Notice of Final Actions for the Tier 1 Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Sonoran Corridor Between Interstate 19 (I-19) and Interstate 10 (I-10), South of the Tucson International Airport in Pima County, Arizona, 63087-63089 [2021-24627]

Download as PDF khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with NOTICES Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 217 / Monday, November 15, 2021 / Notices Project Actions: This notice applies to the Type 2 Categorical Exclusion, 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 et seq.]; Federal–Aid Highway Act (FAHA) [23 U.S.C. 109 and 23 U.S.C. 128]; 23 CFR part 771. 2. Air: Clean Air Act (CAA) [42 U.S.C. 7401–7671(q)], with the exception of project level conformity determinations [42 U.S.C. 7506]. 3. Noise: Noise Control Act of 1972 [42 U.S.C. 4901–4918]; 23 CFR part 772. 4. Land: Section 4(f) of the Department of Transportation Act of 1966 [23 U.S.C. 138 and 49 U.S.C. 303]; 23 CFR part 774; Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) [54 U.S.C. 200302–200310]. 5. Wildlife: Endangered Species Act (ESA) [16 U.S.C. 1531–1544 and 1536]; Marine Mammal Protection Act [16 U.S.C. 1361–1423h], Anadromous Fish Conservation Act [16 U.S.C. 757(a)– 757(f)]; Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act [16 U.S.C. 661–667(d)]; Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) [16 U.S.C. 703– 712]; Magnuson-Stevenson Fishery Conservation and Management Act of 1976, as amended [16 U.S.C. 1801– 1891d], with Essential Fish Habitat requirements [16 U.S.C. 1855(b)(2)]. 6. Historic and Cultural Resources: Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended [54 U.S.C. 3006101 et seq.]; Archaeological Resources Protection Act of 1979 (ARPA) [16 U.S.C. 470(aa)– 470(II)]; Preservation of Historical and Archaeological 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]. 7. Social and Economic: Civil Rights Act of 1964 [42 U.S.C. 2000d—2000d– 1]; American Indian Religious Freedom Act [42 U.S.C. 1996]; Farmland Protection Policy Act (FPPA) [7 U.S.C. 4201–4209]. 8. Wetlands and Water Resources: Clean Water Act (Section 319, Section 401, Section 404) [33 U.S.C. 1251– 1387]; Coastal Barriers Resources Act (CBRA) [16 U.S.C. 3501–3510]; Coastal Zone Management Act (CZMA) [16 U.S.C. 1451–1466]; Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) [42 U.S.C. 300f—300j–26]; 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]; Wetlands Mitigation, [23 U.S.C. 119(g) and 133(b)(3)]; Flood Disaster Protection Act [42 U.S.C. 4001–4130]. VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:42 Nov 12, 2021 Jkt 256001 9. Hazardous Materials: Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) [42 U.S.C. 9601–9675]; Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986 (SARA); Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) [42 U.S.C. 6901–6992(k)]. 10. 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. 11514 Protection and Enhancement of Environmental Quality; E.O. 13112 Invasive Species. 63087 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 Sonoran Corridor Tier 1 EIS will be barred unless the claim is filed on or before April 14, 2022. If this date falls on a Saturday or Sunday, or legal holiday, parties are advised to file their claim no later than the business day preceding this date. 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. ADDRESSES: The single Sonoran Corridor Tier 1 Final EIS/ROD document is now available online at: https://azdot.gov/ planning/transportation-studies/ sonoran-corridor-tier-1-environmentalimpact-statement. Hard copies of the (Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance single Sonoran Corridor Tier 1 Final Program Number 20.205, Highway Planning EIS/ROD document is also available at and Construction. The regulations the following locations during normal implementing Executive Order 12372 regarding intergovernmental consultation on business hours: ADOT Southcentral Federal programs and activities apply to this District Office, 1221 South 2nd Avenue, program.) Tucson, Arizona 85713, please call (520) 388–4200 to make an appointment; Joel Authority: 23 U.S.C. 139(l)(1). D. Valdez Main Library, 101 North Issued on: November 5, 2021. Stone Avenue, Tucson, Arizona 85701, Karen M. Brunelle, (520) 594–5500; Joyner-Green Valley Director, Office of Project Development, Library, 601 North La Canada Drive, Federal Highway Administration, Green Valley, Arizona 85614, (520) 594– Tallahassee, Florida. 5295; and Town of Sahuarita Clerk’s [FR Doc. 2021–24622 Filed 11–12–21; 8:45 am] Office, 375 West Sahuarita Center Way, BILLING CODE 4910–RY–P Sahuarita, Arizona 85629, (520) 822– 8801. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FHWA, contact Mr. Ammon Heier, Area Engineer, Federal Highway Federal Highway Administration Administration, 4000 North Central Notice of Final Actions for the Tier 1 Avenue, Suite 1500, Phoenix, Arizona Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) 85012, Email: ammon.heier@dot.gov, for the Sonoran Corridor Between Telephone: (602) 382–8983. Regular Interstate 19 (I–19) and Interstate 10 (I– office hours are from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 10), South of the Tucson International p.m., Monday through Friday, except for Airport in Pima County, Arizona Federal holidays. For ADOT, contact Mr. Samuel Patton, Project Manager, AGENCY: Arizona Department of Arizona Department of Transportation, Transportation (ADOT), Federal 206 South 17th Avenue, Phoenix, Highway Administration (FHWA). Arizona 85007, Email: spatton@ ACTION: Notice. azdot.gov, Telephone: (602) 712–6168. SUMMARY: This notice announces actions Regular office hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, taken by the Federal Highway except for Federal holidays. Project Administration (FHWA) and the information can be obtained from the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) that are final. The actions relate project website at: https://azdot.gov/ planning/transportation-studies/ to the Tier 1 EIS study associated with sonoran-corridor-tier-1-environmentalthe Sonoran Corridor between I–19 and impact-statement. I–10, south of the Tucson International Airport in Pima County, Arizona. The SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: FHWA public is advised that FHWA issued a and ADOT, in cooperation with the ROD which signifies the conclusion of Federal Aviation Administration, U.S. the Sonoran Corridor Tier 1 EIS study. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Bureau The ROD is combined with the Tier 1 of Reclamation, U.S. Environmental Final EIS prepared by FHWA and Protection Agency, and the Arizona ADOT. Game and Fish Department, prepared a PO 00000 Frm 00104 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 DATES: E:\FR\FM\15NON1.SGM 15NON1 khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with NOTICES 63088 Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 217 / Monday, November 15, 2021 / Notices Tier 1 EIS for the Sonoran Corridor between I–19 and I–10, south of the Tucson International Airport in Pima County, Arizona in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA); the Council on Environmental Quality regulations implementing NEPA (40 CFR parts 1500 through 1508), FHWA’s regulations implementing NEPA (23 CFR part 771), and Section 4(f) (23 CFR part 774). The Sonoran Corridor Tier 1 EIS identified Corridor Alternative 7: El Toro South to Rita Road as the Preferred Alternative. Subsequently, FHWA concurred with the selection of Corridor Alternative 7: El Toro South to Rita Road and issued a ROD for the Sonoran Corridor Tier 1 EIS study. The ROD, combined with the Tier 1 EIS pursuant to 49 U.S.C. 304a(b), 23 U.S.C. 139(n)(2), and 23 CFR 771.124, identifies and discusses all such factors that FHWA and ADOT balanced in making the decision for the Tier 1 EIS study. Corridor Alternative 7: El Toro South to Rita Road effectively addresses transportation deficiencies that were identified in the Tier 1 EIS, and meets the overall purpose of the study, which is to identify a high priority, highcapacity, access-controlled transportation corridor that will improve the existing transportation network by affording better access to service growth areas and existing activity centers; reduce congestion and improve the Level of Service that is predicted for the study area in 2045; and provide a system linkage that improves mobility associated with regional, interstate, and international travel. Corridor Alternative 7: El Toro South to Rita Road is approximately 20.47 miles long and extends from the west at I–19 in Sahuarita, near El Toro Road, to I–10 at Rita Road. From I–19, it will travel east along a new alignment for approximately 2 miles, then travel north along an extension of Alvernon Way to Old Vail Connection Road, and then follow Old Vail Connection Road east to I–10 at Rita Road. FHWA and ADOT initiated the Sonoran Corridor Tier 1 EIS study in May 2017. The Tier 1 EIS evaluated three Build corridor alternatives and the No-Build Alternative. The three Build corridor alternatives were 2000-ft corridors, in which a future specific 400-ft highway alignment would be identified, evaluated, and constructed during Tier 2 if selected. The Tier 1 EIS considered the evaluation of environmental, social, and economic effects of the Sonoran Corridor at a programmatic level. Since Corridor Alternative 7: El Toro South to Rita Road is identified as the Selected VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:42 Nov 12, 2021 Jkt 256001 Alternative in the ROD issued by FHWA, future Tier 2 studies will discuss and address the site-specific details on project impacts, costs, and identify specific mitigation measures once funding to construct a highway alignment within the 2000-ft corridor area of Corridor Alternative 7: El Toro South to Rita Road is identified. Since Corridor Alternative 7: El Toro South to Rita Road is a long-term improvement that will likely be implemented in segments over time at a level of detail sufficient to move elements of the plan toward construction, a Phased Implementation Plan was included in the single Sonoran Corridor Tier 1 Final EIS/ROD document. The actions by FHWA, ADOT, and other relevant Federal agencies and the laws under which such actions were taken, are described in the Tier 1 Draft EIS approved on October 27, 2020, the Tier 1 Final EIS/ROD approved on October 27, 2021, and in other documents in the project’s file. 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: National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) [42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.]; Federal-Aid Highway Act [23 U.S.C. 101 set seq]; Clean Air Act [42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq.]; Section 4(f) of the US Department of Transportation Act of 1966 [49 U.S.C. 303, 23 U.S.C. 138]; Endangered Species Act [16 U.S.C. 1531–1544, 1536]; Migratory Bird Treaty Act [16 U.S.C. 703–712]; The National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, [54 U.S.C. 300101 et seq.]; Archeological Resources Protection Act [16 U.S.C. 16 U.S.C. 470aa–mm ]; Archeological and Historic Preservation Act [16 U.S.C. 469]; Native American Grave Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) [25 U.S.C. 3001–3013]; Title VI of Civil Rights Act [42 U.S.C. 2000d et seq.]; American Indian Religious Freedom Act [42 U.S.C. 1996]; Farmland Protection Policy Act (FPPA) [7 U.S.C. 4201 et seq.]; Clean Water Act [33 U.S.C. 1251 et seq.]; 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. The Tier 1 EIS, ROD, and other documents in the project file are PO 00000 Frm 00105 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 available online at: https://azdot.gov/ planning/transportation-studies/ sonoran-corridor-tier-1-environmentalimpact-statement. Please contact either FHWA or ADOT at the addresses provided above if you would like further documentation. For the Sonoran Corridor Tier 1 EIS study, FHWA served as the Lead Agency while ADOT served as the Local Sponsoring Agency. For future Sonoran Corridor activities and Tier 2 studies, ADOT has assumed FHWA’s responsibility for carrying out NEPA under two separate Memorandums of Understanding (MOU) that have been executed by FHWA and ADOT: Responsibility for Categorical Exclusions MOU pursuant to 23 U.S.C 326 (326 MOU), and Surface Transportation Project Delivery Program MOU pursuant to 23 U.S.C. 327 (327 MOU). Under these assignments, ADOT is responsible for carrying out federal environmental review responsibilities and complying with all applicable federal environmental laws, regulations, Executive Orders and policies. ADOT is solely liable for environmental decisions made on projects in Arizona funded under the Federal-aid Highway Program pursuant to either the 326 MOU or the 327 MOU. Pursuant to Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other nondiscrimination laws and authorities, ADOT does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. Persons that require a reasonable accommodation based on language or disability should contact Joanna Bradley, ADOT Community Relations Project Manager, at (520) 388– 4257. Requests should be made as early as possible to ensure the State has an opportunity to address the accommodation. De acuerdo con el Tı´tulo VI de la Ley de Derechos Civiles de 1964, la Ley de Estadounidenses con Discapacidades (ADA por sus siglas en ingle´s) y otras normas y leyes antidiscriminatorias, el Departamento de Transporte de Arizona (ADOT) no discrimina por motivos de raza, color, origen nacional, sexo, edad o discapacidad. Las personas que requieran asistencia (dentro de lo razonable) ya sea por el idioma o discapacidad deben ponerse en contacto con Joanna Bradley, ADOT Community Relations Project Manager, (520) 388– 4257. Las solicitudes deben hacerse lo ma´s antes posible para asegurar que el Estado tenga la oportunidad de hacer los arreglos necesarios. (Authority: 23 U.S.C. 139(l)(1)) E:\FR\FM\15NON1.SGM 15NON1 Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 217 / Monday, November 15, 2021 / Notices khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with NOTICES Issued on: November 4, 2021. Karla S. Petty, Arizona Division Administrator, Phoenix, Arizona. The project includes the development of a 7.5-mile multi-use trail proposed to extend along the coastal side of the RTC-owned railroad corridor from the Town of Davenport to Wilder Ranch [FR Doc. 2021–24627 Filed 11–12–21; 8:45 am] State Park in Santa Cruz County. The BILLING CODE P project would include a paved path with striping and parallel unpaved path DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION and shoulder. The Project would also include trail connections from Federal Highway Administration Davenport Beach, Bonny Doon Beach, and Panther/Yellowbank Beach parking Notice of Final Federal Agency Actions lots as well as improvements to on the North Coast Rail Trail Project in Davenport Beach and Panther/ Santa Cruz County, California Yelllowbank Beach parking lots along the alignment. Fencing would also be AGENCY: Federal Highway installed between the trail and Administration (FHWA), DOT. agricultural fields at some locations ACTION: Notice of limitation on claims where natural or geographic barriers do for judicial review of actions by FHWA not exist to inhibit trespassing. and other Federal agencies. The FHWA’s action, related actions by other Federal agencies, and the laws SUMMARY: This notice announces actions under which such actions were taken, taken by FHWA and other Federal are described in the Environmental agencies that are final. This final agency Assessment (EA) approved on October action relates to a proposed 23, 2020, and the FONSI approved on development of 7.5-mile multi-use October 8, 2021, and other documents bicycle and pedestrian trail along the in the project file. The EA and FONSI Santa Cruz County Regional are available for review by contacting Transportation Commission (RTC)FHWA at the addresses provided above. owned railroad corridor and parking lot In addition, these documents can be improvements at two locations along viewed and downloaded from the Highway 1, in unincorporated Santa project website: https:// Cruz County, California. The FHWA’s highways.dot.gov/federal-lands/ Finding of No Significant Impact projects/ca/monterey-bay-1. This notice (FONSI) provides details on the applies to all Federal agency decisions Selected Alternative for the proposed as of the issuance date of this notice and improvements. all laws under which such actions were DATES: By this notice, FHWA is advising taken, including but not limited to: 1. General: National Environmental the public of final agency actions Policy Act (NEPA) [42 U.S.C. 4321– subject to 23 U.S.C. 139(l)(1). A claim 4351]; Federal-Aid Highway Act [23 seeking judicial review of the Federal U.S.C. 109 and 23 U.S.C. 128]. agency actions on the highway project 2. Air: Clean Air Act [42 U.S.C. 7401– will be barred unless the claim is filed 7671(q)]. on or before April 14, 2022. If the 3. Land: Section 4(f) of the Federal law that authorizes judicial review of a claim provides a time period Department of Transportation Act of 1966 [49 U.S.C. 303]; Landscaping and of less than 150 days for filing such claim, then that shorter time period still Scenic Enhancement (Wildflowers) [23 U.S.C. 319]. applies. 4. Wildlife: Endangered Species Act FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: (ESA) [16 U.S.C. 1531–1544 and Section Dustin Robbins, Project Manager, 1536], Marine Mammal Protection Act Federal Highway Administration, [16 U.S.C. 1361], Anadromous Fish Central Federal Lands Highway Conservation Act [16 U.S.C. 757(a)– Division, 12300 W Dakota Avenue, 757(g)], Fish and Wildlife Coordination Suite 380, Lakewood, Colorado 80228, Act [16 U.S.C. 661–667(d)], Migratory Telephone (720) 963–3586, Email: Bird Treaty Act [16 U.S.C. 703–712], dustin.robbins@dot.gov. Regular office Magnuson-Stevenson Fishery hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Conservation and Management Act of (Mountain Time). 1976, as amended [16 U.S.C. 1801 et SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Notice is seq.]. 5. Historic and Cultural Resources: hereby given that FHWA has taken a final agency action by issuing FONSI for Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended the following highway project in the [16 U.S.C. 470(f) et seq.]; Archeological State of California: North Coast Rail Resources Protection Act of 1977 [16 Trail Project in Santa Cruz County. VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:42 Nov 12, 2021 Jkt 256001 PO 00000 Frm 00106 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 63089 U.S.C. 470(aa)–470(ll)]; 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: Clean Water Act (Section 404, Section 401, Section 319) [33 U.S.C. 1251– 1377]; Coastal Barrier Resources Act [16 U.S.C. 3501–3510]; Coastal Zone Management Act [16 U.S.C. 1451–1465]; 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]; TEA–21 Wetlands Mitigation [23 U.S.C. 103(b)(6)(M, 133(b)(11)]; Flood Disaster Protection Act [42 U.S.C. 4001–4128]. 8. Hazardous Materials: Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) [42 U.S.C. 9601–9675]; Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986 (SARA); Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) [42 U.S.C. 6901–6992(k)]. 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). Amy Fox, Acting Division Director, Lakewood, Colorado. [FR Doc. 2021–24618 Filed 11–12–21; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–RY–P E:\FR\FM\15NON1.SGM 15NON1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 217 (Monday, November 15, 2021)]
[Notices]
[Pages 63087-63089]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-24627]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Highway Administration


Notice of Final Actions for the Tier 1 Environmental Impact 
Statement (EIS) for the Sonoran Corridor Between Interstate 19 (I-19) 
and Interstate 10 (I-10), South of the Tucson International Airport in 
Pima County, Arizona

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

ACTION: Notice.

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

SUMMARY: This notice announces actions taken by the Federal Highway 
Administration (FHWA) and the Arizona Department of Transportation 
(ADOT) that are final. The actions relate to the Tier 1 EIS study 
associated with the Sonoran Corridor between I-19 and I-10, south of 
the Tucson International Airport in Pima County, Arizona. The public is 
advised that FHWA issued a ROD which signifies the conclusion of the 
Sonoran Corridor Tier 1 EIS study. The ROD is combined with the Tier 1 
Final EIS prepared by FHWA and ADOT.

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 Sonoran Corridor Tier 1 EIS will 
be barred unless the claim is filed on or before April 14, 2022. If 
this date falls on a Saturday or Sunday, or legal holiday, parties are 
advised to file their claim no later than the business day preceding 
this date. 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.

ADDRESSES: The single Sonoran Corridor Tier 1 Final EIS/ROD document is 
now available online at: https://azdot.gov/planning/transportation-studies/sonoran-corridor-tier-1-environmental-impact-statement. Hard 
copies of the single Sonoran Corridor Tier 1 Final EIS/ROD document is 
also available at the following locations during normal business hours: 
ADOT Southcentral District Office, 1221 South 2nd Avenue, Tucson, 
Arizona 85713, please call (520) 388-4200 to make an appointment; Joel 
D. Valdez Main Library, 101 North Stone Avenue, Tucson, Arizona 85701, 
(520) 594-5500; Joyner-Green Valley Library, 601 North La Canada Drive, 
Green Valley, Arizona 85614, (520) 594-5295; and Town of Sahuarita 
Clerk's Office, 375 West Sahuarita Center Way, Sahuarita, Arizona 
85629, (520) 822-8801.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For FHWA, contact Mr. Ammon Heier, 
Area Engineer, Federal Highway Administration, 4000 North Central 
Avenue, Suite 1500, Phoenix, Arizona 85012, Email: [email protected], 
Telephone: (602) 382-8983. Regular office hours are from 7:30 a.m. to 
4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, except for Federal holidays. For 
ADOT, contact Mr. Samuel Patton, Project Manager, Arizona Department of 
Transportation, 206 South 17th Avenue, Phoenix, Arizona 85007, Email: 
[email protected], Telephone: (602) 712-6168. Regular office hours are 
from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except for Federal 
holidays. Project information can be obtained from the project website 
at: https://azdot.gov/planning/transportation-studies/sonoran-corridor-tier-1-environmental-impact-statement.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: FHWA and ADOT, in cooperation with the 
Federal Aviation Administration, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. 
Bureau of Reclamation, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and the 
Arizona Game and Fish Department, prepared a

[[Page 63088]]

Tier 1 EIS for the Sonoran Corridor between I-19 and I-10, south of the 
Tucson International Airport in Pima County, Arizona in accordance with 
the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA); the Council on 
Environmental Quality regulations implementing NEPA (40 CFR parts 1500 
through 1508), FHWA's regulations implementing NEPA (23 CFR part 771), 
and Section 4(f) (23 CFR part 774). The Sonoran Corridor Tier 1 EIS 
identified Corridor Alternative 7: El Toro South to Rita Road as the 
Preferred Alternative. Subsequently, FHWA concurred with the selection 
of Corridor Alternative 7: El Toro South to Rita Road and issued a ROD 
for the Sonoran Corridor Tier 1 EIS study. The ROD, combined with the 
Tier 1 EIS pursuant to 49 U.S.C. 304a(b), 23 U.S.C. 139(n)(2), and 23 
CFR 771.124, identifies and discusses all such factors that FHWA and 
ADOT balanced in making the decision for the Tier 1 EIS study.
    Corridor Alternative 7: El Toro South to Rita Road effectively 
addresses transportation deficiencies that were identified in the Tier 
1 EIS, and meets the overall purpose of the study, which is to identify 
a high priority, high-capacity, access-controlled transportation 
corridor that will improve the existing transportation network by 
affording better access to service growth areas and existing activity 
centers; reduce congestion and improve the Level of Service that is 
predicted for the study area in 2045; and provide a system linkage that 
improves mobility associated with regional, interstate, and 
international travel. Corridor Alternative 7: El Toro South to Rita 
Road is approximately 20.47 miles long and extends from the west at I-
19 in Sahuarita, near El Toro Road, to I-10 at Rita Road. From I-19, it 
will travel east along a new alignment for approximately 2 miles, then 
travel north along an extension of Alvernon Way to Old Vail Connection 
Road, and then follow Old Vail Connection Road east to I-10 at Rita 
Road.
    FHWA and ADOT initiated the Sonoran Corridor Tier 1 EIS study in 
May 2017. The Tier 1 EIS evaluated three Build corridor alternatives 
and the No-Build Alternative. The three Build corridor alternatives 
were 2000-ft corridors, in which a future specific 400-ft highway 
alignment would be identified, evaluated, and constructed during Tier 2 
if selected. The Tier 1 EIS considered the evaluation of environmental, 
social, and economic effects of the Sonoran Corridor at a programmatic 
level. Since Corridor Alternative 7: El Toro South to Rita Road is 
identified as the Selected Alternative in the ROD issued by FHWA, 
future Tier 2 studies will discuss and address the site-specific 
details on project impacts, costs, and identify specific mitigation 
measures once funding to construct a highway alignment within the 2000-
ft corridor area of Corridor Alternative 7: El Toro South to Rita Road 
is identified. Since Corridor Alternative 7: El Toro South to Rita Road 
is a long-term improvement that will likely be implemented in segments 
over time at a level of detail sufficient to move elements of the plan 
toward construction, a Phased Implementation Plan was included in the 
single Sonoran Corridor Tier 1 Final EIS/ROD document.
    The actions by FHWA, ADOT, and other relevant Federal agencies and 
the laws under which such actions were taken, are described in the Tier 
1 Draft EIS approved on October 27, 2020, the Tier 1 Final EIS/ROD 
approved on October 27, 2021, and in other documents in the project's 
file. 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: National Environmental Policy Act 
(NEPA) [42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.]; Federal-Aid Highway Act [23 U.S.C. 101 
set seq]; Clean Air Act [42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq.]; Section 4(f) of the 
US Department of Transportation Act of 1966 [49 U.S.C. 303, 23 U.S.C. 
138]; Endangered Species Act [16 U.S.C. 1531-1544, 1536]; Migratory 
Bird Treaty Act [16 U.S.C. 703-712]; The National Historic Preservation 
Act of 1966, [54 U.S.C. 300101 et seq.]; Archeological Resources 
Protection Act [16 U.S.C. 16 U.S.C. 470aa-mm ]; Archeological and 
Historic Preservation Act [16 U.S.C. 469]; Native American Grave 
Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) [25 U.S.C. 3001-3013]; Title 
VI of Civil Rights Act [42 U.S.C. 2000d et seq.]; American Indian 
Religious Freedom Act [42 U.S.C. 1996]; Farmland Protection Policy Act 
(FPPA) [7 U.S.C. 4201 et seq.]; Clean Water Act [33 U.S.C. 1251 et 
seq.]; 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.
    The Tier 1 EIS, ROD, and other documents in the project file are 
available online at: https://azdot.gov/planning/transportation-studies/sonoran-corridor-tier-1-environmental-impact-statement. Please contact 
either FHWA or ADOT at the addresses provided above if you would like 
further documentation.
    For the Sonoran Corridor Tier 1 EIS study, FHWA served as the Lead 
Agency while ADOT served as the Local Sponsoring Agency. For future 
Sonoran Corridor activities and Tier 2 studies, ADOT has assumed FHWA's 
responsibility for carrying out NEPA under two separate Memorandums of 
Understanding (MOU) that have been executed by FHWA and ADOT: 
Responsibility for Categorical Exclusions MOU pursuant to 23 U.S.C 326 
(326 MOU), and Surface Transportation Project Delivery Program MOU 
pursuant to 23 U.S.C. 327 (327 MOU). Under these assignments, ADOT is 
responsible for carrying out federal environmental review 
responsibilities and complying with all applicable federal 
environmental laws, regulations, Executive Orders and policies. ADOT is 
solely liable for environmental decisions made on projects in Arizona 
funded under the Federal-aid Highway Program pursuant to either the 326 
MOU or the 327 MOU.
    Pursuant to Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Americans 
with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other nondiscrimination laws and 
authorities, ADOT does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, 
national origin, sex, age, or disability. Persons that require a 
reasonable accommodation based on language or disability should contact 
Joanna Bradley, ADOT Community Relations Project Manager, at (520) 388-
4257. Requests should be made as early as possible to ensure the State 
has an opportunity to address the accommodation.
    De acuerdo con el T[iacute]tulo VI de la Ley de Derechos Civiles de 
1964, la Ley de Estadounidenses con Discapacidades (ADA por sus siglas 
en ingl[eacute]s) y otras normas y leyes antidiscriminatorias, el 
Departamento de Transporte de Arizona (ADOT) no discrimina por motivos 
de raza, color, origen nacional, sexo, edad o discapacidad. Las 
personas que requieran asistencia (dentro de lo razonable) ya sea por 
el idioma o discapacidad deben ponerse en contacto con Joanna Bradley, 
ADOT Community Relations Project Manager, (520) 388-4257. Las 
solicitudes deben hacerse lo m[aacute]s antes posible para asegurar que 
el Estado tenga la oportunidad de hacer los arreglos necesarios.

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


[[Page 63089]]


    Issued on: November 4, 2021.
Karla S. Petty,
Arizona Division Administrator, Phoenix, Arizona.
[FR Doc. 2021-24627 Filed 11-12-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE P
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