[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 199 (Monday, October 15, 2001)]
[Notices]
[Page 52476]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-25885]


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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Highway Administration


Environmental Impact Statement, Washtenaw County, MI

AGENCY: Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), 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 reconstruction of 
US-12, from Saline east city limit to Munger Road in Washtenaw County, 
Michigan. The purpose of this notice is to update FHWA's August 27, 
1992, Notice of Intent (Federal Register Vol. 57, No. 167) published 
for this same proposed project.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Ronald Hatcher, Federal Highway 
Administration, 315 W. Allegan Street, Room 207, Lansing, Michigan 
48933, Telephone: (517) 702-1832 or Ms. Carolyn L. Nelson, Project 
Manager, Michigan Department of Transportation, P.O. Box 30050, 
Lansing, Michigan 48909, telephone: (517) 394-8642.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FHWA, in cooperation with the Michigan 
Department of Transportation (MDOT), is preparing an Environmental 
Impact Statement (EIS) for reconstruction of US-12, an existing state 
trunkline, from Saline east city limits to Munger Road in Washtenaw 
County, Michigan. The proposed project is approximately seven (7) miles 
in length and is needed to make capacity improvements in this two-lane 
section to improve service in this rapidly developing area of south 
central Washtenaw County. The limits for the study extend along the 
existing state trunkline between the Saline east city limits to Munger 
Road to the northeast. Alternatives under consideration include: (1) 
Taking no action to improve the section of US-12 other than routine 
maintenance, (2) a five-lane cross section reconstruction of the 
existing two-lane roadway with two travel lanes in each direction and a 
center left-turn lane, (3) a divided cross section reconstruction of 
the existing roadway to a boulevard consisting of two travel lanes in 
each direction separated by a median, (4) a combination divided and 
five-lane cross section, and (5) a transit alternative to assess the 
feasibility of expanding the existing bus system and reduce projected 
highway travel demand in the corridor.
    A Draft EIS was prepared for this project in 1994. However, due to 
project budget constraints at the state level, the document was not 
issued for public comment and the project was placed on hold. An agency 
scoping meeting and two public information meetings were held as part 
of that study. The US-12 Five-Lane Feasibility Study was completed in 
2000 that evaluated the feasibility of a five-lane arterial for the 
project area. One public information meeting was held as part of that 
study to present preliminary results. Letters and a scoping document 
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 interests in this proposal. A scoping meeting with Federal, 
State, and local agencies will be held in the month of November 2001. 
The public involvement program will include newsletters, a telephone 
information line, focus group meetings, and a website. Public meetings 
will include a public scoping meeting to present the illustrative 
alternatives and an informational meeting to present the practical 
alternatives. The public scoping meeting will be advertised through 
local media. A public hearing will also be held. Public notice will be 
given of the time and place of the hearing. A final public meeting will 
be held following selection of the recommended alternative. The Draft 
Environmental Impact Statement is scheduled for completion in fall 
2002, and will be made available for public and agency review and 
comment prior to the public hearing. The U.S. Environmental Protection 
Agency and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service are requested to be 
cooperating agencies on this project.
    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. Such inquiries 
concerning this proposed action and the EIS should be directed to the 
FHWA at the address provided above.

    Issued on: October 3, 2001.
James J. Steele,
Division Administrator, Lansing, Michigan.
[FR Doc. 01-25885 Filed 10-12-01; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-22-M