Transportation Corridor Preservation and The Official Map Act

1. Transportation Corridor Preservation andThe Official Map Act

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

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

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

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

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