[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 118 (Monday, June 21, 1999)] [Notices] [Page 33133] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 99-15607] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Highway Administration Environmental Impact Statement: Monterey County, California AGENCY: Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), Department of Transportation. ACTION: Notice of intent. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 Monterey County, California. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Robert F. Tally, Team Leader, Program Delivery Team-North, Carolina Division, Federal Highway Administration, 980 9th Street, Suite 400, Sacramento, CA 95814-2724, Telephone: (916) 498-5020. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FHWA, in cooperation with the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) will prepare an environmental impact statement (EIS) on a proposal to improve safety and reduce congestion on SR (State Route) 156 in Monterey County between Castroville Boulevard and SR 101. The existing two-lane conventional highway has an accident rate 35% higher than the average rate for comparable highways, and operates at LOS (Level of Service) E which is expected to decline to LOS F by 2020. A bottleneck condition at the SR 156/101 interchange contributes to safety problems in the corridor. Four alternatives are being considered at this time: A No Action Alternative (Alternative 1) and three build alternatives. All build alternatives would convert the described section of SR 156 from a two- lane highway to a four-lane expressway and construct interchange improvements at SR 156/101. Alternative 2 would construct the additional two lanes directly south of, and on the same alignment as, existing SR 156. Alternative 3 would construct a portion of the additional two lanes on a split alignment south of existing SR 156. Alternative 4 would construct four new lanes south of the existing SR 156 alignment. Letters describing the proposed action and soliciting comments were sent to the appropriate Federal, State, and local agencies, and to private organizations and citizens who have expressed or are known to have interest in this proposal. The Public Participation Program for this study includes community information meetings expected to begin in the summer of 1999, and a formal Public Hearing in early 2001. To ensure that the full range of issues related to this proposed action is addressed, and all significant issues identified, comments and suggestions are invited from all interested parties. If you have any information regarding historic resources, endangered species, or other sensitive issues, which could be affected by this project, please notify this office. 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: June 8, 1999. Robert F. Tally, Team Leader, Program Delivery Team-North, Sacramento, California. [FR Doc. 99-15607 Filed 6-18-99; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-22-M