Environmental Impact Statement on Seattle Ferry Terminal-Seattle, WA, 13892-13893 [06-2582]

Download as PDF 13892 Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 52 / Friday, March 17, 2006 / Notices vicinity of Garden City, SC) and U.S. 501 (in the vicinity of Conway, SC). The study area’s coastal boundary will be U.S. 17 and the inland boundary would extend to near the intersection of U.S. 501 and S.C. Route (SC) 22. The FHWA and SCDOT are seeking input as a part of the scoping process to assist in identifying issues relative to this project. Letters describing the proposed action and soliciting comments will be sent to the appropriate Federal, State and local agencies, and to private organizations and citizens who have previously expressed or are known to have interest in this action. Scoping meetings are currently planned for April and May 2006. A series of public information meetings will be held in the proposed study area this calendar year. In addition, a public hearing will be held after the approval of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS). Public notice will be given indicating the time and place of the meetings and the hearing. The DEIS will be made available for public and agency review and comment prior to the public hearing. To ensure the full range of issues related to this proposed action are addressed, all significant issues will be identified and evaluated. Comments and suggestions are invited from all interested parties in the development of these issues. Comments or questions concerning this proposed action and the EIS should be directed to the FHWA at the address provided above. (Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Program Number 20.205, Highway Research, Planning and Construction. The regulations implementing Executive Order 12372 regarding intergovernmental consultation on Federal programs and activities apply to this program.) Issued on: March 13, 2006. Robert D. Thomas, Assistant Division Administrator, Columbia, SC. [FR Doc. E6–3915 Filed 3–16–06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–22–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Highway Administration sroberts on PROD1PC70 with NOTICES Federal Transit Administration Environmental Impact Statement on Seattle Ferry Terminal—Seattle, WA Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and Federal Transit Administration AGENCIES: VerDate Aug<31>2005 16:52 Mar 16, 2006 Jkt 208001 (FTA), U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Notice of Intent to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). SUMMARY: The Federal Highway Administration and Federal Transit Administration are issuing this notice to advise the public that an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) will be prepared for the Washington State Ferries Seattle Ferry Terminal Project in Seattle, Washington. DATES: Written comments on the purpose and need, scope of alternatives and impacts to be considered in the EIS must be received no later than May 19, 2006, and must be sent to Washington State Ferries at the address indicated below. Scoping Meeting Dates: Two public information meetings will be held in April 2006, including: Thursday, April 20, 2006, 11:30 a.m.– 1:30 p.m., at the Seattle Ferry Terminal, 801 Alaskan Way (Pier 52), Seattle, Washington; Tuesday, April 25, 2006, 4:30 p.m.– 6:30 p.m., at the Puget Sound Regional Council, 1011 Western Ave, #50,Seattle, Washington. Oral and written comments may be given at the public meetings. This and all other public meetings will be accessible to persons with disabilities. Any individual who requires special assistance should contact Hadley Greene at (206) 515– 3913 at least 48 hours in advance of the meeting in order for WSF to make necessary arrangements. Persons who are deaf or hard of hearing may access Washington State Telecommunications Relay Service by dialing 7–1–1 and asking to be connected to (206) 515– 3913. ADDRESSES: To ensure that the full range of issues related to this proposed action are identified and addressed, comments and suggestions are invited from interested parties. Comments will be accepted at the public scoping meetings (either through written comments forms and/or orally through the court reporter) or they can be e-mailed to SeattleFerry TerminalProject@wsdot.wa.gov or mailed to Washington State Ferries, Hadlay Greene, Customer and Community Relations, 2901 Third Avenue, Suite 500, Seattle, WA 93121. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Linda Gehrke, Federal Transit Administration, Telephone: (206) 220– 4463; or Steve Saxton, Federal Highway Administration, Telephone: (360) 753– 9411; or Angela Freudenstein, Washington State Ferries. Telephone: (206) 382–5230. Additional information PO 00000 Frm 00087 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 on the Seattle Ferry Terminal Project can be found on the project Web site at www.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries/projects/ seattlecolmandock/. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Propose Action Background The FHWA and FTA, as Federal colead agencies, in participation with the Washington State Ferries (WSF) will prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) on the proposed Seattle Ferry Terminal Project in Seattle, Washington. The project study area generally encompasses the southern portion of the Seattle downtown between King Street and Madison Streets along the waterfront. The existing Seattle Ferry Terminal at Colman Dock is both structurally deteriorated and lacks the capacity to meet either the current peak travel demand or future needs. The existing pier structure was built in 1964, reusing many timber piles from the original 1936 pier. The south half of the dock was rebuilt in the 1990s. In 2002 WSF conducted and underwater inspection that indicated almost one-half of the timber piles were damaged or deteriorated. In addition, the transfer spans for loading cars and passengers onto the ferry vessels are aging and deteriorating. All of these facilities are nearing the end of their useful life and need to be replaced. The draft WSF Long-Range Strategic Plan indicates that the Seattle Ferry Terminal will experience considerable growth in both vehicle and passenger traffic between now and 2030. During the daily westbound PM peak travel period, when traffic is heaviest, the number of vehicles carried is expected to increase by over 125%. During the same travel period, the number of walkon passengers is projected to triple. To accommodate this projected growth, and avoid continuing and worsening backups on nearby surface streets, the existing terminal’s holding capacity will need to more than double. Currently, the Seattle Ferry Terminal does not have enough area to hold vehicles waiting to use the ferry on peak travel days, particularly on a Friday during the summer. As a result of limited space on the dock (currently there is room for a maximum of approximately 600 vehicles) vehicles back up on surface streets on several days each year. These waiting vehicles disrupt and conflict with through traffic at several roadway intersections. Backups are expected to worsen in the future if improvements at the terminal are not made. Foot passengers moving between the terminal and downtown encounter E:\FR\FM\17MRN1.SGM 17MRN1 Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 52 / Friday, March 17, 2006 / Notices mobility issues related to the surges of heavy pedestrian traffic in one direction or the other on an above-street bridge; inadequate lighting and poor pavement conditions along surface streets; lack of Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)compliant facilities; and poor access and inconvenient connections to existing multi-modal transportation services. The Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002, part of the U.S. Coast Guard’s Homeland Security mandate, requires a number of physical improvements be made at the Seattle Ferry Terminal, including areas for passenger and vehicle screening. Project Objectives/Alternatives The primary objectives of the Seattle Ferry Terminal Project are to replace the aging and deteriorating dock structure, accommodate projected growth of both vehicle and passenger traffic, enhance operational effectiveness and thus decrease congestion on adjacent city streets, improve passenger connections to multi-modal transportation services and mobility into downtown, and incorporate physical improvements in conformance with ADA and Maritime Transportation Security Act requirements. All reasonable alternatives that meet the project objectives will be considered. The EIS will include a range of terminal improvements, as well as a No-Build Alternative. Probable Effects sroberts on PROD1PC70 with NOTICES The EIS will evaluate significant transportation, environmental, social, and economic impacts of the alternatives. Potential areas of impact include: overwater coverage, aquatic resources, land use, economics, historic and cultural properties, traffic, and environmental justice. All impacts will be evaluated for both the construction period and for the long-term period of operation. Measures to avoid, minimize, or mitigate any significant impacts will be developed. Issued on March 13, 2006. R.F. Krochalis, Regional Administrator, Region X, Federal Transit Administration. Steve Saxton, Area Engineer, Washington Division, Federal Highway Administration. [FR Doc. 06–2582 Filed 3–16–06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–57–M VerDate Aug<31>2005 16:52 Mar 16, 2006 Jkt 208001 13893 contacting the FHWA or the SCDOT at the addresses provided above. Federal Highway Administration This notice applies to all Federal agency decisions on the listed projects Notice of Final Federal Agency Actions as of the issuance date of this notice and on Proposed Highways in South all laws under which such actions were Carolina taken, including but not limited to: 1. General: National Environmental AGENCY: Federal Highway Policy Act (NEPA) [42 U.S.C. 4321– Administration (FHWA), DOT. 4351]; Federal-Aid Highway Act [23 ACTION: Notice of limitation on claims U.S.C. 109]. for judicial review of actions by FHWA 2. Air: Clean Air Act, 42 U.S.C. 7401– and other Federal agencies. 7671(q). 3. Land: Section 4(f) of the SUMMARY: This notice announces actions Department of Transportation Act of taken by the FHWA and other Federal 1966 [49 U.S.C. 303]; Landscaping and agencies that are final within the Scenic Enhancement (Wildflowers), 23 meaning of 23 U.S.C. 139(l)(1). The U.S.C. 319. actions relate to various proposed 4. Wildlife: Endangered Species Act highway projects in the State of South [16 U.S.C. 1531–1544 and Section Carolina. Those actions grant licenses, 1536], Marine Mammal Protection Act permits, and approvals for the projects. [16 U.S.C. 1361], Anadromous Fish DATES: By this notice, the FHWA is Conservation Act [16 U.S.C. 757(a)– advising the public of final agency 757(g)], Fish and Wildlife Coordination actions subject to 23 U.S.C. 139(l)(1). A Act [16 U.S.C. 661–667(d)], Migratory claim seeking judicial review of the Bird Treaty Act [16 U.S.C. 703–712], Federal agency actions on any of the Magnuson-Stevenson Fishery listed highway projects will be barred Conservation and Management Act of unless the claim is filed on or before 1976, as amended [16 U.S.C. 1801 et September 13, 2006. If the Federal law seq.]. that authorizes judicial review of a 5. Historic and Cultural Resources: claim provides a time period of less than 180 days for filing such claim, then Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended that shorter time period still applies. [16 U.S.C. 470(f) et seq.]; Archeological FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Resources Protection Act of 1977 [16 Robert L. Lee, Division Administrator, U.S.C. 470(aa)–11]; Archeological and Federal Highway Administration, 1835 Historic Preservation Act [16 U.S.C. Assembly Street, Suite 1270, Columbia, 469–469(c)]; Native American Grave SC 29201; Telephone: (803) 765–5411; Protection and Repatriation Act e-mail: bob.lee@fhwa.dot.gov. The FHWA South Carolina Division Office’s (NAGPRA) [25 U.S.C. 3001–3013]. 6. Social and Economic: Civil Rights normal business hours are 7 a.m. to 4:30 Act of 1964 [42 U.S.C. 2000(d)– p.m. (eastern time). You may also 2000(d)(1)]; American Indian Religious contact Mr. J. Berry Still, P.E., South Freedom Act [42 U.S.C. 1996]; Farmland Carolina Department of Transportation, Protection Policy Act (FPPA) [7 U.S.C. 955 Park Street, P.O. Box 191, 4201–4209]. Columbia, SC 29202–0191; Telephone: 7. Wetlands and Water Resources: (803) 737–9967; e-mail: Clean Water Act, 33 U.S.C. 1251–1377 StillJB@scdot.org. (Section 404, Section 401, Section 319); SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Notice is Coastal Barrier Resources Act, 16 U.S.C. hereby given that the FHWA and other 3501–3510; Coastal Zone Management Federal agencies have taken final agency Act, 16 U.S.C. 1451–1465; Land and actions by issuing licenses, permits, and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), 16 approvals for the highway projects in U.S.C. 4601–4604; Safe Drinking Water the State of South Carolina that are Act (SDWA), 42 U.S.C. 300(f)–300(j)(6); listed below. The actions by the Federal Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899, 33 agencies on a project, and the laws U.S.C. 401–406; Wild and Scenic Rivers under which such actions were taken, Act, 16 U.S.C. 1271–1287; Emergency are described in the documented Wetlands Resources Act, 16 U.S.C. categorical exclusion (CE), 3921, 3931; TEA–21 Wetlands environmental assessment (EA) Mitigation, 23 U.S.C. 103(b)(6)(m), environmental impact statement (EIS) or 133(b)(11); Flood Disaster Protection re-evaluation issued in connection with Act, 42 U.S.C. 4001–4128. 8. Hazardous Materials: the project, and in other documents in the FHWA administrative record for the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability project. The CE, EA, FEIS or reAct (CERCLA), 42 U.S.C. 9601–9675; evaluation and other documents from Superfund Amendments and the FHWA administrative record files Reauthorization Act of 1986 (SARA); for the listed projects are available by DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION PO 00000 Frm 00088 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\17MRN1.SGM 17MRN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 52 (Friday, March 17, 2006)]
[Notices]
[Pages 13892-13893]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 06-2582]


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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Highway Administration

Federal Transit Administration


Environmental Impact Statement on Seattle Ferry Terminal--
Seattle, WA

AGENCIES: Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), U.S. Department of 
Transportation (DOT) and Federal Transit Administration (FTA), U.S. 
Department of Transportation (DOT).

ACTION:  Notice of Intent to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement 
(EIS).

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

SUMMARY: The Federal Highway Administration and Federal Transit 
Administration are issuing this notice to advise the public that an 
Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) will be prepared for the 
Washington State Ferries Seattle Ferry Terminal Project in Seattle, 
Washington.

DATES: Written comments on the purpose and need, scope of alternatives 
and impacts to be considered in the EIS must be received no later than 
May 19, 2006, and must be sent to Washington State Ferries at the 
address indicated below.
    Scoping Meeting Dates: Two public information meetings will be held 
in April 2006, including:
    Thursday, April 20, 2006, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., at the Seattle 
Ferry Terminal, 801 Alaskan Way (Pier 52), Seattle, Washington;
    Tuesday, April 25, 2006, 4:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m., at the Puget Sound 
Regional Council, 1011 Western Ave, 50,Seattle, Washington.
    Oral and written comments may be given at the public meetings.
    This and all other public meetings will be accessible to persons 
with disabilities. Any individual who requires special assistance 
should contact Hadley Greene at (206) 515-3913 at least 48 hours in 
advance of the meeting in order for WSF to make necessary arrangements. 
Persons who are deaf or hard of hearing may access Washington State 
Telecommunications Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 and asking to be 
connected to (206) 515-3913.

ADDRESSES: To ensure that the full range of issues related to this 
proposed action are identified and addressed, comments and suggestions 
are invited from interested parties. Comments will be accepted at the 
public scoping meetings (either through written comments forms and/or 
orally through the court reporter) or they can be e-mailed to 
SeattleFerry TerminalProject@wsdot.wa.gov or mailed to Washington State 
Ferries, Hadlay Greene, Customer and Community Relations, 2901 Third 
Avenue, Suite 500, Seattle, WA 93121.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Linda Gehrke, Federal Transit 
Administration, Telephone: (206) 220-4463; or Steve Saxton, Federal 
Highway Administration, Telephone: (360) 753-9411; or Angela 
Freudenstein, Washington State Ferries. Telephone: (206) 382-5230. 
Additional information on the Seattle Ferry Terminal Project can be 
found on the project Web site at www.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries/projects/
seattlecolmandock/.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Propose Action Background

    The FHWA and FTA, as Federal co-lead agencies, in participation 
with the Washington State Ferries (WSF) will prepare an Environmental 
Impact Statement (EIS) on the proposed Seattle Ferry Terminal Project 
in Seattle, Washington. The project study area generally encompasses 
the southern portion of the Seattle downtown between King Street and 
Madison Streets along the waterfront.
    The existing Seattle Ferry Terminal at Colman Dock is both 
structurally deteriorated and lacks the capacity to meet either the 
current peak travel demand or future needs. The existing pier structure 
was built in 1964, reusing many timber piles from the original 1936 
pier. The south half of the dock was rebuilt in the 1990s. In 2002 WSF 
conducted and underwater inspection that indicated almost one-half of 
the timber piles were damaged or deteriorated. In addition, the 
transfer spans for loading cars and passengers onto the ferry vessels 
are aging and deteriorating. All of these facilities are nearing the 
end of their useful life and need to be replaced.
    The draft WSF Long-Range Strategic Plan indicates that the Seattle 
Ferry Terminal will experience considerable growth in both vehicle and 
passenger traffic between now and 2030. During the daily westbound PM 
peak travel period, when traffic is heaviest, the number of vehicles 
carried is expected to increase by over 125%. During the same travel 
period, the number of walk-on passengers is projected to triple. To 
accommodate this projected growth, and avoid continuing and worsening 
backups on nearby surface streets, the existing terminal's holding 
capacity will need to more than double.
    Currently, the Seattle Ferry Terminal does not have enough area to 
hold vehicles waiting to use the ferry on peak travel days, 
particularly on a Friday during the summer. As a result of limited 
space on the dock (currently there is room for a maximum of 
approximately 600 vehicles) vehicles back up on surface streets on 
several days each year. These waiting vehicles disrupt and conflict 
with through traffic at several roadway intersections. Backups are 
expected to worsen in the future if improvements at the terminal are 
not made.
    Foot passengers moving between the terminal and downtown encounter

[[Page 13893]]

mobility issues related to the surges of heavy pedestrian traffic in 
one direction or the other on an above-street bridge; inadequate 
lighting and poor pavement conditions along surface streets; lack of 
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-compliant facilities; and poor 
access and inconvenient connections to existing multi-modal 
transportation services.
    The Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002, part of the U.S. 
Coast Guard's Homeland Security mandate, requires a number of physical 
improvements be made at the Seattle Ferry Terminal, including areas for 
passenger and vehicle screening.

Project Objectives/Alternatives

    The primary objectives of the Seattle Ferry Terminal Project are to 
replace the aging and deteriorating dock structure, accommodate 
projected growth of both vehicle and passenger traffic, enhance 
operational effectiveness and thus decrease congestion on adjacent city 
streets, improve passenger connections to multi-modal transportation 
services and mobility into downtown, and incorporate physical 
improvements in conformance with ADA and Maritime Transportation 
Security Act requirements.
    All reasonable alternatives that meet the project objectives will 
be considered. The EIS will include a range of terminal improvements, 
as well as a No-Build Alternative.

Probable Effects

    The EIS will evaluate significant transportation, environmental, 
social, and economic impacts of the alternatives. Potential areas of 
impact include: overwater coverage, aquatic resources, land use, 
economics, historic and cultural properties, traffic, and environmental 
justice. All impacts will be evaluated for both the construction period 
and for the long-term period of operation. Measures to avoid, minimize, 
or mitigate any significant impacts will be developed.

    Issued on March 13, 2006.
R.F. Krochalis,
Regional Administrator, Region X, Federal Transit Administration.
Steve Saxton,
Area Engineer, Washington Division, Federal Highway Administration.
[FR Doc. 06-2582 Filed 3-16-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-57-M

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.