[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 237 (Thursday, December 10, 1998)]
[Notices]
[Pages 68329-68330]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-32850]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Highway Administration


Environmental Impact Statement; Bernalillo County, NM

AGENCY: Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), DOT.

ACTION: Revised notice of intent.

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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. 98-32850 Filed 12-9-98; 8:45 am]
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