Federal Railroad Administration December 2009 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

This notice is to advise the public that FRA and the California High-Speed Rail Authority (Authority) will jointly prepare a project Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and a project Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the Merced to Sacramento Section of the Authority's proposed California High-Speed Train (HST) System in compliance with relevant State and Federal laws, in particular the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The San Joaquin Regional Rail Commission (SJRRC) is interested in providing intercity and commuter regional rail passenger services within this section of the HST System connecting to the Altamont Corridor Rail Project. FRA is issuing this Notice to alert interested parties and solicit public and agency input into the development of the scope of the EIS and to advise the public that outreach activities conducted by the Authority and their representatives will be considered in the preparation of the combined EIR/EIS. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers may serve as a cooperating agency for the preparation of the EIR/EIS.

In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 and its implementing regulations, the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) hereby announces that it is seeking renewal of the following currently approved information collection activities. Before submitting these information collection requirements for clearance by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), FRA is soliciting public comment on specific aspects of the activities identified below.