Glossary and Acronyms

Alternatives – options to complete the project in another way. The following types of alternatives will be referred to throughout different phases of the project:

• Preliminary alternative – an initial option that has yet to be evaluated in detail.
• Reasonable alternative – a preliminary alternative that has been evaluated and retained for further, more detailed study.
• Recommended preferred alternative – A reasonable alternative that has been recommended as the best course of action.
• Selected alternative – the single alternative that is to be implemented.
• Screening of alternatives – a process that is used to develop, evaluate and eliminate potential alternatives of a transportation project. The process determines whether the alternatives conform with the purpose and need; how alternatives were considered for study; reasons why alternatives were eliminated from consideration; and environmental effects of the alternatives.

CBD – Central Business District

Corridor – a broad area that may contain specific alignment alternatives.

Des Moines River Bridge – The bridge will connect Southwest Second Street to Southeast Second Street and include a new pedestrian underpass. The project team will examine two different bridge types A and B. Option A will be a simple utilitarian or functional bridge and Option B will represent a more elaborate, decorative bridge.

Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) – one of the three major elements of the Southeast (SE) Connector project. An EIS is a federally-required document that details the process through which a transportation project was developed. The EIS is divided into major sections that demonstrate the purpose and need of the project; the process by which alternatives were developed, evaluated and eliminated; and compliance with applicable environmental laws, among other requirements.

IaDOT – Iowa Department of Transportation

MLK – Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway

Notice of Intent (NOI) – a document submitted to the Federal Registry that signals the beginning of the EIS process.

Purpose and Need – a section of the EIS that defines the needs of the project and drives the development of alternatives for the project. Some common needs include: transportation demand, safety, economic development, revitalization, roadway system linkage and the condition of an existing roadway.

Right of way – the land on which infrastructure is built is called right of way. Infrastructure refers to built forms, ranging from a highway to an aiport. Projects, such as pipelines, power lines or telephone facilities all require right of way. Right of way is also used when referring to an agreement that grants an individual, company or municipality the right to use a landowner's property in some way.

Roadway design/improvements -- One of the three major components of the Southeast Connector project. The roadway design/improvements include construction of a multi-lane roadway connecting the MLK at SW 2nd Street to the U.S. 65 bypass; improvements between SW 2nd and SE 6th Streets, including a new bridge over the Des Moines River; and improvements between SE 6th and SE 15th Streets.

SEC – Southeast Connector project

SE Connector Phase I – One of two project phases (SW 2nd to SE 15th Streets) that includes the following components: final design of roadway improvements between SW 2nd and SE 6th Streets, including a new bridge over the Des Moines River; construction services for the roadway and new bridge; final design for roadway improvements between SE 6th and SE 15th; and construction services for roadway improvements.

SE Connector Phase II – The last of two project phases (SE 15th Street to U.S. 65) that includes the following components: an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS); preliminary design; and final design and construction services as determined. This phase is now beginning the process for selecting an alternative and receiving environmental approval. The design and construction components cannot begin until the process has run its course and a preferred alternative has been approved.

Screening of alternatives – a process that is used to develop, evaluate and eliminate potential alternatives of a transportation project. The process determines whether the alternatives conform with the purpose and need; how alternatives were considered for study; reasons why alternatives were eliminated from consideration; and environmental effects of the alternatives

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