SECTION 4(f) STATE AID FOR LOCAL TRANSPORTATION Rev. July 2010 For parks, recreation areas, wildlife or waterfowl refuges Page 1 of 3 The Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU) amendment to the Section 4(f) requirements allows the U.S. DOT Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to determine that certain uses of Section 4(f) land are de minimis. An impact may be determined to be de minimis if the transportation use of the Section 4(f) resource, including consideration of impact avoidance, minimization, and mitigation or enhancement measures, is so minor in nature that it does not adversely affect the activities, features, and attributes that qualify the resource for protection under Section 4(f). Such a finding will be conditioned upon: the official(s) with jurisdiction over the resource indicating, in writing, that the proposed action, including consideration of the mitigation, will not adversely affect the activities, features and attributes that are important to the resource, and the public has been afforded an opportunity (by public notice) to review and comment on the effects of the project on the protected activities, features, and attributes of the Section 4(f) resource, and implementation of the mitigation measures. When this is the case, an analysis of avoidance alternatives is not required and the Section 4(f) evaluation process is complete. The official(s) with jurisdiction over the resource will be informed of FHWA s intent to make the de minimis impact finding. These conditions appear to be met in the case of the Centennial Athletic Complex. Following public and agency review of this report, it is anticipated that the City of Moorhead will request the FHWA to determine the proposed action at Centennial Athletic Complex is a Section 4(f) de minimis action in accordance with Section 6009(a) of SAFETEA-LU. 1. Description of The Section 4(f) Property. Name: Centennial Athletic Complex Size (acre): 59.8 acres Location: 2600 15th Ave N, Moorhead, MN Ownership: City of Moorhead Type of Section 4(f) Property: Recreation area Function of or Available Activities on the Property: Baseball, softball, football, playground, dog park Description and Location of Existing and Planned Facilities: The property includes four baseball and eight softball fields (with lighting, dugouts and seating), six football fields, three concessions and restroom facilities, two locker rooms, a dog park, two playgrounds and three parking areas. The facilities are located west of 28th St N on either side of 15th Ave N. There are no planned facilities.
STATE AID FOR LOCAL TRANSPORTATION Rev. July 2010 For parks, recreation areas, wildlife or waterfowl refuges Page 2 of 3 Access: Vehicles can access parking areas in eight locations. Pedestrian access is limited by existing fragmented pedestrian facility network (i.e., the existing shared-use path adjacent to the property extends along the north side of 15th Avenue North from the dog park parking entrance to the parking access near the intersection of 28th St N and 15th Ave N). Bicycles can access the property from existing roadways. Usage: The Centennial Athletic Complex 2017 reservation schedule indicates that the football fields are utilized by two events/groups from August 15 through October 31, whereby a total of 2,400 people participate. The reservation schedule indicates that the baseball/softball fields are utilized for two leagues and two tournaments. The leagues utilized the fields Monday through Thursday from April 15 through August 28, whereby a total of 40 teams participate (15 people per team). The tournaments utilize the fields Friday or Saturday through Sunday for a total of 12 times annually, whereby 16 to 32 teams participate (15 people per team). In addition to participants, parents and or spectators may be present during any of these events. Approximately 15 to 25 people utilize the dog park per day. Relationship to Other Similarly Used Lands in the Vicinity: Centennial Athletic Complex is one of four public baseball/softball facilities and one of ten playground facilities in north Moorhead. There are several other public baseball/softball and playground facilities in south Moorhead and in Fargo. Centennial Athletic Complex is the only public football facility in Moorhead. There are two football fields associated with schools in Moorhead, and several in Fargo. Centennial Athletic Complex is the only dog park facility in Moorhead. There are four dog park facilities in Fargo. Applicable Clauses Affecting Ownership: None Unusual Characteristics Reducing or Enhancing the Value of the Property: None LAWCON Section 6(f) Impacts: None; however, the property has received state grant funds. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources indicated that the proposed impacts would not violate the agreement. 2. Impacts to the Section 4(f) Property. Amount of land impacted: 0.6 acres Permanent R/W Acquisition/Easements: No permanent right of way/easements would be acquired, as the City of Moorhead owns both the existing roadway right of way and Section 4(f) property. Temporary Easements: No temporary easements would be acquired, as the City of Moorhead owns both the existing roadway right of way and Section 4(f) property. Functions Affected: No functions would be affected. Facilities Affected: Construction activities would result in temporary impacts on access to the property. Portions of the existing shared-use path would be closed while the alignment is shifted. Access to parking areas would be disrupted during modification of existing shareduse paths, construction of new shared-use paths and while the roadway is resurfaced; however, access to the parking areas would be maintained.
STATE AID FOR LOCAL TRANSPORTATION Rev. July 2010 For parks, recreation areas, wildlife or waterfowl refuges Page 3 of 3 3. Coordination with Responsible Official with Jurisdiction Over the Section 4(f) Property: Please refer to the attached letter. 4. Considerations. Impact Avoidance: Access to the property would be maintained; therefore, impacts on functions of the property would not occur. Due to the nature of the transportation improvement project, temporary disruption of access to the property cannot be avoided. Planning to minimize harm: Access to the property would be maintained during construction. Mitigation: Mitigation measures are not proposed. Enhancement: Upon completion of the project, access to the property would be improved. Additional shared-use paths would be constructed, existing shared-use paths would be modified, and 15th Ave N and 28th St N would be resurfaced, resulting in an improved transportation network for all users. 5. Public Notice: Public notice of the availability of this write-up and opportunity for comment on were published in The Extra Newspaper on September 14, 2017. 6. Conclusion: The proposed action includes all possible planning to minimize harm to the resource, and is not anticipated to adversely affect the activities, features and attributes of Centennial Athletic Complex.
28th St N Section 4(f) Property & Impacts - Centennial Athletic Complex Roadway Resurfacing & Pedestrian Facilities 15th Ave N & 28th St N - Moorhead, MN SP 144-129-005, SP 144-132-004, SP 1407-27S & SAP 014-603-012 Parking and Shared-use Path Access Impact Parking and Shared-use Path Access Impact 15th Ave N Parking Access Impact Shared-use Path Access Impact Parking Access Impact Roadway Access Impact Parking Access Impact Parking Access Impact Roadway Access Impact Impacted Area Centennial Athletic Complex 0 105 210 420 Feet /
P St SECTION 4(f) STATE AID FOR LOCAL TRANSPORTATION Rev. July 2010 For parks, recreation areas, wildlife or waterfowl refuges Page 1 of 3 The Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU) amendment to the Section 4(f) requirements allows the U.S. DOT Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to determine that certain uses of Section 4(f) land are de minimis. An impact may be determined to be de minimis if the transportation use of the Section 4(f) resource, including consideration of impact avoidance, minimization, and mitigation or enhancement measures, is so minor in nature that it does not adversely affect the activities, features, and attributes that qualify the resource for protection under Section 4(f). Such a finding will be conditioned upon: the official(s) with jurisdiction over the resource indicating, in writing, that the proposed action, including consideration of the mitigation, will not adversely affect the activities, features and attributes that are important to the resource, and the public has been afforded an opportunity (by public notice) to review and comment on the effects of the project on the protected activities, features, and attributes of the Section 4(f) resource, and implementation of the mitigation measures. When this is the case, an analysis of avoidance alternatives is not required and the Section 4(f) evaluation process is complete. The official(s) with jurisdiction over the resource will be informed of FHWA s intent to make the de minimis impact finding. These conditions appear to be met in the case of the Centennial Athletic Complex. Following public and agency review of this report, it is anticipated that the City of Moorhead will request the FHWA to determine the proposed action at Centennial Athletic Complex is a Section 4(f) de minimis action in accordance with Section 6009(a) of SAFETEA-LU. 1. Description of The Section 4(f) Property. Name: Matson Memorial Field Size (acre): 6.7 acres Location: 1001 13th Ave N, Moorhead, MN Ownership: City of Moorhead Type of Section 4(f) Property: Recreation area Function of or Available Activities on the Property: Baseball/softball, playground Description and Location of Existing and Planned Facilities: The property includes one baseball/softball field (with lighting, dugouts and seating), concessions stand, restrooms, clubhouse/locker room, press box, a playground and a parking area. The facilities are located west of 11th St N and south of 15th Ave N. There are no planned facilities. Access: Vehicles can access the parking area in four locations. Pedestrians can access the property from the sidewalks along the south side of 15th Ave N and along the east side of th 11P N. Bicycles can access the property from existing roadways and sidewalks.
STATE AID FOR LOCAL TRANSPORTATION Rev. July 2010 For parks, recreation areas, wildlife or waterfowl refuges Page 2 of 3 Usage: The Matson Memorial Field 2017 reservation schedule indicates that the baseball/softball field is utilized by four events/groups. From April 1 to June 1, the field is used daily by one group, and from April 15 to August 1, the field is used 4 days per week by a second group. For both groups, 20 to 300 people attend each day. A third group utilizes the field for two games per week, four weeks of the year, whereby 60 to 300 people attend. The fourth group utilizes the field for five games per year, whereby 60 people attend. Relationship to Other Similarly Used Lands in the Vicinity: Matson Memorial Field is one of four public baseball/softball facilities and one of ten playground facilities in north Moorhead. There are several other public baseball/softball and playground facilities in south Moorhead and in Fargo. Applicable Clauses Affecting Ownership: None Unusual Characteristics Reducing or Enhancing the Value of the Property: None LAWCON Section 6(f) Impacts: None 2. Impacts to the Section 4(f) Property. Amount of land impacted: 0.07 acres Permanent R/W Acquisition/Easements: No permanent right of way/easements would be acquired, as the City of Moorhead owns both the existing roadway right of way and Section 4(f) property. Temporary Easements: No temporary easements would be acquired, as the City of Moorhead owns both the existing roadway right of way and Section 4(f) property. Functions Affected: No functions would be affected. Facilities Affected: Construction activities would result in temporary impacts on access to the property and would permanently shift the perimeter fence. A portion of the existing sidewalk along 15th Ave N would be closed while the alignment is shifted to accommodate turn lane construction at the intersection of 15th Ave N and 11th St N. The alignment shift would require approximately 125 linear feet of the existing perimeter fence to be shifted approximately 10 feet south. Access to the parking area from 15th Ave N would be disrupted while the roadway is resurfaced; however, access to the parking area from 13th Ave N would be maintained. 3. Coordination with Responsible Official with Jurisdiction Over the Section 4(f) Property: Please refer to the attached letter. 4. Considerations. Impact Avoidance: Access to the property would be maintained and the fencing shift would not impact the existing dimensions of the playing field; therefore, impacts on functions of the property would not occur. Due to the nature of the transportation improvement project, temporary disruption of access to the property and permanent shifting of the perimeter fencing cannot be avoided. Planning to minimize harm: Access to the property would be maintained during construction.
STATE AID FOR LOCAL TRANSPORTATION Rev. July 2010 For parks, recreation areas, wildlife or waterfowl refuges Page 3 of 3 Mitigation: Mitigation measures are not proposed. Enhancement: Upon completion of the project, access to the property would be improved. Additional shared-use paths would be constructed, existing shared-use paths would be modified, and 15th Ave N and 28th St N would be resurfaced, and the intersection of 15th Ave N and 11th St N would receive a permanent signal and added turn lanes, resulting in an improved transportation network for all users. 5. Public Notice: Public notice of the availability of this write-up and opportunity for comment on were published in The Extra Newspaper on September 14, 2017. 6. Conclusion: The proposed action includes all possible planning to minimize harm to the resource, and is not anticipated to adversely affect the activities, features and attributes of Matson Memorial Field.
10th St N 10th St N 10 1/2 St N 10 1/2 St N Section 4(f) Property & Impacts - Matson Memorial Field Roadway Resurfacing & Pedestrian Facilities 15th Ave N & 28th St N - Moorhead, MN SP 144-129-005, SP 144-132-004, SP 1407-27S & SAP 014-603-012 Roadway Access Impact Parking Access Impact Parking Access Impact 15th Ave N Sidewalk Access and Fencing Impact 11th St N Impacted Area Matson Memorial Field 0 25 50 100 Feet / 13th Ave N
SECTION 4(f) STATE AID FOR LOCAL TRANSPORTATION Rev. July 2010 For parks, recreation areas, wildlife or waterfowl refuges Page 1 of 3 The Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU) amendment to the Section 4(f) requirements allows the U.S. DOT Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to determine that certain uses of Section 4(f) land are de minimis. An impact may be determined to be de minimis if the transportation use of the Section 4(f) resource, including consideration of impact avoidance, minimization, and mitigation or enhancement measures, is so minor in nature that it does not adversely affect the activities, features, and attributes that qualify the resource for protection under Section 4(f). Such a finding will be conditioned upon: the official(s) with jurisdiction over the resource indicating, in writing, that the proposed action, including consideration of the mitigation, will not adversely affect the activities, features and attributes that are important to the resource, and the public has been afforded an opportunity (by public notice) to review and comment on the effects of the project on the protected activities, features, and attributes of the Section 4(f) resource, and implementation of the mitigation measures. When this is the case, an analysis of avoidance alternatives is not required and the Section 4(f) evaluation process is complete. The official(s) with jurisdiction over the resource will be informed of FHWA s intent to make the de minimis impact finding. These conditions appear to be met in the case of the Centennial Athletic Complex. Following public and agency review of this report, it is anticipated that the City of Moorhead will request the FHWA to determine the proposed action at Centennial Athletic Complex is a Section 4(f) de minimis action in accordance with Section 6009(a) of SAFETEA-LU. 1. Description of The Section 4(f) Property. Name: Shared-use paths Size (acre): Approximately 4,030 feet Location: Approximately 1,550 feet along 15th Ave N east of the Red River bridge, approximately 1,675 feet along 15th Ave N west of 28th St N, and approximately 805 feet along 28th St N from 6th Ave N to 8th Ave N, in Moorhead, MN Ownership: City of Moorhead Type of Section 4(f) Property: Recreation area Function of or Available Activities on the Property: Biking, walking, running Description and Location of Existing and Planned Facilities: The existing shared-use paths along the project corridor consist of paved surfaces adjacent to roadways. Along 15th Ave N, the paths are 8 feet wide, while the path along 28th St N is 10 feet wide. The path along 28th St S currently includes a roadway sign(s) installed within the paved surface. Planned shared-use path facilities along the project corridor consist of the proposed improvements
STATE AID FOR LOCAL TRANSPORTATION Rev. July 2010 For parks, recreation areas, wildlife or waterfowl refuges Page 2 of 3 described above (i.e., shifting existing path alignments, ramp improvement, addition of paths, and removal of signage within path). Access: Pedestrians and bicyclists can access existing shared-use paths from adjacent roadways, sidewalks, shared-use path and properties. Usage: Usage rates for the shared-use paths is not available. Relationship to Other Similarly Used Lands in the Vicinity: The shared-use path extending from the Red River bridge along 15th Ave N connects to shared-use paths and on-road bike facilities in Fargo. The shared-use path extending from 28th St N along 15th Ave N has no shared-use path connections, but connects to on-road bike facilities along 15th Ave N and 28th St N. The shared-use path along 28th St N connects to a shared-use path along 8th Ave N and connects to on-road bike facilities along 28th St N. Applicable Clauses Affecting Ownership: None Unusual Characteristics Reducing or Enhancing the Value of the Property: None LAWCON Section 6(f) Impacts: None 2. Impacts to the Section 4(f) Property. Amount of land impacted: Approximately 465 feet Permanent R/W Acquisition/Easements: No permanent right of way/easements would be acquired for impacts to existing shared-use paths, as the City of Moorhead owns both the existing roadway right of way and Section 4(f) property. Temporary Easements: No temporary easements would be acquired for impacts to existing shared-use paths, as the City of Moorhead owns both the existing roadway right of way and Section 4(f) property. Functions Affected: During construction, the impacted portions of shared-use paths would not be available for pedestrian or bicyclists use. Facilities Affected: During construction, portions of the existing shared-use path would be closed while alignments are shifted, the ramp is improved and signage is removed. 3. Coordination with Responsible Official with Jurisdiction Over the Section 4(f) Property: Please refer to the attached letter. 4. Considerations. Impact Avoidance: Due to the nature of the transportation improvement project, temporary partial closures of the shared-use paths cannot be avoided. Planning to minimize harm: Closures would be limited to the time required to make improvements to the shared-use paths and would not be closed for the duration of the proposed project. Mitigation: Mitigation measures are not proposed.
STATE AID FOR LOCAL TRANSPORTATION Rev. July 2010 For parks, recreation areas, wildlife or waterfowl refuges Page 3 of 3 Enhancement: Upon completion of the project, the pedestrian and bicyclist network would be improved. Additional shared-use paths would be constructed and existing shared-use paths would be modified to improve safety. 5. Public Notice: Public notice of the availability of this write-up and opportunity for comment on were published in The Extra Newspaper on September 14, 2017. 6. Conclusion: The proposed action includes all possible planning to minimize harm to the resource, and is not anticipated to adversely affect the activities, features and attributes of the shared-use paths.
Pvt St E 17 St N 26th St N Prince St 13 1/2 St N 24th St N 7th St N King St 9th St N 10th St N 12th St N 13th St N 14th St N 15 1/2 St N 16th St N 18th St N 11th St N 15th St N 17th St N 18 1/2 St N 19th St N 20th St N US Hwy 75 26 St N 29th St N N 18th Ave 18th Avenue Cir N Section 4(f) Property & Impacts - Shared-use Paths Roadway Resurfacing & Pedestrian Facilities 15th Ave N & 28th St N - Moorhead, MN SP 144-129-005, SP 144-132-004, SP 1407-27S & SAP 014-603-012 10 1/2 St N 17th Ave N Pistol Range Rd 24 St S Shared-use Path Alignment Shift Pvt St A Pvt St B 15th Ave N Co Rd 83 12Th-15th Ave Toll Brg Bridgeview St 13th Ave N 8th St N 12th Ave N 11th Ave N 28th St N 10th Ave N 14 St N 9th Ave N 8 1/2 Ave N 8 Ave N 8th Ave N Lancaster Dr Shared-use Path Sign Relocation 7th Ave N Shared-use Path Ramp Improvement 24 St N Somerset Ln 6th Ave N Queen St 5th Ave N Mayfair Dr Impacted Area Shared-use Path Along Project Corridor Other Shared-use Paths 4th Ave N 4 Ave N 21st St N Sunset Cir Sunrise Cir 0 350 700 1,400 Feet Riverfront Park Rd / 3rd Ave N 3rd Ave 2nd Ave N
August 8, 2017 To: From: Subject: Project File City of Moorhead Moorhead City Hall 500 Center Avenue Moorhead, MN 56560 Section 4(f) De Minimis Agreement th 15P P Ave th N/28P P St N Roadway Rehabilitation and Pedestrian Facilities SP 144-129-005, SP 144-132-004, SP 1407-27S & SAP 014-603-012 The purpose of this letter is to facilitate the Federal Highway Administration s (FHWA) compliance with Section 4(f) of the Department of Transportation Act of 1966 as it pertains to Matson Memorial Field, Centennial Athletic Complex and existing shared-use paths in relation to the proposed 15th Ave N/28th St N Roadway Rehabilitation and Pedestrian Facilities project in Moorhead, Minnesota. The City of Moorhead understands that the proposed project would impact Section 4(f) properties as follows: Impacts to Matson Memorial Field would consist of shifting the existing perimeter fence near the intersection of th 15P P Ave N with th 11P P St S. The project would not impact operation of the Field. Impacts to Centennial Athletic Complex would consist of construction disturbance of access points related to modifying an existing shared-use path and constructing a new shared-use path. Access to the Complex would be maintained during construction. Impacts to existing shared-use paths would consist of minor alignment shifts of existing paths, relocation of signage outside of exiting paths. During construction, portions of the paths would be closed. The City of Moorhead, as the official with jurisdiction over Matson Memorial Field, Centennial Athletic Complex and existing shared-use paths for Section 4(f) purposes, hereby agrees, pending public review, that the proposed project, including mitigation measures, will not adversely affect the activities, features, or attributes that make these properties eligible for Section 4(f) protection. Sincerely, Holly Heitkamp Director of Moorhead Parks and Recreation