[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 144 (Wednesday, July 28, 1999)]
[Notices]
[Page 40931]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-19202]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Highway Administration


Environmental Impact Statement: Carter, Reynolds, Wayne, 
Bollinger, and Cape Girardeau Counties, Missouri

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 (EIS) will be prepared for proposed 
improvements to the transportation system in Carter, Reynolds, Wayne, 
Bollinger, and Cape Girardeau Counties, Missouri.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Donald Neumann, Programs Engineer, 
FHWA Division Office, 209 Adams Street, Jefferson City, MO 65101, 
Telephone: (573) 636-7104 or Scott Meyer, District Engineer, Missouri 
Department of Transportation, P.O. Box 160, Sikeston, MO 63801, 
Telephone: (573) 472-5333.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FHWA, in cooperation with the Missouri 
Department of Transportation (MoDOT), will prepare an EIS for a 
proposed project to improve the transportation system in the vicinity 
of Route 34 in Carter, Reynolds, Wayne, Bollinger and Cape Girardeau 
Counties, Missouri. The proposed project will involve the examination 
of transportation improvements to Route 34, including improvements to 
Route 21 from the intersection of Route 21 and U.S. Route 60 to the 
intersection of Routes 21 and 34, extending eastward to the 
intersection of Routes 34 and 72 in Cape Girardeau County. The proposed 
project will include the study of a terminus of Route 34 at I-55 in the 
vicinity of Jackson, Missouri.
    The proposed location study and accompanying EIS are the result of 
MoDOT's identification of Route 34 in southeast Missouri for 
improvement as part of the current and ongoing transportation program. 
Given the current and projected traffic volumes, and the existing 
geometric deficiencies and substandard bridges, improvements to the 
corridor are considered necessary to provide for a safe, efficient, and 
economical transportation network that will meet traffic demands in the 
area. The proposed improvements should also be environmentally sound. 
System improvements will be examined based on the purposes of 
addressing roadway deficiencies, improving safety, reducing traffic 
congestion, and enhancing system linkage.
    Alternatives under consideration include: (1) Taking no action, (2) 
transportation system management, (3) upgrading and improving the 
existing roadways, and (4) constructing a two-lane highway on new or 
partially-new location. Design variations of grade and alignment will 
be incorporated into and studied for the various build alternatives.
    A coping process has been initiated that involves all appropriate 
federal, state, and local agencies, and private organizations and 
citizens who have previously expressed or are known to have interest in 
this proposal. Several public meetings have been held to engage the 
regional community in the decision making process and to obtain public 
comment. Subsequent public meetings will be conducted as the location 
study process progresses. In addition, a public hearings will be held 
to present the findings of the draft EIS (DEIS) and the location study. 
Public notice has been, and will be given concerning the time and place 
of informational meetings and the public hearing. The DEIS will be 
available for public and agency review and comment prior to the public 
hearing.
    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 EIS should be 
directed to the FHWA or MoDOT at the addresses provided above.

(Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Program Number 20.205, 
Highway Planning and Construction. The regulations implementing 
Executive Order 12373 regarding intergovernmental consultation on 
Federal programs and activities apply to this program.)

    Issued on: July 15, 1999.
Donald L. Neumann,
Programs Engineer, Jefferson City.
[FR Doc. 99-19202 Filed 7-27-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-22-M