[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 107 (Friday, June 2, 2000)]
[Notices]
[Page 35416]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-13870]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Highway Administration


Draft Environmental Impact Statement: Dubois County, Indiana

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 a proposed 
highway project in Dubois County, Indiana.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Robert Dirks, Environmental 
Specialist, Federal Highway Administration, Room 254, Federal Office 
Building, 575 North Pennsylvania Street, Indianapolis, Indiana 46204, 
Telephone (317) 226-7492.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FHWA, in cooperation with the Indiana 
Department of Transportation (INDOT), will prepare an EIS for a 
proposed project to improve the transportation system in the U.S. 231 
corridor between Interstate 64 and State Road 56 in Dubois County, 
Indiana. The proposed project will involve the study of potential 
bypasses around Huntingburg and Jasper.
    The proposed EIS and accompanying engineering analysis are the 
result of INDOT's identification of U.S. 231 in southwest Indiana for 
improvements as part of the current and ongoing transportation program. 
Given the current and projected traffic volumes and the existing 
geometric deficiencies, improvements to U.S. 231 are considered 
necessary to provide for a safe, efficient, and economical 
transportation network that will meet traffic demands in the area. The 
proposed improvements are also intended to be environmentally sound. 
System improvements will be examined based on the purposes of 
addressing roadway deficiencies, improving safety, reducing congestion, 
and enhancing system linkage.
    Alternatives under consideration include: (1) Taking no action, (2) 
transportation system management, (3) upgrading and improving existing 
roadways, and (4) construction of two additional lanes adjacent to the 
existing two-lane roadway with bypasses of Huntingburg and Jasper on 
new alignment. Design variations of grade and alignment will be 
incorporated into and studied for the various build alternatives.
    A scoping process has been initiated that involves all appropriate 
federal, state, and local agencies, and private organizations and 
citizens who have previously expressed or are known to have interest in 
this project. Several public meetings were held during the location 
study for the proposed project to engage the regional community in the 
decision making process and to obtain public comment. A resource agency 
scoping meeting will be held in Indianapolis when appropriate. Letters 
describing the proposed action and soliciting comments will be sent to 
all appropriate federal, state, and local agencies, and private 
organizations and citizens who have expressed or are known to have 
interest in this project. A public meeting will be held in Jasper when 
appropriate. In addition, public hearings will be held to present the 
findings of the draft EIS (DEIS) and engineering analysis. Public 
notice will be given of the time and place of informational meetings 
and public hearing. The DEIS will be available for public and agency 
review and comment prior to the public hearings.
    To ensure the full range of issues related to this proposed action 
are addressed and all significant issues are identified, comments and 
suggestions are invited from all interested parties. Comments or 
questions concerning this proposed action and the EIS should be 
directed to FHWA at the address provided above.

(Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Program No. 20.205, Highway 
Planning and Construction. The regulations implementing Executive 
Order 12373 regarding intergovernmental consultation on Federal 
programs and activities apply to this program.)


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

    Issued on: May 22, 2000.
Robert Dirks,
Environmental Specialist, Indianapolis, Indiana.
[FR Doc. 00-13870 Filed 6-1-00; 8:45 am]
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