[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 74 (Thursday, April 17, 2003)]
[Notices]
[Page 19067]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-9466]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Highway Administration


Environmental Impact Statement: Cameron & Willacy Counties, 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 will be prepared for a proposed 2nd 
Causeway to South Padre Island, Cameron & Willacy Counties, Texas.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: John Mack, District Engineer, Federal 
Highway Administration, 300 East 8th Street, Austin, Texas, Telephone: 
(512) 536-5960.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FHWA, in cooperation with the Texas 
Department of Transportation will prepare an environmental impact 
statement (EIS) on a proposal to provide a 2nd Causeway to South Padre 
Island.
    The purpose of the study is to address the transportation, 
environmental and safety issues of a 2nd access to South Padre Island. 
A 2nd causeway will enhance the health, safety, security, and the well 
being of island residents and visitors. The need is heightened in the 
event of hurricane evacuations, incidents involving the bridge, and 
during high peak travel periods such as Spring Break and the summer 
vacation season. The need will be further compounded by the need for 
future repairs to the existing causeway. The EIS will include 
construction as well as non-construction alternatives for providing 
access from the mainland to the island.
    Letters describing the proposed action and soliciting comments will 
be sent to appropriate Federal, State, and local agencies, and to 
private organizations and citizens who have previously expressed or are 
known to have interest in this proposal. A series of public meetings 
will be held in the area throughout the development of the EIS. In 
addition, a public hearing will be held. Public notice will be given 
with the time and place of the meetings and hearing. The draft EIS will 
be available for public and agency review and comment prior to the 
public hearing. The preliminary interagency coordination meeting was 
held February 26, 2003.
    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. Comments or 
questions concerning this proposed action and the EIS should be 
directed to the FHWA at the address 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.)
    Issued on: April 2, 2003.
John R. Mack,
District Engineer, Austin, Texas.
[FR Doc. 03-9466 Filed 4-16-03; 8:45 am]
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