[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 214 (Thursday, November 5, 1998)] [Notices] [Page 59838] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 98-29674] [[Page 59838]] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Highway Administration Environmental Impact Statement: Jackson County, Missouri 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 (EIS) will be prepared for proposed improvements to the transportation system in Jackson County, Missouri. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Donald Neumann, Programs Engineer, FHWA Division Office, 209 Adams St., Jefferson City, MO 65101, Telephone: (573) 636-7104 or Mr. Steve Noble, Manager, Long Range Transportation Planning, Mid-America Regional Council, 600 Broadway, Suite 300, Kansas City, MO 65105, Telephone: (816) 474-4240. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FHWA, in cooperation with the Mid- America Regional Council (MARC), will prepare an EIS for proposed improvements to the transportation system in Jackson County, Missouri. Improvements to the corridor are considered necessary to provide for a safe and efficient transportation network. MARC initiated a Major Investment Study (MIS) in April 1997 to identify and evaluate potential transportation improvements in the Missouri River Corridor. The area studied during the MIS is generally located along the Missouri River in Clay and Jackson Counties. The boundaries of the study area were I-70 on the south, I-35 on the west, N. 48th Street on the north, and M-7 on the east. The east-west distance of the study area is approximately 17 miles. The north-south distance ranges from six miles on the eastern end to approximately 10 miles on the western end. Major Routes studied included M-210, U.S. 24, M-78, M-12, Chouteau Trafficway, Front Street, and the proposed Little Blue and South Riverfront Expressways. As a result of the MIS, this EIS will address the impacts associated with improvements on Front Street between I-29/35 and I-435, improvements on the Chouteau Trafficway between I-35 and Front street (excluding the Chouteau Bridge which is currently under construction), and construction of the South Riverfront and Little Blue River Expressways. The goals of the proposed project established during the MIS include: 1) improve the safety of the Missouri River Corridor facilities; 2) improve mobility in the Missouri River Corridor; 3) facilitate the development of an efficient, integrated transportation system; 4) support economic development; 5) manage the transportation system to maximize the return on the Region's investment in highway and transit networks; 6) maintain or improve the quality of the natural environment, and 7) enhance quality of life. A location study will run concurrently with the preparation of the EIS. It will advance both ``build'' and ``no build'' alternatives for evaluation by the EIS. The scoping process, which began during the MIS, will continue with appropriate federal, state, local agencies, private organizations and citizens who have previously expressed or are known to have interest in this proposal. Preliminary information has been issued to local officials and other interested parties. Additional public meetings will be held to further engage the regional community in the decisionmaking process and to obtain public comment. A public hearing will be held to present the findings of the DEIS. The DEIS will be available for public and agency review and comment prior to the public hearing. 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 or MARC at the addresses provided above. (Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Program Number 20.205, Highway Planning and Construction. The regulations implementing Executive Order 12373 regarding intergovernmental consultation on Federal programs and activities apply to this program). Issued: October 27, 1998. Donald L. Neumann, Programs Engineer, Jefferson City. [FR Doc. 98-29674 Filed 11-4-98; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-22-M