Environmental Impact Statement; Skowhegan Transportation Study; Skowhegan and Madison, Somerset County, MA, 71597-71598 [05-23415]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 228 / Tuesday, November 29, 2005 / Notices DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Highway Administration [Project Number STPD–1069–00 (006)] Environmental Impact Statement: Washington and Bolivar Counties, MS Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Notice of intent. AGENCY: SUMMARY: The Federal Highway Administration is issuing this notice to advise the public that an Environmental Impact Statement will be prepared for a proposed connector route from the proposed Interstate 69 to U.S. Highway 82 near the City of Greenville, MS in the above referenced counties. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Cecil Vick, Realty Officer/ Environmental Coordinator, Federal Highway Administration, 666 North Street, Suite 105, Jackson, MS 39202– 3199, Telephone: (601) 965–4217. Contacts at the State and local level, respectively are: Mr. Claiborne Barnwell, Environmental/Location Division Engineer, Mississippi Department of Transportation, P. O. Box 1850, Jackson, MS, 39215–1850, telephone: (601) 359–7920; and Mr. Walter Lyons, District 3 Engineer, Mississippi Department of Transportation, 1240 Highway 49 West, Yazoo City, MS 39194, telephone (662) 746–2513. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FHWA, in cooperation with the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) will prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for an approximate 20-mile alignment of the I–69 Connector, which will be built to Interstate standards through the Delta region east of the Mississippi River, moving in a generally north-south alignment. This alignment will have logical termini on the southern end at U.S. Highway 82 in Greenville in Washington County and on the northern end at the proposed Interstate 69 near Benoit in Bolivar County. The purpose of the EIS is to address the transportation, environmental, and safety issues of a connector route to the projected I–69. The connection will also significantly improve mobility and access Statewide and beyond, creating a valuable transportation network. The need will be further heightened due to the increased traffic along the projected I–69. The connector route will spur economic activity for the City of Greenville and surrounding areas in the Mississippi Delta region. The highway VerDate Aug<31>2005 20:13 Nov 28, 2005 Jkt 208001 is a proposed full control of access facility and appropriate interchanges will be studied at various locations. Alternatives under consideration include (1) taking no action and (2) build alternatives. The FHWA and MDOT are seeking input as a part of the scoping process to assist in determining and clarifying issues relative to this project. Letters describing the proposed action and soliciting comments will be sent to appropriate Federal, State, and local agencies, Native American tribes, private organizations and citizens who have previously expressed or are known to have interest in this proposal. A formal scoping meeting with Federal, state, and local agencies, and other interested parties will be held in the near future as well as several public involvement meetings held throughout the EIS process. The draft EIS will be available for public and agency review and comment prior to the official public hearing. To ensure that the full range of issues related to this proposed action are addressed and all significant issues identified, comments and suggestions are invited from all interested parties. Comments or questions concerning this proposed action and the EIS should be directed to the FHWA at the address provided above. Andrew H. Hughes, Division Administrator, Federal Highway Administration, Mississippi Division, Jackson, Mississippi. [FR Doc. E5–6645 Filed 11–28–05; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–22–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Highway Administration Environmental Impact Statement; Skowhegan Transportation Study; Skowhegan and Madison, Somerset County, MA Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of intent. AGENCY: SUMMARY: The FHWA is issuing this notice to advise the public that an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) will be prepared for a proposed highway project in the Towns of Skowhegan and Madison, Maine. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mark Hasselmann, Right of Way and Environmental Programs Manager, Maine Division, Federal Highway Administration, 40 Western Ave., Augusta, Maine 04330, Tel. 207/622– 8350, Ext. 101; Raymond Faucher, PO 00000 Frm 00139 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 71597 Project Manager, Maine Department of Transportation, State House Station 16, Augusta, Maine 04333–0016, Tel. 207/ 624–3300. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On October 14, 2005, FHWA Maine Division informed MaineDOT that they had completed their review of the NEPA process to date for the Skowhegan Transportation Study and decided that an Environmental Impact Statement will be required before location and design approval. The principal reason for this decision is the public controversy that has been generated late in the NEPA process regarding proposed highway alignments. The FHWA, in cooperation with the Maine Department of Transportation, will prepare an EIS to evaluate transportation alternatives to enhance mobility, safety, and accessibility through and around Skowhegan. The EIS will examine both new highway alignments and infrastructure improvements. The EIS will study corridor alternatives, including upgrades within existing highway corridors, corridors on new location, and the no-build alternative. The area under consideration extends from Route 2/201A west of the Town of Skowhegan easterly and northerly around Skowhegan and then westerly to Route 201 in Madison just north of Skowhegan. The length of the corridor is approximately 6.5 miles. Goals for the study include: (1) Improving safety and relieving congestion on U.S. Routes 2 and 201, and State Routes 104 and 150, (2) improving regional east-west and north-south traffic flow, (3) improving emergency cross-river access and response capabilities, and (4) providing the capacity to meet current and future traffic demands. The work completed to date in the Skowhegan Transportation Study will provide the foundation for the EIS analysis. This project was initiated as a transportation planning study in 1998, with agency scoping and coordination initiated at interagency meetings in that year and the intent to prepare a NEPA document. Public participation was also initiated in 1998 with the formation of a Public Advisory Committee, a July 28 public scoping meeting, and the development of a study purpose and need. A wide range of alternatives was developed and evaluated. Preparation of an Environmental Assessment began in March of 2002. In July of 2005, Alternative E3E received a preliminary determination from the Army Corps of Engineers that it is the Least Environmentally Damaging Practicable Alternative (LEDPA). E:\FR\FM\29NON1.SGM 29NON1 71598 Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 228 / Tuesday, November 29, 2005 / Notices Letters describing the proposed action and soliciting comments will be sent to appropriate Federal, State and local agencies and private organizations that have previously expressed or are known to have interest in the proposed action. All public and agency comments, including early scoping comments, received during the NEPA process will be addressed in the EIS. The draft EIS will be available for public and agency review and comment prior to a public hearing. To ensure that the full range of issues related to this proposed action are addressed and all significant issues identified, comments and suggestions are invited from all interested parties. Comments or questions concerning this proposed action and the EIS should be directed to the FHWA and/or MaineDOT at the addresses provided above. FHWA anticipates that the following Federal approvals will be necessary for the proposed project. Section 404 Clean Water Act permit Design, Right of Way, and Construction Funding Authorization Authority: 23 U.S.C. 315; 49 CFR 1.48. (Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Program Number 20.205, Highway Planning and Construction. The regulations implementing Executive Order 12372 regarding intergovernmental consultation on Federal programs and activities apply to this program.) Issued on: November 17, 2005. Jonathan McDade, Division Administrator, Federal Highway Administration, Augusta, Maine. [FR Doc. 05–23415 Filed 11–28–05; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–22–M DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Maritime Administration Reports, Forms and Recordkeeping Requirements; Agency Information Collection Activity Under OMB Review Maritime Administration, DOT. Notice and request for comments. AGENCY: ACTION: SUMMARY: In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), this notice announces that the Information Collection abstracted below has been forwarded to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval. The nature of the information collection is described as well as its expected burden. The Federal Register Notice with a 60-day comment period soliciting comments on the following collection of information was published VerDate Aug<31>2005 20:13 Nov 28, 2005 Jkt 208001 on August 29, 2005, and comments were due by October 28, 2005. No comments were received. DATES: Comments must be submitted on or before December 29, 2005. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: T. Mitchell Hudson, Maritime Administration, 400 Seventh Street Southwest, Washington, DC 20590. Telephone: 202–366–5320; FAX: 202– 366–7485; or e-mail: mitch.hudson@dot.gov. Copies of this collection also can be obtained from that office. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Maritime Administration (MARAD). Title: Eligibility of U.S.-flag Vessels 100 feet or Greater in Registered Length To Obtain a Fishery Endorsement to the Vessel’s Documentation. OMB Control Number: 2133–0530. Type of Request: Extension of currently approved collection. Affected Public: Vessel owners, charterers, mortgagees, mortgage trustees and managers of vessels of 100 feet or greater who seek a fishery endorsement for the vessel. Forms: None. Abstract: In accordance with the American Fisheries Act of 1998 (AFA), owners of vessels of 100 feet or greater who wish to obtain a fishery endorsement to the vessel’s documentation will be required to file an affidavit of United States citizenship. The information collection is necessary for MARAD to determine that a given vessel is owned and controlled by citizens of the United States in accordance with the requirements of the AFA, and therefore, is eligible to receive a fishery endorsement to its documentation. Annual Estimated Burden Hours: 2,950 hours. ADDRESSES: Send comments to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and Budget, 725 17th Street, Northwest, Washington, DC 20503, Attention MARAD Desk Officer. Comments are invited on: Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility; the accuracy of the agency’s estimate of the burden of the proposed information collection; ways to enhance the quality, utility and clarity of the information to be collected; and ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. A comment to OMB is best assured of PO 00000 Frm 00140 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 having its full effect if OMB receives it within 30 days of publication. Authority: 49 CFR 1.66. Issued in Washington, DC on November 16, 2005. Joel C. Richard, Secretary, Maritime Administration. [FR Doc. E5–6638 Filed 11–28–05; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–81–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Maritime Administration [Docket Number 2005–23095] Requested Administrative Waiver of the Coastwise Trade Laws Maritime Administration, Department of Transportation. ACTION: Invitation for public comments on a requested administrative waiver of the Coastwise Trade Laws for the vessel CARIBBEAN SPIRIT. AGENCY: SUMMARY: As authorized by Public Law 105–383 and Public Law 107–295, the Secretary of Transportation, as represented by the Maritime Administration (MARAD), is authorized to grant waivers of the U.S.-build requirement of the coastwise laws under certain circumstances. A request for such a waiver has been received by MARAD. The vessel, and a brief description of the proposed service, is listed below. The complete application is given in DOT docket 2005–23095 at https://dms.dot.gov. Interested parties may comment on the effect this action may have on U.S. vessel builders or businesses in the U.S. that use U.S.-flag vessels. If MARAD determines, in accordance with Public Law 105–383 and MARAD’s regulations at 46 CFR part 388 (68 FR 23084; April 30, 2003), that the issuance of the waiver will have an unduly adverse effect on a U.S.vessel builder or a business that uses U.S.-flag vessels in that business, a waiver will not be granted. Comments should refer to the docket number of this notice and the vessel name in order for MARAD to properly consider the comments. Comments should also state the commenter’s interest in the waiver application, and address the waiver criteria given in § 388.4 of MARAD’s regulations at 46 CFR part 388. DATES: Submit comments on or before December 29, 2005. ADDRESSES: Comments should refer to docket number MARAD–2005 23095. Written comments may be submitted by hand or by mail to the Docket Clerk, U.S. DOT Dockets, Room PL–401, Department of Transportation, 400 7th E:\FR\FM\29NON1.SGM 29NON1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 228 (Tuesday, November 29, 2005)]
[Notices]
[Pages 71597-71598]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-23415]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Highway Administration


Environmental Impact Statement; Skowhegan Transportation Study; 
Skowhegan and Madison, Somerset County, MA

AGENCY: Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of intent.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The FHWA is issuing this notice to advise the public that an 
Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) will be prepared for a proposed 
highway project in the Towns of Skowhegan and Madison, Maine.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mark Hasselmann, Right of Way and 
Environmental Programs Manager, Maine Division, Federal Highway 
Administration, 40 Western Ave., Augusta, Maine 04330, Tel. 207/622-
8350, Ext. 101; Raymond Faucher, Project Manager, Maine Department of 
Transportation, State House Station 16, Augusta, Maine 04333-0016, Tel. 
207/624-3300.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On October 14, 2005, FHWA Maine Division 
informed MaineDOT that they had completed their review of the NEPA 
process to date for the Skowhegan Transportation Study and decided that 
an Environmental Impact Statement will be required before location and 
design approval. The principal reason for this decision is the public 
controversy that has been generated late in the NEPA process regarding 
proposed highway alignments.
    The FHWA, in cooperation with the Maine Department of 
Transportation, will prepare an EIS to evaluate transportation 
alternatives to enhance mobility, safety, and accessibility through and 
around Skowhegan. The EIS will examine both new highway alignments and 
infrastructure improvements. The EIS will study corridor alternatives, 
including upgrades within existing highway corridors, corridors on new 
location, and the no-build alternative. The area under consideration 
extends from Route 2/201A west of the Town of Skowhegan easterly and 
northerly around Skowhegan and then westerly to Route 201 in Madison 
just north of Skowhegan. The length of the corridor is approximately 
6.5 miles. Goals for the study include: (1) Improving safety and 
relieving congestion on U.S. Routes 2 and 201, and State Routes 104 and 
150, (2) improving regional east-west and north-south traffic flow, (3) 
improving emergency cross-river access and response capabilities, and 
(4) providing the capacity to meet current and future traffic demands. 
The work completed to date in the Skowhegan Transportation Study will 
provide the foundation for the EIS analysis.
    This project was initiated as a transportation planning study in 
1998, with agency scoping and coordination initiated at interagency 
meetings in that year and the intent to prepare a NEPA document. Public 
participation was also initiated in 1998 with the formation of a Public 
Advisory Committee, a July 28 public scoping meeting, and the 
development of a study purpose and need. A wide range of alternatives 
was developed and evaluated. Preparation of an Environmental Assessment 
began in March of 2002. In July of 2005, Alternative E3E received a 
preliminary determination from the Army Corps of Engineers that it is 
the Least Environmentally Damaging Practicable Alternative (LEDPA).

[[Page 71598]]

    Letters describing the proposed action and soliciting comments will 
be sent to appropriate Federal, State and local agencies and private 
organizations that have previously expressed or are known to have 
interest in the proposed action. All public and agency comments, 
including early scoping comments, received during the NEPA process will 
be addressed in the EIS. The draft EIS will be available for public and 
agency review and comment prior to a public hearing. To ensure that the 
full range of issues related to this proposed action are addressed and 
all significant issues identified, comments and suggestions are invited 
from all interested parties. Comments or questions concerning this 
proposed action and the EIS should be directed to the FHWA and/or 
MaineDOT at the addresses provided above.
    FHWA anticipates that the following Federal approvals will be 
necessary for the proposed project.

Section 404 Clean Water Act permit
Design, Right of Way, and Construction Funding Authorization

    Authority: 23 U.S.C. 315; 49 CFR 1.48.

(Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Program Number 20.205, 
Highway Planning and Construction. The regulations implementing 
Executive Order 12372 regarding intergovernmental consultation on 
Federal programs and activities apply to this program.)

    Issued on: November 17, 2005.
Jonathan McDade,
Division Administrator, Federal Highway Administration, Augusta, Maine.
[FR Doc. 05-23415 Filed 11-28-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-22-M

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