[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 178 (Thursday, September 13, 2001)]
[Notices]
[Pages 47721-47722]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-22952]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Highway Administration


Environmental Impact Statement: Erie County, NY

AGENCY: Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), New York State 
Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) DOT.

ACTION: Notice of Intent.

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SUMMARY: The FHWA is issuing this notice to advise the public that the 
Southtowns Connector/Buffalo Outer Harbor scoping process has resulted 
in a major revision to the project's alternatives. Previously, the 
range of `Build Alternatives' included new freeway extensions, added 
freeway capacity or a new transit way. The environmental impact 
statement will now be progressed with a combination of a new arterial, 
existing local street/arterial improvements and improved transit/
pedestrian/bicyclist facilities.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Robert E. Arnold, Division 
Administrator, Federal Highway Administration, Leo O'Brien Federal 
Building--7th Floor, Albany, New York 12207, Telephone (518) 431-4127 
or Brian O. Rowback, Regional Director, New York State Department of 
Transportation, 125 Main Street, Buffalo, New York 14203, Telephone: 
(716) 847-3238.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Federal Administration, in cooperation 
with the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT), will 
prepare an environmental impact statement (EIS) for the proposed 
Southtowns Connector/Buffalo Outer Harbor Project in Erie County, New 
York. The proposed improvements could include existing street and 
arterial road system consolidation, additional arterial street capacity 
and improved transit/pedestrian/bicyclist facilities. These

[[Page 47722]]

improvements are considered necessary because the existing 
transportation facilities do not provide for waterfront access, 
adequately connect development sites, provide sufficient capacity or 
include provisions for multi-modal uses. Alternatives under 
consideration are: (1) taking no action, (2) transportation systems 
management (improvement existing facility efficiency) and (3) provide 
existing street and arterial improvements and a new arterial street. 
Letters describing the proposed action and soliciting comments will be 
sent to appropriate Federal, State, local agencies and to private 
organizations and citizens who have previously expressed interest or 
are known to have an interest in this proposal. A formal scoping 
process will be followed for this revised project proposal. This 
process will include public and agency meetings to be scheduled. 
Advance notice will be provided through the media. In addition, public 
hearings will be held. The draft EIS will be available for public and 
agency review and comment prior to these public hearings.
    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 agencies and interested parties. 
Comments or questions concerning this proposed action and the EIS 
should be directed to the NYSDOT or FHWA at the address provided above.

    Authority 23 U.S.C. 315, 23 CFR 771.123.

    Issued on: September 5, 2001.
Douglas P. Conlan,
District Engineer, Federal Highway Administration, Albany, New York.
[FR Doc. 01-22952 Filed 9-12-01; 8:45 am]
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