Environmental Impact Statement: Lake, Cook and McHenry Counties, Illinois, 32947-32948 [2018-15097]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 136 / Monday, July 16, 2018 / Notices sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with NOTICES the NRP. This approach is intended to ensure that the NRP remains relevant in the long term, since adjustments in the implementation of the NRP (e.g., due to changes such as availability of stewardship funding, new trends in public use and input from the public) would be addressed through the 3–5 Year Action Plan. TVA would also remove the ‘‘measures of success’’ for each program from the 2011 NRP, which experience has shown were too specific. The updated NRP would identify objectives for each focus area to provide highlevel, overarching strategic direction for each area. The objectives for the focus areas align with the 2011 NRP resource area goals and would be substantially consistent with TVA’s Blended Management approach analyzed in the 2011 EIS. Instead of ‘‘measures of success,’’ metrics to measure achievement of focus area objectives would be incorporated into the 3–5 Year Action Plan. Scoping Process The revised NRP will be considered as an action alternative in the supplemental EIS. TVA invites the public to review the detailed description of its NRP program areas and the revisions to the NRP that is available on the TVA website during the scoping period and to submit comments, questions or suggestions on its proposal. Additional action alternative(s) may be developed based on public input submitted to TVA during the scoping period. Public scoping is integral to the process for implementing NEPA and ensures that issues are identified early and properly studied; issues of little significance do not consume substantial time and effort; and analysis is thorough and balanced. TVA anticipates that the major environmental resource areas that will be addressed in the supplemental EIS will include water quality, water supply, aquatic and terrestrial ecology, endangered and threatened species, wetlands, prime farmlands, floodplains, recreation, aesthetics including visual resources, land use, historic and archaeological resources and socioeconomic resources. TVA invites members of the public as well as Federal, state, and local agencies and Native American tribes to comment on the scope of the supplemental EIS. Comments on the scope should be submitted no later than the date given under the DATES section of this notice. Pursuant to the regulations of the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation implementing Section 106 of the NHPA, TVA also solicits VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:31 Jul 13, 2018 Jkt 244001 comments on the potential of the proposed Plan to affect historic properties. This notice also provides an opportunity under Executive Orders 11990 and 11988 for early public review of the potential for TVA’s proposal to affect wetlands and floodplains, respectively. Please note that any comments received, including names and addresses, will become part of the administrative record and will be available for public inspection. After consideration of the public’s input and analyzing the environmental consequences of alternatives, TVA will issue a draft EIS for public review and comment. TVA will notify the public of the draft EIS’s availability and plans to hold public meetings during the review period. TVA expects to release the draft EIS in mid 2019 and the final EIS and NRP in early 2020. Authority: 40 CFR 1501.7. David Bowling, Vice President, Land and River Management. [FR Doc. 2018–15161 Filed 7–13–18; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8120–08–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Highway Administration Environmental Impact Statement: Lake, Cook and McHenry Counties, Illinois Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of intent to prepare an environmental impact statement (EIS). AGENCY: The FHWA is issuing this notice to advise the public that an environmental impact statement will be prepared for a proposed transportation improvement project in Lake, Cook and McHenry Counties in Illinois. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Catherine A. Batey, Division Administrator, Federal Highway Administration, 3250 Executive Park Drive, Springfield, Illinois 62703, Phone: 217–492–4640. Paul Kovacs, Chief Engineer, Illinois Tollway, 2700 Ogden Avenue, Downers Grove, Illinois 60515, Phone 630–241–6800. Anthony Quigley, Deputy Director of Highways, Region 1 Engineer, Illinois Department of Transportation, 201 West Center Court, Schaumburg, Illinois 60196, Phone: 847–705–4401. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FHWA, in cooperation with the Illinois Tollway and the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), will prepare an environmental impact statement (EIS) for a proposed transportation SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00116 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 32947 improvement project in Lake County, northern portions of Cook County, and eastern portions of McHenry County. The FHWA intends to issue a single Final EIS and Record of Decision (ROD) document pursuant to the FAST Act Section 1311 requirements, unless FHWA determines statutory criteria or practicability considerations preclude issuance of a combined document. Improvements in the project area are proposed to reduce congestion, improve reliability of travel, improve travel options connecting major origins and destinations, and improve local and regional travel efficiency. Alternatives under consideration to address these needs include (1) improvements to the existing roadway network; (2) construction on new alignment; (3) improvements to transit, including rail and bus; (3) improvements to bicycle and pedestrian facilities; (4) transportation system management/ transportation demand management strategies; and (5) taking no action. Federal approvals needed for this project may include permits under Clean Water Act Sections 402 and 404 and Section 401 water quality certification. Section 7 consultation with the US Fish and Wildlife Service may also be required. The project will comply with the Clean Air Act, Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, Section 4(f) of the U.S. Department of Transportation Act of 1966, and Executive Order 12898 ‘‘Federal Actions to Address Environmental Justice in Minority Populations and Low-Income Populations,’’ and other applicable state and Federal laws. A Stakeholder Participation Group, consisting of community leaders, technical experts, and interest groups, has been formed as part of early coordination efforts to assist in the development of the purpose and need and to provide input on alternative evaluation. Additionally, all individuals and organizations expressing interest in the project will be able to participate in the process through various public outreach opportunities. These opportunities include, but are not limited to, the project website, public meetings and hearings, speakers’ bureau events, and press releases. 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. Scoping input on the proposed project will be invited during a public informational meeting scheduled for July 25, 2018, and may also be submitted via the project website or in writing to the Illinois Tollway, 2700 E:\FR\FM\16JYN1.SGM 16JYN1 32948 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 136 / Monday, July 16, 2018 / Notices Ogden Avenue, Downers Grove, Illinois 60515, attention Pete Foernssler. Comments and questions concerning the proposed action and this notice should be directed to the Illinois Tollway at the address provided above by the close of business on August 24, 2018. Authority: 23 U.S.C. 315; 23 CFR 771.123. (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: July 9, 2018. Division Administrator, Springfield, Illinois. [FR Doc. 2018–15097 Filed 7–13–18; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–22–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Highway Administration [Docket No. FHWA–2018–0033] Proposed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Assigning Certain Federal Environmental Responsibilities to the State of Nebraska, Including National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Authority for Certain Categorical Exclusions (CEs) Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed MOU, request for comments. AGENCY: The FHWA and the State of Nebraska, acting by and through its Department of Transportation (State), propose participation of the State in the Categorical Exclusion Assignment program. This program allows FHWA to assign its authority and responsibility for determining whether certain designated activities within the geographic boundaries of the State, as specified in the proposed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), are categorically excluded from preparation of an environmental assessment or an environmental impact statement under the National Environmental Policy Act. DATES: Comments must be received on or before August 15, 2018. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments, identified by DOT Document Management System (DMS) Docket Number FHWA–2018–0033, by any of the methods described below. To ensure that you do not duplicate your submissions, please submit them by only one of the means below. Electronic or facsimile comments are preferred sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with NOTICES SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:31 Jul 13, 2018 Jkt 244001 because Federal offices experience intermittent mail delays from security screening. Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to website: https://www.regulations.gov/. Follow the instructions for submitting comments on the DOT electronic docket site. Facsimile (Fax): 1–202–493–2251. Mail: Docket Management Facility; U.S. Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Ave. SE, Washington, DC 20590. Hand Delivery: 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Eastern Time, Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. For access to the docket to view a complete copy of the proposed MOU, or to read background documents or comments received, go to https:// www.regulations.gov/ at any time, or to 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Eastern Time, Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. Instructions: You must include the agency name and docket number at the beginning of your comments. All comments received will be posted without change to https:// www.regulations.gov, including any personal information provided. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For FHWA: Melissa Maiefski; by email at Melissa.Maiefski@dot.gov or by telephone at 402–742–8473. The Nebraska Division Office’s normal business hours are 8 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Central Standard Time), Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. For the State of Nebraska: Brandie Neemann: By email at Brandie.Neemann@nebraska.gov or by telephone at 402–479–4795. The Nebraska Department of Transportation’s business hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Central Standard Time), Monday through Friday, except State and Federal holidays. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Electronic Access Internet users may reach the Office of the Federal Register’s home page at: https://www.archives.gov/ and the Government Publishing Office’s database at: https://www.fdsys.gov/. An electronic version of the proposed MOU may be downloaded by accessing the DOT DMS docket, as described above, at https://www.regulations.gov. Background Section 326 of Title 23 U.S. Code, creates a program that allows the Secretary of the U.S. Department of PO 00000 Frm 00117 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Transportation (Secretary), to assign, and a State to assume, responsibility for determining whether certain highway projects are included within classes of action that are categorically excluded (CE) from requirements for environmental assessments or environmental impact statements pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, 42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq. (NEPA). In addition, this program allows the assignment of other environmental review requirements applicable to Federal highway projects. The FHWA is authorized to act on behalf of the Secretary with respect to these matters. The FHWA would execute Nebraska’s participation in this program through an MOU. Statewide decision making responsibility would be assigned for all activities within the categories listed in 23 CFR 771.117(c) and those listed as examples in 23 CFR 771.111(d), and any activities added through FHWA rulemaking to those listed in 23 CFR 771.117(c) or example activities listed in 23 CFR 771.117(d) after the date of the execution of this MOU. In addition to the NEPA CE determination responsibilities, the MOU would assign to the State the responsibility for conducting Federal environmental review, consultation, and other related activities for projects that are subject to the MOU with respect to the following Federal laws and Executive Orders: • Clean Air Act (CAA), 42 U.S.C. 7401– 7671q. Including determinations for project-level conformity if required for the project • Noise Control Act of 1972, 42 U.S.C. 4901–4918 • Compliance with the noise regulations in 23 CFR part 772 (except approval of the State noise policy in accordance with 23 CFR 772.7) • Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, 16 U.S.C. 1531–1544, and 1536 • Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act, 16 U.S.C. 661–667d • Migratory Bird Treaty Act, 16 U.S.C. 703–712 • Bald and Golden Eagle Treaty Act, as amended, 16 U.S.C. 668–668c • Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended, 54 U.S.C. 306108 • Archeological Resources Protection Act of 1979, 16 U.S.C. 470aa–mm • Title 54, Chapter 3125—Preservation of Historical and Archeological Data, 54 U.S.C. 312501–312508 • Native American Grave Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), 25 U.S.C. 3001–3013; 18 U.S.C. 1170 • Section 4(f) of the Department of Transportation Act of 1966, 23 U.S.C. E:\FR\FM\16JYN1.SGM 16JYN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 136 (Monday, July 16, 2018)]
[Notices]
[Pages 32947-32948]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-15097]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Highway Administration


Environmental Impact Statement: Lake, Cook and McHenry Counties, 
Illinois

AGENCY: Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of intent to prepare an environmental impact statement 
(EIS).

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

SUMMARY: The FHWA is issuing this notice to advise the public that an 
environmental impact statement will be prepared for a proposed 
transportation improvement project in Lake, Cook and McHenry Counties 
in Illinois.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Catherine A. Batey, Division 
Administrator, Federal Highway Administration, 3250 Executive Park 
Drive, Springfield, Illinois 62703, Phone: 217-492-4640. Paul Kovacs, 
Chief Engineer, Illinois Tollway, 2700 Ogden Avenue, Downers Grove, 
Illinois 60515, Phone 630-241-6800. Anthony Quigley, Deputy Director of 
Highways, Region 1 Engineer, Illinois Department of Transportation, 201 
West Center Court, Schaumburg, Illinois 60196, Phone: 847-705-4401.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FHWA, in cooperation with the Illinois 
Tollway and the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), will 
prepare an environmental impact statement (EIS) for a proposed 
transportation improvement project in Lake County, northern portions of 
Cook County, and eastern portions of McHenry County. The FHWA intends 
to issue a single Final EIS and Record of Decision (ROD) document 
pursuant to the FAST Act Section 1311 requirements, unless FHWA 
determines statutory criteria or practicability considerations preclude 
issuance of a combined document.
    Improvements in the project area are proposed to reduce congestion, 
improve reliability of travel, improve travel options connecting major 
origins and destinations, and improve local and regional travel 
efficiency. Alternatives under consideration to address these needs 
include (1) improvements to the existing roadway network; (2) 
construction on new alignment; (3) improvements to transit, including 
rail and bus; (3) improvements to bicycle and pedestrian facilities; 
(4) transportation system management/transportation demand management 
strategies; and (5) taking no action.
    Federal approvals needed for this project may include permits under 
Clean Water Act Sections 402 and 404 and Section 401 water quality 
certification. Section 7 consultation with the US Fish and Wildlife 
Service may also be required. The project will comply with the Clean 
Air Act, Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, Section 4(f) of the U.S. 
Department of Transportation Act of 1966, and Executive Order 12898 
``Federal Actions to Address Environmental Justice in Minority 
Populations and Low-Income Populations,'' and other applicable state 
and Federal laws.
    A Stakeholder Participation Group, consisting of community leaders, 
technical experts, and interest groups, has been formed as part of 
early coordination efforts to assist in the development of the purpose 
and need and to provide input on alternative evaluation. Additionally, 
all individuals and organizations expressing interest in the project 
will be able to participate in the process through various public 
outreach opportunities. These opportunities include, but are not 
limited to, the project website, public meetings and hearings, 
speakers' bureau events, and press releases.
    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. Scoping input 
on the proposed project will be invited during a public informational 
meeting scheduled for July 25, 2018, and may also be submitted via the 
project website or in writing to the Illinois Tollway, 2700

[[Page 32948]]

Ogden Avenue, Downers Grove, Illinois 60515, attention Pete Foernssler. 
Comments and questions concerning the proposed action and this notice 
should be directed to the Illinois Tollway at the address provided 
above by the close of business on August 24, 2018.

    Authority: 23 U.S.C. 315; 23 CFR 771.123.

(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: July 9, 2018.
Division Administrator,
Springfield, Illinois.
[FR Doc. 2018-15097 Filed 7-13-18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-22-P

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