Environmental Impact Statement: Marion County, West Virginia
[Federal Register: June 28, 2001 (Volume 66, Number 125)]
[Notices]
[Page 34510-34511]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr28jn01-106]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
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