[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 136 (Wednesday, July 16, 1997)]
[Notices]
[Pages 38189-38190]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-18638]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Highway Administration


Environmental Impact Statement: Prince George's County, Maryland

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 multi-
modal project in Prince George's County, Maryland.

For Further Information Contact: Ms. Renee Sigel, Planning, Research, 
and Environment Team Leader, Federal Highway Administration, The 
Rotunda Suite 220, 711 West 40th Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21211, 
Telephone: (410) 962-4440.

Supplementary Information: The FHWA, in cooperation with the Maryland 
State Highway Administration, will prepare a first tier environmental 
impact statement (EIS) on proposed corridors and transportation modes 
to improve US 301 through Prince George's County. The proposed corridor 
extends from the MD 5 interchange at T.B. to US 50 (approximately 21.3 
miles/34.3 km).
    Existing and projected growth in population and development is 
creating traffic congestion in southern Maryland along existing US 301 
between US 50 and MD 5. The local roadway network will reach capacity 
and will be unable to accommodate this increased travel demand. 
Improvements within the corridor will address safety problems and 
accommodate existing and projected travel demand.
    The corridor to be studied in the first tier EIS includes and is 
adjacent to existing US 301. The modes include: fully controlled access 
highway, transportation systems management (TSM), and bus service.
    Letters describing the proposed action and soliciting comments will 
be sent to appropriate Federal, State, local agencies, private 
organizations, and citizens who have previously expressed or are known 
to have an interest in this project. A Public Hearing is tentatively 
scheduled for the Fall of 1997. The Draft EIS will be available for 
public and agency review and comment prior to a Public Hearing. Public 
notice will be given of the availability of the Draft EIS for review 
and of the time and place of this hearing.
    Project scoping was initiated through formation of the US 301 Task 
Force, which included representatives of Federal, State and Local 
governments, elected officials, local area civic, environmental and 
business leaders, and concerned citizens. A series of Task Force 
Information Workshops and Public Hearings were held on June 17, June 
19, and July 9, 1996, in Bowie, Waldorf and Upper Marlboro, 
respectively. At the meetings, the history and the goals of the US 301 
Task Force were reviewed. The Task Force's preliminary recommendations 
were presented and consisted of the integration of new local land use 
policies, transportation demand strategies, transit options, and 
highway improvements.
    To ensure that the full range of issues related to this proposed 
action are addressed and all significant issues identified, comments 
and suggestions are invited from all interested parties. Comments or 
questions concerning these proposed actions and EIS should be directed 
to the FHWA at the address provided above.

(Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Program Number 20.205, 
Highway Research,

[[Page 38190]]

Planning and Construction. The regulation implementing Executive 
Order 12372 regarding intergovernment consultation of Federal 
programs and activities apply to this program).

    Issued on: July 9, 1997.
Renee Sigel,
Planning, Research and Environment Team Leader, Baltimore, Maryland.
[FR Doc. 97-18638 Filed 7-15-97; 8:45 am]
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