[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 81 (Wednesday, April 26, 2000)]
[Notices]
[Page 24531]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-10429]



[[Page 24531]]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Highway Administration


Environmental Impact Statement: Peoria, Tazewell, Woodford, 
Livingston, Marshall, McLean, Putnam, Bureau, and La Salle Counties, IL

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 (EIS) will be prepared for constructing 
a proposed four-lane Heart of Illinois Highway in north central 
Illinois. Three feasible corridors identified by Illinois DOT as part 
of an earlier study will be the focus of the EIS. The proposed highway 
would improve the highway connection between the Peoria area and 
northeastern Illinois.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Ronald C. Marshall, P.E., Division Administrator, Federal Highway 
Administration, 3250 Executive Park Drive, Springfield, IL 62703; 
Phone: (217) 492-4600
Joseph E. Crowe, P.E., District Engineer, Illinois Department of 
Transportation, District 4, 401 Main Street, Peoria, IL 61602-1111; 
Phone: (309) 671-3333

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FHWA, in cooperation with the Illinois 
Department of Transportation, will prepare an Environmental Impact 
Statement (EIS) on a proposal to develop a four-lane divided highway, 
known as the Heart of Illinois Highway, between Peoria and the 
interstate freeway system either north or east of Peoria. Three 
feasible corridors previously identified by Illinois DOT will be 
examined as part of the Draft EIS. One corridor is located west of the 
Illinois River and is oriented in a north-south direction. The other 
two corridors are located east of the Illinois River and are oriented 
east-west. Each corridor is approximately 40 to 50 miles long. The 
proposed project will bypass communities within the three feasible 
corridors.
    The proposed action will enhance travel efficiency and safety 
within the study area, improve transportation continuity and rural 
access, and support economic development in the region.
    This proposed project will select a preferred corridor for detailed 
engineering and environmental analysis and will select a recommended 
alignment within the preferred corridor. A preferred corridor will be 
recommended and presented at a Public Hearing. Alternate alignments 
will be studied within the preferred corridor once it has been 
identified. Alternates studied will address engineering and 
environmental concerns in order to determine an alignment location 
which meets the transportation needs of the region and minimizes the 
impacts to the environment. Alignment studies will determine one 
preferred alignment location and address type of facility, preliminary 
interchange geometrics, engineering and environmental impacts 
identified. Preliminary measures to minimize harm, probable 
construction cost estimates and estimated right of way requirements 
will be developed. A second hearing will be held to present the final 
preferred alignment.
    Several alignment alternatives, including the no-action 
alternative, will be evaluated for the proposed project. Interchanges 
will be provided at all major high-volume roadways. Primary resources 
that would be affected are agricultural land, property tax income, 
wetlands, and woodlands.
    A scoping process will be undertaken as part of this project. The 
process will include meetings, coordination with appropriate Federal, 
State, and local agencies, and review sessions as needed. A study group 
comprised of local officials, environmental, and other community 
interests has been established to provide input during development and 
refinement of alternatives. A scoping packet may be obtained from one 
of the contact people listed above.
    To ensure that the full range of issues related to this proposed 
action are addressed, and all substantive issues are identified, public 
involvement activities will be conducted as part of the study. Drop-in 
centers, newsletters, and interest group meetings will be scheduled. 
The project's Draft EIS will be available for public and agency review 
prior to the public hearing. The time and location of the public 
hearing will be announced in local newspapers. Comments or questions 
concerning this proposed action and the Draft EIS should be directed to 
FHWA or the Illinois Department of Transportation at the addresses 
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: April 20, 2000.
Jon-Paul Kohler,
Environmental Engineer, Springfield, Illinois.
[FR Doc. 00-10429 Filed 4-25-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-22-M