Federal Highway Administration October 24, 2005 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The FHWA is issuing this notice to advise the public that a Record of Decision (ROD) has been made following a Final Environmental Impact Statement prepared for the Southern Corridor project within Washington County, Utah. The ROD approves a location proposed for transportation improvements for the Southern Corridor project Washington County, Utah. The Southern Corridor Study Area includes an area in southern Washington County south and southeast of Interstate 15 (I-15) and State Route 9 (SR 9) including the cities of St. George, Washington, and Hurricane. The Selected Alternative (2800 West Alternative) includes a new interchange with I-15 at Reference Post 2 (Atkinville) and a new four-lane highway extending 26 miles to the intersection of 2800 West with SR 9. Selection of the Preferred Alternative was based on the best overall public interest to provide a safe and efficient transportation system and the social, economic, and environmental impacts. In addition, the project team considered public and resource agency input and city council recommendations or resolutions regarding the project. This project requires Federal approval of a proposed new Interstate access and Federal Highway Administration funding as authorized by Title 23 of the United States Code. Consequently, pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) in coordination with the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT), prepared an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the project's impact on the human environment. The Final EIS (FEIS) was issued on April 22, 2005. Pursuant to Section 6002 of the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users [23 U.S.C. 139(l)] any person or entity wishing to file a claim for judicial review challenging this decision must do so within 180 days of the publication of this notice.