[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 99 (Monday, May 22, 2000)]
[Notices]
[Page 32148]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-12783]


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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Highway Administration


Environmental Assessment or Environmental Impact Statement: 
Franklin and Licking Counties, OH

AGENCY: Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of intent.

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

SUMMARY: The FHWA is issuing this notice to advise the public that an 
Environmental Assessment or Environmental Impact Statement will be 
prepared for a proposed highway project in Franklin and Licking 
Counties, Ohio.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, CONTACT: Andreas Garnes, Rural Programs 
Engineer, Federal Highway Administration, 200 N. High Street, Room 328, 
Columbus, Ohio 43215, Telephone: (614) 280-6856.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FHWA, in cooperation with the Ohio 
Department of Transportation, will prepare an Environmental Assessment 
(EA) or Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for a proposal to improve 
the S.R. 161/S.R. 37/S.R. 16 Macro Corridor by construction of a 
limited access divided highway facility that will connect the existing 
four lane facilities located at the western terminus in the vicinity of 
the City of Columbus, Franklin County, Ohio and the eastern terminus in 
the vicinity of Granville, Licking County, Ohio. The Macro Corridor 
extends from IR 270 to IR 77 and encompasses the portions of SR 161, SR 
37, SR 16 and US 36 located between these two Interstate Routes.
    Construction of this section of the Macro Corridor is considered 
necessary to complete a missing link in the existing Macro Corridor. 
This construction is considered necessary to relive congestion and 
improve safety for local and regional travel. The unimpeded flow of 
goods and services is essential to the economic vitality of Ohio and 
Macro-Corridors are essential in the delivery of these goods and 
services. This proposal needs to be consistent with regional and 
statewide goals for planned growth and mobility in Central Ohio.
    Alternatives will be developed that will address capacity and 
safety deficiencies. Alternative solutions may consist of different 
alignments that diverge significantly from the existing alignment 
within the corridor in some sections. The alternatives may also include 
improving and widening the existing roadway. FHWA, ODOT, and local 
agencies will be inviting participation in defining the alternatives to 
be evaluated in the EA or EIS, and any significant social, economic, or 
environmental issues related to the alternatives.
    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 or are 
known to have interest in this proposal. Coordination with federal, 
state, and local agencies will be conducted at the established 
concurrence points in ODOT's preliminary development process. A series 
of public meetings will be held throughout the development of the 
project. At a minimum, the meetings will be held in accordance with 
ODOT's Preliminary Development Process. The first public meetings will 
be held in the summer of 2000 and property owners in the study area 
were notified of the project April 20, 2000. In addition, a public 
hearing will be held. Public notice will be given of the time and place 
of the meetings and hearing. The EA or draft EIS will be available for 
public agency review and comment prior to the public hearing. To ensure 
that the full range of issues relating to this proposed action are 
identified and addressed, comments and suggestions are invited from all 
interested parties. Comments or questions concerning this proposed 
action should be sent 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)

    Issued on: May 12, 2000.
Andreas Garnes,
Rural Programs Engineer, Federal Highway Administration, Columbus, 
Ohio.
[FR Doc. 00-12783 Filed 5-19-00; 8: 45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-22-P