[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 98 (Friday, May 19, 2000)]
[Notices]
[Pages 31954-31955]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-12637]



[[Page 31954]]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Transit Administration


Environmental Impact Statement on Transportation Improvements 
Within the Proposed North/South Central and Southeast Corridors in 
Austin, Texas

AGENCY: Federal Transit Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of Intent to prepare an environmental impact statement.

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SUMMARY: The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and the Capital 
Metropolitan Transportation Authority (CMTA) is issuing this notice to 
advise interested agencies and the public that an environmental impact 
statement is being prepared in accordance with the National 
Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) for transportation improvements in the 
proposed North/South Central and Southeast Corridors in Austin, Texas. 
Due to tremendous growth in the Austin Metropolitan Area over the past 
decade, major north-south freeways and arterials serving three major 
employment centers are severely congested. In 1997, 50% of commuters 
used north/south freeways daily. Additionally, the Austin metropolitan 
area has exceeded the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards 
for ozone over the past three years and risks non-attainment 
designation in 2000. The proposed project will provide alternative 
means of travel for commuters to their destination, reduce congestion 
and vehicular emissions, and improve air quality in the region.

DATES:  Comment Due Date: Written comments on the scope of the 
alternatives and impacts to be considered should be sent to Surinder 
Marwah, Project Manager by June 23, 2000. Scoping Meetings: Three 
public scoping meetings will be held at the following locations and 
dates. Scoping material will be available at the meeting or in advance 
of the meeting by contacting Sam Archer, Capital Metro, at (512) 389-
7546. A court reporter will be available to record comments and a sign 
language interpreter will be available for the hearing impaired. A TDD 
number (512) 389-3230 is also available for the hearing impaired. The 
buildings are accessible to people with disabilities.

Public Scoping

Tuesday, June 6, 2000, from 7:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M., Winters Bldg.--
Public Hearing Room, Texas Dept. of Human Services (Winters Building), 
701 West 51st Street, Austin, Texas
Wednesday, June 7, 2000, from 7:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M., South Austin 
Multipurpose Center, 2508 Durwood St., Austin, Texas
Thursday, June 8, 2000, from 7:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M., Austin History 
Center Reception Room, 9th and Guadalupe, Austin, Texas

Interagency Scoping

Monday, June 5, 2000 from 1 P.M. to 3 P.M., Capital Metro, 2910 East 
5th Street, Austin, Texas 78702

ADDRESSES: Written comments on the project scope should be sent to 
Surinder Marwah, Project Manager, Capital Metro, 2910 East 5th Street, 
Austin, Texas 78702. Telephone (512) 369-6047, Fax (512) 369-6072.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Jesse Balleza, Federal Transit 
Administration, Region VI, 819 Taylor Street, Suite 8A36, Fort Worth, 
Texas 76102; Telephone (817) 978-0550.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:   

I. Scoping

    The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) in cooperation with the 
Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Capital Metro), intends 
to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the proposed 
North/South Central and Southeast Corridors in Austin, Texas. The 
public is invited to participate in developing the analysis approach, 
alignment alternatives to be evaluated, and the mode and technologies 
to be considered. Project comments may be made at the public scoping 
meetings or in writing. See the ``Scoping Meeting''' section above for 
locations and times.

II. Description of Corridor and Its Transportation Needs

    The proposed North/South Central Corridor would provide service 
from Ben White Boulevard, through the central business district (CBD) 
to north Austin at McNeil Road. The proposed Southeast Corridor would 
provide service from the CBD to Pleasant Valley/Martin Luther King 
(MLK) Boulevard. Combined, the initial phase would be approximately 20 
miles long and encompass approximately 26 stations, including park and 
ride lots. A portion of the proposed project would operate along the 
existing railroad right-of-way (ROW) owned by Capital Metro from McNeil 
Road in north Austin to Lamar Boulevard at Airport Road, then operate 
in the street through the CBD to Ben White Boulevard in south Austin, 
and in street from the CBD to IH-35 and then along existing railroad 
ROW to Pleasant Valley/MLK Blvd. The proposed alignment would provide 
access to three major activity centers in Austin, the University of 
Texas at Austin, the State Capitol Complex, and the CBD.
    The Austin Metropolitan Area is one of the fastest growing regions 
in the United States. Between 1990 and 1997, the population increased 
almost 30% (U.S. Census). The Capital Area Metropolitan Planning 
Organization (CAMPO) estimates the population will exceed 1.9 million 
by year 2025. In 1997, 50% of commuters used north/south freeways daily 
(CAMPO). The current north-south freeways (IH-35 and Loop 1/Mopac 
Expressway) will have to increase capacity significantly to meet future 
demand.
    Additionally, the Austin metropolitan area has exceeded the 
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards for ozone over the past 
three years and risks non-attainment designation in 2000. The Texas 
Natural Resource Conservation Commission has attributed vehicular 
emissions as the single largest cause of air pollutants in the region.
    Area residents particularly minority, elderly, or low-income 
individuals often rely on transit for their transportation needs. 
Regional employment also has continued to grow, particularly in the 
high-tech industry. The emergence of new activity centers along the 
proposed corridor within the last fifteen years has created new 
commuting patterns and additional demands on transportation facilities.

III. Alternatives

    The transportation alternatives proposed for consideration in this 
project area include:
    No-Action--which involves no change to transportation services or 
facilities in the corridor beyond already committed projects;
    Enhanced Bus/Transportation System Management (TSM)--alternative 
which consists of low to medium cost improvements to the facilities and 
operation of the Capital Metro bus system in addition to the currently 
planned transit improvements in the corridors, and
    Build Alternative--Build alternatives (including line, station 
locations and support facilities), including light rail and bus rapid 
transit transportation modes generally following the existing railroad 
right-of-way (ROW) owned by Capital Metro from McNeil Road in north 
Austin to Lamar Blvd. At Airport Road, then operate in the street 
through the CBD to Ben White Blvd. in south Austin, and in street from 
the CBD to

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IH-35 and then along existing railroad ROW to Pleasant Valley/MLK Blvd.

IV. Probable Effects

    The FTA and Capital Metro will evaluate all significant 
environmental, social, and economic impacts of the alternatives 
analyzed in the EIS. Primary environmental issues include: land use and 
neighborhood protection, traffic and parking, visual, noise and 
vibration, safety, aesthetics, storm water management, archaeological, 
historic, cultural and ecological resources. Impacts on natural areas, 
rare and endangered species, air and water quality, groundwater, and 
potentially contaminated sites will also be studied. Displacements and 
relocations, ecosystems, water resources, hazardous waste, parklands, 
and energy impacts will be assessed. The impacts will be evaluated for 
the construction period and for the long-term operation of each 
alternative. Measures to avoid, minimize or mitigate any significant 
adverse impacts will be developed.

V. FTA Procedures

    In accordance with the federal transportation planning regulations 
(23 CFR Part 450), the Draft EIS will be prepared to include an 
evaluation of the social, economic, and environmental impacts and 
benefits of the alternatives. The DEIS will consider the public and 
agency comments received and Capital Metro in coordination with CAMPO 
and other affected agencies, will select the preferred alternative. 
Then Capital Metro, as the local lead agency, will continue with the 
preparation of the Final EIS (FEIS). Opportunity for additional public 
comment will be provided throughout all phases of project development.

    Issued on: May 16, 2000.
Blas M. Uribe,
Deputy Regional Administrator.
[FR Doc. 00-12637 Filed 5-18-00; 8:45 am]
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