Environmental statements; notice of intent: Clark County, IN and Jefferson County, KY,
[Federal Register: August 20, 1999 (Volume 64, Number 161)]
[Notices]
[Page 45583-45584]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr20au99-137]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Highway Administration
Environmental Impact Statement; Clark County, Indiana and Jefferson County, Kentucky
AGENCY: Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), DOT.
ACTION: Supplemental notice of intent.
SUMMARY: The FHWA is issuing this supplemental notice to advise the public of the ongoing scoping process for an environmental impact statement (EIS) for the proposed construction of two new Ohio River crossings, including approaches and connections to existing roadway systems, between Clark County, Indiana, and Jefferson County, Kentucky. The FHWA previously published a notice of intent on March 27, 1998, for the preparation of an EIS for the proposed project. This supplemental notice of intent describes in greater detail the scoping process that FHWA, in cooperation with the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) and the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC), is utilizing to identify the significant issues to be addressed in the EIS. The purpose of the scoping process is to obtain the views of other Federal, State, and local agencies and the public regarding the scope of the EIS.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Contact: Jesse A. Story, Division Administrator, Federal Highway Administration, John C. Watts Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse, 330 W. Broadway, Frankfort, Kentucky 40601; Telephone: (502) 223-6720; Fax: (502) 223-6735; Pete Wolff, Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, Telephone: (502) 564-4780; Steve Cecil, Indiana Department of Transportation, Telephone: (317) 232-5468; or the project consultant, Community Transportation Solutions, Inc., 10000 Shelbyville Road, Louisville, Kentucky 40223; Telephone: (502) 253-9221 or (800) 513-6691; Fax: (502) 253-9520.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Electronic Access
An electronic copy of this document may be downloaded by using a computer, modem and suitable
[[Page 45584]]
communications software from the Government Printing Office's Electronic Bulletin Board Service at (202) 512-1661. Internet users may reach the Office of the Federal Register's home page at: http:// www.nara.gov/fedreg and the Government Printing Office's database at: http://www.access.gpo.nara.
Background
As stated in FHWA's March 27, 1998 notice of intent (63 FR 14989), the EIS will build upon the work performed previously for the Ohio River Major Investment Study (ORMIS), and will discuss the environmental, social and economic impacts associated with the development of the proposed action and a range of alternatives.
The scoping process for the EIS builds on the extensive public and agency involvement that occurred during ORMIS and the public involvement activities that have occurred since the publication of the March 27, 1998 notice of intent. As part of those activities, a Federal agency finding was held on October 6, 1998, to introduce interested Federal agencies to the proposed project. Two public information meetings were held on December 1-2, 1998, in Jeffersonville, Indiana, and Louisville, Kentucky, respectively, to introduce the public to the proposed project and to answer questions about the EIS process. Briefings for Indiana and Kentucky State agencies were held on February 10 and February 16, 1999, respectively. Two additional public information meetings were held on April 14-15, 1999, in Jeffersonville, Indiana, and Louisville, Kentucky, to allow members of the public to provide comments concerning the scope of, and significant issues to be addressed in, the EIS.
A project web site has been established at www.kyinbridges.com and a quarterly newsletter entitled ``Riverlink'' began publication in November 1998. A mailing list is being maintained of all those members of the public who have requested notice of meetings, hearings, and/or the availability of information and documents concerning the proposed action. Public comments on the project may be submitted in writing, care of Community Transportation Solutions, Inc., 10000 Shelbyville Road, Louisville, KY 40223; via electronic mail at the project web site; by facsimile at 502-253-9520; or by calling the project's toll- free number at 800-513-6691.
In addition to the foregoing opportunities for public participation, scoping meetings will be held in September 1999. A Federal and State agency scoping meeting will occur on September 8, 1999, at 9 a.m., in Room 105, South Wing, Kentucky Fair and Exposition Center, Louisville, Kentucky, to solicit agency input concerning the scope of the EIS. The public is invited to two public meetings, to be held as follows: September 1, 1999, at 6 p.m., at the Jeffersonville High School cafeteria, Clark County, Indiana; and September 2, 1999, at 6 p.m., at the Ballard High School cafeteria, Jefferson County, Kentucky. A scoping document that describes current alternatives under consideration and identifies currently known relevant issues can be obtained from the project web site (www.kyinbridges.com) or the project consultant's office.
Additional public and agency meetings are anticipated during the preparation of the EIS to allow the public and agencies to remain informed and provide input into the preparation of the EIS. A Regional Advisory Council and four Area Work Groups have been formed to provide a more formal method of input from affected constituencies within the project area. The Regional Advisory Council will address regional goals relating to transportation, economic development, and quality of life. The Area Work Groups will address issues of concern to specific geographic areas potentially affected by the proposed action and alternatives. All meetings of these groups are open to the public. Information on the membership of these groups and their meeting dates can be obtained from project web site or by contacting Community Transportation Solutions, Inc., at 800-513-6691. Finally, the release of the draft EIS for public comment and the date of the formal public hearing will be announced to the public as such dates are established.
Comments on the scope and significant issues to be addressed in the EIS, or questions concerning this proposed action and the EIS process, may be submitted to the FHWA at the address provided above, or to the project consultant through one of the methods identified 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 August 12, 1999. Dennis Luhrs, Assistant Division Administrator, Frankfort, Kentucky.
[FR Doc. 99-21451Filed8-19-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-22-M
