[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 27 (Wednesday, February 10, 1999)]
[Notices]
[Page 6734]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-3199]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Highway Administration


Environmental Impact Statement: Desha County, Arkansas and 
Bolivar County, Mississippi

AGENCY: Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of intent.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The FHWA is issuing this notice to advise the public that a 
supplemental draft environmental impact statement will be prepared for 
a proposed highway/rail crossing of the Mississippi River in the 
vicinity of Desha County, Arkansas and Bolivar County, Mississippi.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Elizabeth Romero, Environmental 
Specialist, Arkansas Division, Federal Highway Administration, 700 West 
Capitol, 3130 Federal Building, Little Rock, Arkansas 72201-3298, 
Telephone: (501) 324-5625.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FHWA, in cooperation with the Arkansas 
State Highway and Transportation Department and the Mississippi 
Department of Transportation, will prepare a supplemental draft 
environmental impact statement (SDEIS) for a proposal to construct a 
highway/rail crossing of the Mississippi River between Desha County, 
Arkansas and Bolivar County, Mississippi.
    A Phase I feasibility study determined that a bridge in this 
vicinity would have a positive economic impact on this area of the 
lower Mississippi River delta region by providing regional mobility, 
promoting development, and providing both short and long term economic 
stimulus. The SDEIS is an amendment of a Draft EIS dated October, 1996.
    The proposed action, including new roadway segments, would extend 
from a western terminus at U.S. 65 in the vicinity of Dumas, 
Winchester, and McGehee, Arkansas to an eastern terminus on State 
Highway 8 near Rosedale and Cleveland Mississippi. The total project 
distance is approximately 47.4-72.6 km (29.5-45 miles).
    All alternatives contained in the 1996 Draft EIS are still under 
consideration and include: the ``No Build'' Alternative and 
Alternatives 1-4. Alternative 1 begins at U.S. 65 north of Dumas, 
Arkansas, proceeds east to cross Big Island and the Mississippi River, 
and ends at Mississippi Highway 8 east of Rosedale, Mississippi. 
Alternative 2 begins at U.S. 65 north of Dumas, Arkansas, proceeds east 
to cross the Mississippi River south of Big Island, and ends at 
Mississippi Highway 8 east of Rosedale Mississippi. Alternative 3 
begins at U.S. 65 just north of Winchester, Arkansas, proceeds east to 
cross Big Island and the Mississippi River, and ends at Mississippi 
Highway 8 east of Rosedale Mississippi. Alternative 4 begins at U.S. 65 
just north of Winchester, Arkansas, proceeds east to cross the 
Mississippi River south of Big Island, and ends at Mississippi Highway 
8 east of Rosedale, Mississippi. The SDEIS will include a new 
Alternative that is proposed to extend from a western terminus at U.S. 
65 in the vicinity of McGehee, Arkansas, cross the Mississippi River 
near Arkansas City, Arkansas, and continue to an eastern terminus on 
State Highway 8 near Rosedale and Cleveland Mississippi.
    This SDEIS will also consider the secondary and cumulative effects 
that could result from a possible future decision to locate I-69/
Corridor 18 selected Great River Bridge alignment in this area. 
However, this document will not determine the location of the proposed 
I-69 alignment and will not preclude the consideration of other 
Mississippi River crossings in future I-69/Corridor 18 studies.
    The SDEIS is being prepared in response to comments from resource 
and regulatory agencies expressing concerns about the potential impacts 
to fish and wildlife, vegetation, water quality, the ``Big Woods'', and 
Wildlife Management Areas, and about the implications of I-69 using 
this proposed new route. To address these concerns, the SDEIS will 
study the new alternative described above that was recommended by 
several commentors as an alternative that may avoid many of the areas 
of concern and minimize impacts. Also noted above, the potential use of 
this route by I-69 will be studied for all alternatives.
    Letters describing the proposed action and soliciting comments will 
be sent to appropriate Federal, State, and local agencies and to 
private organizations, including conservation groups and groups of 
individuals who have previously expressed interest in the project. A 
formal scoping meeting will be held with appropriate local, State, and 
Federal agencies. Public involvement sessions and public hearing(s) 
will be held. Public notice will be given of the time and place of the 
public involvement sessions and the public hearing(s). The SDEIS will 
be available for public and agency review and comment prior to the 
public hearing(s). 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 this proposed action and the 
Supplemental Draft EIS should be directed to the FHWA at the address 
provided above.

(Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Program Number 20.205, 
Highway Planning and Construction. The regulations implementing 
Executive Order 12372 regarding intergovernmental consultation of 
federal programs and activities apply to this program)
Kenneth A. Perret,
Division Administrator, Federal Highway Administration, Little Rock, 
Arkansas.
[FR Doc. 99-3199 Filed 2-9-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-22-M