[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 91 (Thursday, May 10, 2001)]
[Notices]
[Page 23967]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-11795]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Highway Administration


Environmental Impact Statement: Wythe County, VA

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 Virginia Department of 
Transportation (VDOT) for the I-77/I-81 Improvement Project in Wythe 
County to address safety and capacity issues.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: John Simkins, Environmental Protection 
Specialist, Federal Highway Administration, Post Office Box 10249, 
Richmond, Virginia 23240-0249, Telephone 804-775-3342.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), 
in cooperation with the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), 
will prepare an environmental impact statement (EIS) for the I-77/I-81 
Improvement Project in Wythe County. Interstates 77 and 81 currently 
share a common corridor for approximately nine miles from immediately 
east of Fort Chiswell to the Town of Wytheville. The study area's 
limits begin just west of I-81 exit 70 and extend east for a distance 
of approximately 15 miles, ending west of the I-81 exit 84. The study 
window's southern limits begin along I-77, approximately three miles 
south of the I-77/I-81 interchange. The northern limits are located 
near Cove Mountain, north of the I-77/I-81 separation in Wytheville.
    Recognizing that the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) 
process requires the consideration of a reasonable range of 
alternatives that will address the purpose and need, the EIS will 
include a range of alternatives for study consisting of a no-build 
alternative 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 analysis in the draft EIS based on 
their ability to address the purpose and need that will be developed 
while avoiding known and sensitive resources.
    The scoping process is currently underway. Scoping letters 
describing the proposed study and soliciting input are being 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. Private 
organizations, citizens, and interest groups also will have an 
opportunity to provide input into the development of the EIS and 
identify issues that should be addressed. No formal scoping meeting is 
planned at this time.
    A series of public informational meetings and a public hearing will 
be held. 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 EIS will be available 
for public and agency review and comment prior to the public hearing.
    To ensure that the full range of issues related to this proposed 
action are identified and taken into account, comments and input are 
invited from all interested parties. Comments and questions concerning 
the proposed action and draft EIS 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: May 3, 2001.
John Simkins,
Environmental Protection Specialist.
[FR Doc. 01-11795 Filed 5-9-01; 8:45 am]
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