[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 187 (Wednesday, September 28, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page ]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-23928]
[Federal Register: September 28, 1994]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Highway Administration
Environmental Impact Statement: Clatsop County, Oregon
agency: Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), DOT.
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 in Clatsop County, Oregon. The Oregon Department of
Transportation (ODOT) prepared and published a Draft Environmental
Impact Statement (DEIS) in September 1993 and held a Public Hearing in
October 1993. Originally, this project was planned for Access Oregon
Highway funding. Because of an unanticipated shortage of State funds,
ODOT is now requesting federal-aid participation in the proposed
project. As a result, FHWA is reviewing the DEIS, public hearing
testimony and comments received on the DEIS to determine if all federal
requirements have been met to allow us to approve the DEIS for
circulation in accordance with requirements in 23 CFR 771.
for further information contact: Elton Chang, Environmental Engineer,
Federal Highway Administration, Equitable Center, Suite 100, 530 Center
Street NE., Salem, Oregon 97301, Telephone (503) 399-5749, FAX (503)
399-5838.
supplementary information: The FHWA is currently reviewing the DEIS,
public hearing testimony and written comments. FHWA, in cooperation
with the ODOT, will prepare a Draft 4(f) evaluation which will
accompany the DEIS. FHWA and ODOT will determine whether a supplemental
environmental document is necessary and prepare a Final Environmental
Impact Statement for the project.
The proposed project would realign about a 9.66 kilometer (6 mile)
segment of the Lower Columbia River Highway (US 30) from the John Day
River Bridge, over new alignment through the Clatsop State Forest, to
connect with the existing Nehalem Highway (OR 202) at Williamsport
Road, and then to join US 101 on the west side of Astoria near the
north end of the Youngs Bay bridge. The improvements would include an
interchange at the existing Williamsport Road-Nehalem Highway
intersection, upgrading of the US 101/OR 202 intersection, improving
access to the Port of Astoria, and widening of the existing OR 202 and
US 101 segments of the project.
The purpose of the proposed project is to provide an improved and
safe route for traffic to and from the Port of Astoria, to reduce the
truck traffic, improve safety and overall congestion in downtown
Astoria, and provide a second east-west route in and out of Astoria.
The No-Build and the one Build Alternative are under consideration.
The ODOT DEIS indicates that approximately 31.6 hectares (78 acres)
of additional right-of-way would be required for the project. This
includes 23.1 ha (57 acres) of forest land, 3.2 ha (8 acres) of
residential land, 2.8 ha (7 acres) of undeveloped land, and 2.4 ha (6
acres) of various other uses. The project would displace an estimated
35-40 residences in which about 75-90 persons lived in late 1992. In
addition, it would displace approximately 6 businesses which employ
about 25 workers. The project will affect and use right-of-way from
four historic properties. It is estimated that the project may impact
about 6.5 ha (16 acres) of wetlands. Threatened and endangered species
have been identified in the project corridor as well as a great blue
heron rookery and habitat used by Roosevelt elk and blacktail deer.
Information describing the proposed action and soliciting comments
will be sent to appropriate federal, state, and local agencies. Public
meetings and a public hearing have been held on the proposed project.
Additional public meetings will be held if needed. 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 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 19, 1994.
Elton Chang,
Environmental Engineer, Federal Highway Administration.
[FR Doc. 94-23928 Filed 9-27-94; 8:45 am]
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