[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 236 (Monday, December 9, 2002)]
[Notices]
[Pages 73004-73005]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-30978]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Highway Administration


Environmental Impact Statement: Sanders and Flathead Counties, MT

AGENCY: Federal Highway Administration (FHWA); Department of 
Transportation.

ACTION: Notice of intent.

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SUMMARY: The FHWA is issuing this notice to advise the public that an 
environmental impact statement will be prepared for a proposed highway 
improvement project on the Thompson River Road (Forest Highway 56), 
which is a county road near Thompson Falls, Montana.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Joel Petersen, Project Manager or 
Terri Thomas, Environmental Specialist, Federal Highway Administration, 
610

[[Page 73005]]

Fifth Street, Vancouver, Washington 98661. Telephone: (360) 619-7700 E-
mail: Terri, [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FHWA, in cooperation with the U.S. 
Forest Service (FS) and the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT), 
will prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) on a proposal to 
improve the Thompson River Road on the Lolo National Forest from the 
junction with Montana State Road (SR) 200, four miles east of the town 
of Thompson Falls, to the junction with US Highway 2, approximately 40 
miles west of Kalispell, MT. The project would provide safe, 
convenient, and efficient travel to and through national forest lands 
for current and future users. Besides improving access to national 
forest resources and recreational opportunities and to the Thompson 
River corridor within private timber lands, the improved road would 
correct current water quality problems caused by existing gravel roads. 
The project includes upgrading approximately 43 miles of road and 
eliminating many miles of nearby private and public gravel roads within 
the corridor.
    Alternatives for improving travel on this road corridor are being 
developed. Besides the ``no build'' alternative, two or more build 
alternatives are being considered. These are more concepts than 
specifics, but they consist of:
    1. Minor widening, straightening, and rehabilitation of the 
existing Thompson River Road to achieve a consistent, but minimal two-
lane gravel road. Bridges would be widened or replaced to accommodate 
double lanes. Moderate sediment reduction to the nearby river would be 
achieved, but some maintenance and instability issues would remain.
    2. The road would be widened, straightened, reconstructed and paved 
to meet national ``collector'' road standards. Major segments of the 
road would be realigned to follow the already improved private roads in 
the area. Miles of existing gravel road would be obliterated and 
substantial water quality improvements would be realized.
    3. Other combinations of upgrading segments of the Thompson River 
Road and connecting them to improved portions of nearby private roads 
will be considered.
    The Thompson River Road corridor passes through important forested 
areas that are habitat to various wildlife and fish species including 
Federally listed threatened and endangered species such as the gray 
wolf, grizzly bear, Canada lynx and Bull Trout. In addition, the area 
is of cultural importance for Native Americans. Special studies will be 
conducted to ensure any impacts to these resources are kept to a 
minimum.
    Announcements describing the proposed action and soliciting 
comments will be sent to the appropriate Federal, state and local 
agencies. Announcements will also be sent to private organizations and 
citizens who have previously expressed or are known to have interest in 
this proposal. Public scoping meetings will be held in the spring of 
2003 in the communities of Thompson Falls and Libby, Montana. Public 
notices will be issued to provide the times and places of these 
meetings.
    It is important that the full range of issues related to this 
proposed action be addressed and that all significant issues be 
identified. Therefore, comments and suggestions are invited from all 
interested parties. Comments or questions concerning this proposed 
action and the EIS should be directed to the FHWA at the address and 
phone number provided above. (Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance 
Program Number 20.205, Highway Research, Planning and Construction. The 
regulations implementing Executive Order 12372 regarding 
intergovernmental consultation on Federal programs and activities apply 
to this program.)

    Dated: Issued on: November 4, 2002.
Ronald Carmichael,
Division Engineer, Western Federal Lands Highway Division, Vancouver, 
Washington.
[FR Doc. 02-30978 Filed 12-6-02; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-22-M