[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 67 (Thursday, April 6, 2000)]
[Notices]
[Page 18145]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-8427]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Highway Administration


Environmental Impact Statement; Douglas and Franklin Counties, KS

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 highway 
project on U.S. Highway 59 in Douglas and Franklin Counties, Kansas.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kurt C. Dunn, P.E., Engineering 
Services Team Leader, Federal Highway Administration, 3300 South Topeka 
Boulevard, Suite 1, Topeka, Kansas 66611-2237, Telephone: (785) 267-
7281; Warren L. Sick, Assistant Secretary and State Transportation 
Engineer, Kansas Department of Transportation, 915 Harrison, Topeka, 
Kansas 66612, Telephone (785) 296-3285.

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 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 Kansas Department of 
Transportation (KDOT), will prepare an environmental impact statement 
(EIS) on a proposal to improve U.S. Highway 59 in Douglas and Franklin 
Counties, Kansas. The proposed project would involve the improvement of 
the existing U.S. 59 corridor between the cities of Lawrence and 
Ottawa, a distance of about 27.2 kilometers (17 miles) in length. The 
KDOT has held three public information meetings on proposed 
improvements to U.S. 59. An environmental assessment was prepared for a 
proposed limited access facility on new alignment. The high level of 
public concern expressed and the potential for significant impacts has 
led to the decision to prepare an EIS.
    Improvements to the corridor are considered necessary to provide 
for the existing and projected traffic demands and to improve safety. 
Also, under consideration in this proposal is a new connection with the 
existing Interstate Highway 35 near Ottawa. Alternatives under 
consideration include (1) taking no action; (2) improving the existing 
alignment; and (3) construction on a new alignment.
    Comments are being solicited from appropriate Federal, State, and 
local agencies, and from private organizations and citizens who have 
interest in this proposal. A public hearing will be held once the draft 
EIS is completed. Public notice will be given of the time and place of 
the hearing. The draft EIS will be available for public and agency 
review and comment prior to the public hearing. The FHWA has determined 
that a formal scoping meeting is not necessary.
    Comments and/or suggestions from all interested parties are 
requested to ensure that the full page of issues related to this 
proposed action, and significant environmental issues in particular, 
are identified and reviewed. Comments or questions concerning this 
proposed action and the EIS should be directed to the FHWA or the KDOT 
at the address provided above.

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

    Issued on March 16, 2000.
David R. Geiger,
Division Administrator, Kansas Division, Federal Highway 
Administration, Topeka, Kansas.
[FR Doc. 00-8427 Filed 4-5-00; 8:45 am]
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