[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 125 (Thursday, June 28, 2001)]
[Notices]
[Pages 34510-34511]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-16276]


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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Highway Administration


Environmental Impact Statement: Marion County, West Virginia

AGENCY: Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), DOT.

ACTION: Revised notice of intent.

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

SUMMARY: The FHWA is issuing this notice to advise the public that it 
is revising the original notice of intent published in the Federal 
Register on August 3, 1994. The original notice stated that an 
environmental impact statement (EIS) would be prepared for a proposed 
new expressway in Fairmont, West Virginia (Riverside Expressway). The 
proposed project was to include an interchange with Interstate 79, 
crossing either the Monongahela River or the Tygart Valley and West 
fork Rivers, utilizing an existing railroad right-of-way, ending at 
U.S. 19 south of Rivesville, West Virginia. After significant public 
involvement and analysis of potential project impacts and costs, the 
scope of the project has been redefined and the project termini 
altered. The redefined project, referred to locally as the Fairmont 
Gateway Connector, is being developed with environmental assessment in 
lieu of an EIS.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Henry E. Compton, Division of 
Environmental Coordinator, Federal Highway Administration, West 
Virginia Division, Geary Plaza, Suite 200, 700 Washington Street East, 
Charleston, West Virginia, 25301, Telephone (304) 347-5268.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In lieu of preparation of an environmental 
impact statement for the Riverside Expressway Project, the FHWA, in 
cooperation with the West Virginia Division of Highways (WVDOH), will 
prepare an environmental assessment for the proposed Fairmont Gateway 
Connector Project. The project is proposed to relieve traffic 
congestion, improve access to downtown Fairmont, increase safety, 
stimulate economic development and provide direct access to Interstate 
79. The western terminus of the study area is the west end of the 
Jefferson Street Bridge. The eastern terminus is Interstate 79. 
Alternates under

[[Page 34511]]

consideration include (1) taking no action; (2) improving the existing 
highway system through the construction of a five lane, controlled 
access facility and interstate interchange. Build alternatives vary in 
length from 1.4 to 1.7 miles.
    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 expressed or are known to 
have an interest in this proposal. A public hearing will be held in 
Fairmont following approval of the environmental assessment. Public 
notice will be given of the time and place of the meeting. An 
environmental assessment will be available for public and agency review 
and comment prior to the public meeting.
    To ensure the full range of issues related to this proposed action 
are addressed and all significant issues identified, comments and 
suggestions are invited. Comments or questions concerning this proposed 
action or the modification of environmental document type should be 
directed 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: June 22, 2001.
Henry E. Compton,
Environmental Coordinator, Charleston, West Virginia.
[FR Doc. 01-16276 Filed 6-27-01; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-22-M