Notice of Final Federal Agency Actions on South Mountain Freeway (Loop 202), Interstate 10 (Papago Freeway) to Interstate 10 (Maricopa Freeway) in Phoenix, AZ, 13461-13462 [2015-05769]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 49 / Friday, March 13, 2015 / Notices Prevost states that if the exemption is granted, it ‘‘will be able to install the LDW camera system in a location which will offer the best opportunity to optimize the data and evaluate the benefits of such a system.’’ mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES Comments FMCSA published a notice of the application in the Federal Register on December 18, 2013, and asked for public comment (78 FR 76702). The Agency received one comment, from Greyhound Lines, Inc. (Greyhound). Greyhound stated that it ‘‘has a substantial number of motorcoaches manufactured by Prevost in its fleet and has been an industry leader in adding innovative safety equipment to its motorcoaches.’’ Greyhound strongly supports the granting of the exemption, stating that it ‘‘believes that the lane departure warning (LDW) system that Prevost plans to install on its motorcoaches can be a useful tool for enhancing motorcoach safety if properly installed,’’ and agreed with Volvo/Prevost’s assertion that ‘‘the camera must be installed in the wiper swept area of [the] windshield for the system to perform correctly because it must have a clear forward facing view of the road.’’ Greyhound agreed that installation of the LDW camera within the bottom 7 inches of the wiper swept area ‘‘will maximize its effectiveness as a safety tool while not impeding the driver’s sight lines.’’ FMCSA Decision The FMCSA has evaluated the Volvo/ Prevost exemption application. The Agency believes that granting the temporary exemption to allow the placement of LDW systems lower in the windshield than is currently permitted by the Agency’s regulations will provide a level of safety that is equivalent to, or greater than, the level of safety achieved without the exemption because (1) based on the technical information available, there is no indication that the LDW systems would obstruct drivers’ views of the roadway, highway signs and surrounding traffic; (2) generally, buses have an elevated seating position that greatly improves the forward visual field of the driver, and any impairment of available sight lines would be minimal; and (3) the location within the bottom seven inches of the area swept by the windshield wiper and out of the driver’s normal sightline will be reasonable and enforceable at roadside. In addition, the Agency believes that the use of LDW systems by fleets is likely to improve the overall level of safety to the motoring public. VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:27 Mar 12, 2015 Jkt 235001 This action is consistent with previous Agency actions permitting the placement of LDW systems on CMVs within the swept area of the windshield wipers. In November 2011, FMCSA granted temporary exemptions to Conway, Takata, and Iteris enabling the mounting of LDW system sensors not more than 2 inches below the upper edge of the area swept by the windshield wipers and outside the driver’s sight lines to the road and highway signs and signals. The Agency recently renewed these exemptions for a second 2-year period, as FMCSA is not aware of any evidence showing that the installation of the devices has resulted in any degradation in safety. Further, while the original exemption granted relief to motor carriers using only the Takata and Iteris LDW systems, the Agency determined that it was appropriate to extend the scope of the exemption to motor carriers using any LDW system, given that FMCSA is unaware of any reduction in the level of safety associated with the use of those systems. However, the provisions of that exemption cannot apply to the Volvo/ Prevost application, as the requested mounting location for the Volvo/Prevost LDW system is at the lower portion of the windshield, within the bottom 7 inches of the wiper swept area, as opposed to the mounting location permitted by the other exemption, which is not more than 2 inches below the upper edge of the area swept by the windshield wipers. Notwithstanding the different mounting location, and for the reasons discussed above, FMCSA believes that allowing the placement of LDW systems in the lower portion of the windshield, within the swept area of the wipers, will provide a level of safety that is equivalent to, or greater than the level of safety achieved without the exemption. FMCSA continues to believe that the potential safety gains from the use of LDW systems to improve driver performance will improve the overall level of safety to the motoring public. Terms and Conditions for the Exemption The Agency hereby grants the exemption for a two-year period, beginning March 13, 2015 and ending March 13, 2017. During the temporary exemption period, motor carriers operating motorcoaches manufactured by Volvo/Prevost must ensure that the LDW systems are mounted not more than 7 inches above the lower edge of the area swept by the windshield wipers, and outside the driver’s sight lines to the road and highway signs and signals. The exemption will be valid for PO 00000 Frm 00140 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 13461 two years unless rescinded earlier by FMCSA. The exemption will be rescinded if: (1) Motor carriers operating motorcoaches manufactured by Volvo/ Prevost fail to comply with the terms and conditions of the exemption; (2) the exemption has resulted in a lower level of safety than was maintained before it was granted; or (3) continuation of the exemption would not be consistent with the goals and objectives of 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315(b). Interested parties possessing information that would demonstrate that motor carriers operating motorcoaches manufactured by Volvo/ Prevost are not achieving the requisite statutory level of safety should immediately notify FMCSA. The Agency will evaluate any such information and, if safety is being compromised or if the continuation of the exemption is not consistent with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315(b), will take immediate steps to revoke the exemption. Preemption During the period the exemption is in effect, no State shall enforce any law or regulation that conflicts with or is inconsistent with this exemption with respect to a person operating under the exemption. Issued on: March 2, 2015. T. F. Scott Darling, III, Acting Administrator. [FR Doc. 2015–05634 Filed 3–12–15; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–EX–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Highway Administration Notice of Final Federal Agency Actions on South Mountain Freeway (Loop 202), Interstate 10 (Papago Freeway) to Interstate 10 (Maricopa Freeway) in Phoenix, AZ Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Notice of Availability of the Record of Decision (ROD) for the South Mountain Freeway project; and Notice of limitation on claims for judicial review of actions by FHWA and other Federal Agencies. AGENCY: In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and FHWA procedures, this notice announces the availability of the ROD regarding the South Mountain Freeway project in Phoenix, AZ. The Arizona Division Administrator signed the ROD on March 5, 2015. SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\13MRN1.SGM 13MRN1 mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES 13462 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 49 / Friday, March 13, 2015 / Notices In addition, this notice announces actions taken by FHWA and other Federal agencies that are final within the meaning of 23 U.S.C. 139(l)(1). The actions relate to the design and construction of the Selected Alternative for the South Mountain Freeway project. Those actions grant licenses, permits, and approvals for the project. DATES: By this notice, FHWA is advising the public of final agency actions subject to 23 U.S.C. 139(l)(1). A claim seeking judicial review of the Federal agency actions on the highway project will be barred unless the claim is filed on or before August 10, 2015. If the Federal law that authorizes judicial review of a claim provides a time period of less than 150 days for filing such claim, then that shorter time period still applies. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Alan Hansen, Team Leader Planning, Environment, Air Quality, and Realty Team, Federal Highway Administration, 4000 N. Central Avenue, Suite 1500, Phoenix, Arizona 85012–3500; telephone: (602) 379–3646, fax: (602) 382–8998, email: Alan.Hansen@dot.gov. The FHWA Arizona Division Office’s normal business hours are 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Mountain Standard Time). You may also contact: Ms. Rebecca Yedlin, Environmental Coordinator, Federal Highway Administration, 4000 N. Central Avenue, Suite 1500, Phoenix, Arizona 85012–3500; telephone: (602) 379–3646, fax: (602) 382–8998, email: Rebecca.Yedlin@dot.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Notice is hereby given that FHWA and other Federal agencies have taken final agency actions by issuing licenses, permits, and approvals for the following project in the State of Arizona: South Mountain Freeway (Loop 202), Interstate 10 (Papago Freeway) to Interstate 10 (Maricopa Freeway). The FHWA has decided to identify the Preferred Alternative analyzed in the South Mountain Freeway (Loop 202) Final Environmental Impact Statement and Section 4(f) Evaluation (FEIS) as the Selected Alternative for the South Mountain Freeway project in Phoenix, Arizona, and to proceed with its construction. The Selected Alternative discussed in the ROD for the project is the environmentally preferable alternative. The Selected Alternative will meet the project needs as well as or better than the other alternatives, and was determined to be the only prudent and feasible alternative in the eastern project area during the Section 4(f) evaluation. The Selected Alternative will have similar environmental effects on natural resources, cultural resources, VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:27 Mar 12, 2015 Jkt 235001 hazardous materials, and noise; will displace fewer residences; will have the lowest impact on total tax revenues of local governments; will have lower construction costs; will cause less construction disruption overall to Interstate 10 (Papago Freeway); will mitigate impacts and provide measures to minimize harm; represents all possible planning to minimize harm to resources receiving protection under Section 4(f); is favored by the majority of local governments; and will allow regulatory permitting requirements to be met. The actions by the Federal agencies, and the laws under which such actions were taken, are described in the Draft Environmental Impact Statement approved April 16, 2013, FEIS for the project, approved on September 18, 2014, in the FHWA ROD issued on March 5, 2015, and in other documents in the FHWA administrative record. Project decision documents are also available online at: azdot.gov/ southmountainfreeway. This notice applies to all Federal agency decisions as of the issuance date of this notice and all laws under which such actions were taken, including but not limited to: 1. General: National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) [42 U.S.C. 4321– 4351]; Federal-Aid Highway Act [23 U.S.C. 109]. 2. Air: Clean Air Act [42 U.S.C. 7401– 7671(q)]. 3. Land: Section 4(f) of the US Department of Transportation Act of 1966 [49 U.S.C. 303]; Landscaping and Scenic Enhancement (Wildflowers) [23 U.S.C. 319]. 4. Wildlife: Endangered Species Act [16 U.S.C. 1531–1544 and Section 1536], Marine Mammal Protection Act [16 U.S.C. 1361], Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act [16 U.S.C. 661– 667(d)], Migratory Bird Treaty Act [16 U.S.C. 703–712]. 5. Historic and Cultural Resources: Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended [16 U.S.C. 470(f) et seq.]; Archeological Resources Protection Act of 1977 [16 U.S.C. 470(aa)–11]; Archeological and Historic Preservation Act [16 U.S.C. 469–469(c)]; Native American Grave Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) [25 U.S.C. 3001–3013]. 6. Social and Economic: Civil Rights Act of 1964 [42 U.S.C. 2000(d)– 2000(d)(1)]; American Indian Religious Freedom Act [42 U.S.C. 1996]; Farmland Protection Policy Act (FPPA) [7 U.S.C. 4201–4209]. 7. Wetlands and Water Resources: Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) [16 U.S.C. 4601–4604]; Safe PO 00000 Frm 00141 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Drinking Water Act (SDWA) [42 U.S.C. 300(f)–300(j)(6)]; Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899 [33 U.S.C. 401–406]; Wild and Scenic Rivers Act [16 U.S.C. 1271– 1287]; Emergency Wetlands Resources Act [16 U.S.C. 3921, 3931]; Flood Disaster Protection Act [42 U.S.C. 4001– 4128]. 8. Water: Clean Water Act 33 U.S.C. 1251–1387. 9. Executive Orders: E.O. 11990 Protection of Wetlands; E.O. 11988 Floodplain Management; E.O. 12898, Federal Actions to Address Environmental Justice in Minority Populations and Low Income Populations; E.O. 11593 Protection and Enhancement of Cultural Resources; E.O. 13007 Indian Sacred Sites; E.O. 13287 Preserve America; E.O. 13175 Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal Governments; E.O. 11514 Protection and Enhancement of Environmental Quality; E.O. 13112 Invasive Species. (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.) Authority: 23 U.S.C. 139(l)(1). Issued on: March 9, 2015. Karla S. Petty, Arizona Division Administrator, Phoenix, Arizona. [FR Doc. 2015–05769 Filed 3–12–15; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Railroad Administration [Docket Number FRA–2015–0015] Petition for Waiver of Compliance In accordance with Part 211 of Title 49 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), this document provides the public notice that by a document dated February 16, 2015, Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit District (SMART) has petitioned the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) for a waiver of compliance from certain provisions of the Federal railroad safety regulations contained at 49 CFR part 236, Rules, Standards, and Instructions Governing the Installation, Inspection, Maintenance and Repair of Signal and Train Control Systems, Devices, and Appliances. FRA assigned the petition Docket Number FRA–2015–0015. Specifically, SMART seeks temporary relief from the requirements of 49 CFR 236.0, Applicability, minimum E:\FR\FM\13MRN1.SGM 13MRN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 49 (Friday, March 13, 2015)]
[Notices]
[Pages 13461-13462]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-05769]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Highway Administration


Notice of Final Federal Agency Actions on South Mountain Freeway 
(Loop 202), Interstate 10 (Papago Freeway) to Interstate 10 (Maricopa 
Freeway) in Phoenix, AZ

AGENCY: Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Notice of Availability of the Record of Decision (ROD) for the 
South Mountain Freeway project; and Notice of limitation on claims for 
judicial review of actions by FHWA and other Federal Agencies.

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

SUMMARY: In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act 
(NEPA) and FHWA procedures, this notice announces the availability of 
the ROD regarding the South Mountain Freeway project in Phoenix, AZ. 
The Arizona Division Administrator signed the ROD on March 5, 2015.

[[Page 13462]]

    In addition, this notice announces actions taken by FHWA and other 
Federal agencies that are final within the meaning of 23 U.S.C. 
139(l)(1). The actions relate to the design and construction of the 
Selected Alternative for the South Mountain Freeway project. Those 
actions grant licenses, permits, and approvals for the project.

DATES: By this notice, FHWA is advising the public of final agency 
actions subject to 23 U.S.C. 139(l)(1). A claim seeking judicial review 
of the Federal agency actions on the highway project will be barred 
unless the claim is filed on or before August 10, 2015. If the Federal 
law that authorizes judicial review of a claim provides a time period 
of less than 150 days for filing such claim, then that shorter time 
period still applies.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Alan Hansen, Team Leader Planning, 
Environment, Air Quality, and Realty Team, Federal Highway 
Administration, 4000 N. Central Avenue, Suite 1500, Phoenix, Arizona 
85012-3500; telephone: (602) 379-3646, fax: (602) 382-8998, email: 
Alan.Hansen@dot.gov. The FHWA Arizona Division Office's normal business 
hours are 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Mountain Standard Time).
    You may also contact: Ms. Rebecca Yedlin, Environmental 
Coordinator, Federal Highway Administration, 4000 N. Central Avenue, 
Suite 1500, Phoenix, Arizona 85012-3500; telephone: (602) 379-3646, 
fax: (602) 382-8998, email: Rebecca.Yedlin@dot.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Notice is hereby given that FHWA and other 
Federal agencies have taken final agency actions by issuing licenses, 
permits, and approvals for the following project in the State of 
Arizona: South Mountain Freeway (Loop 202), Interstate 10 (Papago 
Freeway) to Interstate 10 (Maricopa Freeway). The FHWA has decided to 
identify the Preferred Alternative analyzed in the South Mountain 
Freeway (Loop 202) Final Environmental Impact Statement and Section 
4(f) Evaluation (FEIS) as the Selected Alternative for the South 
Mountain Freeway project in Phoenix, Arizona, and to proceed with its 
construction. The Selected Alternative discussed in the ROD for the 
project is the environmentally preferable alternative. The Selected 
Alternative will meet the project needs as well as or better than the 
other alternatives, and was determined to be the only prudent and 
feasible alternative in the eastern project area during the Section 
4(f) evaluation. The Selected Alternative will have similar 
environmental effects on natural resources, cultural resources, 
hazardous materials, and noise; will displace fewer residences; will 
have the lowest impact on total tax revenues of local governments; will 
have lower construction costs; will cause less construction disruption 
overall to Interstate 10 (Papago Freeway); will mitigate impacts and 
provide measures to minimize harm; represents all possible planning to 
minimize harm to resources receiving protection under Section 4(f); is 
favored by the majority of local governments; and will allow regulatory 
permitting requirements to be met.
    The actions by the Federal agencies, and the laws under which such 
actions were taken, are described in the Draft Environmental Impact 
Statement approved April 16, 2013, FEIS for the project, approved on 
September 18, 2014, in the FHWA ROD issued on March 5, 2015, and in 
other documents in the FHWA administrative record. Project decision 
documents are also available online at: azdot.gov/southmountainfreeway.
    This notice applies to all Federal agency decisions as of the 
issuance date of this notice and all laws under which such actions were 
taken, including but not limited to:
    1. General: National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) [42 U.S.C. 
4321-4351]; Federal-Aid Highway Act [23 U.S.C. 109].
    2. Air: Clean Air Act [42 U.S.C. 7401-7671(q)].
    3. Land: Section 4(f) of the US Department of Transportation Act of 
1966 [49 U.S.C. 303]; Landscaping and Scenic Enhancement (Wildflowers) 
[23 U.S.C. 319].
    4. Wildlife: Endangered Species Act [16 U.S.C. 1531-1544 and 
Section 1536], Marine Mammal Protection Act [16 U.S.C. 1361], Fish and 
Wildlife Coordination Act [16 U.S.C. 661-667(d)], Migratory Bird Treaty 
Act [16 U.S.C. 703-712].
    5. Historic and Cultural Resources: Section 106 of the National 
Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended [16 U.S.C. 470(f) et 
seq.]; Archeological Resources Protection Act of 1977 [16 U.S.C. 
470(aa)-11]; Archeological and Historic Preservation Act [16 U.S.C. 
469-469(c)]; Native American Grave Protection and Repatriation Act 
(NAGPRA) [25 U.S.C. 3001-3013].
    6. Social and Economic: Civil Rights Act of 1964 [42 U.S.C. 
2000(d)-2000(d)(1)]; American Indian Religious Freedom Act [42 U.S.C. 
1996]; Farmland Protection Policy Act (FPPA) [7 U.S.C. 4201-4209].
    7. Wetlands and Water Resources: Land and Water Conservation Fund 
(LWCF) [16 U.S.C. 4601-4604]; Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) [42 U.S.C. 
300(f)-300(j)(6)]; Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899 [33 U.S.C. 401-406]; 
Wild and Scenic Rivers Act [16 U.S.C. 1271-1287]; Emergency Wetlands 
Resources Act [16 U.S.C. 3921, 3931]; Flood Disaster Protection Act [42 
U.S.C. 4001-4128].
    8. Water: Clean Water Act 33 U.S.C. 1251-1387.
    9. Executive Orders: E.O. 11990 Protection of Wetlands; E.O. 11988 
Floodplain Management; E.O. 12898, Federal Actions to Address 
Environmental Justice in Minority Populations and Low Income 
Populations; E.O. 11593 Protection and Enhancement of Cultural 
Resources; E.O. 13007 Indian Sacred Sites; E.O. 13287 Preserve America; 
E.O. 13175 Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal 
Governments; E.O. 11514 Protection and Enhancement of Environmental 
Quality; E.O. 13112 Invasive Species.

(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.)

    Authority: 23 U.S.C. 139(l)(1).

    Issued on: March 9, 2015.
Karla S. Petty,
Arizona Division Administrator, Phoenix, Arizona.
[FR Doc. 2015-05769 Filed 3-12-15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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