodation for persons with disabilities and/or limited English speaking ability and persons needing auxiliary aids or services such as interpreters, signers, readers, or large print. Should special accommodation be needed in regards to the attendance and participation during the public hearing, please contact Erin Mulryan at 317-634-4110 or erin@green3studio.com, by November 18, 2016. This notice is published in compliance with Code of Federal Regulations, Title 23, Section 771 (CFR 771.111(h)(1) states: “Each State must have procedures approved by the FHWA to carry out a public involvement/public hearing program.” 23 CFR 450.212(a)(7) states: “Public involvement procedures shall provide for periodic review of the effectiveness of the public involvement process to ensure that the process provides full and open access to all and revision of the process as necessary”, approved by the Federal Highway Administration, U.S. Department of Transportation on August 16, 2012.

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Des 1401127 Aerial Map- North Section

= Proposed Trail Existing Nickel Plate Trail

Bunker Hill SR 218

CR 800 S

N Scale 1:16,000 July 18, 2016

Project Alignment

1:16,000

0.125

0.25

0.5 mi

0.2

0.4

0.8 km

Indiana Spatial Data Portal, UITS, ESRI Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT), U.S. Census Bureau (USCB), Indiana Geographic Information Council (IGIC), UITS, Indiana Spatial Data Portal

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Des 1401127 Aerial Map- South Section

SR 218

Maconaquah Schools

CR 800 S

Proposed Trail

Strawtown Pike

N Scale 1:16,000 July 18, 2016 Project Alignment

1:16,000

0.125

0.25

0.5 mi

0.2

0.4

0.8 km

Indiana Spatial Data Portal, UITS, ESRI Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT), U.S. Census Bureau (USCB), Indiana Geographic Information Council (IGIC), UITS, Indiana Spatial Data Portal

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11/29/2016 PUBLIC HEARING INFORMATION PACKET & PRESENTATION

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Note to Reader: A copy of the legal notice announcing the public hearing was also included in this Information Packet.

Nickel Plate Trail- Bunker Hill Extension Public Hearing Information Packet Des. #1401127 Construction of Multi-Use Trail From the Town of Bunker Hill to Strawtown Pike Tuesday, November 29, 2016, 6:00 pm Bunker Hill Town Hall 280 W. Broadway Bunker Hill, Indiana

1104 Prospect Street Indianapolis, IN 46203

www.green3studio.com

p 317.634.4110 f 866.422.2046

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Nickel Plate Trail- Bunker Hill Extension Public Hearing November 29, 2016 Bunker Hill Town Hall, Bunker Hill 6:00 pm

Meeting Called to Order Introductions Explanation of meeting process Explanation of comment process

6:10pm

Description of the Categorical Exclusion (CE) Environmental Document

6:15pm

Description of the project

6:25pm

Land Acquisition Process

6:35pm

Project funding

6:45pm

Public Statement Session Adjournment

Questions and Answers- Green 3 LLC and Nickel Plate Trail, Inc. representatives will be available after adjournment to answer additional questions (Please note that these conversations are not part of the official comment).

1104 Prospect Street Indianapolis, IN 46203

www.green3studio.com

p 317.634.4110 f 866.422.2046

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Des 1401127 Aerial Map- North Section

= Proposed Trail Existing Nickel Plate Trail

Bunker Hill SR 218

CR 800 S

N Scale 1:16,000 July 18, 2016

Project Alignment

1:16,000

0.125

0.25

0.5 mi

0.2

0.4

0.8 km

Indiana Spatial Data Portal, UITS, ESRI Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT), U.S. Census Bureau (USCB), Indiana Geographic Information Council (IGIC), UITS, Indiana Spatial Data Portal

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Des 1401127 Aerial Map- South Section

SR 218

Maconaquah Schools

CR 800 S

Proposed Trail

Strawtown Pike

N Scale 1:16,000 July 18, 2016 Project Alignment

1:16,000

0.125

0.25

0.5 mi

0.2

0.4

0.8 km

Indiana Spatial Data Portal, UITS, ESRI Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT), U.S. Census Bureau (USCB), Indiana Geographic Information Council (IGIC), UITS, Indiana Spatial Data Portal

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Categorical Exclusion Level Thresholds

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Level 4

None < 0.5 acre None

≤2 < 10 acres None

>2 ≥ 10 acres Any

> 10 ≥ 10 acres Any

None

Yes

None < 1 acre > 300 linear feet impacts, or work beyond 75 feet from pavement None None “No Adverse Effect” or “Adverse Effect”

< 1 mile < 1 acre N/A

≥ 1 mile2 ≥ 1 acre N/A

None Any impacts N/A

Any impacts Any impacts If ACHP involved Or Historic Bridge Involvement7

No N/A

Yes3 N/A

Yes3 “Likely to Adversely Affect” 4

Detailed Assessment Not Required

Detailed Assessment Required

Yes

Yes Yes

Yes Yes Yes

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P U B L IC COM M ENT SH EET Su b je ct :

Nickel Plate Trail-Bunker Hill Extension project; Des. No. 1401127

L o ca t io n : Co m m e n t De a d lin e :

The out-of-use Pennsylvania Railroad corridor, park property, and private property, from Bunker Hill to Strawtown Pike December 13, 2016

Your comments will be included in the official project file if forwarded to the addresses at the bottom of this page by December 13, 2016. Feel free to use more than one sheet if needed.

Name (please print): Address: Email and/or Phone Number: Date: Comments:

Signature: ______________________________________________________________________________________ Please forward comments to: Nickel Plate Trail Inc., Mike Kuepper mike@nickelplatetrail.org Green 3 LLC, 1104 Prospect St., Indianapolis, IN 46203; (317) 634-4110 erin@green3studio.com

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Nickel Plate TrailBunker Hill Extension Des. No. 1401127 Public Hearing November 29, 2016 6pm Bunker Hill Town Hall

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Welcome! Introductions:

- Green 3 LLC, consultant - Nickel Plate Trail Inc., group leading the

project (Indiana Dept. of Natural Resourcesacting as sponsor)

Purpose of this Public Hearing: To present the draft environmental document for the project and solicit comments on the document and the trail project. G - 50

Public Hearing Process §

Meeting Attendance Sign-In Sheet

Sign-In Sheet for Public Statement Session *Please wait until the hearing is open for public comment to make verbal comments

Information Packets available

Written comment sheets available in packets & on the table

Comments must be received by Green 3 within 2 weeks of this hearing (December 13, 2016)

Comments can be sent via email, the comment sheets provided, or in letter form.

All comments will be included in the Public Involvement section of the environmental documentation.

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What is a Categorical Exclusion (CE) environmental document? §

Required by the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) for all “federal actions”, including federally funded projects

Comprehensive environmental, social, cultural, and historical review of the project area

Four levels of CE documents, based on right-of-way acquisition and impacts to wetlands, historical resources, etc.

This project is a CE Level 2

If there are changes to the project after the CE is approved, an Additional Information (AI) document may be required. G - 52

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Nickel Plate Trail Bunker Hill Extension Project Details ยง Purpose: Is to provide connectivity to existing trail

systems for the residents in Bunker Hill, and to expand the Nickel Plate Trail so it will eventually connect other trails such as the Cardinal Greenway

ยง Need: Is due to the lack of alternative transportation routes that connect local amenities and provide for increased tourism activity via the use of the Northern Tier Transcontinental Bike Route and the American Discovery Trail

Supports goals & objectives of the State Trails, Greenways, and Bikeways Plan and the 2016-2020 State Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan G - 54

Nickel Plate Trail Bunker Hill Extension Project Details ยง

Trail will be 10 feet wide with 2 foot stone shoulders

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Trail will start at the intersection of the existing Nickel Plate Trail section and the former Pennsylvania Railroad corridor in Bunker Hill

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A portion of the trail will traverse on private property, town street right-of-way, and through the Bunker Hill Town Park

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Trail will get back on the former railroad corridor and travel on the corridor to Strawtown Pike, crossing SR 218 and CR 800 at new marked crossings

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Proposed Alignment- Northern section

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Proposed Alignment- Southern section

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Nickel Plate Trail Bunker Hill Extension Project Details §

65 acres of permanent right-of-way has already been acquired “at risk” through early acquisition with Bicentennial Nature Trust and Indiana Heritage Trust funds for trail development

Of this 65 acres, approximately 8.2 acres will be used for this project

An additional estimated 0.99 acre will need to be acquired from the Town of Bunker Hill and willing private owners

Preliminary cost estimates = $150,000 (RTP) & 37,500 local match for engineering, construction, and right-ofway G - 58

Nickel Plate Trail Bunker Hill Extension – Two Alternatives Considered §

One alternative considered would have extended the Nickel Plate Trail along a marked route on streets in Bunker Hill, SR 218, and CR E 800 S.; discarded because it would force bicyclists and pedestrians onto roadways that have not been designed with adequate width to provide American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) compliant bike lanes.

Do Nothing Alternative- discarded because it does not meet the purpose and need of the project. G - 59

Nickel Plate Trail Bunker Hill Extension - Preferred Alternative ยง

Using the former railroad corridor and street/park right-of-way for the majority of this project results in the least amount of impacts to historic resources and the environment, as the soils are disturbed and no structures are located in the trail alignment.

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Nickel Plate Trail- Bunker Hill Extension Funding §

65 acres acquired “at risk” through early acquisition and was supported with Bicentennial Nature Trust and Indiana Heritage Trust funds awarded by Indiana Dept. of Natural Resources (IDNR)

All land acquisition must be done in compliance with the U.S. Dept. of Transportation/Federal Highway Administration’s “Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act” of 1970 (Uniform Act)

FHWA concurred on February 1, 2016 that the Uniform Act was followed for the 65 acres of “at risk” land acquisition

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Nickel Plate Trail- Bunker Hill Extension Funding §

Project is being supported with Recreational Trails Program (RTP) grant funds and local match (80/20)

RTP funding is awarded and administered by the IDNR Div. of Outdoor Recreation

RTP grant funds come from dedicated funding sources within Federal Highway Administration’s “Fixing America’s Surface Transportation” (FAST) Act, which is within the Transportation Alternative Program (TAP)

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Land (Right-of-Way) Acquisition Process §

Appraisals (written statement)

Fair Market Value (market value that has been adjusted to reflect legal requirements for public acquisition)

Just Compensation (price that must be paid, not less than appraisal)

Written Offer

Negotiations (process used to reach agreement for land purchase)

FHWA Acquisition Brochures available on table. G - 63

PUBLIC STATEMENT SESSION Each person has 3 minutes to speak

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ADJOURNMENT

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PUBLIC HEARING ATTENDANCE & PUBLIC STATEMENT SIGNIN SHEETS Note to Reader: Some attendees erroneously signed the public statement sign-in sheet instead of the attendee sign-in sheet, and vice versa. Therefore, all names on all sheets were called out during the public hearing to ensure everyone that wanted to speak was given the opportunity. The red checks next to attendees' names on the following pages indicate that their names were called to see if they wished to speak.

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PUBLIC HEARING MINUTES

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Des. 1401127, Nickel Plate Trail- Bunker Hill Project Public Hearing Minutes Bunker Hill Town Hall, 280 W. Broadway, Bunker Hill, IN November 29, 2016, 6pm

The hearing began with a slide presentation of the project. Green 3 LLC consultant Dawn Kroh began by introducing herself and staff- Emily Shulik, Kevin McLane, and Erin Mulryan; IDNR Deputy Director John Davis; State Representative Bill Friend; the Nickel Plate Trail president, Mike Kuepper; Brock Speer from the Bunker Hill Town Council; and Mary Wright, INDOT Public Hearings Office representative. The public hearing and comment process, the purpose of the CE document, project details, project funding, and the land acquisition process were explained to attendees (refer to presentation slides). No public comments or questions were made during the presentation. After the presentation, the public statement session began. Because some attendees erroneously signed the public statement sign-in sheet instead of the attendance sheet and vice versa, all names on the hearing sign-in sheet and the public statement sign-in sheet were called to see if a comment wanted to be made. Erin: First person on the speaker sign-up sheet is Steve Kelly, but I think the sheets may have been switched, so we’ll just go on down, Rebecca Rayls Rebecca: I am Rebecca Rayls and I ride with the group called the Low Riders. We ride all over the Northern part of Indiana it seems like. This is my first year riding with the recumbent riders and I am very passionate about the trail I feel it’s very important for families and I just hope that we can get this pushed through and make a safe area for people to ride. Dawn: Thank you. Erin: Next person on the list is Gary Perry. Gary Perry: Oh, thank you, um, I too am a low rider and we ride tadpole recumbent trikes and we’re a group primarily of retired individuals. Rebecca is the first woman in the group and you know we are looking for more. This is an exciting sport if any of you are interested. You know If any of these things ever sold? we don’t hardly get any new members because of what we do is we have one day out of the week and we ride all day, we do ride anywhere from 65 to 100 miles in a day. And one of the things that we encounter about every year and maybe 2 times a year. You know we’re Interested in you know the corridor going to Maconaquah and Strawtown Pike but here is what we deal with once a year and this is really hairy you know because, usually the first thing we do is we go to some restaurant and eat breakfast first because we’ve started like 8:30 in the morning but Ya know we start in Greentown by time we get over here were on this road here..uh ya.. so we take it uh down to 31 we have to ride the shoulder and usually there’s about 10 or 12 of us, we wish there was more, we get down here to the Dutch Café, then we eat and then ya know we gotta go somewhere else ya know so usually we want to go across and you know ride down Pike Creek and on down to the river you know Wabash river and Lewisburg maybe on back. But the thing is we’re there and we gotta get across the bypass and I’m telling ya, Folks, this is scary. I a mean there is about 12 of us and all these cars coming and there’s you know kinda a hill here and you can’t really see over it and we gotta make it to the other side. It is dangerous. Uh you know, then go through the base and you know exit the base and you know get on some lesser traveled you know small country roads and stuff. But you know it would just be so great if

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that trail was open and you know we could go across we could go into the Dutch Café, get back out, hop back on the trail you know across the 31 in safety that would be just so great and you know even on the other side like you said, one thing about these trails is they gotta go somewhere, they gotta connect up you know if they just go out to nowhere and back that’s kind of ….. (3 minute time limit up) Dawn: Thank you very much for your comments Erin: Larry Harts Larry Harts: My name is Larry Harts and I live a mile from where the trail is gonna go through. One of my big concerns is what happens to the wildlife after you guys go through there with a bulldozer and tear it all out. There’s not many spots left for them. Since they took the rails when they come by and picked them up like 1980s, 85 or 86, about five years later, Boom! Trees start coming up where trains used to go and you seen wildlife you’ve never seen before and the wildlife start to use it like the bicycle riders use it so if you come through and take, run a bunch of asphalt through there and then you put people running through there, scares all the wildlife away. Maybe that guy over there from DNR can answer that, what you do with, where’s the wildlife go to after you destroy their home? Someone from crowd: I don’t know Dawn: Alright thank you for your comments Erin: Um next one is Rebecca? I’m not sure last name. Is there a Rebecca? Ok I have Tom and Karen Burglin? Attendee (unknown): You’re on the wrong sheet I’m sorry Erin: Well that’s what I think, some people signed the wrong one, the sign in sheet and then we have the sign up sheet for speaking. Let’s see, I mean I can run down the names on the sheets: Ronald Achor? Ken Thieke? Do you want to speak? Ronald Achor: Ok yea. I’m Ronny Achor of Sweetser. I’m a life representative of Sweetser all my life. We have a 4 mile trail that is excellent we can ride from Converse clear to Jonesboro We have our last mile we have just finished just here just recently. It’s nice. We do have a public restroom on our trail. We have a restroom in Sweetser and it is busy. I know these other riders I’ve seen in Sweetser every once in a while. Thank you. Dawn: Thank you Erin: Kenneth Armstrong? Kenneth Armstrong: One of the statements, reasons ya’ll said that this was necessary, one of the purposes was to connect Maconaquah to Bunker Hill and the other end and so kids could ride their bicycles to school. Seriously, how many kids are going to ride their bicycles to school? Or walk to school

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along this trail? Especially in the middle of the winter. (Crowd chatter and laughter). That’s just an excuse to get people’s land to make a trail for people who don’t live around here. If you’re concerned about what’s going on, ask the people who’s land is going be acquired. Who’s land this trail is going to run through. You’ll find a lot of them don’t want this but we don’t have the numbers. How are we going to fight 1,000 people? There’s just not enough of us. Anyway, I would like to know how many kids you expect to use that trail? Dawn: Thank you very much we appreciate you comment. Erin: The next on this list is Bill Friend. Representative Bill Friend: Thank you for allowing me to be with you this evening and I represent district 23 and that’s where we are tonight in district 23. So I have been hearing from a multitude of people about Nickel Plate extension and just as a disclaimer Nickel Plate runs through our family farm. So, it’s our neighbor, it’s our neighbor. Mr. Kuepper and I have had many discussions but I have a statement. I would like to read and first of all, I wanna say I am not opposed to trails. Many enjoy using the trail system. I’ve spoken with advocates of the trails over the years, I appreciate and respect their passion and the contribution to quality of life that the trails provide. Secondly, some guidelines are needed, guidelines that will be enforced and some suggested guidelines are as follows: A. every trail will be established in a legal fashion. B. ownership of the trail will be legally and accurately determined; no other group or entity can simply take property for their project. C. before approval of a trail proposal, the appropriate government agencies, whether it is INDOT, DNR, the local entities, will listen, listen to the effected stakeholders and likewise government agencies again, INDOT, DNR or local government, will hear the concerns of adjacent landowners. I think they have rights as well. The government agencies involved will conduct public hearings before any public funds are disbursed, and any grant application will include a credible maintenance and repair plan, and proof of a revenue stream. And finally an annual report of maintenance and repair plan, completed and projected as well as funds received and expended will be submitted to the DNR, INDOT and the legislature and failure to do so would disqualify the trail administration from future grant considerations. In addition, the Nickel Plate Trail was established using the federal rail banking law. That right of way was rail banked, the north-south portion was railbanked under the federal rail banking law. This old Penn Central line was not rail banked; there is no protection under that law. The purchase of the entire right of way of the Penn Central could face legal challenges over ownership and also most grant funds are originated from tax dollars whether they come from as in this case, federal highway tax dollars or from DNR or from State tax dollars. Please stop saying trails don’t use tax dollars, they do. Finally, a trail system can be a valuable asset in a community or region, however the advocates must operate legally, fairly, and with full regard for the adjacent land owners; a disclosure of financial stability must be forthcoming to insure the maintenance and repair will occur, otherwise the trail is likely to become a liability to our community. And this trail extension needs to be received with the predominance of support from the community and adjacent land owners or the project must be reviewed by effected stakeholders until such is the case. I submit that the state and federal funds should not be released until the above stated guidelines are met. Thank you very much for your time and attention and I have submitted this for the record. Dawn: Thank you very much Erin: Brent and Kim Myers

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Brent Myers: I would like to touch a lot on what Bill said on the rail banking. And uh..uh.. Rail Bank means if its abandoned after a certain date, rail banking will keep it for future use if the railroad needs it back. Now I believe the acquisition was illegal to begin with because this dragged through the courts for years in 2005 I believe it was, is that right? It was a settled in Boone County and this land was to go back to us land owners and that’s a matter of public record. And there ain’t no question about that. Why is that not upheld, that’s what I’d like to know...and uh I have concerns about maintenance and upkeep you know it is tax dollars. And this country’s 23 trilion dollars in debt and we don’t need to add to it. And it gets used alot for farming purposes, I’ve mowed and maintained for a long time, my horses cleared it off, I’ve spent money on it and no one’s ever said get off, you can’t do that its illegal……so uh ……that’s what I’ve got to say. Dawn: Thank you very much for your comments Kim Myers: Um so I have a little bit of an opposite account that he thinks there’s not going to be anybody going back and forth from Maconaquah. Well I feel like there’s going to be too much going back and forth to Maconaquah. I feel like there’s going to be young teenagers going back and forth. We own 0.8 miles of that side going to Maconaquah on the uh north side, and I mean there could be trash thrown all over the place. I mean who is going to you know watch you know all these kids going back and forth to Maconaquah and I think that’s a concern. I don’t think anywhere else in the state there is this small portion going from a community to a school that’s going to be incorporated into a trail and so I don’t think that’s been considered. Dawn: Thank you, we appreciate your comments. Erin: Ernest Morrison? Dan DeAngulo? Dan DeAngulo: I guess for all of us that ride in the Low Riders and just for all the bikers and the people that use the trails all the time um, we have a vision. As far as we see what’s goes on out in Missouri, there’s a trail out there called the trail Katy Trail. It’s 250 miles long and that trail initially when it was built it, had a lot of opposition. And since then when the trail was completed um its generated millions and millions of dollars in revenue for a lot of small towns along the trail. It’s also generated a lot of really good you know neighborly you know relations with everybody throughout the state and throughout the country who come to that trail and use it. We’re on we’re on the brink right now being able to with this part of the trail and eventually being able to connect and eventually all the way from Richmond, all the way to Rochester with a continuous trail line that people can ride on and maybe eventually all the way from Cincinnati to Chicago. But you know the trails are a good thing as far as the people who use them people you know get out there it’s like a long linear park and people enjoy them all the time. We don’t see the trash problems a lot along the trail we do see a lot of wildlife along the trail which is one reason why we love em, we see all the time um…l work out of Grissom and there’s a lot of folks out in Grissom that would love to see the trail go completed all the way across at least over the museum see we have a safe route to get there cuz right now when I try to commute to work on my bike or my trike, getting on 31 with the new bypass and going down that stretch of highway and trying to cross right there, I used to take my life in my hands and that was horrible. In fact I just gave up because there is so much truck traffic it makes it too dangerous. So that’s all I wanted to say thank you very much Dawn: Thanks for your comments

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Erin: Jim Yates Jim Yates: Yea thank you Jim Yates and I’m also a trail user but I’m involved in economic development here in the county as well and and uh I kinda echo some of those before me. I think it does bring a lot of uh somebody said outside folks, but a lot of those outside folks I’ve had the opportunity to be talkative when I see people on a trail, and uh I’ve talked to people from from out of the country this year actually. I’ve talked to a couple from Switzerland. I’ve talked to a couple from Germany and they are on the American Discovery Trail passing through our community. We have a lot of people that ride this trail uh cross country uh as part of that cross country route but I think also I ‘ve had the opportunity to ride in Zenia, Ohio not too long ago. They had, I have no idea the number of riders that come to that community is reeling like crazy over there with the years. It’s just a fantastic opportunity for that community and what that what the trail systems brought there. I understand the land owners scenerios. I understand all those issues uh while we have a group of, there’s about 185 folks that are signed up on regular riding schedule here in the county, that’s just pretty much the county. They’ve ridden about 250,000 miles this year, a lot of that has been on our existing trail system here in our county. My wife has personally ridden almost 2000 miles on the trails, we’ll ride on the roads but she’s very afraid to ride on the roads with the cars, that sort of thing. Wildlife is a problem for us as riders because there is a lot of wildlife there, we see deer, we see turkey, they’re all out there still, they didn’t go anywhere. There’s a lot of wooded area out along the trails that in existing trails system. So from a big, you know from a 50,000 foot level, I think the trail system is good. I support the trail systems, I hope we can work through some of these other issues so that uh, you know it works out for the land owners because anything that’s good for retail. I know we have some retail folks involved here any way we can bring this community you never know when it may improve our retail business, uh hotels and restaurants have been mentioned. So uh it’s just uh a good thing I think for the community I just work out all the other issues we have to deal with and get on down the road and make it work, thank you. Dawn: Thank you. Erin: Um, next is Tim Stage, I don’t know if that’s correct, and Kelly? Kelly Stage: My names Kelly Stage I actually own the property out there where the Dutch Café is for a lot of you I’ve see riding out there and I guess the biggest issue I have was, one, if we put more trails, in do we have funds to maintain them? The last time I talked to Mr. Kuepper you know we talk about the parking lot was mud and everyone tracks mud out, and there was no money for stone in front of the parking lots. So can we afford to put more black top? I don’t want a lot of blacktop up there and cost to maintain, can we afford to put it in or is our kids or grandkids gonna be paying for it down the road or do we have money to fund that? Number two is, if if folks is going to come in here why was we not notified before someone starts coming in our property and going back there. And saying hey, we own this, nobody ever sent us a letter, no one notified us. I actually had a no trespassing warrant going on Mr. Kuepper and he snuck out on a Saturday and uh was coming in off no trespassing warrant. So I mean, I couldn’t trust him anymore. I mean we got blue heron back there. And the number third thing is, uh my understanding is we buying that ground from we bought that from this rail vest who paid 2,900 dollars for it and our tax payer money we gave you 300,000 for it. I don’t even know if he owns it. Now would any of us do that with our own money? It that it seems a little odd. And so I would like some of those questions answered. Dawn: Thank you for your comments.

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Erin: Ok I have Steve Skinner? Attendee (unknown): Wrong one. Erin: Ok. Dave Heckman? Dave Heckman: I just want to mention that I am with the Lowriders and uh we ridden for the last 20 years and mostly on county roads and a lot of times you have to go down a highway and there are some dangerous areas. However, we’ve never had an incident in that 20 years that uh that anyone’s gotten hurt. There’s been some close ones but close ones aren’t bad ones. So the trails are definitely safer for the riders. They do provide the sanctuary, they still provide sanctuary for the animals and the birds and what have you. We seem em all the time and uh, I just think the trail system is a good thing for a lot of people. I know some people don’t like it and that’s fine …you don’t have to like it but there’s a lot of people that do like it and we do spend some money when we get out there. Thank you. Dawn: Thank you. Erin: Chuck Finster Chuck Finster: Chuck Finster. I live out by Maconaquah. I’ve used the trail when I lived here in town for a few years it was fine. From here straight out to the sidewalk out there, I could walk ride just get out there just my front door there and get on the bike to ride 6 miles through and back. What I don’t understand is why, you know, you need a new one when you’ve already got one here ya know. And uh the thing I talked Mr. Kuepper about is that our farm which I’m rentin’, I don’t think Tim’s here, and Dick Woods? Uh they have, we just leased 5 acres to Maconaquah schools for their Cattle to School program and my dad, when he was alive would go through there, and now they’re gonna have to go through there and cross the trail with combines, semis, tractors, whatever to get into their fields. They can’t if you put a trail out there, not gonna be able to go down the trail with a semi, combines, heavy duty tractors so if you can remind me what you said, when I talked to you before about, uh how ya gonna do that uh, strengthen that or you said you done it up north by north Miami, just so my guys is gonna be going into those fields can get through the Maconaquah portion of it where there raisin those cattle. They’re gonna have to take semis, combines, and everything though there, so can you remind me what you said how they did it up north so these people can hear that? Mike Kuepper: We can do that. The way the meeting was structured, we just take the questions and answer in writing so I’ll have to follow up with that. We’ll reply Erin: Um I’m probably going to get this wrong, Jim Gragg? Ok Robert Daine Robert Daine: I live out on 218, lived there about 20 years now. When I bought my property, I knew there was an abandoned railroad there but it was abandoned. Had there still been a railroad going down there with a train, I wouldn’t have bought it, we bought it because we liked where it stood. Ok, my neighbor come along, helped me clear it out and we cleared it out real nice where we could see 218. I keep it mowed every week, OK, have for the last 20 years. About a year ago, or year and half ago, I get a letter from Mr. Kuepper you no longer own that land we own it. Congratulations you’re my new neighbor. Didn’t ask for a new neighbor, OK. Quit maintaining it, quit doing everything, and I’ll tell everybody here in the room how many times they’ve been out to mow the yard- 0. And haven’t been out to do anything to it. I’ve kept maintaining it, so I figured I own it just like I should own it now. I let my

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dog out, she’s able to go out in the backyard, able to do anything. Once they put this trail in, I’m going to have to put her back on a leash. Where is that fair, I mean we don’t have any rights as land owners. In order to keep her off the trail, I’m going to have to invest probably 5000 dollars in privacy fence from one end of my property to the next. They’re not footin’ the bill, and the other part is, that group is so rude when they come out and they work on the trail. One Saturday, my wife goes out and says hey what are you guys doing here. After a few choice words with her they basically told her it was none of her business, it was their land, and she could go back on her property. She called me at work and I went out and had some words with Mr. Kuepper, wasn’t real nice words. The problem with this whole deal is is they just come and do it, they don’t contact anybody, they don’t say, hey were thinking about putting this trail in, what do you think, what do you wanna do. We’re gonna come across your land, this is what it’s gonna look like when they put this in. I’m gonna have people walking down the trail from my pole barn to that wall. For 20 years I’ve been able to go out, open up my door on a Saturday, work all day into the night, and never shut that door and never worry about anybody getting in there. Guess what, now I can’t do that, I can’t let my dog out, she’s not gonna be able to run. And the other thing is too, this crap about the kids using it to get to school- really? Were on daylight savings time- what time of day are they gonna go to school, 9 o clock so its daylight to go down this unprotected? You know there’s no security at all on this trail and I’m with Mr. Stage and with Mr. Friend, there is no maintenance, they can’t even put gravel on this parking lot here in Bunker Hill. There’s mud holes and everything else but they can’t afford a 150 dollar load of gravel to fix that parking lot, but yet were going to continue. Where’s the maintenance coming from, there’s no maintenance in it, they don’t have a plan and once these guys are dead and gone, which they’re getting older just like the rest of us, whose gonna maintain it? Where’s their volunteers at? They’re not around, so that’s my opinion on this whole trail. Dawn: Thank you for your comment. Erin: James Dragstream? Jack Clem? Frank Witt Frank Witt: I didn’t mean to sign up for speaker but I do have a question I guess, that I could ask you. Could raise that at the end of the meeting? OK. Dawn: You can also ask questions on the record and then you’ll get an official response and everyone will be able to see that response. Frank Witt: I like that. I live on a property that’s where the trail intersects with the 218, and my question is how they are going to make the approach to 218 and the process of getting all the trail heads sound? Dawn: Ok Thank you for your comment. Erin: Cindy and Allie Wilson? Cindy and Allie Wilson: Um my daughter is at work so I am speaking for her. And she lives on 218 and her home butts right up against the trail. She’s a single mother and has a 5 year old child and I worry about, there was a killing on the trail. I worry about my daughter’s protection and my grandson’s protection when he is out in the yard playing. I mean are you guys going to build a fence back there so that people can’t look in and look through her windows at night? I mean how are you going to protect my daughter? Who’s going to pick up the trash and also along the road down by Maconaquah? The school, all these children riding bicycles to school, how are they going to get to school they’re gonna go out on the road after the trail ends because it will end, and then cross the street to further hit the

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Strawtown Pike. So how are these kids gonna ride, out in the street with all the rest of the cars? And my last question is are you gonna pay us, my husband and I, land owners, that we have land across from Maconaquah school are you going to pay for our easement so we don’t have to drive down that um the railway? We drive combines, we drive semis, we drive tractors. Are you going to foot our bill to buy easements into our land to get back to our farm? And these trail riders, that’s wonderful and I’m all about the sports and being healthy, but if there’s so many places in Indiana to ride why do you have to continue a trail and it ends at Strawtown Pike? They can ride all over, so why are they having to bring that trail again, there? So I would like to know about our easement and if you’re going to build something heavy duty over the trail for us to get our farm equipment over it. We farmed all these years using that trail not bothering a soul. So those are my questions and my daughter’s. Dawn: Thank you, thank you very much. Erin: Brett? Brent: Is it for Walden Mast and then in parenthesis Brent? Erin: Yes. Walden Mast (Brent): Ok, Good evening my name is Brent Pomerhn and employee of McGrawsville Feed and Grain. I’m going to be reading a statement on behalf of Walden Mast uh, he’s ill this evening: In February 1972, I became partial owner of McGrawsville Feed and Grain Company Incorporated, and in 1976 I became the sole owner, the ownership I still retain today. After abandoned by the railroad more than 30 years ago, no one ever told us to get off, that we were doing something wrong or that anyone else had claim to the land. We never had a conversation with anyone about our ownership for more than 30 years. When the railroad was gone, we hauled in stone, we grated, and maintained the land for our usage. We use it as our own every business day of the year. We have paid all property taxes assessed to us every year, we own the land. My biggest concerns are the unlawful taking of private property and the fiscal irresponsibility of the Nickel Plate Trail and in constructing the proposed trail west to east through Miami county. If they did if they did what they’d like to do here are the costs as I have seen them stated, which I believe have been estimated by Nickel Plate Trail. The cost of the land is 300,000 dollars, paid to the US Railroad Vest? Nothing paid to adjoining land owners. Cost of construction for phase one 150,000 dollars, phase two 150,000 dollars, phase three 150,000 dollars and phase four 150,000 dollars, and maintenance for the next 20 years, 100,000 dollars. And that totals to a million dollars. Would someone tell us this evening how phase two, three, and four are going to be completed when adjoining landowners own the railroad land? Does the Nickel Plate trail have the 100,000 dollars for maintenance lined up? Or do they expect Miami County to bail them out? Does anyone know what the US Railroad Vest paid Conrail for the entire corridor across Miami county in 1993? US Railroad Vest paid Conrail 2,987 dollars for 188.4 acres; that amounts to 15.84 per acre was that really a sale at that price? A return on that price from US Railroads 2,987 dollars to the stated purchase price of 300,000 is more than 100 times the purchase price. What a return on investment! But nothing for the landowners who have controlled it, maintained it, improved it, and own it. Come on citizens of Miami county, we’re being taken advantage of! Thank you. Erin: Glen Martin? Glen Martin: I’m not talking tonight, I don’t have it.

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Erin: Ok, Greg Hunt? Larry Daily? Larry Daily: I didn’t sign up to talk, but I will ask a question. How long is it from the southern part of the county clear up to the 1600 including, Peru how far is that? Mike Kuepper: Uh the current trail’s total length from Kokomo to Rochester is 41 Larry Daily: I’m just asking about Miami county is about 35 miles, isn’t it? Mike Kuepper: Maybe 32 Larry Daily: I don’t know why anyone would ride on 31. I mean you got the trail you know within in a mile of 31. I don’t understand that at all going north and south. I don’t understand that at all, but uh we ride the trail on occasion, we live out in the country, we want closer to the trail, so were moving to Peru. But these land owners, it’s their property you know, they’ve got to get into their fields and have? businesses and that’s all I’ve got to say. Dawn: Thank you very much for your comment Erin: Mark Thornburg? Mark Thornburg: Yea, I didn’t necessarily sign up to say anything but I’ll just make a brief comment. I’m with Indiana Farm Bureau, I know that Miami County Farm Bureau had a meeting tonight. I know they have a difficult time of getting people to show up, so I came down just to, um sit in and hear what was going on. Indiana Farm Bureau’s position on trails is much like representative Friend’s, we’re not opposed to trails but it’s the property rights of our members that we’re concerned about. So the issues of ownership needs to be adequately dealt with, trespassing, safety issues need to be, uh addressed. um like somebody mentioned the access issue across the trail if your farming both sides of it um, maintenance cost, initial costs where are those coming from? And those sorts of things are main concerns. Thank you. Dawn: Thank you for your comments. Erin: Ok, some people may have signed the wrong sheets. I just want to run through this list to make sure everybody gets to speak. Last ones I have are Tom and Karen Burglan. Tom Burglan: Yeah. One of my concerns in the situation is that uh, crossing for pedestrians going down the trail, crossing county roads are usually at an odd angle because of our trail set up. I know that you have addressed this in certain situations, uh but we got children crossing county roads and cars coming at it about 40-50 miles an hour, 60 miles an hour. What I would like to suggest, put in the hearing why aren’t we going down state road 18? The fences and the poles have all been set back, it’s plenty wide, it would serve the same purpose and will connect it at Bennetts Switch, and take them all the way to Converse. The county already has or uh the state already has right of way there, um it just looks like a good alternative. That way when a pedestrian comes to the trail, comes to a county road you’re at a stop, sign cars are already stopped and you come across safely. I don’t know, I go into Wendy’s a lot in Peru as you can tell, but a I can sit there and watch with that stop light and there’s a lot of cars that pass through there. When the stop light is red and the people should be stopping, um and its unfamiliar for people to drive through there. I do the same thing, I go to Carmel, I drive through the lights when I, you

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know, when I’m not aware of it. I think there is a safety issue that we should address or should take a look at, and I think coming down State Road 18 should be something to look at. Thank you. Dawn: Thank you very much for your comment. Erin: Ken Thieke? Tony McKown? Mike, is there a Mike with a name that starts with a V? Last name V, you want to speak? (Response- no). OK, Jack Smith? Jack Smith: Yeah. My name’s Jack Smith. I’m from Kokomo and ride with the low riders and uh, if I didn’t ride I wouldn’t have my health. I just can’t do things anymore so I enjoy the trail. I can’t speak for the land owner or for the properties. Land’s always been owned by someone and it’s only been acquired with other things we build state roads, county roads. Thank you. Dawn: Thank you. Erin: Tim Harshman? No? Kelly Stage? David Plut? David Plut: Hey I’m a long-time cyclist and I love the trail systems. It sounds to me like the problem here is east and I went to the Dutch Café once. I will never go west again and ride down 218 and 31 to get to the Dutch Café. And let me tell you, these low rider guys they eat, and they eat big, I tell ya, spend a lot of money at these restaurants. And if I am every gonna go to the Dutch Café again, I’m gonna go from the trail from Bunker Hill to the Dutch Café ok. I love the trails. Dawn: Thank you. Erin: The last name is Ben Graber? Ben Graber: Ben Graber. I’m farmer. uh I live right close to McGrawsville. I own about a mile along this corridor and uh its gonna grossly effect my farming operation. Parts of this farm, we have farmed through for 25 years and nobody ever stopped us or said that we couldn’t. We all have warranty deeds for part of this property, nobody’s ever approached us about it. Mike drove across my field, drove stakes in it, and left tracks in my field. Went right across, never asked me or anything. You were trespassing and you knew it when you did it. So you know where’s our rights, that’s what I’m asking, where’s our rights? So for 25 years that has been farmed and nobody stopped us so my concerns is, my boys went back there and we hunted deer ever since I was little. We’ve hunted deer out there and now it’s taken away from us. There’s a pond along there where ducks nest and every time a runner goes through these ducks’ll take off. I know cuz every time I walk through there they take off. Our rights are basically nothing, that’s the way I see it. If there’d be some method of compensation, I would be agreed to it, but my land value will be way less because now all the sudden I have a 4 acre patch, and there be a point rose to where I get 30% less crop yields because I have to always go over that. Also if you make an egress across this property we’ll have 1000 pound trucks and will I be liable for the damages occurred? So you know, there’s a lot of rights that us land owners are getting squashed just for your special interests, and somehow I wish there would be some representation that we could at least be compensated some way. Thank you. Dawn: Thank you very much Erin: Those are all the names that I have

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Dawn: Anyone else want to speak, whose name is not on the list? You already spoke I think sir, did you not? Man: Yes Dawn: Um, if everyone who has wanted to enter a comment on the record has spoken… Steve Skinner: I just have a question, I was on the list. Dawn: Please state your name? Steve Skinner: Steve Skinner, I just have a question. You farmers, I understand how you feel about this, but did you ever pay for the land? Farmers: yes ..we have warranty deeds. Dawn: Ok thank you for your comment. Was there another individual? Please state your name. Ernest Morris: I’m Ernest Morris. I own the property there at 800 and Meridian, up on Maconaquah about where’s y’all planning on crossing the road over there. That intersection, it got a little gravel there where I turn around and all that. I haul my firewood up, that sustains me during the winter. What am I gonna do about hauling my firewood? What am I gonna do about people illegally parking on my land to enter the trails there? What are they gonna do about the privacy because my house ain’t far from the trail, my garage sits right on what y’all present as your land now but we own it. I see kids comin’ in and out of that school all the time. What’s to stop them from going down that trail and vandalizing, stealing, robbing at all hours of the night? My house done been broke in once since the beginning of all this proposal crap. Is it gonna happen again? Dawn: Thank you we appreciate those comments. Any other people wishing to speak? Yes sir, please state your name. Todd Miller: My name’s Todd Miller, I’ve lived here for 13 years. I’m not from here, farming is awesome for Indiana, I appreciate all you farmers. The Good book says try to be a good neighbor and that’s what we need here um there’s differences of opinion, there’s certain laws. I’m very excited we have Nickel Plate trail, it’s one of the best things in Miami county. I’m from Elkhart, they have the Pumpkinvine trail there, it goes from Goshen to Gary. My wife and I ride bikes, and for our anniversary we bought a Cannondale. Kids, we got two kids, our youngest one’s birthday’s today, he’s graduating from Maconaquah. Our daughter, she’s 20, she goes to IU Kokomo. I chose to move my family to Miami County, OK. We’re Gideon? Good Christian man and try the best we can. I love you farmers, I know we have difference of opinion ok, and I’d like to try to be a good neighbor. I think if you talk, try to work it out. This young man that talked a little in mass, I appreciate you being here. Mike Kuepper, I’ve met and called him twice, talked with um Randy Overman and Danny Parson. I go to church with Danny Parson. Randy overman from the Gideons? ok we met with Weldon, because his property right there, it’s been privately owned all that time, some guy in Chicago right. So we met with Weldon. It’s not my business but I said Weldon, if you were to buy the property because the land owner to the south of him. I said if you would have bought that property there, you know and then we could kind of trade with ya cause you guys got big trucks that you’ve got to this is your living. I understand, I’m a business man, but that was my suggestion. We talked to him twice and Walden never really came back and so we go we talk to lawyers, lawyers just cost everybody money. Your money you know. This is America, you know, can’t we

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talk together and try to work things out? Every weekend I go and ride my bike. I happen to like mountain biking better but it’s awesome because we all need so much exercise and I don’t feel safe riding on the county roads. I used to live on State Road 120 in Bristol, with the St. Joe’s River in my backyard, state highway’s the front. Well they widened those roads so cyclists can get through as you guys are hauling your combines. Those are dangerous you know, we gotta look out for one another. We don’t want anybody get hurt. That murder that happened, I don’t think don’t think it was because of the trail. You know my wife kind of knows that family and it’s a terrible tragedy, but please don’t try and blame it on the trail. You know we’ve built up in the northern part of the county and we talked with the farmers because they’ve got to be able to get their farm equipment from one side to the other side. So we can build the trail in such a way that you can access that, ok there might be a misunderstanding …. (3 minute time limit up). Dawn: We have a 3 minute limit. Todd Miller: Oh, I’m sorry. Dawn: If you have any further comments feel free to write them down. Todd Miller: Appreciate it, Hopefully we can work this out because to me it’s one of the best things about Miami County is having the Nickel Plate Trail. Dawn: Thank you for your comments. OK, last speaker? Mary? Mary: No I just wanted to make sure that you keep tellin’ em that they can make written comment but I don’t know if I caught it, did you give em the information to submit written comment? Erin: Yes at the beginning. Mary Wright: And then you wanna tell them when the end of the comment period is? Erin: Two weeks after today. Sorry it was in the slide earlier, that makes it Decemeber 13th is the comment deadline and we do have plenty of the comment sheets if you want to use these. Even if you wanna just take one, it’s got my email at the bottom. If you just want to email your comment that’s fine too. I just wanted to make sure everyone knew they were over here for you. Dawn: Ok with that said, I think then the public hearing um will close and we will adjourn. I know a lot of you have questions and there may be a desire for more conversations, individual questions and answers. We’ll close the hearing and we’ll move out of here but you all may mingle and talk with whomever you like for the next 20 minutes of so. Then please keep in mind that we will be providing responses to all of the questions that were posed as part of the hearing. Sir? Man: Maybe I didn’t catch it but who do you guys work for, exactly? Dawn: We are a consulting firm that prepares environmental documents… Man: For who… Dawn: We have been selected by the Nickel Plate Trail… Man: For who…

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Man: So you work for them? Dawn: We have to meet the standards of the Indiana Department of Transportation… Man: So, my question was answered. You work for him. Dawn: I think we’ve all been very patient with one another. I think we’re all here trying to speak our mind and trying to do what we think is in the best interest of our community. We appreciate your time and we appreciate your patience and your honesty and look forward to responding back. Thank you very much.

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WRITTEN STATEMENTS RECEIVED AT PUBLIC HEARING

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WRITTEN STATEMENTS RECEIVED AFTER PUBLIC HEARING (COMMENT DEADLINE- 12/13/2016)

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Tuesday, December 13, 2016 at 4:15:10 PM Eastern Standard Time

Subject: Date: From: To: CC: AEachments:

Landowner Statements for Nickel Plate Trail and IDNR Monday, December 12, 2016 at 3:16:26 PM Eastern Standard Time Brent Pomerhn JHoage@dnr.in.gov, mike@nickelplatetrail.org Erin Mulryan, Tom@taklaw.comcastbiz.net, Valerie Bloom Cover LeQer.pdf, Boone, James and Ronna Lita.pdf, Daine, Robert and SuzeQe.pdf, Finster, Charles and Nichols, Debra.pdf, Graber, Benjamin.pdf

Please see the a)ached cover le)er from Nels Ackerson and the ďŹ rst batch of landowner statements. Mr. Ackerson's le)er is also intended to cover addi<onal batches of landowner statements that will be sent as a)achments to separate emails. When considering or forwarding any or all of the a)achments, please include this le)er. Please also include the a)ached le)er and all of the landowner statements to follow as part of the record for the hearing in Bunker Hill on Tuesday November 29th. Sincerely, -- Brent Pomerhn 941-256-5323

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Exhibit A - "Our Land" Robert and Suzette Daine 969 W S.R. 218 Bunker Hill IN 46914

Our Land: We, Robert and Suzette Daine, have exercised full and exclusive control, possession, use and ownership rights for more than twenty years on all of the real estate that is shown within the bold black border in the aerial photograph above. Before Conrail abandoned railroad operations in the early 1980s, we were not able to exercise full control or possession of the portion of Our Land that appears north of the blue dotted line. G - 121

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Exhibit A - "My Land" Kelly Stage U.S. 31 Peru IN 46970

My Land: I, Kelly Stage, have exercised full and exclusive control, possession, use and ownership rights for more than twenty years on all of the real estate that is shown within the bold black border in the aerial photograph above. Before Conrail abandoned railroad operations in the early 1980s, I was not able to exercise full control or possession of the portion of My Land that appears north of the blue dotted line.

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Exhibit B - "My Land" Kelly Stage 6665 & 6663 S US 31 Peru IN 46970

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COMMENTS, DISPOSITION, AND EVALUATION

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REQUESTS FOR A PUBLIC HEARING IN RESPONSE TO THE LEGAL NOTICE OF PLANNED IMPROVEMNET (Published in the Peru Tribune and mailing to adjacent property owners) Agency/Individual Name

Nature of Comment

Evaluation & Disposition

Robert Daine

Requested a public hearing via email on 9/22/2016. Mr. Daine stated that property owners haven't been kept informed of the project.

A Public Hearing was held on 11/29/2016

Ernest Morris

Requested a public hearing via email on 10/03/2016

A Public Hearing was held on 11/29/2016

The cover letter, sent by Ackerson Kauffman Fex, Attorneys PC via email on 10/03/2016, requested a public hearing; the cover letter was sent on behalf of 24 property owners that signed a written statement, which was attached to the cover letter. A letter from Ackerson Kauffman Fex, Attorneys PC, representing 24 landowners requesting a public hearing was attached to the cover letter, and requested A Public Hearing was held on 11/29/2016 property owners that 30 days notice of the hearing be given. The written statement declaring the rights of 24 signatories to the land within the boundaries of the former railroad corridor (purchased from a railroad divestment company by Nickel Plate Trail, Inc.).

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PUBLIC STATEMENTS MADE DURING THE 11/29/2016 PUBLIC HEARING IN BUNKER HILL, IN Agency/Individual Name

Nature of Comment

Evaluation & Disposition

Rebecca Rayls

Provided verbal support for the project.

No evaluation and disposition needed.

Gary Perry

Provided verbal support for the project.

No evaluation and disposition needed.

Larry Harts

Where does the wildlife go after the railroad corridor is cleared

Only vegetation on the rail bed and overhanging the trail will be cleared. Wildlife will still be able to migrate across the trail to adjacent habitats. Based on coordination with IDNR and USFWS, no threatened or endangered species were identified to be living within the project area. Wooded portions of the railroad corridor may provide suitable summer nursery and foraging habitat for the federally endangered Indiana bat and the federally threatened Northern long-eared bat. Therefore, the Categorical Exclusion environmental document contains a commitment that trees will be cleared when bats would not be present (October 1 to April 1).

Ronald Achor

Provided verbal support for the project.

No evaluation and disposition needed.

How many kids do you expect to use the trail to ride or walk to school? Kenneth Armstrong

While the Town of Bunker Hill may not have a local safe routes to school plan, the trail will be open and available for students to use to travel from town to the school if desired. The Also stated that saying the trail is being built for kids to get to school was just and excuse for building trail will be open to all users with no user fees. a trail for people that don't live in the area.

1. A. All trail projects must comply with local, state, and federal regulations, as applicable. 1. Rep. Friend's main concerns are: legal acquisition; the need for public hearings before funds are disbursed; and the need for a maintenance plan and proof of revenue stream. Rep. Friend suggested B. All trail projects awarded Recreational Trail Program (RTP) funds must acquire land in guidelines for trail development: compliance with the procedures set forth in the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Uniform Act. All land that has been and will be acquired for all sections of the Nickel Plate Trail will be from willing sellers. A. Every trail will be established in a legal fashion.

Rep. William (Bill) Friend (Provided this statement in written form as well)

B. Ownership of the trail will be legally and accurately determined; no other group or entity can simply take property for their project.

C. All RTP projects must comply with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and Indiana Dept. of Transportation (INDOT) regulations regarding the analysis of environmental, historical, and social resources and associated impacts, including the 2012 INDOT Public Involvement Policies and Procedures Manual. All RTP grant applications must include a cost estimate, and all expenditures are reimbursed in accordance with the regulations in the most up-to-date Recreational Trails Program Manual. All not-for-profit organizations must provide financial documentation in accordance with state laws.

C. Before approval of a trail proposal, the appropriate government agencies, whether it is INDOT, DNR, the local entities, will llisten to the effected stakeholders and likewise government agencies again, INDOT, DNR or local government, will hear the concerns of adjacent landowners. The government agencies involved will conduct public hearings before any public funds are disbursed, and any grant application will include a credible maintenance and repair plan, and proof of a revenue The Nickel Plate Trail, Inc. group has all deeds and titles to the land that has been acquired stream. And finally an annual report of maintenance and repair plan, completed and projected as and those documents can be made available upon request. Trails must be operated and well as funds received and expended will be submitted to the DNR, INDOT and the legislature and maintained for the public use for a minimum of 25 years as part of the RTP grant contract. failure to do so would disqualify the trail administration from future grant considerations. Maintenance is performed by volunteers and funds come from donors and supporters.

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PUBLIC STATEMENTS MADE DURING THE 11/29/2016 PUBLIC HEARING IN BUNKER HILL, IN Agency/Individual Name

Nature of Comment

The Myers had concerns about:

Evaluation & Disposition 1. The Nickel Plate Trail, Inc. group has all deeds and titles to the land that has been acquired and those documents can be made available upon request. All trail projects awarded Recreational Trail Program (RTP) funds must acquire land in compliance with the procedures set forth in the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Uniform Act. All land that has been and will be acquired for all sections of the Nickel Plate Trail will be from willing sellers.

1. The legality of the land acquisition Brent & Kim Myers 2. Maintenance of the trail/trash along the trail 3. Monitoring teenagers using the trail to get to Maconaquah High School

2. Trails must be operated and maintained for the public use for a minimum of 25 years as part of the RTP grant contract. Maintenance is performed by volunteers and funds come from donors and supporters. Past experience with existing sections of the Nickel Plate Trail have found that trash disposal along the trail is minimal. 3. The Nickel Plate Trail, Inc. group has a Trail Rangers committee that periodically monitors the trail. This group has completed Red Cross CPR training. Open trails in general are "self monitoring," meaning users report crimes to local law enforcement.

Dan DeAngulo

Provided verbal support for the project.

No evaluation and disposition needed.

Jim Yates

Provided verbal support for the project.

No evaluation and disposition needed.

1. Maintenance is performed by volunteers and funds come from donors and supporters. The Bunker Hill parking lot will be upgraded with RTP funds (tentatively awarded in 2016). 1. Are there funds to maintain the trail? Mentioned that the Bunker Hill parking lot was muddy and Upgrades include Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant parking, stone surfacing, people track mud out onto the streets. and a water fountain. Kelly Stage

2. why weren't landowners notified that people would be out on the railroad corridor staking? 3. Questioned the land acquisition costs.

2. The Nickel Plate Trail, Inc. group sent a letter to all adjacent landowners on March 30, 2015 notifying them that the group now owned the corridor land. 3. Land acquired with federal funds must comply with the FHWA Uniform Act.

Dave Heckman

Provided verbal support for the project.

No evaluation and disposition needed.

Chuck Finster

Mr. Finster asked for more details about farm equipment crossings over the trail.

The Nickel Plate Trail, Inc. group has worked with several farmers along existing trail sections to provide trail strength enhancement in the form of (including but not limited to): thickened asphalt sections and concrete aprons built to withstand the weight of farm equipment.

1. Concerned about existing maintenance issues with the temporary parking lot in Bunker Hill. Robert Daine

2. Concerned that he will have to tie his dog up and not allow her to run free due to the trail.

1. Maintenance is performed by volunteers and funds come from donors and supporters. The Bunker Hill parking lot will be upgraded with RTP funds (tentatively awarded in 2016). Upgrades include Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant parking, stone surfacing, and a water fountain. 2. Miami County Code of Ordinances prohibits persons from allowing pets or animals from straying beyond his or her property (see Chapter 90, Animals).

3. Concerned about theft- his barn is near the trail. 3. The Nickel Plate Trail, Inc. group has in the past and continues to work with adjacent landowners regarding screening the trail for privacy and installing security signage.

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PUBLIC STATEMENTS MADE DURING THE 11/29/2016 PUBLIC HEARING IN BUNKER HILL, IN Agency/Individual Name

Nature of Comment

Evaluation & Disposition 1. The trail crossings will be designed in accordance with current INDOT standards.

1. How will the trail cross SR 218? Frank Witt 2. How will the trailhead be improved?

2. Maintenance is performed by volunteers and funds come from donors and supporters. The Bunker Hill parking lot will be upgraded with RTP funds (tentatively awarded in 2016). Upgrades include Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant parking, stone surfacing, and a water fountain. 1. The Nickel Plate Trail, Inc. group has in the past and continues to work with adjacent landowners regarding screening the trail for privacy and installing security signage.

1. How will my daughter, who lives along the trail, be protected? Can a fence be put up so people can't see in her windows? Cindy & Allie Wilson

2. Who is going to pick up all of the trash? 3. How will kids get to school when the trail ends at Strawtown Pike? 4. How will workers get to their farm? They currently use the corridor to move farm equipment.

1. How will phases 2-4 of the trail be built when adjacent landowners own the land? Brent Pomerhn on behalf Weldon Mast (not present due to illness)

Larry Daily

2. Maintenance is performed by volunteers and funds come from donors and supporters. Past experience with existing sections of the Nickel Plate Trail have found that trash disposal along the trail is minimal.

2. Does the Nickel Plate Trail, Inc. group have maintenance funds or will the expect Miami County to bail them out?

Asked how long is the existing trail within Miami County?

Expressed general concerns about: 1. Land acquisition Mark Thornburg (Miami Co. Farm Bureau) 2. Safety and trespassing 3. Farm equipment access.

3. The trail ending at Strawtown Pike is temporary; portions of the railroad corridor east of Strawtown Pike has already been purchased for trail development. 4. The Nickel Plate Trail, Inc. group has worked with several farmers along existing trail sections to provide trail strength enhancement in the form of (including but not limited to): thickened asphalt sections and concrete aprons built to withstand the weight of farm equipment. 1. All trail projects awarded Recreational Trail Program (RTP) funds must acquire land in compliance with the procedures set forth in the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Uniform Act. All land that has been and will be acquired for all sections of the Nickel Plate Trail will be from willing sellers. 2. Maintenance is performed by volunteers and funds come from donors and supporters. The group has no intentions of relying on Miami County government for trail maintenance.

Approximately 32 miles.

1. The Nickel Plate Trail, Inc. group has all deeds and titles to the land that has been acquired and those documents can be made available upon request. All trail projects awarded Recreational Trail Program (RTP) funds must acquire land in compliance with the procedures set forth in the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Uniform Act. All land that has been and will be acquired for all sections of the Nickel Plate Trail will be from willing sellers. 2. The Nickel Plate Trail, Inc. group has in the past and continues to work with adjacent landowners regarding screening the trail for privacy and installing security signage. 3. The Nickel Plate Trail, Inc. group has worked with several farmers along existing trail sections to provide trail strength enhancement in the form of (including but not limited to): thickened asphalt sections and concrete aprons built to withstand the weight of farm equipment.

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WRITTEN STATEMENTS COLLECTED AT THE 11/29/2016 PUBLIC HEARING IN BUNKER HILL, IN Agency/Individual Name

Nature of Comment

Evaluation & Disposition

Tom Burglan

The preferred alternative to use the former Penn Central corridor presents the most cost Asked why doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t the trail go along SR 18? There is plenty of room between road and power lines. effective alignment that has the least amount of environmental and historical impacts. Signage warning trail users of the crossings will be installed and crossings will be designed He is concerned that people will get hit by cars when crossing roads. in accordance with current INDOT standards.

Jack Smith

Provided verbal support for the project.

No evaluation and disposition needed.

David Plut

Provided verbal support for the project.

No evaluation and disposition needed.

1. Wants to know about how the land was acquired? Benjamin Graber

2. Is he liable for the damages to the trail caused by his large trucks? 3. Concerned about less crop yield due to trail.

1. All trail projects awarded Recreational Trail Program (RTP) funds must acquire land in compliance with the procedures set forth in the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Uniform Act. All land that has been and will be acquired for all sections of the Nickel Plate Trail will be from willing sellers. 2. The Nickel Plate Trail, Inc. group has worked with several farmers along existing trail sections to provide trail strength enhancement in the form of (including but not limited to): thickened asphalt sections and concrete aprons built to withstand the weight of farm equipment. Any damages will be addressed on a case-by-case basis. 3. The analysis of impacts to prime farmland as part of the NEPA environmental document review found no significant impacts to prime farmland.

Steve Skinner

Ernest Morris

Asked the landowners in the audience if they paid for their land.

Some in the audience replied yes.

1. The Nickel Plate Trail Inc. group has worked with several landowners in the past 1. Wanted to know how he was going to be able to access his firewood? (didn't provide the location regarding access to property next to the trail. of the firewood) 2. There are no parking lots or trailheads included in the scope of this project. There are no existing parking lots or trailheads adjacent to Mr. Morris' property. Mr. Morris is 2. How will the Nickel Plate Trail, Inc. group control people from parking on his land to access the encouraged to report suspicious activity to local law enforcement. trail? 3. Expressed concerns about trespassing and vandalism because his house and barn are near the trail 3. The Nickel Plate Trail, Inc. group has in the past and continues to work with adjacent landowners regarding screening the trail for privacy and installing security signage. To alignment. date, the group has received no reports of vandalism on the existing trail sections.

Todd Miller

Provided verbal support for the project.

No evaluation and disposition needed.

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WRITTEN STATEMENTS COLLECTED AT THE 11/29/2016 PUBLIC HEARING IN BUNKER HILL, IN Agency/Individual Name

Nature of Comment

Evaluation & Disposition

1. A. All trail projects must comply with local, state, and federal regulations, as applicable. 1. Rep. Friend's main concerns are: legal acquisition; the need for public hearings before funds are B. All trail projects awarded Recreational Trail Program (RTP) funds must acquire land in disbursed; and the need for a maintenance plan and proof of revenue stream. Rep. Friend suggested compliance with the procedures set forth in the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) guidelines for trail development: Uniform Act. All land that has been and will be acquired for all sections of the Nickel Plate Trail will be from willing sellers. A. Every trail will be established in a legal fashion. C. All RTP projects must comply with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and B. Ownership of the trail will be legally and accurately determined; no other group or entity can Indiana Dept. of Transportation (INDOT) regulations regarding the analysis of Rep. William (Bill) Friend (this written statement was simply take property for their project. environmental, historical, and social resources and associated impacts, including the 2012 read during the public statement session of the hearing INDOT Public Involvement Policies and Procedures Manual. All RTP grant applications must as well) C. Before approval of a trail proposal, the appropriate government agencies, whether it is INDOT, include a cost estimate, and all expenditures are reimbursed in accordance with the DNR, the local entities, will llisten to the effected stakeholders and likewise government agencies regulations in the most up-to-date Recreational Trails Program Manual. All not-for-profit again, INDOT, DNR or local government, will hear the concerns of adjacent landowners. The organizations must provide financial documentation in accordance with state laws. government agencies involved will conduct public hearings before any public funds are disbursed, and any grant application will include a credible maintenance and repair plan, and proof of a revenue The Nickel Plate Trail, Inc. group has all deeds and titles to the land that has been acquired stream. And finally an annual report of maintenance and repair plan, completed and projected as and those documents can be made available upon request. Trails must be operated and well as funds received and expended will be submitted to the DNR, INDOT and the legislature and maintained for the public use for a minimum of 25 years as part of the RTP grant contract. failure to do so would disqualify the trail administration from future grant considerations. as part of the RTP grant contract. Maintenance is performed by volunteers and funds come from donors and supporters.

Benjamin Graber (Note: the property parcel presented in the map that accompanied this written statement is Provided a written statement declaring rights to the land within the boundaries of the former east of Strawtown Pike and outside of the scope of the railroad corridor (purchased from a railroad divestment company by Nickel Plate Trail, Inc.) Nickel Plate Trail- Bunker Hill Extension project, Des. 1401127)

The Nickel Plate Trail, Inc. group has all deeds and titles to the land that has been acquired and those documents can be made available upon request.

Mark & Cynthia Hahn (Note: the property parcel presented in the map that accompanied this written Provided a written statement declaring rights to the land within the boundaries of the former statement is east of Strawtown Pike and outside of the railroad corridor (purchased from a railroad divestment company by Nickel Plate Trail, Inc.) scope of the Nickel Plate Trail- Bunker Hill Extension project, Des. 1401127)

The Nickel Plate Trail, Inc. group has all deeds and titles to the land that has been acquired and those documents can be made available upon request.

Marcus & Wende Otto (Note: both property parcels presented in the map that accompanied this written Provided a written statement declaring rights to the land within the boundaries of the former statement are east of Strawtown Pike and outside of railroad corridor (purchased from a railroad divestment company by Nickel Plate Trail, Inc.) the scope of the Nickel Plate Trail- Bunker Hill Extension project, Des. 1401127)

The Nickel Plate Trail, Inc. group has all deeds and titles to the land that has been acquired and those documents can be made available upon request.

Scott Worl (Note: the property parcel presented in the map that accompanied this written statement is east of Provided a written statement declaring rights to the land within the boundaries of the former Strawtown Pike and outside of the scope of the Nickel railroad corridor (purchased from a railroad divestment company by Nickel Plate Trail, Inc.) Plate Trail- Bunker Hill Extension project, Des. 1401127)

The Nickel Plate Trail, Inc. group has all deeds and titles to the land that has been acquired and those documents can be made available upon request.

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WRITTEN STATEMENTS COLLECTED AT THE 11/29/2016 PUBLIC HEARING IN BUNKER HILL, IN Agency/Individual Name

Nature of Comment

Evaluation & Disposition

Allie & Cindy Wilson (Note: both property parcels presented in the maps that accompanied this written Provided a written statement declaring rights to the land within the boundaries of the former statement are adjacent to the Nickel Plate Trail- Bunker railroad corridor (purchased from a railroad divestment company by Nickel Plate Trail, Inc.) Hill Extension project, Des. 1401127)

The Nickel Plate Trail, Inc. group has all deeds and titles to the land that has been acquired and those documents can be made available upon request.

Brent & Kimberly Myers (Note: all three property parcels presented in the maps that accompanied this Provided a written statement declaring rights to the land within the boundaries of the former written statement are adjacent to the Nickel Plate Trail- railroad corridor (purchased from a railroad divestment company by Nickel Plate Trail, Inc.) Bunker Hill Extension project, Des. 1401127)

The Nickel Plate Trail, Inc. group has all deeds and titles to the land that has been acquired and those documents can be made available upon request.

WRITTEN STATEMENTS RECEIVED VIA EMAIL ON 12/12/2016 Agency/Individual Name

Nature of Comment

Evaluation & Disposition

James & Ronna Lita Boone (Note: two of the three property parcels presented in the maps that accompanied this written statement are adjacent to the Provided a written statement declaring rights to the land within the boundaries of the former Nickel Plate Trail- Bunker Hill Extension project, Des. railroad corridor (purchased from a railroad divestment company by Nickel Plate Trail, Inc.) 1401127; one parcel is east of Strawtown Pike and outside of the scope of the project)

The Nickel Plate Trail, Inc. group has all deeds and titles to the land that has been acquired and those documents can be made available upon request.

Robert & Suzette Daine (Note: the property parcel presented in the map that accompanied this written statement is adjacent to the Nickel Plate Trail- Bunker Hill Extension project, Des. 1401127)

Provided a written statement declaring rights to the land within the boundaries of the former railroad corridor (purchased from a railroad divestment company by Nickel Plate Trail, Inc.)

The Nickel Plate Trail, Inc. group has all deeds and titles to the land that has been acquired and those documents can be made available upon request.

Charles Finster & Debra Nichols (Note: the property parcel presented in the map that accompanied this Provided a written statement declaring rights to the land within the boundaries of the former written statement is adjacent to the Nickel Plate Trail- railroad corridor (purchased from a railroad divestment company by Nickel Plate Trail, Inc.) Bunker Hill Extension project, Des. 1401127)

The Nickel Plate Trail, Inc. group has all deeds and titles to the land that has been acquired and those documents can be made available upon request.

Benjamin Graber (Note: both property parcels presented in the map that accompanied this written Provided a written statement declaring rights to the land within the boundaries of the former statement are east of Strawtown Pike and outside of railroad corridor (purchased from a railroad divestment company by Nickel Plate Trail, Inc.) the scope of the Nickel Plate Trail- Bunker Hill Extension project, Des. 1401127)

The Nickel Plate Trail, Inc. group has all deeds and titles to the land that has been acquired and those documents can be made available upon request.

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WRITTEN STATEMENTS RECEIVED VIA EMAIL ON 12/12/2016 Agency/Individual Name

Nature of Comment

Evaluation & Disposition

Jack & Kathy Hunt (Note: the property parcel presented in the map that accompanied this written statement is Provided a written statement declaring rights to the land within the boundaries of the former east of Strawtown Pike and outside of the scope of the railroad corridor (purchased from a railroad divestment company by Nickel Plate Trail, Inc.) Nickel Plate Trail- Bunker Hill Extension project, Des. 1401127)

The Nickel Plate Trail, Inc. group has all deeds and titles to the land that has been acquired and those documents can be made available upon request.

Noel & Marsha Hunt (Note: all three property parcels presented in the maps that accompanied this written Provided a written statement declaring rights to the land within the boundaries of the former statement are east of Strawtown Pike and outside of railroad corridor (purchased from a railroad divestment company by Nickel Plate Trail, Inc.) the scope of the Nickel Plate Trail- Bunker Hill Extension project, Des. 1401127)

The Nickel Plate Trail, Inc. group has all deeds and titles to the land that has been acquired and those documents can be made available upon request.

Matthew & Christi Kunkle (Note: the property parcel presented in the map that accompanied this written statement is adjacent to the Nickel Plate Trail- Bunker Hill Extension project, Des. 1401127)

Provided a written statement declaring rights to the land within the boundaries of the former railroad corridor (purchased from a railroad divestment company by Nickel Plate Trail, Inc.)

The Nickel Plate Trail, Inc. group has all deeds and titles to the land that has been acquired and those documents can be made available upon request.

Weldon Mast (Note: the property parcel presented in the map that accompanied this written statement is Provided a written statement declaring rights to the land within the boundaries of the former east of Strawtown Pike and outside of the scope of the railroad corridor (purchased from a railroad divestment company by Nickel Plate Trail, Inc.) Nickel Plate Trail- Bunker Hill Extension project, Des. 1401127)

The Nickel Plate Trail, Inc. group has all deeds and titles to the land that has been acquired and those documents can be made available upon request.

Lorn Shafer, Pearline Shafer, Russell Shafer, & Brenda Shafer (Note: the property parcel presented in the map Provided a written statement declaring rights to the land within the boundaries of the former that accompanied this written statement is east of railroad corridor (purchased from a railroad divestment company by Nickel Plate Trail, Inc.) Strawtown Pike and outside of the scope of the Nickel Plate Trail- Bunker Hill Extension project, Des. 1401127)

The Nickel Plate Trail, Inc. group has all deeds and titles to the land that has been acquired and those documents can be made available upon request.

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WRITTEN STATEMENTS RECEIVED VIA EMAIL ON 12/12/2016 Agency/Individual Name

Nature of Comment

Evaluation & Disposition

Kelly Stage (Note: both property parcels presented in the map that accompanied this written statement are located west of Bunker Hill, on the east side of US 31, and outside of the scope of the Nickel Plate Trail- Bunker Hill Extension project, Des. 1401127)

Provided a written statement declaring rights to the land within the boundaries of the former railroad corridor (purchased from a railroad divestment company by Nickel Plate Trail, Inc.)

The Nickel Plate Trail, Inc. group has all deeds and titles to the land that has been acquired and those documents can be made available upon request.

Cheryl Wallace & Rebecca Fronk (Note: the property parcel presented in the map that accompanied this written statement is east of Strawtown Pike and outside of the scope of the Nickel Plate Trail- Bunker Hill Extension project, Des. 1401127)

Provided a written statement declaring rights to the land within the boundaries of the former railroad corridor (purchased from a railroad divestment company by Nickel Plate Trail, Inc.)

The Nickel Plate Trail, Inc. group has all deeds and titles to the land that has been acquired and those documents can be made available upon request.

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3/30/2015 LETTER SENT FROM NICKEL PLATE TRAIL, INC. TO ADJACENT PROPERTY OWNERS

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Nickel Plate Trail, Inc. Mike Kuepper, President March 30, 2015 Benjamin Graber 2657 East 900 South Bunker Hill, Indiana 46914

PO Box 875

Peru, Indiana 46970

Note to Reader: This sample letter was sent to all property owners adjacent to the 65 acres of land purchased by Nickel Plate Trail, Inc. via the "at risk" early acquisition process discussed in the Project Description and Right-of-Way Sections of this CE document.

Mr. Graber, This letter is to introduce ourselves, as we are now neighbors. We would like you to know that we have purchased the railway formerly known as the Penn-Central which lays adjacent to your property. We plan to begin improvements to our property and do not want you to be surprised if you see our cars, equipment, or volunteers out on our property in the upcoming months. We will absolutely respect our property line and will not be changing or trespassing your land. Some of the improvements you may see could include fence posting where the original fence lines are damaged or missing, clearing/mowing the trail, paving as funds become available, and planting of native fauna in efforts to restore the natural beauty of the land. We are also asking all of our new neighbors for a favor. We know that many property owners along our trail have been using the property for storing items or equipment and many others have extended their farming area and have been planting crops on this property since it has been mostly unused for many years. We are asking that anyone who would fall into these groups, please take time to remove your items from and do not continue plowing, mowing, clear cutting, etc. our property. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us via email at info@nickelplatetrail.org or by mail at PO BOX 875; Peru IN 46970. Sincerely, Michael Kuepper, President Nickel Plate Trail, Inc.

mlm

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NICKEL PLATE TRAIL, INC. 2/26/2014 & 4/30/2016 MEETING MINUTES

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Note to Reader: the trail project in this CE document, the Nickel Plate Trail to Bunker Hill Extension, was originally named Penn Central Maconaquah Trail (also referred to as the Penn Central Mac Trail in the April 2014 minutes below).

Friends of the Nickel Plate Trail Meeting Minutes Feb 26, 2014 Attendees: Mike Kuepper, Bill Click, Steve Gough, Joan Smith, Harry Denham, Charlie Skoog. Joe Yeagle and Steve Mobley. The Friends of the Nickel Plate Trail met at the Christian Activity Center on Wednesday, February 26, 2014. President Mike Kuepper called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Secretary’s Report: Minutes for the month of January 29, 2014, were sent to the members by email. As there were no changes, a motion to approve the minutes was made by Bill Click and was seconded by Charlie Skoog. All members signified approval by saying “Aye” and the motion passed. Treasurer’s Report: Steve Gough passed out copies of the financial transactions for February 2014. Steve passed out a new summary page for the new Penn Central-‐Maconaquah Trail. Charlie asked if we need donations for the new trail, can we put it out on facebook? Mike said yes, we need to get organized and do a whole lot more. Mike said we need a committee and also to ask more people to join us and help with these projects. Steve informed the members of the new total for the Nickel Plate trail Endowment Fund as of the end of 2013. Bill Click made a motion to accept the treasurer’s report as read. Harry Denham seconded the motion. All members signified approval by saying “Aye,” and the motion passed. Trail Reports: North Trail – Mike said he had received information from Terry Lee and we have some money being returned from Green Three to the trail. Mike said he is ordering some signs for the trail extension in Fulton County. Mike reported that he and Bill had done some clearing on the trail, to 400 on the north and to 500 on the south. Mike said he checked at Rochester and the trail hadn’t been cleared there. Trail Reports: Central Trail – Mike said the central had been cleared. Trail Reports: South Trail – Bill asked if the trail had been cleared in Cassville and Mike replied that it is blocked. Harry said he had tried, but the snow is too high and hard. Mike said we would have to wait until some more has melted before we can get it clear. Other Business: Mike reported that at some time we would have to name the new trail that will run east and west. He said he had been calling it the Maconaquah or “Mac” Trail. Mike said we had purchased a portion of the trail early because some nearby landowners were also interested in it, so we bought the portion from Bunker Hill to the bridge. Mike said that at a meeting he and Charlie had attended, we were encouraged to apply for DNR grants to build on the new trail. Harry said he was Note to Reader: the "clearing" mentioned here and highlighted in yellow is referring to snow clearing and not vegetation clearing. G - 185

concerned about what would happen to the bridge over US31 when INDOT reaches this area for the US31 expansion. Mike said it is not projected to happen for a while and the bridge would be fine. Bill said we would need to make sure they preserve the underpass where the Chessie goes north. Steve said when they begin the planning for Miami County, we need to have someone from the Nickel Plate Trail at the meetings. Mike said that Chad at Wabash Valley Abstract is doing research on the parcels we need to obtain. Chad is getting parcel numbers assigned and then the land can be appraised. Bill asked who owned the land, and Mike said it is all owned by U.S. Rail Vest, except for some small parts that had been sold off which we will need to acquire or work around. Mike said one of our priorities should be getting the bridge agreement between U.S. Rail Vest and the trail completed for the bridge over US31. Once that is finished, we will need to get a safety fence up. Mike said we should incorporate a design element into it since it will be seen from US31 and we want to showcase the trail. Charlie asked if Peru Utilities would be giving us right of way. Mike said he had meetings with them and he just has to keep following up with them. Charlie asked how we would be providing accessibility for Eagle’s Pointe? Bill said the trail would go all the way to the Grissom ARB truck gate on Hwy 218, so they would just need a sidewalk from Eagle’s Point to where the trail begins. Mike said they could have a meeting with someone from Eagle’s Pointe to inform them of this and get their input. Mike mentioned that he had applied for a grant from the prison but he did not get it. Mike asked Steve Mobley to bring us up to date on the Converse trail. Steve said they had all their appraisals approved by the state. He stated that by the end of March they hoped to be done purchasing the land. Steve said they would be applying for the same grants that we did. Charlie mentioned that Carey Stranahan had hired Terry Townsend to work on developing trails and greenways for Kokomo. Mike said that as he understands it, the money is still in place for the bridge in Howard County over US31. Charlie said that a company named DLZ is designing it. Bill stated that we have some repairs we have to do, the sickle bar mower, the sprayer, and two front tires are needed for the tractor. All members agreed to proceed. Bill said that we would still need to fill cracks. Bill reported that there are major problems with the Cassville Bridge. Bill reported that we would need to cut out about 10 feet of blacktop and concrete it in.

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Mike said that some of the tree roots are bringing up the asphalt there also. Charlie said that Ryan Oglesby said that certain types of trees do that and Bill said the best thing to do would be to cut the tree down. Bill said the boards are coming off the Birmingham Bridge. Bill said he would like to make it a cable bridge like we did the Squiggle Bridge. Bill said we have to haul number 53 or 73 rock where we repaired the pavement last year because we have a drop off that should be fixed. Harry passed out information and pictures on the monument we want to install with the names of large donors. Bill made a motion that Harry Denham and Steve Gough make the arrangements to purchase the stone. Charlie Skoog seconded the motion. All members signified their approval by saying “Aye,” and the motion passed. Mike said that once the design is proposed, the board would meet to approve it. Steve asked if we wanted a gray stone or a black one. He said it cost $2,000 more for black. All members agreed on the gray stone. Bill asked where were on getting the stone from the river to the Wabash River Bridge for Dr. Lesher. Mike said he has the plaque, and Steve said we just need the city of Peru to help us move the stone. Steve said he thought the city would use their big payloader to get it out of the river and move it by the bridge for us. Mike reported that the man at the south end of Miami County who had filed a lawsuit against us to end railbanking needed some help along his property. Someone had cut the railroad fence at 1350 and built something like a deer stand. He would like us to repair the fence. Mike said he thought we should do this to show that we are willing to cooperate with him. Bill made a motion to approve the needed repairs and Harry seconded the motion. All members signified approval by saying “Aye,” and the motion passed. Joe Yeagle asked if there was any news on the ranger program. Mike said he would need to meet with Holly Ward about it. As there was no further business, the meeting was adjourned. Joan Smith, Secretary Nickel Plate Trail, Inc.

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Friends of the Nickel Plate Trail Meeting Minutes Apr 30, 2014 Attendees: Mike Kuepper, Bill Click, Steve Gough, Joan & Mel Smith, Charlie Skoog, Joe Yeagle, Dennis & Gaynell Shirley, Harry Denham, Mike Steele, Rex Stitsworth, John Grieser, Ronald & Debbie Sluder, Brian & Betsy Reinhardt, Richard Mobley, Converse Junction Trail, and Greg Varnod, Converse Junction Trail. The Friends of the Nickel Plate Trail met at the Christian Activity Center on Wednesday, April 30, 2014. President Mike Kuepper called the meeting to order at 7:00p.m. New Business: Mike asked the Rangers to report on their program. He mentioned that the Rangers would like to meet more often and he thought we might keep it on a monthly basis. Mike asked if the Rangers had any questions, concerns or comments. Joe Yeagle mentioned that there was a branch on the trail that he removed and by Bunker Hill there was glass on the trail again by the trailer park near the sewer plant. He picked it up but wondered if we could get the Bunker Hill Town Marshall to see if they could patrol that area. Joan said she would contact them. One of the members asked Bill about the bollards that had been damaged in Denver and wondered if the security cameras had been installed yet. Bill said that they weren’t up yet but that he had replaced the bollards. A ranger mentioned that he saw two people on the trail with segways. He tried to stop them and tell them no motorized vehicles were authorized on the trail, but was unable to do so. Mike said he could try to find out if any other trails allow them. Mike stated that if we do want to allow them, we would need to bring it before the board for a vote. Joe Yeagle mentioned that there is a lot of debris around mile marker 125, just before the bridge. Brian Reinhardt said that he and Betsy would pick that up. Mike stated that we have put a notice on facebook that we need people to take a section of the trail and clear it. Mike also mentioned that the Breakaway Bike Shop in Peru also has the list of sections and they also have garbage bags you can pick up there. Charlie reported that there was a box spring mattress on trail property and wanted to know where he could take it. Steve Gough said if we put it where they can pick it up, Miami County Solid Waste would pick it up. Harry asked if someone could maintain the flowerbed at Wallick Road. Betsy Reinhardt said she would take care of it. She said she noticed it looked neglected and had talked to Charlie about it already. Secretary’s Report: Minutes for the month of March 26, 2014, were sent to the members by email. As there were no changes, a motion to approve the minutes was made by Bill Click and was seconded by Harry Denham. All members signified approval by saying “Aye” and the motion passed. Treasurer’s Report: Steve Gough passed out copies of the financial transactions for April 2014 and went over the income and expenditures. Steve then passed out copies of the Penn Central Mac Trail Summary and went over the grants and the

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expenditures to date. Steve mentioned that we have purchased the Penn Central from the air base to Bunker Hill and are working on purchasing from Bunker Hill to McGrawsville. Steve also passed out copies of the 2014 budget. Steve mentioned that we had already spent our complete budget for 2014 on equipment repairs. Harry gave an account of the repairs that had been made. Bill Click made a motion to accept the treasurer’s report as read. Charlie Skoog seconded the motion. All members signified approval by saying “Aye,” and the motion passed. Trail Reports: North Trail – Bill stated that we have two culverts that are in need of repair and presented the estimates to repair them. Discussion followed. Bill Click made a motion that we authorize Mike Denham of Denham Construction to attempt to make the repairs to the damaged culverts. Charlie Skoog seconded the motion and Mike asked if there were any comments or questions. Bill stated that Denham Construction had repaired one for us in 2009 between 300 and 400 and did a good job. Since there were no other comments, all members signified approval of the motion by saying “Aye,” and the motion passed. Bill mentioned that he had replaced all the damaged bollards except one. He asked if we could Dennis Shirley’s bollards, which are yellow; he still needs to put one at 650. There was no objection and everyone agreed that would be fine. Trail Reports: Central Trail – Mike said there is a lot of trash, particularly in the Peru area and he has asked high school groups and others to put out the word that we need volunteers to pick up trash. Charlie mentioned that he rode on Sunday and someone has cleaned from American Stationery to Walnut Street. Steve said that was Gary Maggart who cleaned that area. Charlie said someone had cleaned south from Main Street as well. Trail Reports: South Trail – Charlie said he is trying to get a crew organized to clean up trash from Cassville going south as there is quite a bit there. Charlie reported that there is a basketball goal about a quarter mile south of Cassville and wanted to know if someone had a saw to cut it up. Harry said he had a torch. Harry and Charlie said they would get together and take care of it. Harry said he would be getting Charlie started as soon as possible on filling the cracks. Charlie contacted the crew they used in the past and they are willing to do it again. Charlie stated that on the unpaved part south of Cassville, the city of Kokomo is going to pave it for us, probably within two to three weeks. Other Business: Mike passed around the maintenance plan, which has been updated. Mike reported that on the Penn Central line, we had received grants and had purchased the land from Grissom to Bunker Hill. The land in Bunker Hill had

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already been sold, but we are purchasing the land from Bunker Hill to McGrawsville and from McGrawsville to Amboy, we’re able to purchase about 48 percent. Mike said he would contact people in Bunker Hill to see if we can purchase the pieces we need there. He said the goal is if we get that far, the person we are buying from also owns land to Converse. Mike said then we would be working with the Converse Junction Trail and then that would connect us to the Cardinal Greenway Trail. Mike said we are going to apply for a one hundred and fifty thousand dollar grant to develop the trail from the edge of Bunker Hill to Maconaquah Schools and to Loree. Mike said if anyone knows of anything we can get donated, like gravel, or asphalt, that would be good. Mike said he is looking for someone to help who is good in real estate. We really need someone who can go to the courthouse and do research. John Grieser said that in the Ranger meeting they would like to form an auxiliary committee to do things that are needed on the trail. John suggested that they have a lady who could call a list of people who could work on the trail and direct them to where they are needed. Mike stated that we need to get someone to head up a nature committee so they could focus on the native trees and flowers and our current maintenance people can just focus on trail maintenance. Joan asked if Mike thought Doc Musselman would be interested in heading up a nature committee since native trees and flowers are his interest. Bill said he had already mentioned Doc to Mike because of his knowledge of native trees and his wife is a wildflower expert. Joan said we need to have an annual membership meeting and have an outline of the committees that we want so when people come to the meeting they can sign up for the committee they would like to be on. Mike said it would be good to have a person to head up that committee who is knowledgeable so they would have someone to guide them. Joan said she looked up the small grants for the saw Bill wants to get and the earliest to submit for the REMC Operation Roundup grant is June 30th. Community Foundation has changed their grant program; they don’t do quarterly submissions anymore, it’s now once a year and October 10th is the deadline. She is working NIPSCO as well. Also the Community Foundation now has a Sustainability Award and will give $5,000 to the winner’s endowment fund. You have to show how your project will be able to sustain itself in the future. The deadline for this is June 6th. Bill suggested to the members that we advertise on facebook to see if we can get donors to purchase the magnet we want to purchase to sweep the trail for tacks. Everyone thought this was a good idea. Bill said he would also put in a statement that if we went over the amount the overage would be put in the maintenance fund. Mike said the new trail will have a new name and he is thinking of the “Maconaquah Trail.” Mike said he felt we could come up with some Indian artwork for the logo.

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Greg Varnod and Richard Mobley spoke about the Converse Junction Trail. They have the bicentennial grant and Indiana Heritage grant in place and hope to have all of the land purchased by the end of next week. Tomorrow they will be submitting the RTP grant for construction. After ten years, things are now progressing and are hoping to complete two to two and a half miles. As there was no further business, Bill Click and Gaynell Shirley made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Dennis Shirley seconded the motion, and all members signified approval by saying â&#x20AC;&#x153;Aye.â&#x20AC;? The meeting was adjourned. Joan Smith, Secretary Nickel Plate Trail, Inc.

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APPENDIX H â&#x20AC;&#x201C; AIR QUALITY

H-1

Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) State Preservation and Local Initiated Projects FY 2016 - 2019 SPONSOR

CONTR

STIP

ACT # /

NAME

ROUTE WORK TYPE

LOCATION

DISTRICT

MILES

FEDERAL

Estimated