[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 24 (Wednesday, February 5, 2003)]
[Notices]
[Page 5971]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-2785]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Highway Administration


Environmental Impact Statement: Peoria, Fulton, and McDonough 
Counties, Illinois

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 the 
construction of a proposed four-lane highway in west central Illinois 
through portions of Peoria, Fulton, and McDonough Counties. The 
proposed highway, Illinois 336 (FAP 315), will extend from Peoria to 
Macomb, Illinois.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Norman R. Stoner, P.E., Division 
Administrator, Federal Highway Administration, 3250 Executive Park 
Drive, Springfield, Illinois 62703, Phone: (217) 492-4600.

Joseph E. Crowe, P.E., District Engineer, Illinois Department of 
Transportation, 401 Main Street, Peoria, Illinois 61602-1111, Phone: 
(309) 671-3333.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FHWA, in cooperation with the Illinois 
Department of Transportation will prepare an Environmental Impact 
Statement (EIS) on a proposal to develop a four-lane highway between 
Peoria and Macomb Illinois. Three feasible corridors previously 
identified by Illinois DOT will be re-evaluated and one corridor will 
be selected for further study. The selected corridor will be presented 
at a public hearing. Alternate alignments will be studied within the 
selected corridor once it has been identified. Alternates studied will 
address engineering and environmental concerns in order to determine an 
alignment location that meets the transportation needs of the region 
and minimizes the impacts to the environment. Alignment studies will 
determined one preferred alignment location and address types of 
facility, preliminary interchange geometrics and engineering, and 
identify environmental impacts. Preliminary measures to minimize harm, 
probable construction cost estimates, and estimated right-of-way 
requirements will be developed. A second hearing will beheld to present 
the final preferred alignment.
    The proposed action will enhance travel efficiency within the study 
area, improve transportation continuity, improve rural access, and help 
reduce further economic and population decline in the counties served 
by this highway. Several alignment alternatives, including the no-
action alternative, will be evaluated for the proposed project. 
Intersections/interchanges will be provided at all major high-volume 
roadways. Primary resources that may be affected are agricultural and, 
property tax income, wetlands, and woodlands.
    The scoping process undertaken as part of this project will include 
the distribution of a scoping informational packet, coordination with 
appropriate Federal, State, and local agencies, and review sessions, as 
needed. A study group comprised of local officials will be established 
to provide input during development and refinement of alternatives. A 
scoping packet may be obtained from one of the contact people listed 
above.
    To ensure that the full range of issues related to this proposed 
action are addressed, and all substantive issues are identified, public 
involvement activities will be conducted as part of this study. Public 
informational meetings, public hearings, newsletters and interest group 
meetings will provide opportunities for public involvement. The 
project's Draft EIS will be available for public and agency review 
prior to the public hearing. The time and location of the public 
hearings will be announced in local newspapers. Comments or questions 
concerning this proposed action and the Draft EIS should be directed to 
FHWA or the Illinois Department of Transportation at the addresses 
provided above.

    (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.)

    Dated: January 30, 2003.
J.D. Stevenson,
(FHWA Signature Line).
[FR Doc. 03-2785 Filed 2-4-03; 8:45 am]
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