[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 181 (Tuesday, September 20, 2005)]
[Notices]
[Page 55205]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-18627]


=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Highway Administration


Environmental Impact Statement: Multiple Counties, Alabama

AGENCY: Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of intent.

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

SUMMARY: The FHWA is issuing this notice to advise the public that an 
Environmental Impact Statement will be prepared for a proposed highway 
project that will traverse the west central section of the State of 
Alabama.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Joe D. Wilkerson, Division 
Administrator, Federal Highway Administration, 500 Eastern Boulevard, 
Suite 200, Montgomery, Alabama 36117-2018, Telephone (334) 223-7370.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FHWA, in cooperation with the State of 
Alabama Department of Transportation, will prepare an Environmental 
Impact Statement (EIS) for Project NCPD-PE02(910). The proposed action 
is to construct a multi-lane, limited-access roadway to provide a 
connecting link in the freeway/Interstate system between I-59/I-20 near 
the Mississippi State line and I-85 in Montgomery, Alabama. The highway 
will have an approximate length of 140 miles. The study area includes 
large parts of six Black Belt Counties (Dallas, Hale, Lowndes, Marengo, 
Perry, and Sumter), as well as Autauga and Montgomery Counties. A new 
Interstate connector will improve system linkage, provide a safe and 
efficient transportation corridor, and enhance economic opportunities 
for the Black Belt and other areas in the region.
    Alternatives under consideration include: (1) alternate route 
locations and (2) a no-action or no-build alternative.
    The Alabama Department of Transportation and the Alabama Division 
Office of the Federal Highway Administration have begun a corridor 
study. Letters describing the proposed action and soliciting comments 
were sent to appropriate Federal, State, and local agencies and to 
private organizations and citizens who previously expressed or were 
known to have interest in this proposal.
    In addition to the early coordination already accomplished, 
additional meetings will be held as appropriate, and formal public 
hearings will be held. Public notice will be given of the time and 
place for the meetings and hearings. The Draft Environmental Impact 
Statement will be available for public and agency review and comment 
prior to the public hearings.
    To ensure that the full range of issues related to this proposed 
action are addressed and all significant issues are identified, 
comments and suggestions are invited from all interested parties. An 
interagency scoping meeting was scheduled for September 22, 2005, in 
Selma, Alabama. Comments or questions concerning this proposed action 
and the EIS 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: September 8, 2005.
Joe D. Wilkerson,
Division Administrator, Montgomery.
[FR Doc. 05-18627 Filed 9-19-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-22-M