[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 220 (Tuesday, November 16, 1999)]
[Notices]
[Page 62244]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-29829]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Highway Administration


Environmental Impact Statement: Lincoln County, NM

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 a proposed 
highway project in Lincoln County, New Mexico.

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: The FHWA, in cooperation with the New Mexico 
State Highway and Transportation Department, will prepare design 
location studies and an EIS for proposed improvements to U.S. Highway 
70 (US 70) in Lincoln County, NM. US 70 provides an essential link 
between Interstate 10 and Interstate 40 across southeast New Mexico and 
is an important route for goods movement as well as local and regional 
mobility. US 70 serves as a primary access route to several major 
recreational sites in southeastern NM, including the Lincoln National 
Forest, White Sands National Monument, Valley of Fires Recreation Area, 
a downhill ski area, a gaming casino, Ruidoso Downs race track, and 
several major mountain resorts. The Mescalero Apache Reservation and 
three military installations (Holloman and Cannon Air Force bases and 
White Sands Missile Range) are also accessed by US 70.
    The segment of US 70 being studied is between the communities of 
Ruidoso Downs and Riverside, a distance of 60.3 kilometers (37. 5 
miles), and includes the communities of Glencoe, San Patricio, Hondo, 
Tinnie, Picacho, and Riverside. Short sections of the highway also 
cross through or are adjacent to the Lincoln National Forest. The 
existing highway consists of two travel lanes with several short 
segments of three lanes to provide for passing. The highway intersects 
many side roads and driveways through these communities.
    Improvements to the existing highway are needed to: (1) Meet 
economic growth goals of the State; and (2) correct safety deficiencies 
associated with use and condition of the existing highway. Alternatives 
for consideration will include the No Action alternative and 
alternatives developed through the agency and public involvement 
process. Alternatives may include construction of acceleration, 
deceleration, and turning lanes; construction of additional travel 
lanes; and minor realignments of the existing highway to improve design 
deficiencies and avoid sensitive natural and cultural resources.
    Preliminary scoping for the project began in May 1999 and included 
(1) A letter with introductory information sent to federal, state, and 
local agencies, Native American groups, public and private 
organizations, and individuals identified as potentially interested or 
affected parties; and (2) two public information meetings conducted in 
the project study area to solicit preliminary issues and concerns 
regarding the proposed action. A scoping letter describing the proposed 
action and a draft design location study will be sent to interested 
agencies followed by a formal agency scoping meeting planned for 
December 8, 1999. Additional public meetings will be held to discuss 
our intention to prepare an EIS. These meetings will also provide 
opportunity for public and agency input.
    A public hearing will be held to present the findings of the Draft 
EIS (DEIS) during the public review period. The DEIS will be available 
for public and agency review and comment prior to the 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. Comment or 
questions concerning the proposed action and EIS should be directed to 
the FHWA at the address provided above.

(Catalogue of Federal Domestic Assistance Program Assistance Program 
Number 20.205, Highway Research, 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 9, 1999.
Gregory D. Rawlings,
Environmental Specialist, Santa Fe, NM.
[FR Doc. 99-29829 Filed 11-15-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-22-M