[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 212 (Friday, November 2, 2007)]
[Notices]
[Page 62293]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 07-5450]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Highway Administration


Environmental Impact Statement: Cook and DuPage Counties, 
Illinois

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 a 
Tier One Environmental Impact Statement will be prepared for the Elgin 
O'Hare-West Bypass study in Cook and DuPage Counties, Illinois.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Norman R. Stoner, P.E., Division 
Administrator, Federal Highway Administration, 3250 Executive Park 
Drive, Springfield, Illinois 62703, Phone: (217) 492-4600. Diane M. 
O'Keefe, P.E., Deputy Director of Highways, Region One Engineer, 
Illinois Department of Transportation, 201 West Center Court, 
Schaumburg, Illinois 60196, Phone: (847) 705-4000.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FHWA, in cooperation with the Illinois 
Department of Transportation (IDOT), will prepare a Tier One 
Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Elgin O'Hare-West Bypass 
study. The study area for the EIS is generally bounded by I-90, I-294, 
and I-290. The Tier One EIS will complete a broad analysis of 
transportation system alternative(s) in the study area and evaluate the 
environmental impacts at a planning level of detail using a Geographic 
Information System (GIS).
    The primary environmental resources that may be affected are: 
Residential, commercial, and industrial properties; streams and 
floodplains; wetlands; and open space. This project is being developed 
using the Illinois Department of Transportation's Context Sensitive 
Solutions policy. Alternatives to be evaluated will include (1) taking 
no action; (2) transit improvements; (3) improvements to local roads; 
(4) a complete system of improvements including limited access highways 
on existing and new location, transit, transportation system management 
strategies, and bicycle and pedestrian facilities.
    As part of the EIS process, a scoping meeting for obtaining input 
from Resource Agencies on level of detail and methodologies to be 
addressed in the Environmental Impact Statement will be held in 
December 2007. Additional coordination will occur with the Resource 
Agencies to identify a date and location for the scoping meeting.
    A Stakeholder Involvement Plan (SIP), which will meet the SAFETEA-
LU Coordination Plan requirements, will be developed to ensure that a 
full range of issues related to this proposed project are identified 
and addressed. The SIP provides meaningful opportunities for all 
stakeholders to participate in defining transportation issues and 
solutions for the study area. A project Web site has been established 
(http://www.elginohare-westbypass.org) as one element of the project 
public involvement program.
    Comments or questions concerning this proposed action and the Tier 
One EIS are invited from all interested parties and should be directed 
to the FHWA at the address provided above. A public hearing will be 
held after the Tier One draft EIS is published and made available for 
public and agency review. Public notice will be given of the time and 
place of public meetings and hearings.
    The Tier One EIS will conclude with a Record of Decision selecting 
a preferred transportation system alternative(s). Following the Tier 
One EIS, projects with independent utility may be advanced to Tier Two 
NEPA documents that will focus on detailed environmental analyses.

(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 29, 2007.
Norman R. Stoner,
P.E., Division Administrator, Springfield, Illinois.
[FR Doc. 07-5450 Filed 11-1-07; 8:45 am]
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