[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 19 (Monday, January 30, 2012)]
[Notices]
[Pages 4617-4618]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-1725]


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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Highway Administration


Environmental Impact Statement: Pennington County, SD

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 will be prepared for proposed road 
improvements on South Rochford Road in Pennington County, South Dakota.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Marion Barber, Environmental 
Specialist, FHWA, 116 East Dakota Avenue, Suite A, Pierre, SD 57501, 
(605) 226-7326; Mr. Terry Keller, Environmental Supervisor, Project 
Development, South Dakota Department of Transportation, 700 E. Broadway 
Avenue, Pierre, SD 57501, (605) 773-3721; Mr. Heine Junge, Highway 
Superintendent, Pennington County Highway Department, 3601 Cambell 
Street, Rapid City, SD 57701 (605) 394-2166. Further information can be 
found and comments can be submitted via the project Web site at http://www.southrochfordroad.com.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Background

    The FHWA, in cooperation with the SDDOT and Pennington County, 
South Dakota, will prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) on a 
proposal for roadway improvements on South Rochford Road in Pennington 
County, South Dakota. The proposed project would involve roadway 
improvements to South Rochford Road for approximately 10 miles between 
the Town of Rochford and the intersection of South Rochford Road and 
Deerfield Road.
    The proposed project is considered necessary to improve year-round 
access to the Town of Rochford from the Deerfield Lake area. The 
existing roadway is difficult to maintain with a gravel surface, steep 
grades, drainage issues, and curvilinear alignment. Alternatives under 
consideration include: (1) No action; (2) roadway improvements along 
the existing alignment; and (3) roadway improvements on a new 
alignment. The proposed work would include reconstructing the two-lane 
roadway, providing an all-weather surface, and improving the drainage 
and associated roadway structures. Adjusting existing utilities and 
acquisition of right-of-way (ROW) may be necessary.
    Based on preliminary environmental analysis, it is anticipated that 
the proposed project may require the following Federal permits: Section 
404 Permit for filling/dredging water of the United States and Section 
401 Water Quality Certification. A Special Use Permit may be required 
from the U.S. Forest Service.
    An agency scoping meeting and public scoping/information meeting 
are planned with the meetings scheduled between February and June of 
2012.

[[Page 4618]]

Letters describing the proposed action and soliciting comments will be 
sent to the appropriate federal, state, and local agencies; tribes; and 
private organizations and citizens who are known to be interested in 
the proposed project. Public input will be sought throughout the 
proposed project through a series of public meetings. A Draft EIS will 
be prepared and a public hearing will be held. Public notice will be 
given regarding the time and place of the public meetings and public 
hearing.
    If a build alternative is chosen as the preferred alternative, 
construction is anticipated to begin in 2015 or 2016. To ensure that 
the full range of issues related to this proposed action is addressed 
and all significant issues are identified, comments and suggestions are 
invited from all interested parties. Comments or questions concerning 
this proposed action and the EIS should be submitted through the 
project Web site at http://www.southrochfordroad.com or directed to any 
of the persons identified above at the addresses provided under the 
caption FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT.

(Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Program Number 20.205, 
Highway Planning and Construction. The regulations implementing 
Executive Order 12372 regarding intergovernmental consultation of 
Federal programs and activities apply to this program.)

    Issued on: January 19, 2012.
Marion Barber,
Environmental Specialist, Federal Highway Administration, Pierre, South 
Dakota.
[FR Doc. 2012-1725 Filed 1-27-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-22-P