[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 127 (Wednesday, July 2, 2003)]
[Notices]
[Page 39619]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-16695]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Highway Administration


Environmental Impact Statement: Prince George, Sussex, Surry, 
Southampton and Isle of Wight Counties, and the City of Suffolk, VA

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 proposed 
highway improvements in the U.S. Route 460 corridor from I-295 near 
Petersburg to the City of Suffolk in Virginia.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kenneth R. Myers, Planning & 
Environmental Program Manager, Federal Highway Administration, PO Box 
10249, Richmond, Virginia 23240-0249. Telephone: (804)775-3353.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FHWA, in cooperation with the Virginia 
Department of Transportation (VDOT), will prepare an environmental 
impact statement on the proposed transportation improvements to the 
Route 460 corridor from the intersection of Routes 460 and I-295 in 
Prince George County near Petersburg to the interchange of Routes 460 
and 58 along the Suffolk Bypass. The study area for the proposed 
corridor improvements would be approximately 10 miles in width and 50 
miles in length. Alternatives under consideration include: (1) Taking 
no action (no-build); (2) transportation system management alternative, 
which would provide, to the extent possible, safety upgrades to the 
existing alignment, signalization improvements, intersection 
improvements, intelligent transportation system (ITS) technologies, and 
access management techniques; (3) a mass transit alternative which, to 
the extent feasible, will evaluate commuter rail, light rail, express 
bus and bus rapid transit options and, (4) alternative corridor 
alignment build alternatives which will include new location freeway 
alternatives, and one alternative along existing 460 with the option 
for bypasses around several towns along the route.
    The FHWA and VDOT are seeking input as a part of the scoping 
process to assist in determining and clarifying issues relative to this 
project. Letters describing the proposed action and soliciting comments 
will be sent by the VDOT to appropriate Federal, State, and local 
agencies, and to private organizations and other interested parties as 
part of the scoping effort. Scoping meetings are being planned and will 
be announced by VDOT when schedules have been confirmed. Early 
coordination with State and Federal permit and resource agencies has 
been initiated and will continue through the development of the EIS. 
The Corps of Engineers, the Environmental Protection Agency and the 
Fish and Wildlife Service are being requested to be cooperating 
agencies. At least one location public hearing will be held for which 
public notice will be given of the time and place. 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 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: June 26, 2003.
Kenneth R. Myers,
Planning & Environmental Program Manager.
[FR Doc. 03-16695 Filed 7-1-03; 8:45 am]
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