[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 199 (Monday, October 15, 2001)]
[Notices]
[Pages 52475-52476]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-25886]


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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Highway Administration


Environmental Impact Statement; Municipality of Anchorage, AK

AGENCY: Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), Alaska Department of 
Transportation and Public Facilities (ADOT&PF).

ACTION: Notice of intent.

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

SUMMARY: The FHWA, in cooperation with ADOT&PF and the Municipality of 
Anchorage, will prepare an environmental impact statement (EIS) to 
extend the existing Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, a National Recreation 
Trail, in Anchorage Alaska. The proposed project corridor is from 
Kincaid Park, within the Municipality, to the Potter Weigh Station, 
Seward Highway MP 114.2, a distance of approximately 12 miles. The 
State managed Anchorage Coastal Wildlife Refuge and Potter Marsh are 
adjacent to the project.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: John Lohrey, FHWA Alaska Field 
Operations Engineer, PO Box 21648, Juneau, AK 99802. Telephone: (907) 
586-7428 or Jim Childers, P.E., Project Manager, Alaska Department of 
Transportation and Public Facilities, PO Box 196900, Anchorage, AK, 
99519, Telephone: (907) 269-0544.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The proposed project purpose is to serve a 
broad spectrum of non-motorized trail users with a consistent, unified 
trail, substantially without the need to stop for cross traffic or 
hazards, that connects natural settings and other trails, improves 
coastal access, and provides a safe experience. The proposed trail 
segment should provide for destination-oriented travel, commuting, 
exercise, and nature viewing.
    Alternative trail alignments have been examined through a three-
year planning and scoping process. The EIS will examine the no-action 
alternative and a full range of reasonable build alternatives, with 
variations and cross-connection options that involve lower sea level 
terrain and upland locations.
    Planning has been underway since 1997 with preliminary engineering 
and a public and agency scoping process. A public advisory group and 
technical (agency) advisory group both met multiple times in 1998-99. A 
series of three community-wide trail planning meetings culminated in a 
public hearing held March 21, 2000. A public informational meeting was 
also held on September 25, 2001. A ``Scoping Summary Report'' was 
published in July 1998, and a follow-up compilation titled ``Public and 
Agency Comment on the March 2000 Viable Alternatives Report'' was 
published in March 28, 2000. A public informational hearing will be 
held on November 5, 2001.
    Based on project issues and on public and agency involvement to 
date, FHWA and ADOT&PF have determined a need to prepare an EIS. A 
public hearing will be held following publication of the Draft EIS. 
Notice of the hearing will be

[[Page 52476]]

published in the Federal Register and the Anchorage Daily News. 
Comments or questions concerning this proposed action and the EIS 
should be directed to the FHWA or AKDOT&PF address provided above.

(Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Program Number 20.205, 
Highway Research, Planing and Construction. The regulations 
implementing Executive Order 12372 regarding intergovernmental 
consultation on Federal programs and activities apply to this 
program.)

    Issued on: October 2, 2001.
David C. Miller,
Division Administrator, Juneau, Alaska.
[FR Doc. 01-25886 Filed 10-12-01; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-22-M