The purpose of the report is to respond to Fiscal Year 2009 Bond and Capital Improvements Act, House Bill 525, Section 113:

"The General Assembly directs the Department to implement the US 301 Corridor project in Phases, beginning with the US 301 mainline section. Before expending funds for the final design and construction of the Spur Road segment of the project, the Department will convene public workshops on the Spur Road segment. At the workshops, the Department will present information and alternatives for the Spur Road, including the upgrading of the existing US 301. The most current traffic data available at that time shall be presented to the public at the workshops. The Department shall report to the General Assembly on the comments received at the public workshops and make recommendations on how to proceed with this segment of the project no later than May 1, 2009."

As detailed in the report, the department developed, evaluated and presented the Spur Road, Alternatives to the Spur Road, including the upgrade of existing US 301, and current traffic data at several pre-workshop community and stakeholder meetings and at a March 23, 2009 public workshop.

The comments received at the community and stakeholder meetings, as well as the public workshop and during the subsequent comment period showed support for the Spur Road. There was less support to upgrade existing US 301 in lieu of building the Spur Road. There was virtually no support for a No Build Alternative (No Spur Road and No Upgrade of Existing US 301) or an alternative that would have shifted the limited access Spur Road to the east, along existing US 301.

The department recommends proceeding with the Green North +Spur Road Alternative. This alternative was approved by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) in their April 30, 2008 Record of Decision (ROD). This final approval cleared the way for the Department to secure FHWA authorizations to begin the acquisition of right-of-way and preparation of final design (preparation of construction bid documents), which were received in June 2008 and September 2008 respectively. Subject to availability of funding, the department further recommends completing final design and right-of-way acquisition for the entire US 301 project. This will ensure we are ready to go to construction when the economy recovers and we have an improved opportunity to sell long-term bonds, supported by toll revenues.

The US 301 project is a transportation initiative of which the entire state can be proud. After 40 years of debate and indecision, the department led an effort that culminated in the approval of an alternative (Green North + Spur) that satisfies a growing transportation need in southern New Castle County. This result was accomplished with the support of the majority of local residents and state and federal environmental resource and regulatory agencies.