NICTI

What is a Purpose & Need Statement?

An important factor for selecting the best alternative is the ability for a solution to address the purpose and need for improvements. Therefore, it is important to have a good understanding of those needs as we identify possible alternatives.

Purpose and Need:

Defines why the study is being done and what problems will be addressed.
Begins with statements of problems that the study should resolve.
Starting point for the evaluation of transportation alternatives.

Fall 2006 Draft Purpose and Need Statement

Problem 1
Highway capacity in the study area is not sufficient to accommodate forecasted peak hour demands.

Need 1
Provide high-capacity transit improvements that assist in managing travel demand along I-90 Tollway between the Chicagoland and the Boone/Winnebago regions.

Problem 2
Existing transit service connecting both regions is non-existent.

Need 2
Provide transit improvements responding to issues resulting from population and employment conditions and forecasts.

Spring 2007 Stakeholders and Study Team Identify
Purpose and Need

An important factor in selecting the best alternative is its ability to address the purpose and need for improvements. Therefore, it is important to have a good understanding of those needs as we evaluate and screen the possible alternatives that have been identified. This initial summary of purpose and need will be refined as data is updated and the study team continues their coordination and interaction with the communities, technical agencies, and environmental resource agencies. Based on technical studies and public involvement findings, six key transportation goals have been identified. These goals and objectives serve as criteria to measure which alternatives are most effective, and provide the basis for eventually eliminating alternatives. The one alternative that is selected for best achieving these goals and objectives in a cost effective manner is called the Locally Preferred Alternative.

Goal 1: Enhance Mobility Through and Within the Corridor
    • Expand mobility opportunities for all users moving through and within the Elgin to
        Rockford Corridor.
   • Provide access to jobs and job markets in the corridor.
    • Provide for growth in travel demand.
    • Reduce peak period traffic demands on I-90.
   • Provide additional level of corridor/area security specifically relating to
        evacuation.

Goal 2: Provide Efficient, High Quality Transit Improvements
    • Provide high quality modal alternatives.
    • Attract new transit riders from private vehicles, particularly single-occupancy
        vehicles.

Goal 3: Develop a Cost Effective Transportation Solution
    • Provide an efficient transit system that minimizes costs per new transit rider.
    • Minimize construction, right-of-way and operating and maintenance costs.
    • Leverage federal and state funding.

Goal 4: Support Business, Transportation and Residential Investments
    • Support previous business investments in the Elgin to Rockford Corridor.
    • Support previous public investment in transportation infrastructure.
   • Support public and private investment in residential communities.
    • Support connections between major transportation systems and job centers.

Goal 5: Support Effective Land Use and Development Patterns
    • Promote a reliable transit system that allows efficient, effective land use
        development patterns and facilitates the highest and best use of properties
        adjacent to transit facilities.
    • Provide consistency with Long Range Transportation Plans and land use plans.
    • Encourage economic growth.
    • Discourage unplanned growth.
    • Enhance quality of life.

Goal 6: Provide a Cleaner, Safer Environment
    • Support regional goals for: cleaner air and water, more efficient energy use and a
        safer and healthier environment.
    • Increase the safety and security of the transportation system for motorized and
        non-motorized users.