[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 139 (Thursday, July 20, 2006)]
[Notices]
[Page 41310]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-11519]


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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Highway Administration


Environmental Impact Statement: Hamilton County, OH and Kenton 
County, KY

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 (EIS) will be prepared for a proposed 
highway project in Hamilton County, Ohio and Kenton County, Kentucky. 
This Notice of Intent is a follow-up to a notice published in the 
Federal Register on June 1, 2000 which advised the public that a Major 
Investment Study for the I-75 Corridor (completed in 2004) served as 
the formal scoping process for the preparation of one or more 
Environmental Assessments or EISs.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mark L. Vonder Embse, Senior 
Transportation Engineer, Federal Highway Administration, 200 North High 
Street, Room 328, Columbus, Ohio 43215, Telephone: (614) 280-6854.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FHWA, in cooperation with the Ohio 
Department of Transportation (ODOT) and the Kentucky Transportation 
Cabinet (KYTC), will prepare an EIS for proposed improvements to I-75/
I-71 and connecting routes in the vicinity of the existing Ohio River 
crossing (Brent Spence Bridge) and the Cities of Cincinnati, Ohio and 
Covington, Kentucky. The project termini are approximately the Kyles 
Lane Interchange in Covington to the Western Hills Viaduct Interchange 
in Cincinnati. The study area is approximately 6.5 miles in length.
    The purpose and need of the project are to improve traffic flow and 
level of service, improve safety, correct geometric deficiencies, and 
maintain links in key mobility, trade, and national defense 
transportation corridors. Alternatives under consideration include: (1) 
Taking no action; and (2) rehabilitation/upgrading of the existing 
infrastructure combined with construction of new facilities on new 
alignment; (3) replacement infrastructure on new alignment; and (4) 
other alternatives that may be developed during the NEPA process. FHWA, 
ODOT, KYTC, and local agencies will be invited to participate in 
defining the alternatives to be evaluated in the EIS, and any 
significant social, economic, or environmental issues related to the 
alternatives.
    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 this proposal. Comments received previously 
will be considered during the EIS process. A series of public meetings 
will be held in the project area. 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 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 sent 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 27, 2006.
Victoria Peters,
Engineering & Operations Office Director, Federal Highway 
Administration, Columbus, Ohio.
[FR Doc. E6-11519 Filed 7-19-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-22-P