[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 191 (Wednesday, October 1, 2008)]
[Notices]
[Page 57195]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-23087]



[[Page 57195]]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Highway Administration


Environmental Impact Statement: Jackson County, NC

AGENCY: Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), Department of 
Transportation.

ACTION: Notice of intent.

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SUMMARY: The FHWA is issuing this notice to advise the public that an 
environmental impact statement will be prepared for a proposed highway 
project from NC 107 to U.S. 23-74 east of Sylva, Jackson County, NC. 
(TIP Project R-4745.)

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Clarence W. Coleman, P.E., 
Operations Engineer, Federal Highway Administration, 310 New Bern 
Avenue, Suite 410, Raleigh, North Carolina 27601, Telephone: (919) 747-
7014.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FHWA and the North Carolina Department 
of Transportation (NCDOT) will prepare an environmental impact 
statement (EIS) for the proposed NC 107 Connector from NC 107 to U.S. 
23-74 east of Sylva. The purpose of this project is to relieve traffic 
congestion in the Sylva area. The proposed action is consistent with 
the Sylva Thoroughfare Plan adopted in 1994 and the Jackson County 
Comprehensive Transportation Plan that is anticipated for adoption in 
2009. The following alternatives will be studied: (1) The ``no-build'' 
alternative, (2) improve existing facilities and (3) a new location.
    Letters describing the proposed action and soliciting comments have 
been sent to appropriate Federal, State and local agencies. 
Opportunities will be provided for involvement with the public in 
defining the project purpose and need and determining the range of 
alternatives to be considered for the project. Citizens' informational 
workshops and meetings with local officials will be held in the study 
area. Upon completion of the draft EIS, a public hearing will be held. 
The draft EIS will be available for public and agency review and 
comment prior to the public hearing. Information on the time and place 
of the workshops and hearings will be provided in the local news media.
    An interagency project team is being assembled to obtain input on 
major milestones during the project's development. These include the 
purpose and need, detailed study alternatives, bridge lengths, 
alignment reviews, the preferred alternative, and avoidance and 
minimization of environmental impacts.
    To ensure that the full range of issues related to the proposed 
action is addressed and all significant issues are identified, comments 
and suggestions are invited from all interested parties. Comments and 
questions concerning the proposed action should be directed to the FHWA 
at the address provided above.

(Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Program Number 20.205, 
Highway Research Planning and Construction. The regulations 
implementing Executive Order 12372 regarding intergovernmental 
consultation on Federal programs and activities apply to this 
program.)

    Issued on: September 25, 2008.
Clarence W. Coleman,
Operations Engineer, Raleigh, North Carolina.
 [FR Doc. E8-23087 Filed 9-30-08; 8:45 am]
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