Environmental Impact Statement: Juneau, AK
[Federal Register: October 21, 2003 (Volume 68, Number 203)]
[Notices]
[Page 60146]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr21oc03-112]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Highway Administration
Environmental Impact Statement: Juneau, AK
AGENCY: Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), Alaska Department of
Transportation and Public Facilities (ADOT&PF).
ACTION: Notice of intent.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FHWA is issuing this notice to advise the public than an
environmental impact statement will be prepared for a second crossing
of the Gastineau Channel in Juneau, Alaska. Scoping meetings for the
Juneau Second Channel Crossing project will be held in Juneau, Alaska
during November 2003.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tim Haugh, Environment/Right-of-Way
Programs Manager, Federal Highway Administration, P.O. Box 21648,
Juneau, Alaska 99802, (907) 586-7430.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FHWA, in cooperation with the Alaska
Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (ADOT&PF) and the
City and Borough of Juneau (CBJ), will prepare an EIS for a proposed
second crossing of the Gastineau Channel in Juneau, Alaska. The
proposed Juneau Second Channel Crossing project would involve a new
crossing from mainland Juneau to Douglas Island. The project study area
includes an approximate nine-mile segment of the Gastineau Channel,
from the vicinity of Salmon Creek to the vicinity of the Mendenhall
Peninsula/North Douglas Island. Alternatives would vary by location and
would include different bridge types that are estimated to be from
approximately 0.5 to 1.5 miles in length.
Alternatives have yet to be developed for the project. Any bridge
crossing alternatives will meet the reasonable needs of navigation for
the Gastineau Channel. The No-build alternative will remain a viable
alternative throughout the EIS process. The Second Crossing is
considered necessary to: meet the expressed planning intent of the CBJ
to facilitate existing and planned development of the CBJ designated
``New Growth Area'' on West Douglas Island in accordance with the CBJ
Comprehensive Plan; and to improve transportation network connectivity
and access for emergency response.
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 previously expressed or are
known to have interest in the proposal. A series of agency and public
meetings will be held in Juneau, Alaska throughout the EIS study
process. In addition, a public hearing will be held. Public notice will
be given of the time and place of the meetings and hearing. The draft
EIS will be made available for public and agency review and comment
prior to the public hearing. A formal agency scoping meeting and public
scoping meetings are planned in Juneau, Alaska during November 2003.
To ensure that the full range of issues related to this proposed
action are addressed and all significant issues identified, comments,
and suggestions are invited from all interested parties. Comments or
questions concerning this proposed action and the EIS should be
directed to the FHWA at the address 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 October 10, 2003.
Tim A. Haugh,
Environment and Right-of-Way Programs Manager, Juneau, Alaska.
[FR Doc. 03-26437 Filed 10-20-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-22-M