[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 142 (Friday, July 24, 2015)]
[Notices]
[Pages 44184-44185]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-17020]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Highway Administration


Environmental Impact Statement: Lexington and Richland Counties, 
South Carolina; Notice of Intent

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 an 
environmental impact statement will be prepared for a proposed highway 
project in Lexington and Richland counties, South Carolina.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Emily O. Lawton, Division 
Administrator, Federal Highway Administration, Strom Thurmond Federal 
Building, 1835 Assembly Street, Suite 1270, Columbia, South Carolina 
29201, Telephone: (803) 765-5411, Email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FHWA, in cooperation with the South 
Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT), will prepare an 
environmental impact statement (EIS) on a proposal to improve the I-20/
I-26/I-126 Corridor located in Lexington and Richland counties, South 
Carolina. To date, the project area has been defined as a mainline 
corridor including I-20 from the Saluda River to the Broad River, I-26 
from US 378 to Broad River Road, and I-126 from Colonial Life Boulevard 
to I-26.
    The I-20/I-26/I-126 corridor is a vital link in South Carolina, 
serving residents, commuters, travelers, and commerce. Due to nearby 
residential and commercial development, proximity to downtown Columbia,

[[Page 44185]]

traffic volumes, and the overall geometric layout, including 12 
interchange points, the I-20/I-26/I-126 corridor has become one of the 
most congested interstate sections in South Carolina. Improvements to 
the corridor are considered necessary to provide for the existing and 
projected traffic demand and to address the existing and projected 
future congestion. In order to address the existing and anticipated 
traffic volumes, SCDOT is developing an EIS that will promote informed 
decision making in the development of a solution to reduce congestion, 
improve traffic operations, increase safety and increase capacity.
    The FHWA and SCDOT are seeking input as part of the scoping process 
to assist in identifying issues relative to this project and potential 
solutions. 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 an interest in this proposal. Formal public scoping meetings 
will be held in Lexington and Richland counties. In addition, public 
information meetings will be held as the project is developed, and a 
public hearing will be conducted after the approval of the draft EIS. 
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 related 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 
directed 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.)

    Dated: July 7, 2015.
Robert D. Thomas, II,
Assistant Division Administrator, Columbia, South Carolina.
[FR Doc. 2015-17020 Filed 7-23-15; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-22-P