[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 140 (Monday, July 22, 2002)]
[Notices]
[Pages 47883-47884]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-18329]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Highway Administration


Environmental Impact Statement: Travis County, TX

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 (EIS) will be prepared for a proposed 
new location highway/tollway project in Travis County, Texas.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Patrick Bauer, P.E., District 
Engineer, Federal Highway Administration, 826 Federal Office Building, 
300 E. 8th Street, Austin, Texas 78701, telephone number (512) 536-5950 
or Ms. Stacey Benningfield, Environmental Program Manager, Texas 
Turnpike Authority Division, Texas Department of Transportation, 125 E. 
11th Street, Austin, Texas 78701, telephone number (512) 225-1351.

[[Page 47884]]


SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FHWA, in cooperation with the Texas 
Turnpike Authority Division (TTA) of the Texas Department of 
Transportation, will prepare an EIS for proposed State Highway 45, 
between Interstate Highway 35, south of Austin, Texas, and proposed 
State Highway 130/existing US Highway 183, southeast of Austin in 
Travis County, Texas. As currently envisioned, proposed SH 45 would 
ultimately be a six-lane controlled access roadway with directions of 
travel being separated by a barrier or median. Interchanges or grade 
separations would be constructed at major thoroughfares and direct 
connector ramps would be provided at IH 35 and State Highway 130/US 
Highway 183. The proposed right-of-way width would be 400' (usual 
minimum) and the project length would be approximately 7 miles. 
Alternatives to be addressed in the EIS include (1) upgrading existing 
roadways, (2) new location alternatives and (3) the no-build 
alternative. The proposed project is considered necessary in order to 
provide for existing and projected traffic demand in the project area.
    The proposed project is considered a candidate for development as a 
toll road. Accordingly, in conjunction with preparation of the EIS, TTA 
will conduct a study to determine the feasibility of constructing the 
proposed facility as a toll road and financing it, in whole or in part, 
through the issuance of revenue bonds. Impacts owing to the possible 
toll designation will be addressed in the EIS.
    Letters describing the proposed action and soliciting comments will 
be sent to appropriate Federal, State, and local agencies; and to 
private organizations, citizens and residents who have previously 
expressed or are known to have an interest in this proposal.
    It is anticipated that the project would be constructed in phases, 
with the initial (interim) phase(s) being of smaller scale (fewer 
lanes) than the ultimate facility.
    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. On Thursday, 
August 22, 2002, the TTA will conduct a public scoping meeting on the 
proposed SH 45 project. The meeting will be held at Popham Elementary 
School, 7014 Elroy Road, Del Valle, Texas. The purpose of the public 
meeting will be to receive comments and identify issues to be 
considered during development of route alternative and preparation of 
the EIS. Verbal and written comments may be submitted at the meeting or 
written comments may be submitted via regular postal mail to the FHWA 
or TTA at the addresses provided above. To be included in the official 
record of the public meeting, comments must be received by Tuesday, 
September 3, 2002. The meeting will begin at 6 p.m. with a one-hour 
``open house''. During the open house displays showing the project area 
and other project information will be available for review and staff 
from the TTA will be available to answer questions. At 7 p.m. there 
will be a presentation followed by a public comment period. All 
interested citizens are encouraged to attend this meeting.
    Persons who have special communication or accommodation needs, and 
who plan to attend the public meeting are asked to contact Stacey 
Benningfield (512/225-1351) at least two business days prior to the 
meeting so that accommodations may be made.

(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: July 11, 2002.
Antonio Palacios,
Urban Engineer.
[FR Doc. 02-18329 Filed 7-19-02; 8:45 am]
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