Notice of Final Agency Actions on Proposed Railroad Project in California, on Behalf of the California High-Speed Rail Authority, 52409-52410 [2020-18603]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 165 / Tuesday, August 25, 2020 / Notices suggestions on the additional scope elements described in this Revised NOI are invited from all interested agencies, Native American Tribes, and the public to ensure the full range of issues related to the proposed action and all reasonable alternatives are addressed. In particular, the Authority is interested in determining whether there are areas of environmental concern where there might be a potential for impacts identifiable at a project level. In response to this Revised NOI, public agencies with jurisdiction are requested to advise the Authority of the applicable permit and environmental review requirements of each agency, and the scope and content of the environmental information that is germane to the agency’s statutory responsibilities in connection with the proposed project. Currently, the Surface Transportation Board and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers are participating as cooperating agencies in the preparation of the EIS. Public scoping meetings have been scheduled as an important component of the scoping process for both the state and federal environmental review. The scoping meetings described above in this Revised NOI will also be advertised locally and included in additional public notification. The environmental review, consultation, and other actions required by applicable federal environmental laws for this project are being or have been carried out by the State of California pursuant to 23 U.S.C. 327 and a Memorandum of Understanding dated July 23, 2019, and executed by the FRA and the State of California. Issued in Washington, DC. Jamie P. Rennert, Director, Office of Program Delivery. [FR Doc. 2020–18610 Filed 8–24–20; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–06–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Railroad Administration Notice of Final Agency Actions on Proposed Railroad Project in California, on Behalf of the California High-Speed Rail Authority Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Notice. khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with NOTICES AGENCY: The FRA, on behalf of the California High-Speed Rail Authority (Authority), is issuing this notice to announce actions taken by the Authority that are final. By this notice, the FRA is advising the public of the SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:55 Aug 24, 2020 Jkt 250001 time limit to file a claim seeking judicial review of the actions. The actions relate to a proposed railroad project, the California High-Speed Rail Project Fresno to Bakersfield Section: Locally Generated Alternative in Kern County, California. The Fresno to Bakersfield Locally Generated Alternative (F–B LGA) provides an alternative alignment for a 23.13-mile segment of the Fresno to Bakersfield Section between the City of Shafter and the City of Bakersfield. The F–B LGA station will be located at the intersection of State Route (SR) 204 and F Street in Bakersfield. A maintenance of infrastructure facility will be located along the F–B LGA in northern Shafter between Poplar Avenue and Fresno Avenue. These actions grant approvals for project implementation pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). DATES: A claim seeking judicial review of the agency actions on the railroad project will be barred unless the claim is filed August 25, 2022. If Federal law authorizes judicial review of a claim that provides a time period of less than two-years for filing such claim, then that shorter time period applies. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For the Authority: Dan McKell, NEPA Assignment Manager, Environmental Services, California High-Speed Rail Authority, (telephone: 916–324–1541; email: dan.mckell@hsr.ca.gov). For FRA: Stephanie Perez-Arrieta, Lead Environmental Protection Specialist, Federal Railroad Administration, (telephone: 202–493– 0388; email: s.perez-arrieta@dot.gov). SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Effective July 23, 2019, FRA assigned, and the State of California acting through the Authority assumed, environmental responsibilities for this project pursuant to 23 U.S.C. 327. Notice is hereby given that the Authority has taken final agency actions subject to 23 U.S.C. 139(l)(1) by issuing approvals for the following railroad project in California: California High-Speed Rail Project Fresno to Bakersfield Section: Locally Generated Alternative. The purpose of the California HSR System is to provide a reliable highspeed electric-powered train system that links the major metropolitan areas of California, delivering predictable and consistent travel times. A further objective is to provide an interface with commercial airports, mass transit, and the highway network and to relieve capacity constraints of the existing transportation system as increases in intercity travel demand in California occur, in a manner sensitive to and PO 00000 Frm 00110 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 52409 protective of California’s unique natural resources. For the portion of the Fresno to Bakersfield Section from just north of Poplar Avenue to and including the F Street Station (specifically to the intersection of 34th Street and L Street in Bakersfield), the Authority approves the F–B LGA and the F Street Station. As part of the California HSR System, the F–B LGA will provide the public with electric-powered HSR service that provides predictable and consistent travel times between major urban centers and connectivity to airports, mass transit, and the highway network in the south San Joaquin Valley, and that connects the northern and southern portions of the system. The F–B LGA supports the purpose and need of the Project. The Authority has selected this alternative and corresponding station because: (1) It best satisfies the Purpose, Need, and Objectives for the proposed action; and (2) it minimizes impacts on the natural and human environment by utilizing an existing transportation corridor where practicable and incorporating mitigation measures. Accordingly, from just north of Poplar Avenue to and including the F Street Station (specifically to the intersection of 34th Street and L Street in Bakersfield), the F–B LGA and the F Street Station have been selected and approved for project implementation. This conclusion does not change FRA’s conclusions and decision in the 2014 ROD north of Poplar Avenue. The actions by the Authority, and the laws under which such actions were taken, are described in the Combined Supplemental Record of Decision (ROD) and Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (Final Supplemental EIS) on the Locally Generated Alternative of the Fresno to Bakersfield Project Section (F–B) of the California High-Speed Rail Project, approved on October 31, 2019. The Combined Supplemental ROD and Final Supplemental EIS and other documents are available online in PDF format at the Authority website: www.hsr.ca.gov and on CD–ROM by calling (916) 324–1541. The 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. Council on Environmental Quality regulations; 2. NEPA; 3. Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act (FAST Act); 4. Department of Transportation Act of 1966, Section 4(f); 5. Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Act of 1965, Section 6(f); E:\FR\FM\25AUN1.SGM 25AUN1 52410 Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 165 / Tuesday, August 25, 2020 / Notices 6. Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990; 7. Clean Water Act of 1977 and 1987; 8. Endangered Species Act of 1973; 9. Migratory Bird Treaty Act; 10. National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended; 11. Executive Order 11990, Protection of Wetlands; 12. Executive Order 11988, Floodplain Management; 13. Executive Order 12898, Federal Actions to Address Environmental Justice in Minority Populations and Low-Income Populations; and 14. Executive Order 13112, Invasive Species. Issued in Washington, DC. Jamie P. Rennert, Director, Office of Program Delivery. [FR Doc. 2020–18603 Filed 8–24–20; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–06–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Maritime Administration [Docket No. MARAD–2020–0115] Requested Administrative Waiver of the Coastwise Trade Laws: Vessel SWEET THING (Motor Vessel); Invitation for Public Comments Maritime Administration, DOT. Notice. AGENCY: ACTION: The Secretary of Transportation, as represented by the Maritime Administration (MARAD), is authorized to grant waivers of the U.S.build requirements of the coastwise trade laws to allow the carriage of no more than twelve passengers for hire on vessels, which are three years old or more. A request for such a waiver has been received by MARAD. The vessel, and a brief description of the proposed service, is listed below. DATES: Submit comments on or before September 24, 2020. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments identified by DOT Docket Number MARAD–2020–0115 by any one of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Search MARAD–2020–0115 and follow the instructions for submitting comments. • Mail or Hand Delivery: Docket Management Facility is in the West Building, Ground Floor of the U.S. Department of Transportation. The Docket Management Facility location address is: U.S. Department of Transportation, MARAD–2020–0115, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, West Building, Room W12–140, Washington, khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with NOTICES SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:55 Aug 24, 2020 Jkt 250001 DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except on Federal holidays. Note: If you mail or hand-deliver your comments, we recommend that you include your name and a mailing address, an email address, or a telephone number in the body of your document so that we can contact you if we have questions regarding your submission. Instructions: All submissions received must include the agency name and specific docket number. All comments received will be posted without change to the docket at www.regulations.gov, including any personal information provided. For detailed instructions on submitting comments, see the section entitled Public Participation. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Bianca Carr, U.S. Department of Transportation, Maritime Administration, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Room W23–453, Washington, DC 20590. Telephone 202– 366–9309, Email Bianca.carr@dot.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: As described by the applicant the intended service of the vessel SWEET THING is: —Intended Commercial Use of Vessel: ‘‘Recreational Charters, Pleasure Cruising/Day Sails (No Fishing, Etc.)’’ —Geographic Region Including Base of Operations: ‘‘Florida, Rhode Island and Massachusetts’’ (Base of Operations: Palm Beach Garden, FL) —Vessel Length and Type: 65.4′ motor vessel The complete application is available for review identified in the DOT docket as MARAD–2020–0115 at https:// www.regulations.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 46 U.S.C. 12121 and MARAD’s regulations at 46 CFR part 388, 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 vessel name, state the commenter’s interest in the waiver application, and address the waiver criteria given in section 388.4 of MARAD’s regulations at 46 CFR part 388. Public Participation How do I submit comments? Please submit your comments, including the attachments, following the instructions provided under the above heading entitled ADDRESSES. Be advised PO 00000 Frm 00111 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 that it may take a few hours or even days for your comment to be reflected on the docket. In addition, your comments must be written in English. We encourage you to provide concise comments and you may attach additional documents as necessary. There is no limit on the length of the attachments. Where do I go to read public comments, and find supporting information? Go to the docket online at https:// www.regulations.gov, keyword search MARAD–2020–0115 or visit the Docket Management Facility (see ADDRESSES for hours of operation). We recommend that you periodically check the Docket for new submissions and supporting material. Will my comments be made available to the public? Yes. Be aware that your entire comment, including your personal identifying information, will be made publicly available. May I submit comments confidentially? If you wish to submit comments under a claim of confidentiality, you should submit three copies of your complete submission, including the information you claim to be confidential business information, to the Department of Transportation, Maritime Administration, Office of Legislation and Regulations, MAR–225, W24–220, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590. Include a cover letter setting forth with specificity the basis for any such claim and, if possible, a summary of your submission that can be made available to the public. Privacy Act In accordance with 5 U.S.C. 553(c), DOT solicits comments from the public to better inform its rulemaking process. DOT posts these comments, without edit, to www.regulations.gov, as described in the system of records notice, DOT/ALL–14 FDMS, accessible through www.dot.gov/privacy. To facilitate comment tracking and response, we encourage commenters to provide their name, or the name of their organization; however, submission of names is completely optional. Whether or not commenters identify themselves, all timely comments will be fully considered. If you wish to provide comments containing proprietary or confidential information, please contact the agency for alternate submission instructions. (Authority: 49 CFR 1.93(a), 46 U.S.C. 55103, 46 U.S.C. 12121) * * * E:\FR\FM\25AUN1.SGM 25AUN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 165 (Tuesday, August 25, 2020)]
[Notices]
[Pages 52409-52410]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-18603]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Railroad Administration


Notice of Final Agency Actions on Proposed Railroad Project in 
California, on Behalf of the California High-Speed Rail Authority

AGENCY: Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Notice.

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

SUMMARY: The FRA, on behalf of the California High-Speed Rail Authority 
(Authority), is issuing this notice to announce actions taken by the 
Authority that are final. By this notice, the FRA is advising the 
public of the time limit to file a claim seeking judicial review of the 
actions. The actions relate to a proposed railroad project, the 
California High-Speed Rail Project Fresno to Bakersfield Section: 
Locally Generated Alternative in Kern County, California. The Fresno to 
Bakersfield Locally Generated Alternative (F-B LGA) provides an 
alternative alignment for a 23.13-mile segment of the Fresno to 
Bakersfield Section between the City of Shafter and the City of 
Bakersfield. The F-B LGA station will be located at the intersection of 
State Route (SR) 204 and F Street in Bakersfield. A maintenance of 
infrastructure facility will be located along the F-B LGA in northern 
Shafter between Poplar Avenue and Fresno Avenue. These actions grant 
approvals for project implementation pursuant to the National 
Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).

DATES: A claim seeking judicial review of the agency actions on the 
railroad project will be barred unless the claim is filed August 25, 
2022. If Federal law authorizes judicial review of a claim that 
provides a time period of less than two-years for filing such claim, 
then that shorter time period applies.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: 
    For the Authority: Dan McKell, NEPA Assignment Manager, 
Environmental Services, California High-Speed Rail Authority, 
(telephone: 916-324-1541; email: [email protected]).
    For FRA: Stephanie Perez-Arrieta, Lead Environmental Protection 
Specialist, Federal Railroad Administration, (telephone: 202-493-0388; 
email: [email protected]).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Effective July 23, 2019, FRA assigned, and 
the State of California acting through the Authority assumed, 
environmental responsibilities for this project pursuant to 23 U.S.C. 
327. Notice is hereby given that the Authority has taken final agency 
actions subject to 23 U.S.C. 139(l)(1) by issuing approvals for the 
following railroad project in California: California High-Speed Rail 
Project Fresno to Bakersfield Section: Locally Generated Alternative.
    The purpose of the California HSR System is to provide a reliable 
high-speed electric-powered train system that links the major 
metropolitan areas of California, delivering predictable and consistent 
travel times. A further objective is to provide an interface with 
commercial airports, mass transit, and the highway network and to 
relieve capacity constraints of the existing transportation system as 
increases in intercity travel demand in California occur, in a manner 
sensitive to and protective of California's unique natural resources. 
For the portion of the Fresno to Bakersfield Section from just north of 
Poplar Avenue to and including the F Street Station (specifically to 
the intersection of 34th Street and L Street in Bakersfield), the 
Authority approves the F-B LGA and the F Street Station. As part of the 
California HSR System, the F-B LGA will provide the public with 
electric-powered HSR service that provides predictable and consistent 
travel times between major urban centers and connectivity to airports, 
mass transit, and the highway network in the south San Joaquin Valley, 
and that connects the northern and southern portions of the system. The 
F-B LGA supports the purpose and need of the Project. The Authority has 
selected this alternative and corresponding station because: (1) It 
best satisfies the Purpose, Need, and Objectives for the proposed 
action; and (2) it minimizes impacts on the natural and human 
environment by utilizing an existing transportation corridor where 
practicable and incorporating mitigation measures. Accordingly, from 
just north of Poplar Avenue to and including the F Street Station 
(specifically to the intersection of 34th Street and L Street in 
Bakersfield), the F-B LGA and the F Street Station have been selected 
and approved for project implementation. This conclusion does not 
change FRA's conclusions and decision in the 2014 ROD north of Poplar 
Avenue.
    The actions by the Authority, and the laws under which such actions 
were taken, are described in the Combined Supplemental Record of 
Decision (ROD) and Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement 
(Final Supplemental EIS) on the Locally Generated Alternative of the 
Fresno to Bakersfield Project Section (F-B) of the California High-
Speed Rail Project, approved on October 31, 2019. The Combined 
Supplemental ROD and Final Supplemental EIS and other documents are 
available online in PDF format at the Authority website: www.hsr.ca.gov 
and on CD-ROM by calling (916) 324-1541.
    The 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. Council on Environmental Quality regulations;
    2. NEPA;
    3. Fixing America's Surface Transportation Act (FAST Act);
    4. Department of Transportation Act of 1966, Section 4(f);
    5. Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Act of 1965, Section 
6(f);

[[Page 52410]]

    6. Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990;
    7. Clean Water Act of 1977 and 1987;
    8. Endangered Species Act of 1973;
    9. Migratory Bird Treaty Act;
    10. National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended;
    11. Executive Order 11990, Protection of Wetlands;
    12. Executive Order 11988, Floodplain Management;
    13. Executive Order 12898, Federal Actions to Address Environmental 
Justice in Minority Populations and Low-Income Populations; and
    14. Executive Order 13112, Invasive Species.

    Issued in Washington, DC.
Jamie P. Rennert,
Director, Office of Program Delivery.
[FR Doc. 2020-18603 Filed 8-24-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-06-P

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