[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 203 (Tuesday, October 21, 2003)]
[Notices]
[Page 60146]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-26437]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Highway Administration


Environmental Impact Statement: Juneau, AK

AGENCY: Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), Alaska Department of 
Transportation and Public Facilities (ADOT&PF).

ACTION: Notice of intent.

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SUMMARY: The FHWA is issuing this notice to advise the public than an 
environmental impact statement will be prepared for a second crossing 
of the Gastineau Channel in Juneau, Alaska. Scoping meetings for the 
Juneau Second Channel Crossing project will be held in Juneau, Alaska 
during November 2003.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tim Haugh, Environment/Right-of-Way 
Programs Manager, Federal Highway Administration, P.O. Box 21648, 
Juneau, Alaska 99802, (907) 586-7430.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FHWA, in cooperation with the Alaska 
Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (ADOT&PF) and the 
City and Borough of Juneau (CBJ), will prepare an EIS for a proposed 
second crossing of the Gastineau Channel in Juneau, Alaska. The 
proposed Juneau Second Channel Crossing project would involve a new 
crossing from mainland Juneau to Douglas Island. The project study area 
includes an approximate nine-mile segment of the Gastineau Channel, 
from the vicinity of Salmon Creek to the vicinity of the Mendenhall 
Peninsula/North Douglas Island. Alternatives would vary by location and 
would include different bridge types that are estimated to be from 
approximately 0.5 to 1.5 miles in length.
    Alternatives have yet to be developed for the project. Any bridge 
crossing alternatives will meet the reasonable needs of navigation for 
the Gastineau Channel. The No-build alternative will remain a viable 
alternative throughout the EIS process. The Second Crossing is 
considered necessary to: meet the expressed planning intent of the CBJ 
to facilitate existing and planned development of the CBJ designated 
``New Growth Area'' on West Douglas Island in accordance with the CBJ 
Comprehensive Plan; and to improve transportation network connectivity 
and access for emergency response.
    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 the proposal. A series of agency and public 
meetings will be held in Juneau, Alaska throughout the EIS study 
process. In addition, a public hearing will be held. Public notice will 
be given of the time and place of the meetings and hearing. The draft 
EIS will be made available for public and agency review and comment 
prior to the public hearing. A formal agency scoping meeting and public 
scoping meetings are planned in Juneau, Alaska during November 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 above.

(Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Program Number 20.205, 
Highway Research, Planning and Construction. The regulations 
implementing Executive Order 12372 regarding intergovernmental 
consultation on Federal programs and activities apply to this 
program.)

    Issued on October 10, 2003.
Tim A. Haugh,
Environment and Right-of-Way Programs Manager, Juneau, Alaska.
[FR Doc. 03-26437 Filed 10-20-03; 8:45 am]
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