[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 106 (Wednesday, June 2, 2004)]
[Notices]
[Page 31154]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-12447]


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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Highway Administration


Environmental Impact Statement: Washington County, NE

AGENCY: Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of intent.

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

SUMMARY: The FHWA is issuing this notice to advise the public that an 
Environmental Impact Statement will be prepared for a proposed roadway 
improvement project in Washington County, Nebraska.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Edward Kosola, Realty/
Environmental Officer, FHWA, Federal Building, Room 220, 100 Centennial 
Mall North, Lincoln, NE 68508-3851, (402) 437-5973. Alan Doll, Highway 
Superintendent, Washington County, P.O. Box 130, Blair, NE 68008 (402-
426-6844). Allen Shoemaker, Director of Public Works, City of Blair, 
218 South 16th Street, Blair, NE 68008 (402-426-4191).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FHWA, in cooperation with the City of 
Blair, Nebraska and Washington County, Nebraska will prepare an 
Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to study a bypass route around the 
City of Blair.
    The City of Blair currently experiences traffic congestion, delay 
and accident problems where State Highway 91 and U.S. Highways 30 and 
75 share the alignment. These highways share alignment within the city 
limits of Blair on the Washington Street corridor from 19th Street to 
13th Street. Traffic studies indicate that a bypass route around the 
south, east and north parts of Blair is needed to reduce the amount of 
truck traffic through Blair. The bypass is currently planned as a two-
lane roadway that could be expanded to four lanes.
    Alternatives under consideration include: (1) Taking no action; (2) 
constructing a bypass that connects U.S. Highway 30 south to U.S. 
Highway 30 east; (3) constructing a bypass that connects U.S. Highway 
30 east to U.S. Highway 75 north; and (4) constructing a bypass that 
connects the south, east and north areas around the city by connecting 
U.S. 30 south to U.S. 75 south to U.S. 30 east to U.S. 75 north.
    An agency scoping meeting and a public scoping/information meeting 
are planned. 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 are known to be 
interested in this proposed project. Public input will be sought 
throughout the project via public meetings to be held in 2004. A Draft 
EIS will be prepared and a public hearing will be held. Public notice 
will be given of the time and place of the public meetings and public 
hearing.
    To ensure that the full range of issues related to this proposed 
action are addressed and all significant issues are 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 in the caption 
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT.

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

(Authority: 23 U.S.C. 315; 49 CFR 1.48.)

    Dated: May 26, 2004.
Edward W. Kosola,
Realty/Environmental Officer, Nebraska Division, Federal Highway 
Administration, Lincoln, Nebraska.
[FR Doc. 04-12447 Filed 6-1-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-22-M