[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 42 (Friday, March 3, 2006)]
[Notices]
[Pages 11013-11014]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 06-1981]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Highway Administration


Environmental Impact Statement: Lafourche, St. Charles, and 
Jefferson Parishes, LA

AGENCY: Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of intent.

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SUMMARY: The FHWA is issuing this notice to advise interested agencies 
and the public that, in accordance with the National Environmental 
Policy Act (NEPA), an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) will be 
prepared for a proposed road project (State Project No. 700-92-0011 and 
Federal Aid Project No. NH-9201(501)) in Lafourche, St. Charles, and 
Jefferson Parishes, Louisiana.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. William C. Farr, Programs 
Operations Manager, Federal Highway Administration, 5304 Flanders 
Drive, Suite A, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70808, Telephone: (225) 757-
7615; Facsimile: (225) 757-7601 or Mr. Vincent Russo, Environmental 
Engineer Administrator, Louisiana Department of Transportation and 
Development, P.O. Box 94245, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70804, Telephone: 
(225) 242-4502; Facsimile: (225) 242-4500.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FHWA, in cooperation with the Louisiana 
Department of Transportation and Development (LDOTD), will prepare an 
EIS on a proposal to upgrade a portion of U.S. Highway 90 (US 90) to 
full ``Control of Access'' highway meeting interstate standards. US 90 
would become an extension of Interstate 49 (I-49). The project consists 
of the proposed I-49 extension from Raceland to the completed portion 
of the Westbank Expressway. The approximate distance of the project is 
43 miles.
    Previously, on April 7, 2003, separate Notices of Intent were 
published for the I-49 South Raceland to David Pond section of I-49 and 
the section from LA 306 to the Westbank Expressway. These separate 
environmental documents are in preparation but yet unfinished. Public 
comments to date raised common concerns with the scope of the 
cumulative impact inquiry if each section of I-49 is treated as 
separate based upon logical termini and independent utility. Thus, the 
two sections of the proposed I-49 are to be considered together to 
measure cumulative impacts under 40 CFR 1508.7.
    The LDOTD, in coordination with the FHWA, will continue to conduct 
preliminary environmental (both social and natural environment) and 
engineering constraints studies, the development of concept line and 
grade alternatives, initial impact evaluation, more detailed study of 
line and grade alternatives and environmental impact and cumulative 
impacts. FHWA and LDOTD will develop a DEIS, hold a public hearing, 
select a preferred alternative, prepare a Final EIS with complete 
detailed environmental and line and grade studies, and a Record of 
Decision for I-49 from Raceland to the completed portion of the 
Westbank Expressway.
    Previously, there have been a total of twelve public information 
meetings among the three parishes to receive public comment throughout 
the NEPA process, and a public hearing has been conducted in Lafourche 
and St. Charles Parishes for SIU 1 from Raceland to the Davis Pond. 
Additionally, town hall, small group informational, and public 
officials' meetings have been held and will continue to be held. There 
will be an additional public hearing.
    Interested individuals, organizations, and public agencies are 
invited to attend the public meetings and participate in identifying 
any important environmental issues related to the proposed alternatives 
and suggesting alternatives which are more economical or which have 
less environmental effects while achieving similar transportation 
objectives.
    To ensure that the full range of issues related to this proposed 
action is 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.
    The public will receive notices on location and time of future 
opportunities for participation at meetings and public hearings through 
newspaper advertisements and other means. If you wish to be placed on 
the mailing list to receive further information as the project 
develops, please contact Mr. William Farr with FHWA or Mr. Vincent 
Russo with LDOTD at the addressed above.
    In accordance with the regulations and guidance by the Council on 
Environmental Quality (CEQ), as well as 23 CFR part 450 and 23 
policies; the EIS will include an evaluation of the social, economic, 
and environmental impacts of the alternatives. The EIS will comply with 
the requirements of the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 and with 
Executive Order 12898 on Environmental Justice. The EIS will meet the 
requirements of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's 
transportation conformity regulations (40 CFR part 93 and 23 CFR 
450.322(b)(8)). After publication, the Draft EIS will be available for 
public agency review and comment.
    The Final EIS will consider the public and agency comments received 
during the public and agency circulation of the Draft EIS and will 
determine the preferred alternative. Opportunity for additional public 
comment will be provided throughout all phrases of the project 
development.

(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)


[[Page 11014]]


    Dated: Issued on February 27, 2006.
Joe A. Bloise,
Acting Division Administrator, FHWA, Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
[FR Doc. 06-1981 Filed 3-2-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-22-M