Environmental statements; notice of intent: Vernon County, WI,

[Federal Register: June 21, 1999 (Volume 64, Number 118)]

[Notices]

[Page 33133-33134]

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

[DOCID:fr21jn99-132]

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Highway Administration

Environmental Impact Statement: Vernon County, Wisconsin

AGENCY: Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), DOT

ACTION: Notice of intent

SUMMARY: The FHWA is issuing this notice to advise the public that an environmental impact statement will be prepared for capacity improvements to the USH 14/61 highway corridor between the cities of Viroqua and Westby in Vernon County, Wisconsin.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jaclyn Lawton, Environmental Engineer, Federal Highway Administration, 567 D'Onofrio Drive, Madison, Wisconsin, 53719-2814: Telephone: (608) 829-7517. You may also contact Carol Cutshall, Director, Bureau of Environment, Wisconsin Department of Transportation, P.O. Box 7965, Madison, Wisconsin, 53707-7965: Telephone: (608) 266-9626.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FHWA, in cooperation with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, will prepare a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) on a proposal to provide additional transportation capacity on USH 14/61 between the cities of Viroqua and Westby, including possible community bypasses. The approximate 16-mile project begins south of Viroqua at the STH 27/82 intersection with USH 14/61, and ends north of Westby at the CTH GG intersection with USH 14/61. The proposal is being considered to address future transportation demand on USH 14/61, and to preserve land for a future transportation corridor. Alternatives under consideration include: (1) No build, (2) improvements to the existing highway, and (3) possible bypass corridors around Viroqua and Westby.

A project advisory committee comprised of federal and state agencies, local officials, environmental, and other community interests, will provide input during data gathering, development and refinement of alternatives, and long range corridor preservation. A series of public meetings will be held to solicit comments from citizens and interest groups who have previously expressed, or are known to have interest in the proposal. In addition, a public hearing will be held. Public notice will be given of the time and place of the meetings and hearing. The Draft EIS will be available for public and agency review and comment prior to the public hearing. Agencies having an interest in or jurisdiction regarding the proposed action will be contacted through interagency coordination meetings and mailings.

To ensure that the full range of issues related to this proposed action are addressed, and all substantive issues are identified, comments and suggestions are invited from all interested parties. Comments or questions concerning this proposed action and the EIS should be directed to FHWA or the Wisconsin

[[Page 33134]]

Department of Transportation at the addresses provided 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: June 10, 1999. William K. Fung, Division Administrator, Wisconsin Division, FHWA.

[FR Doc. 99-15630Filed6-18-99; 8:45 am]

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