WMATA postpones release of draft environmental statement for proposed Metrorail station

The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) has delayed until fall the release of a draft environmental impact statement for the proposed Potomac Yard Metrorail Station.

The statement's release was postponed from May 3 to give officials more time to incorporate proposed technical changes and amendments, WMATA officials said in a press release.

WMATA, the city of Alexandria, Va., Federal Transit Administration and National Park Service have been collaborating on the statement to determine whether a Metrorail station could be built in Potomac Yard and, if so, where the station would be located.

Originally, 36 alternatives were identified, based on previous studies and public comments. Three build alternatives and a no-build alternative currently remain under review, WMATA officials said.

Had the original schedule been followed, community education and discussion workshops to discuss the statement would have been held over the summer, which would have resulted in low participation from the public, they said.

Under the new schedule, the statement will be released in fall, followed by additional public outreach meetings and a public hearing. The Alexandria City Council likely would consider the selection of a preferred alternative in late fall, WMATA officials said.