[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 74 (Tuesday, April 17, 2001)]
[Notices]
[Page 19831]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-9441]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Highway Administration


Environmental Assessment or Environmental Impact Statement; 
Hocking and Athens Counties, Ohio

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 assessment or environmental impact statement will be 
prepared for transportation improvements proposed for the U.S. Route 33 
corridor in Hocking and Athens Counties, Ohio.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Andreas Garnes, Rural Programs 
Engineer, Federal Highway Administration, 200 N. High Street, Room 328, 
Columbus, Ohio 43215, Telephone: (614) 280-6856.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FHWA, in cooperation with the Ohio 
Department of Transportation (ODOT), will prepare an environmental 
assessment (EA) or environmental impact statement (EIS) on a proposal 
that will consider transportation improvements to U.S. Route 33 from 
the existing four-lane section west of the City of Nelsonville in 
Hocking County to the existing four-lane section east of Nelsonville in 
Athens County, Ohio.
    A transportation investment is considered necessary to improve the 
regional transportation network by providing an improved travel 
corridor; to reduce anticipated congestion on existing U.S. Route 33 
from projected traffic volumes; to improve safety on the existing 
highway system; and to support existing industry and future development 
through improved access to southeastern Ohio.
    Actions under consideration include: (1) Taking no action; (2) 
upgrading existing U.S. Route 33 through Nelsonville; or (3) 
constructing a roadway on new alignment bypassing the City of 
Nelsonville.
    Letters 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 meetings 
will be held in the project area. These are currently anticipated for 
Spring and Summer of 2001. In addition, a hearing will be held in 
conjunction with the EA or draft EIS early in 2002. Public notice will 
be given of the exact time and place of the meetings and hearing for 
the project. The EA or Draft EIS will be available for public and 
agency review and comment prior to the public hearing. No formal 
scoping meeting is planned at this time.
    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 or the EA/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: April 9, 2001.
Andreas Garnes,
Rural Program Engineer, Federal Highway Administration, Columbus, Ohio.
[FR Doc. 01-9441 Filed 4-16-01; 8:45 am]
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