[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 118 (Thursday, June 19, 2003)]
[Notices]
[Pages 36871-36872]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-15421]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Highway Administration


Environmental Impact Statement: Anne Arundel County, MD and 
Prince George's County, MD

AGENCY: Federal Highway Administration.

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 
project in Anne Arundel County and Prince George's County, Maryland.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Nelson J. Castellanos, Division 
Administrator, Federal Highway Administration, The Rotunda-Suite 220, 
711 West 40th Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21211. Telephone (410) 962-
4440.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FHWA, in cooperation with the Maryland 
State Highway Administration, the Environmental Protection Agency and 
the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, will prepare an environmental impact 
statement (EIS) on a proposal to improve transportation operations and 
mobility to MD 3 from north of US 50 to south of MD 32, in southwestern 
Anne Arundel County and northeastern Prince George's County. The 
proposed improvements will address existing and projected operational 
and safety issues for local traffic along MD 3 from north of US 50 to 
south of MD 32.
    Congested traffic flow, inadequate intersections and crossings, 
increased residential and commercial development, and insufficient 
bicycle/pedestrian safety have accelerated the need for improvements to 
MD 3 within the study area. Several sections of roadway within the 
project limits are currently failing or experiencing failing conditions 
during the afternoon peak hours.
    The alternates under consideration include (1) a no-build 
alternate; (2) a boulevard concept with interchange options; and (3) a 
modified boulevard concept with interchange options.
    Coordination will continue with Federal, State, and local agencies, 
and with private organizations and citizens who have expressed 
interest. A Focus Group, comprised of local residents, community 
leaders, and business owners, meets periodically with the project 
engineers to assist in the development of the proposed alternates of 
improvements along MD 3, the interchanges and nearby intersections,

[[Page 36872]]

as well as to report local traffic circulation, access and aesthetic 
concerns. In addition, an Alternates Public Workshop was held to 
acquaint the public with the MD 3 Project Planning Study, to present a 
summary of conceptual engineering and environmental studies to date, 
and to provide an opportunity for public involvement in the Project 
Planning Process.
    A public hearing is anticipated to be held spring 2004. Public 
notice will be given of the time and place of this hearing. The draft 
EIS will be available for public and agency review and comment prior to 
the public hearing, to ensure that the full range of issues relating 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.

    Issued on: June 12, 2003.
Nelson J. Castellanos,
Division Administrator, Federal Highway Administration--Maryland 
Division.
[FR Doc. 03-15421 Filed 6-18-03; 8:45 am]
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