[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 187 (Wednesday, September 28, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page ]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-23928]


[Federal Register: September 28, 1994]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Highway Administration


Environmental Impact Statement: Clatsop County, Oregon

agency: Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of intent.

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summary: The FHWA is issuing this notice to advise the public that an 
environmental impact statement will be prepared for a proposed highway 
project in Clatsop County, Oregon. The Oregon Department of 
Transportation (ODOT) prepared and published a Draft Environmental 
Impact Statement (DEIS) in September 1993 and held a Public Hearing in 
October 1993. Originally, this project was planned for Access Oregon 
Highway funding. Because of an unanticipated shortage of State funds, 
ODOT is now requesting federal-aid participation in the proposed 
project. As a result, FHWA is reviewing the DEIS, public hearing 
testimony and comments received on the DEIS to determine if all federal 
requirements have been met to allow us to approve the DEIS for 
circulation in accordance with requirements in 23 CFR 771.

for further information contact: Elton Chang, Environmental Engineer, 
Federal Highway Administration, Equitable Center, Suite 100, 530 Center 
Street NE., Salem, Oregon 97301, Telephone (503) 399-5749, FAX (503) 
399-5838.

supplementary information: The FHWA is currently reviewing the DEIS, 
public hearing testimony and written comments. FHWA, in cooperation 
with the ODOT, will prepare a Draft 4(f) evaluation which will 
accompany the DEIS. FHWA and ODOT will determine whether a supplemental 
environmental document is necessary and prepare a Final Environmental 
Impact Statement for the project.
    The proposed project would realign about a 9.66 kilometer (6 mile) 
segment of the Lower Columbia River Highway (US 30) from the John Day 
River Bridge, over new alignment through the Clatsop State Forest, to 
connect with the existing Nehalem Highway (OR 202) at Williamsport 
Road, and then to join US 101 on the west side of Astoria near the 
north end of the Youngs Bay bridge. The improvements would include an 
interchange at the existing Williamsport Road-Nehalem Highway 
intersection, upgrading of the US 101/OR 202 intersection, improving 
access to the Port of Astoria, and widening of the existing OR 202 and 
US 101 segments of the project.
    The purpose of the proposed project is to provide an improved and 
safe route for traffic to and from the Port of Astoria, to reduce the 
truck traffic, improve safety and overall congestion in downtown 
Astoria, and provide a second east-west route in and out of Astoria. 
The No-Build and the one Build Alternative are under consideration.
    The ODOT DEIS indicates that approximately 31.6 hectares (78 acres) 
of additional right-of-way would be required for the project. This 
includes 23.1 ha (57 acres) of forest land, 3.2 ha (8 acres) of 
residential land, 2.8 ha (7 acres) of undeveloped land, and 2.4 ha (6 
acres) of various other uses. The project would displace an estimated 
35-40 residences in which about 75-90 persons lived in late 1992. In 
addition, it would displace approximately 6 businesses which employ 
about 25 workers. The project will affect and use right-of-way from 
four historic properties. It is estimated that the project may impact 
about 6.5 ha (16 acres) of wetlands. Threatened and endangered species 
have been identified in the project corridor as well as a great blue 
heron rookery and habitat used by Roosevelt elk and blacktail deer.
    Information describing the proposed action and soliciting comments 
will be sent to appropriate federal, state, and local agencies. Public 
meetings and a public hearing have been held on the proposed project. 
Additional public meetings will be held if needed. Comments or 
questions concerning this proposed action and the EIS should be 
directed to the FHWA at the address provided above.

(Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Program Number 20.205, 
Highway Research, Planning and Construction. The regulations 
implementing Executive Order 12372 regarding intergovernmental 
consultation on Federal programs and activities apply to this 
program)

    Issued on: September 19, 1994.
Elton Chang,
Environmental Engineer, Federal Highway Administration.
[FR Doc. 94-23928 Filed 9-27-94; 8:45 am]
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