[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 217 (Thursday, November 12, 2009)]
[Notices]
[Pages 58369-58370]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-27152]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Highway Administration


Environmental Assessment: Cameron County, TX

AGENCY: Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), DOT.

ACTION: Opportunity for public hearing for Environmental Assessment 
(EA).

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SUMMARY: FHWA is issuing this notice to advise the public that an 
opportunity for public hearing will be afforded. If a request is made 
by interested citizens to have a Public Hearing to discuss the socio-
economic and environmental effects of the second international bridge 
project at the Veterans International Bridge at Los Tomates in 
Brownsville, Texas. One will be scheduled and adequate notices will be 
publicized.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Gregory S. Punske P.E. District 
Engineer, Federal Highway Administration, Texas Division, 300 East 8th 
Street, Room 826, Austin, Texas 78701, Telephone (512) 536-5960.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Texas Department of Transportation 
(TxDOT) in cooperation with Cameron County and the City of Brownsville, 
plan to construct a second international bridge at the Veteran's 
International Bridge located at Los Tomates from the General Services 
Administration (GSA) Facilities in Brownsville, Cameron County, Texas, 
to the International Demarcation line on the Rio Grande, a distance of 
approximately 0.26 miles. The proposed improvement would be constructed 
32 feet downstream of the existing bridge within the existing 300-feet 
wide right-of-way (ROW) and would not require additional ROW. No 
displacement of individuals, families, farms or non-profit 
organizations are anticipated. The new bridge span would provide 
service to and a connection between Brownsville, Texas and H. 
Matamoros, Tamaulipas, Mexico. Cameron County and the City of 
Brownsville plans to submit an international bridge application for the 
proposed bridge to the Texas Transportation Commission.
    The proposed bridge typical section would have an overall width of 
56 feet consisting of four 12 feet wide travel lanes and a 5 feet wide 
security chain link fenced sidewalk for pedestrians. The proposed 
bridge approach roadway would consist of four 12' wide travel lanes, a 
sidewalk and shoulders with variable width. The bridge connection or 
the center bridge span would have an overall maximum width of 88 feet 
and would consist of two 12 feet wide travel lanes, a travel lane of 
variable width with a minimum from 12 feet to a maximum of 48 feet and 
a 5 feet wide security chain link fenced sidewalk for pedestrians. The 
proposed bridge on the U.S. side would be connected to a similar 
proposed bridge structure in the Mexico side. A mid-point connection of 
the two bridges would be constructed to provide flexibility in 
operation, maintenance, and security. Five bridge spans near the river 
would join the existing bridge to the proposed bridge. This 
transitional connection would allow for one bridge to be operational 
while maintenance is undertaken on the opposite bridge. This bridge 
connection section would allow traffic diversion from one bridge to 
another in case of an accident or emergency.
    Approximately 0.406 acres of waters of the U.S. including wetlands 
would be impacted by the proposed improvements. The proposed project is 
located within the 100-year floodplain and would permit the conveyance 
of the 100-year flood without causing significant damage. Information 
about the tentative construction schedule can be obtained from the 
district office.
    Location maps, design plans, schematic, environmental assessment 
and other available information concerning the proposed project are on 
file and available for viewing at the TxDOT District office (956) 702-
6100 located at 600 W. U.S. Expressway 83 in Pharr. Copies can be 
obtained by submitting a written request to the Pharr District office. 
For your convenience, it

[[Page 58370]]

is advised to call beforehand to schedule an appointment to view the 
available information. Information about the tentative construction 
schedule can be obtained from the district office.
    Interested citizens may request a Public Hearing to be held to 
discuss the socio-economic and environmental effects of the highway 
project by mailing a written request to the District Engineer's Office 
at the P.O. Box 1717 in Pharr, Texas 78577, faxing request to (956) 
702-6110, or e-mailing request to [email protected] on or before 
Tuesday, December 15, 2009, 5 p.m.
    In the event such a request is received, a Public Hearing will be 
scheduled and adequate notices will be publicized regarding the date 
and location of the hearing. If a public hearing is requested, persons 
who require special communication or accommodation needs are encouraged 
to contact Amy Rodriguez at (956) 702-6100 at least five days before 
the hearing.
    Comments and suggestions from all interested parties are invited to 
ensure that the full range of issues related to the proposed project 
are identified and addressed. Comments or questions concerning this 
proposed action and the EA should be directed to the FHWA at the 
address provided above.

(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: November 5, 2009.
Gregory S. Punske,
District Engineer, Austin, Texas.
[FR Doc. E9-27152 Filed 11-10-09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-22-P