Notice of Intent To Prepare a Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the Last Chance Grade Permanent Restoration Project on Interstate 101, in Del Norte County, California, 60734-60735 [2021-23910]

Download as PDF 60734 Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 210 / Wednesday, November 3, 2021 / Notices Petitioner: Southern Helicopter Inc. Section(s) of 14 CFR Affected: §§ 61.3(a)(1)(i), 91.7(a), 91.109(a), 91.119(c), 91.121, 91.151(b), 91.403(b), 91.405(a), 91.407(a)(1), 91.409(a)(1), 91.409(a)(2), 91.417(a), 91.417(b), 137.19(c), 137.19(d), 137.19(e)(2)(ii), (e)(2)(iii), and (e)(2)(v), 137.31(a), 137.31(b), 137.33(a), 137.33(b), 137.41(c), and 137.42. Description of Relief Sought: Southern Helicopter Inc., petitioned the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to the extent necessary to operate the DJI Agras T20 unmanned aircraft system (‘‘UAS’’) weighing over 55 pounds (lbs.) but no more than 105 lbs., closer than 500 feet from vessels, vehicles, and structures to conduct agricultural aircraft operations. The petitioner is proposing to operate under the same Conditions and Limitations listed in Exemption No. 18413A, with a change to Condition and Limitation No. 16 to allow flight instruction for compensation. [FR Doc. 2021–23906 Filed 11–2–21; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration [Summary Notice No. 2021–0010] Petition for Exemption; Summary of Petition Received; Victor Lee & Associates Inc. This notice contains a summary of a petition seeking relief from specified requirements of Federal Aviation Regulations. The purpose of this notice is to improve the public’s awareness of, and participation in, the FAA’s exemption process. Neither publication of this notice nor the inclusion nor omission of information in the summary is intended to affect the legal status of the petition or its final disposition. SUMMARY: Comments on this petition must identify the petition docket number and must be received on or before November 23, 2021. ADDRESSES: Send comments identified by docket number FAA–2018–0183 using any of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov and follow the online instructions for sending your comments electronically. • Mail: Send comments to Docket Operations, M–30; U.S. Department of khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with NOTICES VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:01 Nov 02, 2021 Jkt 256001 Jake Troutman, (202) 683–7788, Office of Rulemaking, Federal Aviation Administration, 800 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20591. This notice is published pursuant to 14 CFR 11.85. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: DATES: Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Room W12–140, West Building Ground Floor, Washington, DC 20590–0001. • Hand Delivery or Courier: Take comments to Docket Operations in Room W12–140 of the West Building Ground Floor at 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590– 0001, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. • Fax: Fax comments to Docket Operations at (202) 493–2251. Privacy: 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, including any personal information the commenter provides, to https://www.regulations.gov, as described in the system of records notice (DOT/ALL–14 FDMS), which can be reviewed at https://www.dot.gov/ privacy. Docket: Background documents or comments received may be read at https://www.regulations.gov at any time. Follow the online instructions for accessing the docket or go to the Docket Operations in Room W12–140 of the West Building Ground Floor at 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590–0001, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. Issued in Washington, DC. Caitlin Locke, Acting Executive Deputy Director, Office of Rulemaking. Petition for Exemption Docket No.: FAA–2018–0183. Petitioner: Victor Lee & Associates Inc. Section(s) of 14 CFR Affected: §§ 61.101(e)(4) and (5); 61.113(a) and (b); 61.315; 91.7(a); 91.109; 91.119(c); 91.121; 91.151(a); 91.405(a); 91.407(a)(1); 91.409(a)(1) and (2); and 91.417(a) and (b). Description of Relief Sought: Victor Lee & Associates Inc., petitioned the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to the extent necessary to operate the SHOTOVER U1 unmanned aircraft system (‘‘UAS’’) with an upgraded propulsion system, to conduct aerial photography and videography PO 00000 Frm 00122 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 operations at a maximum take-off weight of 132.2 pounds. [FR Doc. 2021–23903 Filed 11–2–21; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Highway Administration Notice of Intent To Prepare a Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the Last Chance Grade Permanent Restoration Project on Interstate 101, in Del Norte County, California Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Notice of intent (NOI) to prepare a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (Draft EIS) for the Last Chance Grade Restoration Project on Interstate 101 (I–101). AGENCY: The FHWA, on behalf of the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), is issuing this notice to advise the public that a Draft EIS will be prepared for the Last Chance Grade Permanent Restoration Project (Project), a proposed roadway improvement project on I–101, in Del Norte County, California. A separate Notice of Preparation of the Draft Environmental Impact Report (Draft EIR) has been issued by Caltrans to meet the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). DATES: This notice will be accompanied by a 30-day public scoping comment period from November 5, 2021 to December 6, 2021. The deadline for public comments is 5:00 p.m. (PST) on December 6, 2021. The Virtual scoping meeting will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. PST on Thursday, November 18, 2021. ADDRESSES: Project information is available on the internet at lastchancegrade.com. SUMMARY: For Caltrans: Contact Steve Croteau, Senior Environmental Planner, Caltrans District 1, 1656 Union Street, Eureka, CA 95501, telephone 707–572–7149, or email ScopingComments@ lastchancegrade.com. For FHWA, contact David Tedrick, telephone (916) 498–5024, or email david.tedrick@dot.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Effective July 1, 2007, the FHWA assigned, and Caltrans assumed, environmental responsibilities for this project pursuant to 23 U.S.C. 327. Caltrans as the assigned National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) agency and CEQA lead FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: E:\FR\FM\03NON1.SGM 03NON1 khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with NOTICES Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 210 / Wednesday, November 3, 2021 / Notices agency, will prepare a joint EIR/EIS on a proposal for improvements along a portion of I–101 known as ‘‘Last Chance Grade’’ in Del Norte County, California. Last Chance Grade is the 3.5-milelong section of I–101 (post mile [PM] 12.0 to 15.5) that runs between Wilson Creek to about 9 miles south of Crescent City. The Project area is almost entirely within portions of Redwood National and State Parks. The Project would realign the highway in response to landslide and roadway failures which have caused damage for decades. The purpose of the project is to: • Provide a more reliable connection • Reduce maintenance costs • Protect the economy, natural resources, and cultural resources A geologic study in 2000 conducted for Caltrans by the California Geological Survey mapped over 200 historical and active landslides (both deep-seated and shallow) within the corridor between Wilson Creek and Crescent City. Over the years, Caltrans has conducted a considerable number of construction projects and maintenance activities in the Last Chance Grade area to keep the roadway open. Since 1997, landslide mitigation efforts, including retaining walls, drainage improvements, and roadway repairs have cost over $85 million. A long-term sustainable solution at Last Chance Grade is needed to address: • Economic ramifications of a long-term failure and closure • Risk of delay/detour to traveling public • Increasing maintenance and emergency project costs • Increase in frequency and severity of large storm events caused by climate change Over the past several years, Caltrans has considered multiple alignment alternatives with input from numerous project partners in seeking a long-term feasible and sustainable solution suitable for the unique geologic and natural features of the project area. As a result of these past alternatives screening processes, Caltrans has elected to move forward with the environmental review of two action alternatives, Alternatives X and F. Alternative X would involve reengineering the existing roadway. Within a portion of Alternative X, the roadway would retreat inland (to the east) by approximately 130 feet to improve geotechnical stability and longevity. Alternative X would involve constructing a series of retaining walls (single and terraced) to minimize the potential for landslides on the roadway. VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:01 Nov 02, 2021 Jkt 256001 Depending on feasibility, drainage improvements might also be included for this alternative. Alternative F would construct an approximately 10,000-foot-long tunnel that would diverge from the existing roadway near PM 14.06 and reconnect to US 101 near PM 15.5, thereby avoiding the surface portion of existing roadway most prone to landslides and geologic instability. The Draft EIR/EIS will also study a No Project Alternative, which would entail no new long-term feasible and sustainable solution for Last Chance Grade but would instead be a continuation of ongoing maintenance and repair activities needed to enable ongoing roadway operations. Letters describing the proposed action and soliciting comments will be sent to appropriate Federal, State, Participating Agencies, Tribal governments, and local agencies, and to private organizations and citizens who have previously expressed or are known to have interest in this proposal. The Scoping period to submit comments is from November 5, 2021 to December 6, 2021. A public scoping meeting will be held virtually from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. PST on November 18, 2021 from link at lastchancegrade.com. Comments on the NOI may be submitted by email: ScopingComments@ lastchancegrade.com; or letter to 1656 Union Street, Eureka, CA 95501 with Attention to Steve Croteau, Senior Environmental Planner. In addition, a public hearing will be held once the Draft EIR/EIS is completed. Public notice will be given with the time and place of the meeting and 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 Caltrans at the address provided above. (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: October 28, 2021. Rodney Whitfield, Director, Financial Services, Federal Highway Administration, California Division. [FR Doc. 2021–23910 Filed 11–2–21; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–RY–P PO 00000 Frm 00123 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 60735 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Transit Administration [Docket No. FTA–2021–0014] Title VI Implementation Federal Transit Administration (FTA), Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Request for information on Title VI implementation. AGENCY: The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) is considering amending Circular 4702.1B, Title VI Requirements and Guidelines for Federal Transit Administration Recipients (Title VI Circular) to incorporate lessons learned since its issuance on October 1, 2012. The Title VI Circular provides guidance and instructions to FTA recipients of Federal financial assistance on how to comply with requirements under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the DOT Title VI regulations at 49 CFR part 21, which prohibit discrimination based on race, color, or national origin in federally funded programs. The agency is seeking suggestions from all transit stakeholders—including transit agencies, transit riders and community members, planning officials, States, cities, and the private sector—on enhancements that could be made to the Title VI Circular to provide clarity, to ensure Title VI requirements are met, and to advance equity. Specifically, FTA seeks input on requirements related to public participation, service and fare equity, facility equity analyses, implementation of rider conduct policies, and additional technical resources for determining and documenting disparate impact. DATES: Comments should be submitted on or before December 3, 2021. FTA will consider comments filed after this date to the extent practicable. ADDRESSES: You may file comments identified by docket number FTA– 2021–0014 by any of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov and follow the online instructions for submitting comments. • Mail: Docket Operations, U.S. Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Ave. SE, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, Washington, DC 20590–0001. • Hand Delivery or Courier: West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Ave. SE, between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\03NON1.SGM 03NON1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 210 (Wednesday, November 3, 2021)]
[Notices]
[Pages 60734-60735]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-23910]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Highway Administration


Notice of Intent To Prepare a Draft Environmental Impact 
Statement for the Last Chance Grade Permanent Restoration Project on 
Interstate 101, in Del Norte County, California

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

ACTION: Notice of intent (NOI) to prepare a Draft Environmental Impact 
Statement (Draft EIS) for the Last Chance Grade Restoration Project on 
Interstate 101 (I-101).

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

SUMMARY: The FHWA, on behalf of the California Department of 
Transportation (Caltrans), is issuing this notice to advise the public 
that a Draft EIS will be prepared for the Last Chance Grade Permanent 
Restoration Project (Project), a proposed roadway improvement project 
on I-101, in Del Norte County, California. A separate Notice of 
Preparation of the Draft Environmental Impact Report (Draft EIR) has 
been issued by Caltrans to meet the requirements of the California 
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).

DATES: This notice will be accompanied by a 30-day public scoping 
comment period from November 5, 2021 to December 6, 2021. The deadline 
for public comments is 5:00 p.m. (PST) on December 6, 2021. The Virtual 
scoping meeting will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. PST on 
Thursday, November 18, 2021.

ADDRESSES: Project information is available on the internet at 
lastchancegrade.com.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For Caltrans: Contact Steve Croteau, 
Senior Environmental Planner, Caltrans District 1, 1656 Union Street, 
Eureka, CA 95501, telephone 707-572-7149, or email 
lastchancegrade.com">[email protected]lastchancegrade.com.
    For FHWA, contact David Tedrick, telephone (916) 498-5024, or email 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Effective July 1, 2007, the FHWA assigned, 
and Caltrans assumed, environmental responsibilities for this project 
pursuant to 23 U.S.C. 327. Caltrans as the assigned National 
Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) agency and CEQA lead

[[Page 60735]]

agency, will prepare a joint EIR/EIS on a proposal for improvements 
along a portion of I-101 known as ``Last Chance Grade'' in Del Norte 
County, California.
    Last Chance Grade is the 3.5-mile-long section of I-101 (post mile 
[PM] 12.0 to 15.5) that runs between Wilson Creek to about 9 miles 
south of Crescent City. The Project area is almost entirely within 
portions of Redwood National and State Parks.
    The Project would realign the highway in response to landslide and 
roadway failures which have caused damage for decades. The purpose of 
the project is to:

 Provide a more reliable connection
 Reduce maintenance costs
 Protect the economy, natural resources, and cultural resources

    A geologic study in 2000 conducted for Caltrans by the California 
Geological Survey mapped over 200 historical and active landslides 
(both deep-seated and shallow) within the corridor between Wilson Creek 
and Crescent City. Over the years, Caltrans has conducted a 
considerable number of construction projects and maintenance activities 
in the Last Chance Grade area to keep the roadway open. Since 1997, 
landslide mitigation efforts, including retaining walls, drainage 
improvements, and roadway repairs have cost over $85 million. A long-
term sustainable solution at Last Chance Grade is needed to address:

 Economic ramifications of a long-term failure and closure
 Risk of delay/detour to traveling public
 Increasing maintenance and emergency project costs
 Increase in frequency and severity of large storm events 
caused by climate change

    Over the past several years, Caltrans has considered multiple 
alignment alternatives with input from numerous project partners in 
seeking a long-term feasible and sustainable solution suitable for the 
unique geologic and natural features of the project area. As a result 
of these past alternatives screening processes, Caltrans has elected to 
move forward with the environmental review of two action alternatives, 
Alternatives X and F.
    Alternative X would involve reengineering the existing roadway. 
Within a portion of Alternative X, the roadway would retreat inland (to 
the east) by approximately 130 feet to improve geotechnical stability 
and longevity. Alternative X would involve constructing a series of 
retaining walls (single and terraced) to minimize the potential for 
landslides on the roadway. Depending on feasibility, drainage 
improvements might also be included for this alternative.
    Alternative F would construct an approximately 10,000-foot-long 
tunnel that would diverge from the existing roadway near PM 14.06 and 
reconnect to US 101 near PM 15.5, thereby avoiding the surface portion 
of existing roadway most prone to landslides and geologic instability.
    The Draft EIR/EIS will also study a No Project Alternative, which 
would entail no new long-term feasible and sustainable solution for 
Last Chance Grade but would instead be a continuation of ongoing 
maintenance and repair activities needed to enable ongoing roadway 
operations.
    Letters describing the proposed action and soliciting comments will 
be sent to appropriate Federal, State, Participating Agencies, Tribal 
governments, and local agencies, and to private organizations and 
citizens who have previously expressed or are known to have interest in 
this proposal. The Scoping period to submit comments is from November 
5, 2021 to December 6, 2021. A public scoping meeting will be held 
virtually from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. PST on November 18, 2021 from 
link at lastchancegrade.com. Comments on the NOI may be submitted by 
email: lastchancegrade.com">[email protected]lastchancegrade.com; or letter to 1656 Union 
Street, Eureka, CA 95501 with Attention to Steve Croteau, Senior 
Environmental Planner. In addition, a public hearing will be held once 
the Draft EIR/EIS is completed. Public notice will be given with the 
time and place of the meeting and 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 Caltrans at the address provided above.

(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: October 28, 2021.
Rodney Whitfield,
Director, Financial Services, Federal Highway Administration, 
California Division.
[FR Doc. 2021-23910 Filed 11-2-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-RY-P
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