[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 69 (Monday, April 10, 2000)]
[Notices]
[Page 19038]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-8818]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Highway Administration


Environmental Impact Statement: Worcester and Auburn, 
Massachusetts

AGENCY: Federal Highway Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of intent.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The FHWA is issuing this notice to advise the public that an 
Environmental Impact Statement will be prepared for a proposed highway 
project in Worcester and Auburn, Massachusetts.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jamie Sikora, Area Engineer, Federal 
Highway Administration, 55 Broadway, 10th Floor, Cambridge, MA 02142, 
Telephone: (617) 494-2481; or Michael E. Miller, Project Manager, 
Environmental Division, Massachusetts Highway Department, 10 Park 
Plaza, Boston, MA 02116, Telephone: (617) 973-8290.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FHWA, in cooperation with the 
Massachusetts Highway Department (MassHighway), will prepare an 
Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) on a proposal to study project 
alternatives potentially involving new roadway construction and major 
improvements to existing roads in the southwestern section of the City 
of Worcester and in the Town of Auburn, Massachusetts.
    The project's goal is the resolution of long-standing accessibility 
limitations that impact local and regional travel conditions. It is 
intended that the project will provide improved conditions between 
Route 9 in the vicinity of Webster Square in Worcester and the 
Interstate Highway System (I-290 and I-90). It is anticipated that this 
improved accessibility will also benefit the on-going revitalization of 
the Worcester Regional Airport and the degree to which the airport can 
contribute to the regional airport system.
    Alternatives under consideration include: (1) Taking no action (No 
Build); (2) the Webster Street alternative; (3) the Hope Avenue 
alternative; (4) the Oxford Street alternative; and (5) other feasible 
and prudent alternatives which may be identified during the course of 
the EIS. Build alternatives may include limited access highway 
construction on a new location, or an improvement to existing 
alignments.
    Materials 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. A series of public forums will 
be held, beginning in late March 2000, and continue thru the course of 
the study. On January 10, 2000 a public scoping meeting was held by the 
Massachusetts Secretary of Environmental Affairs where comments on the 
scope of the study were heard, and the Secretary issued a Certificate 
on the Environmental Notification Form (ENF) and the scope for the 
Environmental Impact Report (EIR). A public meeting in April 2000 will 
also provide an opportunity for the public to comment on the scope for 
the study. Advance public notice of the time and place of this meeting 
will be given. A formal scoping meeting with the appropriate Federal 
agencies will also be held during this time frame. Upon completion of 
the Draft EIS, a Notice of Availability will be published in the 
Federal Register to provide information on the availability of the 
document for public and agency review and comment.
    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 interest parties. Comments or 
questions concerning this proposed action and the EIS should be 
directed to the FHWA at the address provided above.


(Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Program Number 20.205, 
Highway Planning and Construction. The regulations implementing 
Executive Order 12372 regarding intergovernmental consultation on 
Federal programs and activities apply to this program).

    Issued on: March 3, 2000.
Alexander Almeida,
Project Delivery Team Leader.
[FR Doc. 00-8818 Filed 4-7-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-22-M