§ 460u–21 — Public Access Study

(a) The Secretary in consultation with the Secretary of Transportation, shall conduct a study of various modes of public access into and within the lakeshore which are consistent with the preservation of the Park and conservation of energy by encouraging the use of transportation modes other than personal motor vehicles. (b) In carrying out the study, the Secretary shall utilize to the greatest extent practicable the resources and facilities of the organizations designated as clearinghouses under section 6506 of title 31 as implemented by Office of Management and Budget Circular A–95, and which have comprehensive planning responsibilities in the regions where the Park is located, as well as any other agencies or organizations which the Secretary may designate. The Secretary shall make provision for timely and substantive consultations with the appropriate agencies of the States of Indiana and Illinois, local elected officials, and the general public in the formulation and implementation of the study. (c) The study shall address the adequacy of access facilities for members of the public who desire to visit and enjoy the Park. Consideration shall be given to alternatives for alleviating the dependence on automobile transportation. The study of public transportation facilities shall cover the distance from cities of thirty-five thousand population or more within fifty miles of the Park. (d) The study shall include proposals deemed necessary to assure equitable visitor access and public enjoyment by all segments of the population, including those who are physically or economically disadvantaged. It shall provide for retention of the natural, scenic, and historic values for which the Park was established, and shall propose plans and alternatives for the protection and maintenance of these values as they relate to transportation improvements. (e) The study shall examine proposals for the renovation and preservation of a portion of the existing South Shore Railroad passenger car fleet. The study shall consider the historic value of the existing rolling stock and its role in transporting visitors into and within the Park. (f) The study shall present alternative plans to improve, construct, and extend access roads, public transportation, and bicycle and pedestrian trails. It shall include cost estimates of all plans considered in this study, and shall discuss existing and proposed sources of funding for the implementation of the recommended plan alternatives. (g) The study shall be completed and presented to the Congress within two complete fiscal years from the effective date of this provision. (h) Effective October 1, 1981, there is hereby authorized to be appropriated not to exceed $200,000 for this study.