[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 27 (Monday, February 10, 2003)]
[Notices]
[Pages 6793-6794]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-3132]


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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Highway Administration


Draft Environmental Impact Statement; Lewis & Clark and Jefferson 
Counties, MT.

AGENCY: Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of availability.

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

SUMMARY: In compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 
1969, the FHWA, in cooperation with the Montana Department of 
Transportation (MDT), has prepared a Draft Environmental Impact 
Statement (DEIS) for proposed transportation improvements along the I-
15 Corridor in Helena, Lewis & Clark and Jefferson Counties, Montana. 
The Draft EIS identifies Build Alternatives with supporting elements 
and the No-Action Alternative, and their associated social, economic 
and environmental impacts. Interested citizens are invited to review 
the Draft EIS and submit comments. Copies of the Draft EIS may be 
obtained by telephoning or writing the contact person listed below 
under Addresses. Public reading copies of the Draft EIS are available 
at the locations listed under SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION.

DATES: A 45-calendar-day public review period will begin on February 
14, 2003 and conclude on March 31, 2003. Written comments on the 
alternatives and impacts to be considered must be received by MDT by 
March 31, 2003. A public hearing to receive oral comments on the Draft 
EIS will be held at the West Coast Colonial Hotel, 2301 Colonial Drive, 
Helena, Montana, on March 11, 2003.

ADDRESSES: Written comments on the Draft EIS should be addressed to Mr. 
Mark Studt, P.E., Project Manager, Montana Department of 
Transportation, 2701 Prospect Avenue, Helena, MT 59601. Please see 
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section for a listing of the available 
documents and formats in which they may be obtained. Copies of the 
Draft EIS are also available for public inspection and review. See 
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section for locations.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: To request copies of the Draft EIS or 
for additional information, contact Mr. Carl James, Transportation 
Specialist, FHWA Montana Division, 2880 Skyway Drive, Helena, MT, 
59602, Telephone: (406) 449-5302, extension 238; or Mr. Mark Studt, 
Project Manager, Montana Department of Transportation, 2701 Prospect 
Avenue, Helena, MT 59601, Telephone: (406) 444-9191.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A Public Hearing will be held March 11, 
2003, from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the West Coast Colonial Hotel 
(address listed above).
    Copies of the Draft EIS are available in hard copy format for 
public inspection at:
    [sbull] Montana Department of Transportation, Environmental 
Services, 2701 Prospect Avenue, Room 111, Helena, MT 59601, 406-444-
7228.
    [sbull] Jefferson County, Clerk & Recorder's Office, Jefferson 
County Courthouse, Boulder, MT 59632, 406-225-4020.
    [sbull] Lewis & Clark County, City and County Transportation 
Office, City and County Building, Room 404, 316 North Park, Helena, MT 
59601, 406-447-8457.
    [sbull] East Helena City Hall, City Clerk's Office, 7 E. Main St., 
East Helena, MT 59635, 406-227-5321.
    [sbull] Lewis & Clark County Library, 120 S. Last Chance Gulch, 
Helena, MT 59601, 406-447-1690.
    [sbull] Boulder Community Library, 202 South Main, Boulder, MT 
59632, 406-225-3241.
    [sbull] Broadwater Community Library, 201 North Spruce, Townsend, 
MT 59644, 406-266-5060.
    [sbull] Clancy Library, 6 North Main, Clancy, MT 59634, 406-933-
5254.
    [sbull] Montana City Store, 1 Jackson Creek Road, Montana City, MT 
59634, 406-442-6625.
    [sbull] Carter & Burgess, Inc., 707 17th Street, Suite 2300, 
Denver, CO 80202, 303-820-4894.

Background

    This Draft EIS provides a detailed evaluation of the proposed 
transportation improvements along I-15 between the Montana City 
interchange and the Lincoln Road interchange. The study area lies 
within Helena, Lewis & Clark and Jefferson Counties, MT. The study area 
extends approximately 19 kilometers (12 miles) from the Montana

[[Page 6794]]

City interchange in the south (RP 187) to the Lincoln Road interchange 
in the north (RP 200). This Draft EIS includes an examination of the 
purpose and need, alternatives under consideration, travel demand, 
affected environment, environmental consequences, and mitigation 
measures as a result of the improvements under consideration. Two build 
alternatives with five supporting elements and a No-Action Alternative 
are presented in the Draft EIS and are under consideration by FHWA and 
MDT.
    The FHWA, MDT, and other local agencies invite interested 
individuals, organizations, and Federal, State, and local agencies to 
comment on the evaluated alternatives and associated social, economic, 
or environmental impacts related to the alternatives.

    Issued on: February 4, 2003.
Dale W. Paulson,
Program Development Engineer, Montana Division, Federal Highway 
Administration, Helena, Montana.
[FR Doc. 03-3132 Filed 2-7-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-22-M