[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 55 (Tuesday, March 21, 2000)]
[Notices]
[Page 15194]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-6910]



[[Page 15194]]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Highway Administration


Environmental Impact Statement: Jemez Pueblo, Sandoval 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 will be prepared for a proposed 
transportation project near San Ysidro and the Jemez Pueblo in Sandoval 
County, New Mexico.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Gregory D. Rawlings, Environmental 
Specialist, Federal Highway Administration, 604 W. San Mateo Road, 
Santa Fe, New Mexico 8705, (505) 820-2027; or Craig Conley, 
Environmental Program Manager, New Mexico State Highway and 
Transportation Department, P.O. Box 1149, Santa Fe, New Mexico 87504, 
(505) 827-5233.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FHWA, in cooperation with the New Mexico 
State Highway and Transportation Department (NMSHTD) will prepare an 
environmental impact statement (EIS), for proposed improvements to the 
New Mexico Highway 4 (NM 4) Corridor between New Mexico Highway 44 (NM 
44) and New Mexico Highway 290 (NM 290), Sandoval County, New Mexico. 
The study area is approximately six miles long from the junction with 
NM 44 through the town of San Ysidro, the Jemez Pueblo, and the town of 
Jemez Pueblo to the vicinity of the junction with NM 290. The current 
road alignment and grade of this section of NM 4 was constructed in the 
1930's with a design speed of 30 mph, 12-foot driving lanes, and no or 
variable width shoulders. NM 4 is a two-lane rural highway that runs 
from the junction with NM 44 in San Ysidro north and east through the 
Jemez Mountains to connect with NM 502 near Los Alamos, New Mexico. No 
other improvements to the remainder of NM 4 are currently under 
consideration.
    Several transportation problems exist within the project area. 
These are: (1) This section of NM 4 does not does not meet current 
Federal and State standards for width, shoulders, access 
characteristics (turnouts/entrances), cross-section or geometry; (2) 
The bridge over the Vallecito Creek is in need of replacement; (3) 
traffic congestion within the town of Jemez Pueblo; (4) the Jemez 
Pueblo's inability to control access to the town area; and (5) no 
accommodation for use of the road by pedestrians, bicyclists, and 
equestrians.
    This study will evaluate the need for improvements and evaluate 
potential transportation alternatives that address the need. 
Alternatives for consideration include (1) the improvement of the 
existing alignment; (2) various new alignments within the corridor, and 
(3) the No-Action option. Options for a new alignment include one 
approximately 0.25 miles east of the current alignment, two at the 
southern end of Jemez Pueblo and three at the northern end of the study 
area. The northern options include potential relocation of the 
Vallecito bridge and the junction with NM 290.
    Informal scoping for the proposal has included comments solicited 
from residents and groups within the affected area. Concerns have been 
expressed for preservation and protection of cultural, historic, 
religious, environmental and community resources. Additional public 
information and formal scoping meetings will be held to discuss the EIS 
and provide opportunity for public and agency input to aid in 
preparation of the documentation. Letters describing the proposed 
action and soliciting comments will be sent to Federal and state 
agencies, Native American groups, local governments, and the general 
public. All interested parties are encouraged to participate in this 
process and to submit written comments or suggestions. An agency 
scoping meeting is anticipated in the spring 2000. Additional meetings 
for the Jemez Pueblo and other local residents will take place in the 
same time frame. These and subsequent meetings throughout the 
development of the EIS will be announced via direct mail, locally-
posted flyers, and advertisements in local media.
    The availability of the Draft EIS will be announced in the Federal 
Register, local news media, and through direct contact with interested 
parties. To ensure that the full range of issues to this proposed 
action are addressed, comments or questions concerning this action and 
the EIS should be directed to the FHWA and NMSHTD at the address 
provided above.

(Catalogue 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 and 23 U.S.C. 315; 
49 CFR 1.48 apply to this program.)

    Issued on: March 15, 2000.
Gregory D. Rawlings,
Environmental Specialist, Santa Fe, New Mexico.
[FR Doc. 00-6910 Filed 3-20-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-22-M