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[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 154 (Monday, August 11, 1997)]
[Notices]
[Page 42968]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-21041]

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DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

Department of the Army

Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) for the Proposed 
Construction of a Rail Connector at Fort Campbell, Kentucky

AGENCY: Department of the Army, DoD.

ACTION: Notice of Availability.

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SUMMARY: In compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 
1969 and the Council on Environmental Quality and Army regulations, the 
Army has prepared an FEIS for the proposed construction of a rail 
connector for Fort Campbell, Kentucky. The primary Army action analyzed 
in the FEIS is the construction of a rail connector between the 
government-owned line and the CSX line in Christian County, Kentucky. 
The rail connector is needed so that the 101st Airborne Division, 
stationed at Fort Campbell, can deploy rapidly during an emergency.
    Five alternatives including the No-Action Alternative, have been 
evaluated:
    1. The No-Action Alternative would not change the existing 
configuration or operation of the rail lines, or construct any new 
ones. Trains from Fort Campbell would continue current operations, 
using the Hopkinsville Belt Line and Interchange, to switch five cars 
at a time to the CSX main line.
    2. The Hopkinsville Interchange Upgrade Alternative (Alternative 1) 
would upgrade the existing connection between the government-owned 
branch line with the CSX main line track and also involves construction 
of two relatively short rail connectors within the city limits of 
Hopkinsville and a 2.2-mile siding track parallel to the existing 
branch line south of Hopkinsville. However, because Alternative 1 
resulted in excessive cycle times resulting from having only one 
(northbound) entrance to the CSX main line, a modified Alternative 1 
was also reviewed. The modified Alternative 1 included a southbound 
entrance to the CSX main line and alignment adjustments to lessen the 
proposed curvature and grade. Due to the high real estate acquisition 
costs, potential residential and commercial displacement impacts, 
numerous grade crossings, and the requirement for additional bridges 
and tunnels, the alternative was found not to be reasonable.
    3. The Hopkinsville Bypass North Alternative (Alternative 2N) would 
connect the branch line directly to the CSX main line south of 
Hopkinsville and north of the Hopkinsville Bypass (KY 8546) with 
approximately 2.7 miles of new rail, and incorporate a 2.2-mile siding 
track parallel to the existing branch line south of Hopkinsville.
    4. The Hopkinsville Bypass South Alternative (Alternative 2S) would 
connect the branch line directly to the CSX main line south of 
Hopkinsville and south of the Hopkinsville Bypass (KY 8546) with 
approximately 2.8 miles of new rail, and incorporate a 2.2-mile siding 
track parallel to the existing branch line south of Hopkinsville.
    5. The Masonville-Casky Alternative (Alternative 3) would connect 
the branch line directly to the CSX main line approximately 6 miles 
south of Hopkinsville with approximately 5.5 miles of new rail. A 2.2-
mile siding track for Alternative 3 is included in the alignment 
corridor.
    The FEIS has identified Alternative 2S as the preferred 
alternative, due to the following: it meets mission requirements, 
allowing the 101st Airborne Division to meet its rapid deployment 
requirements; is less disruptive to City and total community land use 
and planning; requires few or no relocations; has fewer grade 
crossings; and has less public opposition than Alternatives 2N and 3. 
No, significant adverse environmental impacts are anticipated as a 
result of this Army action.

DISTRIBUTION AND WAITING PERIOD: The FEIS on the proposed construction 
of a rail connector for Fort Campbell, Kentucky, was distributed to 
interested agencies and the public prior to, or simultaneously with, 
filing of the Notice of Availability for the FEIS with the U.S. 
Environmental Protection Agency. Following a 30 day post-filing waiting 
period, the Department of the Army will prepare a Record of Decision.

QUESTIONS OR REQUEST FOR FEIS: Questions regarding the FEIS, or a 
request for copies of the document may be directed to Mr. William Ray 
Haynes, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Louisville District, PO Box 59, 
Louisville, Kentucky 40201-6475, or call (502) 582-6475.

    Dated: August 5, 1997.
Richard E. Newsome,
Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army (Environment, Safety and 
Occupational Health), OASA (1, L&E).
[FR Doc. 97-21041 Filed 8-8-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3710-08-M
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