Environmental statements; notice of intent: Bernalillo County, NM,

[Federal Register: December 10, 1998 (Volume 63, Number 237)]

[Notices]

[Page 68329-68330]

From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

[DOCID:fr10de98-158]

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Highway Administration

Environmental Impact Statement; Bernalillo County, NM

AGENCY: Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), DOT.

ACTION: Revised notice of intent.

SUMMARY: The FHWA is issuing this notice to advise the public of a revision to the project boundaries of the Gibson East Transportation Corridor Study. The western terminus of this project has been changed from Interstate 25 to Louisiana Boulevard and the eastern terminus has been changed from Interstate 40 to Central Avenue. The original corridor was 12.9 kilometers or 8.0 miles in length. The revised corridor is 6.1 kilometers or 3.8 miles in length. This revision represents logical termini for the proposed improvements since it basically connects the existing segment from Interstate 25 to Louisiana Boulevard with the existing segment from Central Avenue to Interstate 40. An Environmental Impact Statement will be prepared for the proposed transportation project in Bernalillo County.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Gregory D. Rawlings, Environmental Specialist, Federal Highway Administration, 604 W. San Mateo Road, Santa Fe, New Mexico 87505, Telephone: (505) 820-2027.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Electronic Access: An electronic copy of this document may be downloaded using a modem and suitable communications software from the Government Printing Office Electronic Bulletin Board Service at (202) 512-1661. Internet users may reach the Federal Register's home page at: http://www/nara/gov./fedreg and the Government Printing Offices database at: http//www.access.gpo.gov/nara

[[Page 68330]]

Background: On March 5, 1997, at 63 FR 10109, the FHWA issued a notice of intent that an environmental impact statement would be prepared for proposed improvements to Gibson Boulevard in Bernalillo County, New Mexico. The project termini were identified as Interstate 25 on the west and Interstate 40 on the east, a corridor of 12.9 kilometers or 8.0 miles in length.

The notice published today revises the 1997 notice of intent by revising the project termini. The western terminus of the project has been changed from Interstate 25 to Louisiana Boulevard. The eastern terminus has been changed from Interstate 40 to Central Avenue. The revised corridor is 6.1 kilometers or 3.8 miles in length. This revision represents logical termini for the proposed improvements since it basically connects the existing segment from Interstate 25 to Louisiana Boulevard with the existing segment from Central Avenue to Interstate 40.

A corridor Analysis Report which constitutes the major investment study for the corridor was prepared by the City of Albuquerque. Based on that report and extensive agency and public input received through numerous outreach efforts, the Urban Transportation Planning Policy Board of the Middle Rio Grande Council of Governments (UTPPB), the designated Metropolitan Planning Organization for the Albuquerque, New Mexico urban area concluded by resolution that the preferred transportation investment strategy for the Gibson Boulevard corridor from Interstate 25 to Interstate 40 will include: An access controlled arterial roadway that will have provision for automobiles, bus transit, and bicycles; Off-street bicycle transit, and pedestrian facilities; and Other as yet unidentified high capacity transit strategies such as light rail, dedicated busways, or expressbus service for the portion of the corridor between I-25 and Eubank Boulevard. In addition, the UTPPB recommended that only the portion of the Gibson Corridor between Louisiana Boulevard and Central Avenue be advanced for detailed analysis and environmental clearance. The FHWA, in cooperation with the Department of the Air Force, New Mexico State Highway and Transportation Department and the City of Albuquerque is preparing an Environmental Impact Statement for proposed improvements in the Gibson Corridor between Louisiana Boulevard and Central Avenue.

The draft EIA will consider the preferred transportation investment strategy and the No-Build Alternative. The draft EIS will be available for public and agency review, and a public hearing will be held to receive comments. Public notice will be given as to the time and place of the public hearing. Comments and/or suggestions from all interested parties are requested to ensure that the full range of all issues are identified and reviewed. Comments or questions concerning this proposed action and/or its EIS should be directed to the FHWA at the address listed previously.

(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 and 23 U.S.C. 315; 49 CFR 1.48 apply to this program)

Issued on: November 30, 1998. Gregory D. Rawlings, Environmental Specialist, Santa Fe, New Mexico.

[FR Doc. 98-32850Filed12-9-98; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 4910-22-M

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