[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 123 (Monday, June 26, 2000)]
[Notices]
[Pages 39465-39466]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-16006]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Highway Administration


Environmental Impact Statement: Ouachita Parish, Louisiana

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 in Ouachita Parish, Louisiana.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: William C. Farr, Program Operations 
Manager, Federal Highway Administration, 5304 Flanders Drive, Suite A, 
Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70808, Telephone: (225) 757-7615, Facsimile: 
(225) 757-7601.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FHWA, in cooperation with the Louisiana 
Department of Transportation and Development (LDOTD), will prepare an 
Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) on a proposal to construct a new 
highway facility on an alignment to be determined. The proposed 
project, known locally as the Kansas Lane Connector, is generally 
located in the northeast quadrant of Monroe, Louisiana. The roadway 
includes several alternates based on the number of bridges needed for 
various alignments. The approximate length of the project is 4.3 
kilometers (2.7 miles). Final length will depend on the alternative 
selected.
    The proposed improvements would improve the connectivity, travel 
time, and safety of the area and increase regional access to the area, 
including the University of Louisiana at Monroe for persons, businesses 
and industry in the region.
    The western terminus of the proposed project will be in the 
vicinity of the junction of U.S. Highway 165 and Forsythe Avenue and 
the eastern terminus will be in the vicinity of the junction of U.S. 
Highway 80 and Kansas Lane.
    Alternatives to be considered are:
    (1) The ``Do-nothing'' Alternative, where the current and existing 
highways will be repaired and maintained in their present location, 
capacity, and character.
    (2) The ``Build'' Alternative, considering several different 
alignments, roadway type and control of access.
    An agency scoping meeting will be held at a time and place to be 
determined at a later date. Letters describing the proposed action and 
soliciting comments will be sent to appropriate Federal, state, and 
local agencies and to private organizations, including conservation 
groups and groups of individuals who have expressed interest in the 
project in the past. At least one public informational meeting will be 
held in the project area that will be affected. In addition, a Public 
Hearing will be held. Public notice will be given of the time and place 
of the public informational meeting(s) and the Public Hearing. The 
draft EIS 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 at the address provided above.

(Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Program Number 20.205, 
Highway Planning

[[Page 39466]]

and Construction. The regulations implementing Executive Order 12372 
regarding intergovernmental consultation on Federal programs and 
activities apply to this program)

William A. Sussmann,
Division Administrator, FHWA, Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
[FR Doc. 00-16006 Filed 6-23-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-22-M