[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 189 (Thursday, September 30, 2004)]
[Notices]
[Page 58592]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-21925]



[[Page 58592]]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Highway Administration


Environmental Impact Statement: Interstate 55/U.S. 64 (Crump 
Boulevard), Shelby County, TN

AGENCY: Federal Highway Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of intent.

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SUMMARY: The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) is issuing this 
notice to advise the public of its intent to prepare an Environmental 
Impact Statement in cooperation with the Tennessee Department of 
Transportation (TDOT) for potential interchange improvements to the 
Interstate 55/U.S. 64 interchange at Crump Boulevard in the western 
portion of Memphis, from McLemore Avenue to just west of Metal Museum 
Drive in Shelby County. This project is intended to improve regional 
and national transportation needs.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Scott McGuire, Field Operations 
Team Leader, Federal Highway Administration--Tennessee Division Office, 
640 Grassmere Park Road, Suite 112, Nashville, TN 37211.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Interstate 55 (I-55) at Crump Boulevard 
(U.S. 64) Interchange currently handles most north and southbound I-55 
traffic through Memphis, Tennessee. Interstate 55 is one of the major 
transit corridors of the United States, linking New Orleans, Memphis, 
St. Louis, and Chicago. It accommodates large amounts of personal 
automobile and commercial truck traffic. The current configuration of 
the I-55 at Crump Boulevard Interchange in Memphis, Tennessee is 
antiquated and creates multiple safety and efficiency problems.
    With this notice of intent, FHWA and TDOT are initiating the 
National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process for the Interstate 55/
U.S. 64 (Crump Boulevard) project to study potential transportation 
improvements to the interchange. As part of the NEPA process, the 
purpose and need will be modified as necessary to account for any 
changes in regional or national needs or goals.
    The alternatives development and screening process for the I-55/
U.S. 64 project will be used as a starting point for the NEPA process. 
Recognizing that NEPA requires the consideration of a reasonable range 
of alternatives that will address the purpose and need, the 
Environmental Impact Statement will include a range of alternatives for 
detailed study consisting of a no-build alternative, three build 
alternatives, as well as alternatives consisting of transportation 
system management strategies, mass transit, improvements to existing 
roadways, and/or new alignment facilities. These alternatives will be 
developed, screened, and carried forward for detailed analysis in the 
Draft Environmental Impact Statement based on their ability to address 
the purpose and need that will be developed while avoiding known and 
sensitive resources. Letters describing the proposed NEPA study and 
soliciting input will be sent to the appropriate Federal, State, and 
local agencies who have expressed or are known to have an interest or 
legal role in this proposal. It is anticipated that one formal agency 
scoping meeting will be held as part of the NEPA process, in the 
vicinity of the project, to facilitate local, State, and Federal agency 
involvement and input into the project in an effort to identify all of 
the issues that need to be addressed in developing the Environmental 
Impact Statement. Private organizations, citizens, and interest groups 
will also have an opportunity to provide input into the development of 
the Environmental Impact Statement and identify issues that should be 
addressed. A Public Involvement Plan will be developed to involve the 
public in the project development process. This plan will utilize the 
following outreach efforts to provide information and solicit input: 
newsletters, the Internet, e-mail, informal meetings, public 
information meetings, public hearings and other efforts as necessary 
and appropriate. Notices of public meetings or public hearings will be 
given through various forums providing the time and place of the 
meeting along with other relevant information. The Draft Environmental 
Impact Statement will be available for public and agency review and 
comment prior to the public hearings.
    To ensure that the full range of issues related to this proposed 
action are identified and taken into account, comments and suggestions 
are invited from all interested parties. Comments and questions 
concerning the proposed action and Draft Environmental Impact Statement 
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 proposed action)

    Authority: 23 U.S.C. 315; 49 CFR 1.48.

    Issued on: September 17, 2004.
Scott A. McGuire,
Field Operations Team Leader, Federal Highway Administration, 
Nashville, Tennessee.
[FR Doc. 04-21925 Filed 9-29-04; 8:45 am]
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