[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 1 (Monday, January 3, 2000)]
[Notices]
[Pages 158-159]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-34042]


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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Highway Administration


Environmental Impact Statement: Mid-Willamette Valley Council of 
Governments, Marion County, OR

AGENCY: Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of intent.

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

SUMMARY: The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) is issuing this 
notice of intent to advise the public that an Environmental Impact 
Statement (EIS) will be prepared for a proposed new bridge across the 
Willamette River in the City of Salem, Marion County, Oregon.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Anthony Boesen, Liaison Engineer Region 2, Federal Highway 
Administration, Equitable Center, 530 Center Street N.E., Suite 100, 
Salem, Oregon 97301, Telephone (503) 399-5749, Fax (503) 399-5838, E-
mail Anthony.B[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FHWA in cooperation with the Oregon 
Department of Transportation (ODOT) and the Mid-Willamette Valley 
Council of Governments (MWVCOG) will prepare an EIS for the location of 
a third bridge crossing of the Willamette River in Salem, Oregon. 
Alternatives under consideration will include no build, using 
alternative travel modes, modifications to land use, and improvements 
to the existing bridges.

[[Page 159]]

    The third bridge will alleviate long-term (year 2020+) 
transportation demands and congestion associated with the current 
Marion Street and Center Street bridges which provide access across the 
Willamette River between downtown Salem and West Salem. The Pine/Tryon 
corridor has been identified as one of many corridors in the Willamette 
River Crossing Capacity (WRCC) Study to alleviate congestion on both 
Marion Street and Center Street Bridges and at the east and west ramps 
for the two existing bridges. (Copies of the WRCC study, Phase 1, are 
available from the MWVCOG at telephone (503) 588-6177 or at their 
office at 105 High Street S.E., Salem, Oregon 97301-3667).
    Information describing the proposed action and soliciting comments 
will be sent to appropriate Federal, State and local agencies, and to 
private organizations and citizens who have expressed interest or are 
known to have an interest in this proposed project. A local formal 
scoping meeting is scheduled on January 20, 2000, at 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 
p.m., at the ODOT Region 2 Headquarters, 455 Airport Road S.E., 
Building B, Room 116, Salem, Oregon.
    Public informational meetings will be held by ODOT and MWVCOG 
during project development and a public hearing will be scheduled. The 
draft EIS will be available for public and agency review and comments 
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 at the address provided above.

    Issued: December 21, 1999.
Elton H. Chang,
Environmental Engineer, Oregon Division.
[FR Doc. 99-34042 Filed 12-30-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-22-M