[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 25 (Monday, February 7, 2000)]
[Notices]
[Page 5926]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-2614]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Highway Administration


Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement: Linn County, Iowa

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 a 
supplemental environmental impact statement will be prepared for a 
proposed roadway and bridge project at Cedar Rapids in Linn County, 
Iowa.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:  Philip Taylor, Assistant 
Transportation Engineer, Federal Highway Administration, Iowa Division 
Office, 105 6th Street, Ames, Iowa 50010, Telephone: (515) 233-7307. 
Harry S. Budd, Director, Office of Project Planning, Iowa Department of 
Transportation, 800 Lincoln Way, Ames, Iowa 50010, Telephone: (515) 
239-1391.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Electronic Access

    An electronic copy of this document may be downloaded using a modem 
and suitable communications software from the Government Printing 
Office's Electronic Bulletin Board Service at (202) 512-1661. Internet 
users may reach the Federal Register's home page at: http://www.nara.gov/fedreg and the Government Printing Office's database at: 
http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara

Background

    The FHWA, in cooperation with the Iowa Department of Transportation 
(Iowa DOT), will prepare a supplement to the environmental impact 
statement (FHWA-Iowa-EIS-78-4-DS) for the proposed construction of the 
extension of Iowa 100 around Cedar Rapids. The proposed project begins 
at U.S. 30 west of Cedar Rapids and extends north and northeast to 
existing Iowa 100 at Edgewood Road. The supplement to the environmental 
impact statement will evaluate a proposed four-lane, controlled access 
roadway connected by a bridge across the Cedar River. Total length of 
the proposed project is approximately 12.9 km (8.0 mile).
    The proposed project is considered necessary to complete the 
highway loop around Cedar Rapids and alleviate congestion on several 
major arterial highways. It is also needed to reduce traffic congestion 
on Interstate-380 and other major arterials, provide another more 
northern river crossing for truck traffic, reduce transportation costs 
and social environmental impacts elsewhere in Cedar Rapids, and enhance 
economic development.
    The environmental impact statement (FHWA-Iowa-EIS-78-4-F) was 
approved October 6, 1980. A supplement to the 1980 EIS is being 
prepared to examine new information and changes that were not addressed 
in the 1980 EIS.
    Letters 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 previously expressed or are 
known to have interest in this proposal. Public involvement will be 
sought throughout the analysis of this proposal. In addition, a public 
hearing will be offered. A scoping meeting with interested public 
agencies was held September 15, 1999, to identify significant 
environmental issues that should be addressed. The participating 
agencies will be kept informed of any significant changes in the scope 
of the environmental analysis. Public notice will be given of the time 
and place of all public meetings. The draft supplemental environmental 
impact statement will be available for public and agency review 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 and 
questions concerning this proposed action and the supplement to the EIS 
should be directed to the FHWA or Iowa DOT at the addresses provided 
under the caption FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT.
(Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Program Number 20.205, 
Highway Planning and Construction. The regulation implementing 
Executive Order 12372 regarding intergovernmental consultation of 
Federal programs and activities apply to this program.)

    Authority: 23 U.S.C. 315; 49 CFR 1.48.

    Dated: January 31, 2000.
Bobby W. Blackmon,
Division Administrator.
[FR Doc. 00-2614 Filed 2-4-00; 8:45 am]
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