[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 32 (Wednesday, February 16, 2000)]
[Notices]
[Pages 7905-7906]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-3592]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Highway Administration


Environmental Impact Statement: Erie and Genesee Counties, New 
York

AGENCY: Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), New York State 
Department of Transportation (NYSDOT), New York State Thruway Authority 
(NYSTA).

ACTION: Notice of intent.

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SUMMARY: The FHWA is issuing this notice to advise the public that an 
environmental impact statement will be

[[Page 7906]]

prepared for a proposed highway toll barrier project in Erie and 
Genesee Counties, New York.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Harold J. Brown, Division Administrator, Federal Highway 
Administration, New York Division, Leo W. O'Brien Federal Building, 9th 
Floor, Clinton Avenue and North Pearl Street, Albany, New York 12207, 
Telephone (518) 431-4127

    
Brian O. Rowback, Regional Director, New York State Department of 
Transportation Region 5, 125 Main Street, Buffalo, New York 14203, 
Telephone: (716) 847-3238

or

    
Christopher A. Waite, Director, Office of Design, New York State 
Thruway Authority, 200 Southern Boulevard, Albany, New York 12209, 
Telephone (518) 436-2916.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FHWA, in cooperation with the New York 
State Thruway Authority (NYSTA) and the New York State Department of 
Transportation, will be preparing an Environmental Impact Statement 
(EIS) on a proposal to relocate the existing New York State Thruway 
(Interstate 90) ``Williamsville'' Toll Barrier from the Town of 
Amherst, Erie County, New York. The proposal would involve construction 
of 1.2 kilometers of approach/leave roadways, new toll booths/barriers 
and administration building and an access connection to the local 
highway system.
    The toll barrier relocation is considered necessary because of 
safety and operational problems at the existing location, recurring 
congestion and community concerns over noise and air pollution. The 
objectives of the proposed action are to provide a toll barrier that 
has sufficient capacity to ensure suitable customer service, maintains 
public and employee safety, incorporates advances technologies, and 
addresses impacts to natural and human resources.
    Alternatives under consideration include (1) taking no action; (2) 
improving the toll barrier at its current location; and (3) replacing 
the toll barrier with a new facility to be constructed at a suitable 
location between Interchange 49 (Transit Road) in the Town of 
Cheektowaga, Erie County, New York and Interchange 48A (Pembroke) in 
the Town of Pembroke, Genesee County, New York. The latter alternative 
may also involve the elimination of the existing toll facility at 
Interchange 49.
    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 
interest in this proposal. A formal NEPA scoping meeting will be held 
between February and March 2000. Public notice of the date(s) and 
location(s) will be given. In addition, a public hearing will be held 
in the future at a time and place to be announced. The draft EIS, when 
prepared, 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, NYSTA or NYSDOT at the addresses 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)

    Authority: 23 U.S.C. 315; 23 CFR 771.123.

    Issued on: February 4, 2000.
Douglas P. Conlan,
District Engineer, Federal Highway Administration, Albany, New York.
[FR Doc. 00-3592 Filed 2-15-00; 8:45 am]
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