[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 49 (Monday, March 13, 2000)]
[Notices]
[Page 13353]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-6059]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION


Federal Highway Administration

Environment Impact Statement: Texas and Howell 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 Texas and Howell Counties, 
Missouri.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Donald Neumann, Programs Engineer, 
FHWA Division Office, 209 Adams Street, Jefferson City, MO 65101, 
Telephone: (573) 636-7104 or Mr. Bob Sfreddo, Director of Project 
Development, Missouri Department of Transportation, P.O. Box 270, 
Jefferson City, MO 65102, Telephone: (573) 751-4586.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FHWA, in cooperation with the Missouri 
Department of Transportation (MoDOT), the National Park Service (NPS), 
and the Ozark National Scenic Riverways (ONSR) will prepare an EIS for 
a proposed project to improve Route 17 in south-central Missouri. The 
project extends from Route O in Texas County south 2.5 miles to 0.5 
mile south of the Howell County Line. This proposal includes the 
replacement of a bridge over the Jacks Fork River, which is in the 
Ozark National Scenic Riverways. Improvements are considered necessary 
to: (1) improve safety and capacity for local and through traffic, (2) 
replace a bridge which is structurally deficient and functionally 
obsolete and, (3) support local and regional economic development for 
Texas and Howell Counties and the surrounding area.
    The proposed project will provide a two-lane roadway with at-grade 
intersections at rural crossroads. Alternatives under consideration 
include: (1) Taking no action; (2) transportation management options; 
(3) constructing a bridge and roadway beside the existing alignment; 
and (4) constructing a roadway on new location.
    The scoping process will involve 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. 
The scoping process was initiated at a September 23, 1999 meeting. 
Further public meetings will be held to engage the regional community 
in the decision making process and to obtain public comment. A public 
hearing will be held to present the findings of the draft EIS (DEIS). 
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 address 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: March 3, 2000.
Donald L. Neumann,
Programs Engineer, Jefferson City.
[FR Doc. 00-6059 Filed 3-10-00; 8:45 am]
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