![](media/image1.jpeg){width="2.904861111111111in"
height="1.0145833333333334in"}

**Environmental Impact Statement for Pellissippi Parkway (Route 162)
Extension From SR 33 to US 321 (SR 73), Blount County, TN, P.I.N.
101423.00**

**COORDINATION PLAN FOR**

**AGENCY AND PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT**

**Federal Highway Administration (Tennessee Division)**

**and**

**Tennessee Department of Transportation**

**November 17, 2006**

**Table of Contents**

[1.0 Purpose of Coordination Plan 1](#purpose-of-coordination-plan)

[2.0 Project Background 2](#project-background)

[3.0 Initial Coordination 4](#initial-coordination)

[3.1 Notice of Intent 4](#notice-of-intent)

[3.2 Initial Coordination Package 4](#initial-coordination-package)

[3.2.1 Cooperating Agencies 5](#cooperating-agencies)

[3.2.2 Participating Agencies 5](#participating-agencies)

[3.2.3 Non-Participating Agencies and Organizations
5](#non-participating-agencies-and-organizations)

[3.2.4 Local Agencies and Organizations
6](#local-agencies-and-organizations)

[3.2.5 Section 106 Early Coordination
6](#section-106-early-coordination)

[4.0 Agency Coordination 7](#agency-coordination)

[4.1 Tennessee Environmental Streamlining Agreement Concurrence Points
7](#tennessee-environmental-streamlining-agreement-concurrence-points)

[4.1.1 Concurrence Point 1 - Purpose and Need and Study Area
8](#concurrence-point-1---purpose-and-need-and-study-area)

[4.1.2 Concurrence Point 2 -- Project Alternatives to be Evaluated
9](#concurrence-point-2-project-alternatives-to-be-evaluated)

[4.1.3 Concurrence Point 3 -- Preliminary Draft DEIS Document
10](#concurrence-point-3-preliminary-draft-deis-document)

[4.1.4 Concurrence Point 4 -- Preferred Alternative and\
Preliminary Mitigation
11](#concurrence-point-4-preferred-alternative-and-preliminary-mitigation)

[4.1.5 Other Opportunities for Agency Involvement
12](#other-opportunities-for-agency-involvement)

[5.0 Opportunities for public input 12](#opportunities-for-public-input)

[5.1 Strategies for Encouraging Public Involvement
13](#strategies-for-encouraging-public-involvement)

[5.1.1 Database of Names 13](#database-of-names)

[5.1.2 Community Groups Briefings 13](#community-groups-briefings)

[5.1.3 Local Government Officials Briefings
13](#local-government-officials-briefings)

[5.1.4 Identification of Special Outreach Areas
14](#identification-of-special-outreach-areas)

[5.1.5 Media Relations 14](#media-relations)

[5.1.6 Project Newsletters 14](#project-newsletters)

[5.1.7 Project Website Content 15](#project-website-content)

[5.1.8 Frequently Asked Questions 15](#frequently-asked-questions)

[5.1.9 Comment Forms 15](#comment-forms)

[5.1.10 Notice of Availability of DEIS
15](#notice-of-availability-of-deis)

[5.2 Public Workshops and Hearings 15](#public-workshops-and-hearings)

[5.3 Scoping Meetings 15](#scoping-meetings)

[5.4 Alternatives Workshop 16](#alternatives-workshop)

[5.5 Public Informational Meeting 16](#public-informational-meeting)

[5.6 DEIS Public Hearing 17](#deis-public-hearing)

[6.0 Schedule 17](#schedule)

[Appendix (List of Agencies & Organizations Receiving Coordination
Packages 19](#__RefHeading___Toc151522372)

List of Figures & Tables

[Figure 1 Project Area Map 3](#__RefHeading___Toc151522504)

Table 1 Lead, Cooperating and Participating Agencies 6

[Figure 2 Pellissippi Parkway Extension EIS Schedule
18](#__RefHeading___Toc151522505)

# Purpose of Coordination Plan

This Coordination Plan is intended to define the process by which the
Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) will communicate
information about the Pellissippi Parkway (Route 162) Extension
Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) project to the lead, cooperating,
participating and other agencies and to the public. The plan also
identifies how input from agencies and the public will be solicited and
considered.

Since the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) is expected to provide
funding for this project, FHWA serves as the lead federal agency for the
project. TDOT, as the direct recipient of Federal funds for the project,
is the joint lead agency.

Section 6002 of the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient
Transportation Equity Act -- A Legacy for Users of 2005 (SAFETEA-LU)
requires that the lead agencies establish a plan for coordinating public
and agency participation and comment during the environmental review
process.

In accordance with TDOT's 2006 Public Involvement Plan, this project
requires a Level Four Public Involvement Process, a level of
participation designed for projects that would require an Environmental
Impact Statement (EIS) to be completed. This plan also outlines the
process by which the required level of public involvement will be
accomplished.

This Coordination Plan will:

-   Identify the early coordination efforts;

-   Identify cooperating and participating agencies to be involved in
    agency coordination;

-   Establish the timing and form for agency involvement in defining the
    project's purpose and need and study area, the range of alternatives
    to be investigated, and methodologies, as well as in reviewing the
    DEIS draft and the selection of the preferred alternative and
    mitigation strategies.

-   Establish the timing and form for public opportunities to be
    involved in defining the project's purpose and need and study area
    and the range of alternatives to be investigated, providing input on
    issues of concern and environmental features, and commenting on the
    findings presented in the DEIS.

-   Describe the communication methods that will be implemented to
    inform the community about the project.

The Coordination Plan will be updated periodically to reflect any
changes to the project schedule and other items that typically require
updating over the course of the project.

# Project Background

This project involves the extension of Pellissippi Parkway (State Route
162) from State Route 33 (SR 33) to U.S. Highway 321/SR 73 or East Lamar
Alexander Parkway in Alcoa and Maryville, Tennessee, a distance of
approximately 4.4 miles. (See Figure 1) Based on previous studies, the
extension of Pellissippi Parkway has been considered necessary to
improve regional and local accessibility for the general public as well
as emergency vehicles, to improve traffic capacity on the existing
roadway system, and to improve safety conditions on US 129/SR 115 and US
321/SR 73. As a part of this study, a Purpose and Need Statement is
being developed and refined based on input from agencies and the public
during the initial coordination/scoping period.

Alternatives to be evaluated are expected to include: (1) No-Build; (2)
Transportation System Management (TSM) activities; (3) Upgrades to
existing roadways; (4) Mass Transit; and/or (5) One or more alternatives
that would construct a new roadway on new location. The alternatives to
be investigated in the EIS will be developed/refined based on input from
agencies and the public during the initial coordination/scoping period
and subsequent agency and public involvement opportunities.

An Environmental Assessment (EA) for the project was prepared between
1999 and 2001; the EA was approved by the Federal Highway Administration
(FHWA) on October 3, 2001. On March 5, 2002, TDOT announced the
selection of Alternative A as the preferred alignment for the project
and on April 24, 2002, FHWA issued a Finding of No Significant Impact
(FONSI) for the project. Prior to the initiation of acquisition of
right-of-way, however, on July 17, 2002 a Federal Court order was issued
and imposed a preliminary injunction halting continued planning,
financing, contracting, land acquisition, and construction of the
project. Citizens Against the Pellissippi Parkway Extension (CAPPE) had
filed a lawsuit in U.S. District Court in Nashville against officials of
TDOT, the U.S. Department of Transportation, and FHWA. The lawsuit
contended that FHWA should have prepared an EIS in compliance with
National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) regulations, and that FHWA did
not properly document their decision not to prepare an EIS. FHWA
rescinded the right-of-way authorization after the court order was
issued. On September 5, 2002, FHWA filed a motion in U.S. District Court
in Nashville to allow FHWA to voluntarily remand the EA/FONSI. That
request was rejected by the court.

In early 2003, the new TDOT Commissioner requested an independent
assessment of the Pellissippi Parkway Extension project. The independent
assessment was conducted by the University of Tennessee's Center for
Transportation Research.

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc151522504 .anchor}Figure 1 Project Area Map

![](media/image2.wmf){width="7.124305555555556in"
height="5.5368055555555555in"}

The findings of the assessment, published in August 2003, recommended
that if the project was restarted, additional input from affected land
owners and interest groups be sought as the project moved forward.

In July 2004, a federal appeals court reversed the decision of the
Nashville District Court, thus allowing FHWA to withdraw the 2002 FONSI
and revisit the environmental evaluation of the project. TDOT then
announced its intention to conduct an EIS for the extension of
Pellissippi Parkway. In 2006, TDOT contracted with a consultant team,
led by Parsons Brinckerhoff Quade and Douglas, to conduct environmental
and engineering studies as part of the preparation of the EIS.

# Initial Coordination

On April 17, 2006, in conformance with the requirements of SAFETEA-LU,
TDOT formally notified FHWA in writing of its intent to initiate the
NEPA EIS process for this project. The initial coordination/scoping
process was initiated in order to obtain comments and input from
agencies and the public to help determine the purpose and need for the
project, alternatives to be evaluated and the issues that will be
examined as part of the EIS process.

## Notice of Intent

Following the project initiation, FHWA with assistance from TDOT
prepared a Notice of Intent (NOI) to Prepare an Environmental Impact
Statement, as required by CEQ regulations 40 CFR 1501.7. The NOI was
published in the *Federal Register* on April 25, 2006.

Notification of the preparation of the EIS was published in project area
newspapers (Knoxville News Sentinel and Maryville Daily Times), along
with the announcement of two public Scoping Meetings.

## Initial Coordination Package

TDOT prepared an Initial Coordination Package that was distributed to
approximately 58 agencies, officials, and organizations on May 10, 2006.
The packages included a transmittal letter, a project summary and a
project vicinity map. The project summary identified the preliminary
purpose and need for the project, potential alternatives to be
considered, traffic counts on specified roadways and examples of
environmental concerns that will be considered throughout the course of
the EIS process.

Five groups of agencies and organizations received initial coordination
packages:

-   Cooperating Agencies;

-   Participating Agencies;

-   Non-Participating Agencies and Organizations;

-   Local Agencies and Organizations; and

-   Section 106 Consultating Parties.

### Cooperating Agencies

Cooperating Agencies are those governmental agencies specifically
requested by the lead agency to participate during the environmental
evaluation process for the project. FHWA's NEPA regulations (23 CFR
771.111(d)) require that those federal agencies with jurisdiction by law
(with permitting or land transfer authority) be invited to be
Cooperating Agencies for an EIS. Cooperating Agencies for this project
are the US Army Corps of Engineers, Nashville District (Corps of
Engineers) and the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA). These Cooperating
Agencies are also invited to be participating agencies.

If new information reveals the need to request another agency to serve
as a Cooperating Agency, TDOT will issue that agency an invitation.

### Participating Agencies

SAFETEA-LU (Section 6002) created a new category of agencies to
participate in the environmental review process for EISs. These are
federal and non-federal governmental agencies that may have an interest
in the project because of their jurisdictional authority, special
expertise and/or statewide interest. These participating agencies are
formally invited to participate in the environmental review of the
project. In addition to TVA and the Corps of Engineers, eight other
federal, state and regional agencies/divisions are being asked to be
participating agencies for this project. The designated Participating
Agencies are shown in Table 1, on the following page.

If, during the progress of the project, new information indicates that
an agency not previously requested to be a Participating Agency does
indeed have authority, jurisdiction, acknowledged expertise or
information relevant to the project, then TDOT, in consultation with
FHWA, will promptly extend an invitation to that agency to be a
Participating Agency. TDOT and FHWA will consider whether this new
information affects any previous decisions on the project.

### Non-Participating Agencies and Organizations

Initial Coordination Packages were sent to 39 Non-Participating
agencies. This group includes federal and state agencies and
organizations with statewide interests. A complete list of the agencies
receiving this package is included in Appendix A.

### Local Agencies and Organizations

Nine local agencies and private organizations received the Initial
Coordination Package. A listing of those agencies is also included in
Appendix A.

Table 1 Lead, Cooperating and Participating Agencies

  ----------------------- --------------------------- ---------------------------
  **Agency Name**         **Category**                **Point of contact**

  Tennessee Division FHWA Lead Federal Agency         Karen Brunelle, Planning
                                                      and Program Management Team
                                                      Leader

  TDOT                    Lead State Agency           Mike Russell, Project
                                                      Manager

  US Army Corps of        Cooperating/Participating   Lt. Col. Steven Roemhildt,
  Engineers, Nashville    Agency                      District Engineer,
  District                                            Regulatory Functions Branch
                                                      (ORNOP-F)

  Tennessee Valley        Cooperating/Participating   Mr. Jon Loney,
  Authority               Agency                      Environmental Manager

  U.S. Fish and Wildlife  Participating Agency        Mr. Lee A. Barclay, Field
  Service                                             Supervisor

  Great Smoky Mountains   Participating Agency        Dale Ditmonson,
  National Park                                       Superintendant

  Environmental           Participating Agency        Heinz J. Mueller, Chief,
  Protection Agency,                                  Environmental Assessment
  Region 4                                            Office, EIS Review Section

  Tennessee Department of Participating Agency        Commissioner James H. Fyke
  Environment and                                     
  Conservation (TDEC)                                 

  TDEC Division of Water  Participating Agency        Paul E. Davis, Director
  Pollution Control                                   

  Tennessee Wildlife      Participating Agency        Robert Todd, NEPA Contact
  Resources Agency                                    

  State Historic          Participating Agency        Richard Tune, Interim
  Preservation Office,                                Executive Director
  Tennessee Historical                                
  Commission                                          

  Knoxville Regional      Participating Agency        Jeffrey A. Welch,
  Transportation Planning                             Transportation Planning
  Organization                                        Coordinator ,
  ----------------------- --------------------------- ---------------------------

### Section 106 Early Coordination

The National Historic Preservation Act requires the federal agency or
its designee (in this case TDOT) identify the appropriate parties that
need to be involved in the process of identifying effects of a proposed
project to historic resources and working through the process with such
parties. This "involvement" is referred to as "consultation." As a part
of the consultation requirements for Section 106, a separate initial
coordination package was sent to six parties with interests in
historical and archaeological issues. The Blount County Mayor was
invited to request status as a Section 106 consulting party, as were
five Native American Tribes:

-   Cherokee Nation;

-   Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians;

-   Eastern Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma;

-   Shawnee Tribe; and

-   United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians.

If new information reveals the need to request another agency or
organization to serve as a consulting party, TDOT will issue that agency
an invitation.

# Agency Coordination

The participating agencies for this project have roles and
responsibilities that include, but are not limited to:

-   Participating in the NEPA process starting at the earliest possible
    time, especially with regard to the development of the purpose and
    need statement, range of alternatives, and methodologies;

-   Identifying, as early as practicable, any issues of concern
    regarding the project's potential environmental or socioeconomic
    impacts. Participating agencies are also allowed to participate in
    the issue resolution process;

-   Providing meaningful and timely input on unresolved issues; and

-   Reviewing and providing comment on the preliminary draft of the
    Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) and the preferred
    alternative.

The participating agencies will have defined opportunities for
meaningful participation in the decision-making process for the project.
Specific opportunities are provided via the agency concurrence points
that have been defined for this project.

## Tennessee Environmental Streamlining Agreement Concurrence Points

TDOT has developed and is finalizing its Tennessee Environmental
Streamlining Agreement for the Environmental and Regulatory Coordination
of Major Transportation Projects, referred to as TESA or the Agreement.
In addition to TDOT and FHWA, signatories to the TESA will include eight
federal agencies and authorities, three state agencies, and the eleven
Metropolitan Planning Organizations in the state. Signatory agencies are
not required to participate in every project; they will participate only
in those specific projects that affect their area of jurisdiction,
expertise, or interest.

The Agreement establishes a single decision-making process to identify
and address agency issues at four key points (referred to as concurrence
points), during the planning and NEPA process. While the Agreement is
not yet formalized, TDOT has committed to apply the principles of the
Agreement for the Pellissippi Parkway Extension EIS project.

The agencies listed above in Table 1 will be participating in the
concurrence point points at the following four major milestones in the
environmental review process for the Pellissippi Parkway Extension EIS:

1.  Purpose and Need and Study Area;

2.  Project Alternatives to be Evaluated in the DEIS and Methodologies
    for Conducting Evaluation;

3.  Adequacy of the Pre-Draft DEIS;

4.  Designation of Preferred Alternative and Preliminary Mitigation;

The process for coordination associated with each of the major
milestones (concurrence points) for this project is discussed below.

### Concurrence Point 1 - Purpose and Need and Study Area

Based upon comments received during the scoping period from agencies and
the public, a draft purpose and need for the project will be prepared
and submitted by TDOT to FHWA for internal review. Upon incorporation of
comments from FHWA, TDOT will prepare and forward to the participating
agencies a purpose and need and study area package. The package will
include a history of the project, this coordination plan, and a summary
of public and agency input received to date. Additionally, the package
may include:

> A. Description of core objectives of the proposed action, and any
> secondary objectives;
>
> B. Explanation of the basis for the project objectives in terms of:
>
> 1\. Relevant Federal, state and/or local policies, which may include
> transportation, economic conditions, land use conditions, and other
> conditions;
>
> 2\. Relevant data that may include information on transportation
> conditions, economic conditions, land use conditions, and other
> conditions;
>
> 3\. Public and agency comments regarding the project's objectives.
>
> C. Description of the evaluation criteria that will be used to
> evaluate the effectiveness of an alternative in meeting the purpose
> and need of the project and explanation of how those evaluation
> criteria will be utilized.
>
> D. Description of any other factors, besides purpose and need that
> will be considered in the screening of alternatives, such as cost and
> environmental factors;
>
> E. Demonstration of the project's logical termini and independent
> utility;
>
> F. A list of local and regional planning efforts that may impact or
> involve the project; and
>
> G. A map detailing the study area.

The participating agencies will be given 45 days from receipt of the
package to review and provide a response; a reminder will be sent to the
agencies 14 days before the end of the review period. At the end of the
45-day period, TDOT will receive a concurrence, a non-concurrence, a
request for a 15-day time extension, or request for cessation of formal
concurrence from each agency. TDOT will assume concurrence from those
agencies from whom it has not heard at the end of the 45-day period. The
output of Concurrence Point 1 should include concurrence from the
participating agencies on:

-   The purpose and need and the study area of the project;

-   The coordination plan;

-   Appropriate methodologies to be used and the level of detail
    required in the analysis of each alternative; and

-   Preliminary range of alternatives to be considered, including
    different modes.

Additionally, the agencies will provide input on environmental features
and resources of concern.

Based on the output of Concurrence Point 1, TDOT will revise as
appropriate the Purpose and Need statement, the study area description,
the coordination plan, and draft methodologies. Following this activity,
TDOT will hold a public workshop on alternatives at which time the
public will once again be given the opportunity provide input on the
Purpose and Need statement and alternatives to be evaluated.

### Concurrence Point 2 -- Project Alternatives to be Evaluated

Based on the output of Concurrence Point 1 as well as the public
workshop on alternatives, and any general alternatives analysis
conducted during the project development process, TDOT will prepare a
Project Alternatives to be Evaluated Package. The package to be
forwarded to the participating agencies may include the following
information:

-   Revised purpose and need statement and study area;

-   Revised coordination plan;

-   Revised methodologies to be used and level of detailed required in
    the analysis of each alternative;

-   A summary table of all project alternatives to be evaluated and
    their effectiveness in addressing the purpose and need of the
    project, as well as a map showing the location of the project
    alternatives;

-   Qualitative results of the preliminary alternatives analysis and
    environmental screening (based on existing data sources and GIS
    inventories);

-   Discussion of the No-Build Alternative;

-   Narrative describing the rationale why each of the proposed
    alternatives is being carried into the DEIS, including what
    alternatives were considered for inclusion but later eliminated
    along with the rationale why they were abandoned; and

-   Where substantial impacts are anticipated, refined scopes and
    methodologies of studies, including the spatial and temporal limits
    of indirect and cumulative impact analyses.

The participating agencies will be given 45 days from receipt of the
package to review and provide a response; a reminder will be sent to the
agencies 14 days before the end of the review period. At the end of the
45-day period, TDOT will receive a concurrence, a non-concurrence, a
request for a 15-day time extension, or request for cessation of formal
concurrence from each agency. TDOT will assume concurrence from those
agencies from whom it has not heard at the end of the 45-day period. The
output of Concurrence Point 2 should include concurrence from the
participating agencies on

-   The alternatives to be carried forward into the DEIS;

-   Any revisions to the purpose and need statement and the study area
    of the project;

-   Any revisions to the coordination plan; and

-   The refined scopes and methodologies to be used and the level of
    detail required in the analysis of each alternative.

### Concurrence Point 3 -- Preliminary Draft DEIS Document

Based on the output of Concurrence Point 2 and the subsequent detailed
investigation of alternatives and analysis of impacts, TDOT will prepare
and forward a Preliminary DEIS document to the participating agencies
for their review and comment.

The participating agencies will be given 45 days from receipt of the
package to review and provide a response; a reminder will be sent to the
agencies 14 days before the end of the review period. At the end of the
45-day period, TDOT will receive a concurrence, a non-concurrence, a
request for a 15-day time extension, or request for cessation of formal
concurrence from each agency. TDOT will assume concurrence from those
agencies from whom it has not heard at the end of the 45-day period.

The output of Concurrence Point 3 should include concurrence from the
participating agencies on the adequacy of the preliminary draft DEIS.
The agencies will be asked to specify whether additional information is
needed to fulfill other applicable environmental reviews or consultation
requirements. In addition, the participating agencies will specify any
additional information needed to comment adequately on the draft DEIS
analysis of site-specific effects associated with the granting or
approving by the agency of necessary permits, licenses, or entitlements.

Based on the output from this concurrence point, TDOT will finalize the
DEIS for submittal to FHWA. Based on FHWA's approval of the DEIS for
circulation, one or more public hearings will be conducted in accordance
with NEPA requirements and requirements in the project's Public
Involvement Plan.

### Concurrence Point 4 -- Preferred Alternative and Preliminary Mitigation

Based on the output of Concurrence Point 3, along with TDOT and FHWA's
consideration of any issues, concerns and/or opportunities identified
during the public hearings and comment period for the DEIS, TDOT will
prepare a Preferred Alternative and Preliminary Mitigation Package. The
package to be forwarded to the participating agencies may include the
following information:

-   Narrative describing the various elements of the preferred
    alternative;

-   Rationale for recommending the preferred alternative;

-   A preliminary mitigation summary describing the various elements of
    the proposed mitigation, including a map locating the elements of
    the preferred alternative and preliminary mitigation; and

-   A summary of major public and agency comments and responses to those
    comments.

The participating agencies will be given 45 days from receipt of the
package to review and provide a response; a reminder will be sent to the
agencies 14 days before the end of the review period. At the end of the
45-day period, TDOT will receive a concurrence, a non-concurrence, a
request for a 15-day time extension, or request for cessation of formal
concurrence from each agency. TDOT will assume concurrence from those
agencies from whom it has not heard at the end of the 45-day period.

The output of Concurrence Point 4 should include concurrence from the
participating agencies on the selection of the preferred alternative and
preliminary mitigation. When avoidance of impacts to a resource is not
practicable, participating agencies with jurisdiction by law or special
expertise will assist TDOT in determining appropriate and practicable
mitigation, including all practicable measures to minimize harm. If the
agency determines that it does not have enough information to make a
recommendation on mitigation measures, it will comment to that effect.
If the project impacts are deemed substantial by a regulatory agency to
the extent that permits would probably be denied, the participating
agencies will advise the lead agencies to modify the project to reduce
impacts. If this is not effective, the signatory agencies to the TESA
agree to implement issue resolution to see if the project can be
appropriately modified.

Based on the output from this concurrence point, TDOT will select a
preferred alternative and prepare the Final Environmental Impact
Statement (FEIS) document for submittal to FHWA.

Based on FHWA's approval of the FEIS, the FEIS will be made available
for public and agency review for a minimum of 30 days. This period is
the last period during which comments on the environmental evaluation
process will be received from the public and agencies. Upon addressing
the comments received in the comment period, the FEIS will be forwarded
by TDOT to FHWA with a request for a Record of Decision (ROD).

### Other Opportunities for Agency Involvement

Those agencies that are not "Participating Agencies" as defined in
SAFETEA-LU will also have opportunities to provide input and comments on
the project as it moves forward. The database of agencies developed as
part of the Initial Coordination efforts will be maintained and updated
throughout the EIS process. Those agencies that responded to the initial
coordination/scoping and those that participated in public meetings
and/or provided input/comment during the preparation of the DEIS will
receive notification of the availability of the DEIS.

Comments may be received at any point during the development of the EIS
analysis.

# Opportunities for public input

As required by NEPA and by TDOT's Public Involvement Plan, a project
specific plan for public input has been developed and is documented in
this overall coordination plan. This plan describes strategies for
encouraging public input and describes the opportunities to be provided
to the public to encourage early and ongoing involvement in the project
development process. As required by SAFETEA-LU Section 6002, the public
will be provided opportunities to provide specific input on the Purpose
and Need and the range of alternatives.

## Strategies for Encouraging Public Involvement

### Database of Names

TDOT's Environmental Division maintains an initial coordination list
that includes the names of federal, state and other agencies (such as
regional planning agencies) and local governments that TDOT will
coordinate with for this project. The list also includes private
entities that have requested to be included in initial coordination. The
entities on the list were sent copies of the initial coordination
package, and will be sent notices of public meetings, copies of project
mailings and newsletters, and notice of the availability of the approved
DEIS for review and comment. As appropriate, persons, organizations, and
agencies on this list will also receive other correspondence related to
the project.

The Environmental Division's current database will be supplemented by
the Knoxville Regional Transportation Planning Organization (Knoxville
TPO) contact and mailing list for the Blount County area. The database
will be expanded as the project moves forward. Names of persons and
organizations attending public meetings or requesting additional
information will be added.

### Community Groups Briefings

Briefings with community/civic groups, business groups, or other
interested groups or organizations over the course of the EIS process
will be used as an opportunity to introduce the project, provide project
updates, and receive public input on the project. Approximately eight
community group briefings are expected to be held in the project area
throughout the development of the EIS.

### Local Government Officials Briefings

Briefings with local government officials will be used as an opportunity
to introduce the project to city/county/local officials, provide updates
at project milestones, and facilitate the flow of information between
the officials, TDOT and FHWA. Approximately four local government
officials briefings are expected to be held in the project area
throughout the development of the EIS.

Local officials expected to be invited to these briefings include:

-   Blount County Mayor and County Engineer;

-   Mayors of Maryville, Alcoa, Rockford, and Townsend and City
    Managers;

-   East Tennessee Development District;

-   Knoxville Area Transportation Planning Organization (Knoxville TPO);

-   East Tennessee Rural Planning Organization (RPO) South; and

-   Representatives of area Chambers of Commerce.

The first local government officials briefing was held during the
scoping period. The other briefings will occur at various milestones
during the project, to be determined by the Project Team and as
requested by local officials.

### Identification of Special Outreach Areas

Populations in the project area requiring special outreach to ensure
they have access to information and the opportunity to make comments,
regardless of their race, religion, age, income or disability will be
identified. Identification of these populations will include using
Census data or information obtained from groups or organizations known
to have knowledge of these populations.

### Media Relations 

Local newspapers, radio and television stations will be identified for
use in disseminating information about the project. Minority media
outlets will be included. Notices and reminders of project meetings will
be sent to these media outlets in advance of public meetings.

Specific newspapers to be used are the Knoxville News-Sentinel and The
Daily Times (Maryville).

### Project Newsletters

Approximately six project newsletters will be prepared to keep the
project area residents, business and property owners, interested
citizens, civic groups, schools, local agency officials, and local
public officials informed of the status of the project. Expected
milestones for newsletters are as follows, and/or as deemed necessary by
the Project Team;

-   Following Scoping Meetings, to describe results of scoping, to
    inform the public how to comment, and to announce an Alternatives
    Workshop;

-   Following the Alternatives Workshop, to present the results of the
    charette session;

-   Prior to the DEIS Public Hearings, to announce the hearing dates and
    the availability of the DEIS for review, and to present some of the
    DEIS findings;

-   Once the Preferred Alternative has been selected; and

-   To announce the availability of the FEIS.

### Project Website Content

The website for the project, <http://www.tdot.state.tn.us/pellissippi/>,
will be updated with newsletters, public meeting announcements and
transcripts, and other project information as needed.

### Frequently Asked Questions

To provide direct answers to some of the most frequently asked questions
(FAQs) posed by the public, FAQ sheets will be prepared and will be
distributed via TDOT's project website and hardcopies will be available
at briefings, public meetings and other public involvement events. These
questions/answers will be updated as new information becomes available.

### Comment Forms

Comment forms will be provided at all public meetings and smaller group
meetings to encourage participants to provide their comments on the
project. The comment form will also be available on the project website.

Comments may be provided in writing or electronically. Comments will be
accepted at any time during the EIS process. All comments will be
reviewed and incorporated as appropriate.

### Notice of Availability of DEIS 

A notice of availability of the DEIS document will be published in the
local papers. The notice will identify where the DEIS will be available
for public review, how the public can provide input, and who to contact
with comments or for additional information. Copies of the DEIS will be
available for public inspection at the Blount County Library, at the
Blount County Chamber of Commerce, and at the TDOT Region 1 Office in
Knoxville. The DEIS will also be available on TDOT's website.

## Public Workshops and Hearings

Several public meetings/hearings have been or will be held during the
EIS process to provide information on the project, to solicit public
input, and in conformance with NEPA requirements and TDOT's Public
Involvement Plan. In addition to the two Scoping Meetings already held,
at least three other meetings/hearings are planned. A minimum of 30 days
notice will be provided prior to each meeting, with at least 21 days for
submittal of comments after each meeting (in order for the comments to
be included in the official record).

## Scoping Meetings

Two public scoping meetings were held in the project area in June 13,
2006. At those meetings, TDOT updated the public on the status of the
project to date (since the last public hearing on the EA) with a short
overview presentation. Information stations were staffed around the room
with hard copies of project area maps for the public to use to present
ideas for alternatives and to identify transportation problems. Comment
forms and a court reporter were available at the meetings.

The public was specifically asked to provide input on the transportation
needs for the project, the range of alternatives that should be
considered, and issues of concern to be addressed in the EIS.

During the official scoping period (April 25 through July 5, 2006), 211
public comments were received by letters, emails, completed comment
forms distributed at the scoping meetings, and statements to a court
report at the scoping meetings. These comments have been reviewed and
are being used by TDOT to define the type of issues of public concern
and to develop and refine the purpose and need for the project.

Following the close of the scoping period, TDOT continued to accept
comments on the project, posting a comment form on the website that can
be used to provide comments or as a guide to encourage ongoing input on
the project.

## Alternatives Workshop

After the Scoping comment period is closed, after TESA Concurrence Point
1 and prior to TESA Concurrence Point 2, the public will be given
another early opportunity to provide their input on the draft Purpose
and Need Statement and alternatives to be evaluated in the DEIS. A
public workshop will be held in the project area. As a part of this
workshop, the public will be asked to review the draft Purpose and Need
statement, to help identify preliminary alternatives that would address
the purpose and need, and confirm or identify additional issues of
concern. An overview of the NEPA process will be provided at the
beginning of the workshop. The workshop will include a full group
discussion, breakout groups, and a wrap-up with the full group.

The expected outcome of the workshop will be a range of alternatives to
be carried forward to the TESA Concurrence Point 2 and to be examined in
the DEIS. Final decisions by FHWA regarding the purpose and need of the
project and the range of reasonable alternatives to be considered in the
DEIS will not be made until after this meeting.

## Public Informational Meeting

Prior to the completion of the DEIS, another series of public meetings
will be held to share results of technical studies. The purpose of the
meetings is to share the preliminary findings of the technical
investigations, so that the public can have meaningful input prior to
the final preparation of the DEIS for circulation. Potential context
sensitive solutions will be discussed with the public during this
meeting.

## DEIS Public Hearing

Once FHWA approves the DEIS document for public and agency review, TDOT
will hold public hearings to receive comments from the public on the
official findings presented in the DEIS and on the project. Input from
the public hearing and public comment period will be used by TDOT to
make a decision on the selection of the preferred alternative and
preliminary mitigation measures.

One or two public hearings will be scheduled to be held in the project
area. The hearing(s) will be advertised in local newspapers. Flyers
advertising the hearing(s) will be mailed to organizations and
individuals on the database.

# Schedule

Figure 2 presents the anticipated schedule for the completion of the EIS
and issuance of a ROD for this project. This schedule will be
revised/updated as the project moves forward and new information is
revealed that may result in schedule adjustments.

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc151522505 .anchor}Figure 2 Pellissippi Parkway
Extension EIS Schedule

![](media/image3.wmf){width="8.254861111111111in"
height="5.628472222222222in"}

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc151522372 .anchor}Appendix

List of Agencies and Organizations Receiving Coordination Packages

**Type: Participating and Cooperating Agency**

Mr. Jon Loney, Environmental Manager

Environmental Policy and Planning

Tennessee Valley Authority

400 West Summit Hill Drive

Suite WT8C

Knoxville, TN 37902-1499

Lt. Col. Steven Roemhildt, District Engineer

Regulatory Functions Branch (ORNOP-F)

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

3701 Bell Road

Nashville, TN 37214-2660

**Type: Participating Agency**

Commissioner James H. Fyke

Attention: Ms. Kim Glassman

Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation

L & C Tower, 20th Floor

401 Church Street

Nashville, TN 37243-0454

Mr. Heinz J. Mueller, Chief

Environmental Assessment Office

EIS Review Section

Environmental Protection Agency

61 Forsyth Street, SW

Atlanta, GA 30303

Mr. Lee A. Barclay, Field Supervisor

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

U.S. Department of the Interior

446 Neal Street

Cookeville, TN 38501

Mr. Dale Ditmonson, Superintendent

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

U.S. Department of the Interior

107 Park Headquarters Road

Gatlinburg, TN 37738

Mr. Richard Tune, Interim Executive Director

State Historic Preservation Office

Tennessee Historical Commission

Clover Bottom Mansion

2941 Lebanon Road

Nashville, TN 37243-0442

**Type: Participating Agency, continued**

Mr. Paul E. Davis, Director

Division of Water Pollution Control

Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation

L & C Annex, 6th Floor

401 Church Street

Nashville, TN 37243-1534

Mr. Jeffrey A. Welch, AICP

Knoxville Regional Transportation Planning Organization

Metro Planning Commission of Knoxville and Knox County

City/County Building, Suite 403

400 Main Street

Knoxville, TN 37902

Mr. Robert Todd, NEPA Contact

Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency

Ellington Agricultural Center

P.O. Box 40747

Nashville, TN 37204

**Type: Non-Participating Agency or Organization**

Office of Economic Analysis (RRP-32)

Federal Railroad Administration

400 Seventh Street, SW

Washington, D.C. 20590

Ms. Laverne F. Reid, Manager

Memphis Airport District Office

Federal Aviation Administration

2862 Business Park Drive, Bldg G

Memphis, TN 38118-1555

Advisory Council on Historic Preservation

The Old Post Office Building, Suite 809

1100 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW

Washington, D.C. 20004

Ms. Pearl Young

Office of Federal Activities, EIS Filing Section

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Mail Code 2252-A, Room 7241

Ariel Rios Building (South Oval Lobby) 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW

Washington, D.C. 20460

**Type: Non-Participating Agency or Organization, continued**

Mr. Tom Chappell, Regional Engineer

Forest Service - R-8

U.S. Department of Agriculture

1720 Peachtree Road, NW

Atlanta, GA 30309

U.S. Department of Agriculture

P.O. Box 2010

Cleveland, TN 37320

Ms. Susan Fruchter

Coordinator, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Department of Commerce

14th and Constitution Avenue, N.W.

Room 5805

Washington, D.C. 20230

Mr. Tim Dieringer, Director

Office of Surface Mining

U.S. Department of the Interior

530 Gay Street, S.W., Suite 500

Knoxville, TN 37902

District Chief, Water Resources Division

U.S. Geological Survey

U.S. Department of the Interior

630 Grassmere Park, Suite 100

Nashville, TN 37211

Office of Environmental Affairs

U.S. Geological Survey

U.S. Department of the Interior

USGS National Center, MS-423

12201 Sunrise Valley Drive

Reston, VA 20192

Director, Office of Environmental Policy and Compliance

U.S. Department of the Interior

Main Interior Building, MS 2342

1839 C Street, NW

Washington, DC 20240

Mr. Harry Walls, Environmental Officer

U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

Five Points Plaza Building, 4th Floor

40 Marietta Street

Atlanta, GA 30303

**Type: Non-Participating Agency or Organization, continued**

Mr. William R. Straw

Regional Environmental Officer

Federal Emergency Management Agency

3003 Chamblee Tucker Road

Atlanta, GA 30341-4148

Federal Regulatory Commission

888 First Street, N.E.

Washington, D.C. 20426

Senior Transportation Advisor

Appalachian Regional Commission

166 Connecticut Avenue, NW

Washington, D.C. 20235

Mr. Wilton Burnett, Jr., Director of Special Projects

TDECD NEPA Contact

Department of Economic and Community Development

W.R. Snodgrass Tower, 11th Floor

312 8th Avenue North

Nashville, TN 37243

Mr. Reggie Reeves, Director

Tennessee Division of Natural Heritage

Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation

L & C Tower, 14th Floor

401 Church Street

Nashville, TN 37243-0447

Mr. Kent Taylor, Director

Division of Ground Water Protection

Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation

L & C Tower, 10th Floor

401 Church Street

Nashville, TN 37243-1540

Mr. David Draughon, Director

Division of Water Supply

Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation

L & C Tower, 6th Floor, 401 Church Street

Nashville ,TN 37243-1549

Mr. James Ford, State Conservationist

Natural Resources Conservation Service,

U.S. Department of Agriculture

U.S. Courthouse - Room 675

Nashville, TN 37203

**Type: Non-Participating Agency or Organization, continued**

Mr. Mike Apple, Director

Division of Solid/Hazardous Waste Management

Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation

L & C Tower, 5th Floor

401 Church Street

Nashville, TN 37243-1535

Deputy Commissioner Terry Oliver

NEPA Contact

Tennessee Department of Agriculture

Ellington Agricultural Center

Nashville, TN 37204

Mr. Barry Stephens, Director

Division of Air Pollution Control

Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation

L & C Annex, 9th Floor

401 Church Street

Nashville, TN 37243-1531

Mr. Robert (Bob) V. Woods, Director

Tennessee Aeronautics Division

Tennessee Department of Transportation

484 Knapp Boulevard, Building 4219

Nashville, TN 37217

Diane Davidson, Transportation Director

Public Transportation, Waterways, and Rail Division

Tennessee Department of Transportation

James K. Polk Building, 18th Floor

505 Deaderick Street

Nashville, TN 37243

Ms. Lori Kirby, Director

Title VI Program, Civil Rights Office

Tennessee Department of Transportation

James K. Polk Building, Suite 1800

505 Deaderick Street

Nashville, TN 37243-0347

Mr. Tom Fusco, Executive Administrative Assistant

Tennessee Department of Education

Andrew Johnson Tower, 6th Floor

710 James Robertson Parkway

Nashville, TN 37243-0376

**Type: Non-Participating Agency or Organization, continued**

Tennessee State Library and Archives

403 7th Avenue North

Nashville,TN 37243-0312

Blount County Public Library

508 N. Cusick Street

Maryville, TN 37804

Mr. Dan Hawk, Urban Regional Director

East Tennessee Section

Tennessee Planning Office

5401 Kingston Pike

Suite 210

Knoxville, TN 37919

Tennessee Environmental Council

One Vantage Way, Suite D-105

Nashville ,TN 37212-4348

Ms. Wendy Smith

World Wildlife Fund

2021 21st Avenue, South, Suite 200

Nashville, TN 37212-4348

Mr. Michael Butler

Tennessee Wildlife Federation

300 Orlando Avenue

Nashville, TN 37209-3257

Ms. Gabby Call

The Nature Conservancy

2021 21st Avenue South, Suite C-400

Nashville, TN 37212

Tennessee Chapter of the Sierra Club

2021 21st Ave. South, Suite 436

Nashville, TN 37212

Ms. Liz Dixon, Sierra Club

10417 Victoria Drive, #C

Knoxville, TN 37922

Tennessee Trails Association

P.O. Box 41446

Nashville, TN 37204

**Type: Non-Participating Agency or Organization, continued**

James D. Hoskins Library

University of Tennessee

Serials Department

1401 Cumberland Avenue

Knoxville, TN 37996-4000

Ms. Nina Gregg

Citizens Against Pellissippi Parkway Extension

PO Box 494

Alcoa, TN 37701

**Type: Local Agencies and Organizations**

Mr. Mark Hairr

General Manager

Knoxville Area Transit

1135 East Magnolia Avenue

Knoxville, TN 37917

Mr. Dewey Roberts

President

NAACP-Knoxville Chapter

P.O. Box 14096

Knoxville TN 37914

Mr. Terry Bobrowski

East Tennessee Development District

P.O. Box 19806

Knoxville, TN 37939-2806

Blount County Executive

Blount County Courthouse

341 Court Street

Maryville, TN 37804-5906

Mr. John Lamb, Director of Planning

Blount County Planning Department

Blount County Courthouse

327 Court Street

Maryville TN 37804-5906

Glenn Cardwell, President

Smoky Mountain Historical Society

P.O. Box 5078

Sevierville, TN 37864-5078

**Type: Local Agencies and Organizations, continued**

Amanda Wild, Historic Preservation Planner

East Tennessee Development District

P.O. Box 19806

Knoxville, TN 37939-2806

Mrs. Inez Burns

Blunt County Historian

1308 Brannon Drive

Maryville, TN 37801

Blount County Historic Society

P.O. Box 4986

Maryville ,TN 37802-4986