Gold Line Takes “electrifying” Step Forward

Marking the most significant milestone to date in the Gold Line Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), on July 24 the Board of the Regional Transportation District (RTD) voted 13 – 0 to select electric commuter rail (often referred to as EMU) on the BNSF/Union Pacific railroad alignment as the preferred alternative for the Gold Line.  As the Gold Line corridor is near many homes, this selection is key to Arvada residents as EMU is powered by electricity, resulting in no emissions.

The decision to designate EMUs as the preferred technology allows the Gold Line team to continue with a more detailed engineering and environmental analysis that is needed in order to obtain Federal approval.  The complete analysis will be summarized in a Draft Environmental Impact Statement which is scheduled for release in early 2008.

The Arvada City Council would like to publicly and enthusiastically voice its appreciation to the RTD Board of Directors and staff for supporting EMU technology for the Gold Line, and in particular thank the hundreds of Arvada citizens who have diligently attended public meetings, written letters, and shown their overwhelming support for the EMU alternative.  Upcoming public meetings on the Gold Line are scheduled as follows:

Tuesday, October 23, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Arvada Center
6901 Wadsworth Blvd.

Wednesday, October 24, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Highlands Masonic Center
3550 Federal Blvd.