[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 137 (Wednesday, July 16, 2008)]
[Notices]
[Page 40908]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-16187]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Highway Administration


Environmental Impact Statement in Seattle, WA

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, tribes, 
and agencies that an environmental impact statement will be prepared 
for a proposed transportation systems improvement project in Seattle, 
King County, Washington.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Stephen Boch, Major Project Oversight 
Manager, Federal Highway Administration, Jackson Federal Building, 915 
2nd Avenue, Room 3142, Seattle, Washington, 98174; telephone: (206) 
220-7356; and e-mail: [email protected]. The FHWA Washington 
Division's Oversight Manager's regular office hours are between 8 a.m. 
and 4:30 p.m. (Pacific Time).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: FHWA, Washington State Department of 
Transportation (WSDOT), the City of Seattle (City), and the King County 
Department of Transportation (KCDOT) will prepare an environmental 
impact statement to document the environmental consequences for 
proposed replacement of the Alaskan Way Viaduct and Alaskan Way Seawall 
located in downtown Seattle, King County, Washington. The intent of the 
project is to improve public safety by replacing the existing Alaskan 
Way Viaduct and Seawall with efficient transportation systems and 
facilities with improved earthquake resistance that provide for the 
efficient movement of people and goods in and through downtown Seattle.
    The Alaskan Way Viaduct and Alaskan Way Seawall are both at the end 
of their useful life. Improvements or alternatives to both are required 
to protect public safety. Because these facilities are at risk of 
sudden and catastrophic failure in an earthquake, the replacement 
systems and facilities should be implemented as quickly as possible. 
Mobility and accessibility to and through downtown Seattle are vital to 
maintaining local, regional, and state-wide economic health. FHWA, 
WSDOT, the City, and KCDOT have identified the following underlying 
needs the project should address: improve public safety; provide 
efficient movement of people and goods; maintain or improve downtown 
Seattle, regional, the port and state economies; enhance Seattle's 
waterfront, downtown and adjacent neighborhoods as a place for people; 
and improve the health of the environment.
    The project is evaluating all transportation modes and systems 
between the south Seattle city limits and N. 85th Street and Elliott 
Bay and Lake Washington. The nature and extent of transportation system 
improvements, and hence project termini, have not been determined at 
this time. The Alaskan Way Viaduct portion of SR 99 being focused on 
for replacement is approximately 2 miles long and is located between 
Royal Brougham Way and the Battery Street Tunnel. The project also 
includes the Alaskan Way Seawall, which supports the viaduct and 
surface streets, that extends from South Washington Street to Broad 
Street on Elliott Bay. Alternatives for environmental analysis have not 
been identified yet.
    Letters soliciting comments on the purpose and need, potential 
alternatives, and scope of the EIS are being sent to the appropriate 
federal, state, and local agencies, and tribes. The project will also 
provide an opportunity for involvement to organizations, businesses, 
and citizens who have previously expressed or are known to have 
interest in this proposal. Agency and public scoping meetings will be 
held in September 2008 in Seattle, Washington. When determined, meeting 
details--including date, time, and location--will be posted on the 
project Web site: http://www.alaskanwayviaduct.org.
    Comments and questions concerning this action and the EIS should be 
directed to 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: July 8, 2008.
Stephen P. Boch,
Major Project Oversight Manager, Seattle, Washington.
[FR Doc. E8-16187 Filed 7-15-08; 8:45 am]
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