Rail line hearing

set for Dec. 9

A public scoping meeting — where several detailed presentations on the NJ Transit Monmouth-Ocean-Middlesex (MOM) passenger rail project will be made — will be held on Dec. 9 from 1:30-9:30 p.m. at the Freehold Gardens, 50 Gibson Place, Freehold Township.

NJ Transit is preparing to advance the next phase of the MOM Draft Environ-mental Impact Statement (DEIS).

According to a press release, the outreach process will provide the public with an opportunity to offer comments and suggestions on any aspects of the technical work to be undertaken, including comments on three rail corridors currently included in the DEIS:

• Monmouth Junction (South Bruns-wick) to Lakehurst.

• Matawan to Lakehurst.

• Red Bank to Lakehurst.

In addition, any other alternatives suggested during the public outreach effort will be considered.

During the public scoping meeting, NJ Transit will receive public comment. Written comments will also be accepted through January. E-mail correspondence should be directed to momcomments@njtransit.com. Correspondence by regular mail should be addressed to James Schwarzwalder, Project Manager, NJ Transit, One Penn Plaza East, Newark 07105-2246.

The DEIS process — which is scheduled to last between 18 and 24 months — includes the development of ridership projections, potential station and train storage locations, equipment requirements, capital and operating costs, infrastructure improvements, environmental impacts and train scheduling for each of the three alignments, according to the press release.