82_FR_47486 82 FR 47291 - Tier 1 Environmental Impact Statement for the Chesapeake Bay Crossing Study, Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Calvert County, Cecil County, Dorchester County, Harford County, Kent County, Queen Anne's County, St. Mary's County, Somerset County, and Talbot County, Maryland

82 FR 47291 - Tier 1 Environmental Impact Statement for the Chesapeake Bay Crossing Study, Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Calvert County, Cecil County, Dorchester County, Harford County, Kent County, Queen Anne's County, St. Mary's County, Somerset County, and Talbot County, Maryland

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Highway Administration

Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 195 (October 11, 2017)

Page Range47291-47292
FR Document2017-21916

The FHWA, as the Lead Federal Agency, and MDTA, as the Local Project Sponsor, are issuing this notice to advise the public of our intention to prepare a Tier 1 EIS for the Chesapeake Bay Crossing Study in Maryland. The Tier 1 EIS will assess the potential environmental impacts of addressing congestion at the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, which could result in added capacity at the existing bridge or at a new location across the Chesapeake Bay. The Tier 1 EIS will be prepared in accordance with regulations implementing the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and provisions of the Fixing America's Surface Transportation Act (FAST Act) and will include a range of reasonable corridor alternatives, including a ``No Build'' alternative.

Federal Register, Volume 82 Issue 195 (Wednesday, October 11, 2017) 
[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 195 (Wednesday, October 11, 2017)]
[Notices]
[Pages 47291-47292]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2017-21916]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Highway Administration


Tier 1 Environmental Impact Statement for the Chesapeake Bay 
Crossing Study, Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Calvert County, 
Cecil County, Dorchester County, Harford County, Kent County, Queen 
Anne's County, St. Mary's County, Somerset County, and Talbot County, 
Maryland

AGENCY: Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), Maryland Transportation 
Authority (MDTA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of intent to prepare a Tier 1 Environmental Impact 
Statement (EIS).

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The FHWA, as the Lead Federal Agency, and MDTA, as the Local 
Project Sponsor, are issuing this notice to advise the public of our 
intention to prepare a Tier 1 EIS for the Chesapeake Bay Crossing Study 
in Maryland. The Tier 1 EIS will assess the potential environmental 
impacts of addressing congestion at the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, which 
could result in added capacity at the existing bridge or at a new 
location across the Chesapeake Bay. The Tier 1 EIS will be prepared in 
accordance with regulations implementing the National Environmental 
Policy Act (NEPA) and provisions of the Fixing America's Surface 
Transportation Act (FAST Act) and will include a range of reasonable 
corridor alternatives, including a ``No Build'' alternative.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jeanette Mar, Environmental Program 
Manager, Federal Highway Administration, Maryland Division, 10 S. 
Howard Street, Suite 2450, Baltimore, MD 21201, (410) 779-7152, or 
email at [email protected]. Melissa Williams, Director, Division of 
Planning & Program Development, Maryland Transportation Authority, 2310 
Broening Highway, Baltimore, MD 21224, (410) 537-5650, or email at 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The purpose of this notice is to: (1) Alert 
interested parties to the FHWA and MDTA plan to prepare the Tier 1 EIS; 
(2) provide information on the nature of the proposed action; (3) 
solicit public and agency input regarding the scope of the Tier 1 EIS, 
including the purpose and need, alternatives to be considered, and 
impacts to be evaluated; and (4) announce that public and agency 
scoping meetings will be conducted.
    The Chesapeake Bay Crossing Study Tier 1 EIS will identify the 
preferred corridor alternative for addressing congestion at the 
Chesapeake Bay Bridge and evaluate its financial viability. The study 
area is a broad geographic area that includes the entire length of the 
Chesapeake Bay in Maryland, spanning approximately 100 miles from the 
northern end near Havre de Grace to the southern border with Virginia 
between St. Mary's and Somerset Counties. The study will include a 
review of existing roadway infrastructure and environmental conditions 
along both shores of the Bay to identify potential crossing corridors 
in Maryland. Each potential corridor alternative will consist of a 
corridor band approximately one mile wide. This width may be adjusted 
to accommodate the specific conditions at each crossing as the study 
progresses.
    Once the full range of potential corridor alternatives is 
developed, the study will include identification of a range of 
reasonable corridor alternatives for screening. It is assumed that 
approximately ten to fifteen corridors will be identified as reasonable 
for additional study. These corridors will then be screened based on 
measurable criteria to the corridor alternatives that will be retained 
for analysis in the Tier 1 Draft EIS. The EIS will be prepared by MDTA 
for FHWA to fulfill the requirements established in NEPA pursuant to 
current FHWA regulations and guidance.
    The EIS will be prepared as a tiered document, providing a 
systematic approach for advancing potential transportation 
improvements. The analyses undertaken during Tier 1 will result in 
identification of the preferred corridor alternative that best meets 
the study purpose and need. The FHWA intends to issue a single Final 
Tier 1 EIS and Record of Decision (ROD) unless FHWA determines 
statutory criteria or practicability considerations precluding issuance 
of a combined document. If the combined Final Tier 1 EIS/ROD identifies 
an Action (Build) alternative, MDTA will complete a Tier 2 NEPA 
document where the agency will evaluate site-specific, project level 
impacts and required mitigation commitments. The scope of future 
environmental studies will be commensurate with the proposed action and 
potential environmental consequences.
    FHWA and MDTA will undertake a scoping process for the Chesapeake 
Bay Crossing Study that will allow the public and interested agencies 
to comment on the scope of the Tier 1 EIS. This public outreach effort 
will educate and engage stakeholders, and solicit stakeholder input. 
FHWA and MDTA will invite all interested individuals, organizations, 
and public agencies to comment on the scope of the Tier 1 EIS, 
including the purpose and need, corridor alternatives to be studied, 
impacts to be evaluated, and evaluation methods to be used.
    FHWA and MDTA will develop preliminary public outreach materials 
(such as fact sheets, brochures, maps or other materials) to support 
the scoping process. A public scoping presentation in webinar format 
will be held in November 2017. The meeting will be held online and 
available for viewing at the study Web site (www.baycrossingstudy.com). 
MDTA will also provide local viewing of the presentation at multiple 
locations. Presentation times and locations will be announced on the 
project Web site, in newspaper advertisements, and by other media.
    Initial scoping will provide an opportunity for public input on 
issues relevant to the Tier 1 EIS. More information on public outreach 
activities, including future public open

[[Page 47292]]

houses, will be available in a project coordination plan on the study 
Web site. All public meetings related to the study will be held in 
locations accessible to persons with disabilities. Any person who 
requires special assistance, such as a language interpreter, should 
contact the Chesapeake Bay Crossing Study: Tier 1 NEPA Team at (410) 
537-5650 or via email at [email protected] at least 48 hours 
before the open house or meeting.
    Letters inviting agencies to be cooperating or participating in the 
environmental review process are being sent to those agencies that have 
jurisdiction or may have an interest in the Chesapeake Bay Crossing 
Study: Tier 1 NEPA. FHWA and MDTA will notify cooperating and 
participating agencies of a separate agency scoping meeting to be held 
October 25, 2017, in Annapolis, Maryland.
    Written comments or questions on the scope of the Tier 1 EIS should 
be mailed to the Chesapeake Bay Crossing Study: Tier 1 NEPA, c/o Ms. 
Melissa Williams, Director, Division of Planning & Program Development, 
Maryland Transportation Authority, 2310 Broening Highway, Baltimore, MD 
21224; sent via email to [email protected]; or submitted on 
the study Web site (www.baycrossingstudy.com).

(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 2, 2017.
Gregory Murrill,
Division Administrator, Federal Highway Administration, Baltimore, 
Maryland.
[FR Doc. 2017-21916 Filed 10-10-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE P

Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 195 / Wednesday, October 11, 2017 / Notices 47291 existing interchanges and adding addressing congestion at the Chesapeake additional study. These corridors will capacity along the corridor. Bay Bridge, which could result in added then be screened based on measurable WisDOT has notified FHWA that capacity at the existing bridge or at a criteria to the corridor alternatives that pursuant to s. 84.0145, Wis. Stats., the new location across the Chesapeake will be retained for analysis in the Tier Legislature must specifically authorize Bay. The Tier 1 EIS will be prepared in 1 Draft EIS. The EIS will be prepared by WisDOT to proceed with the project. accordance with regulations MDTA for FHWA to fulfill the The recently approved 2017 Wisconsin implementing the National requirements established in NEPA Act 59, the State’s biennial budget, did Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and pursuant to current FHWA regulations not authorize WisDOT to advance the provisions of the Fixing America’s and guidance. project. Therefore, FHWA has Surface Transportation Act (FAST Act) The EIS will be prepared as a tiered determined, in conjunction with and will include a range of reasonable document, providing a systematic WisDOT, that the ROD shall be corridor alternatives, including a ‘‘No approach for advancing potential rescinded. Any future environmental Build’’ alternative. transportation improvements. The action within this corridor will comply FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: analyses undertaken during Tier 1 will with environmental review Jeanette Mar, Environmental Program result in identification of the preferred requirements of the National Manager, Federal Highway corridor alternative that best meets the Environmental Policy Act ((NEPA) (42 Administration, Maryland Division, 10 study purpose and need. The FHWA U.S.C. 4321, et seq.)), FHWA S. Howard Street, Suite 2450, Baltimore, intends to issue a single Final Tier 1 EIS environmental regulations (23 CFR 771), MD 21201, (410) 779–7152, or email at and Record of Decision (ROD) unless and related authorities prior to jeanette.mar@dot.gov. Melissa Williams, FHWA determines statutory criteria or reissuance of a ROD or other NEPA Director, Division of Planning & practicability considerations precluding documentation, as appropriate. Program Development, Maryland issuance of a combined document. If the Comments and questions concerning Transportation Authority, 2310 combined Final Tier 1 EIS/ROD this action should be directed to FHWA identifies an Action (Build) alternative, Broening Highway, Baltimore, MD at the address provided above. MDTA will complete a Tier 2 NEPA 21224, (410) 537–5650, or email at document where the agency will (Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance mwilliams9@mdta.state.md.us. evaluate site-specific, project level Program Number 20.205, Highway Planning SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The and Construction. The regulations impacts and required mitigation purpose of this notice is to: (1) Alert commitments. The scope of future implementing Executive Order 12372 interested parties to the FHWA and regarding intergovernmental consultation on environmental studies will be MDTA plan to prepare the Tier 1 EIS; commensurate with the proposed action Federal programs and activities apply to this program.) (2) provide information on the nature of and potential environmental the proposed action; (3) solicit public consequences. Issued on: October 4, 2017. and agency input regarding the scope of FHWA and MDTA will undertake a Timothy C. Marshall, the Tier 1 EIS, including the purpose scoping process for the Chesapeake Bay Assistant Division Administrator, FHWA and need, alternatives to be considered, Crossing Study that will allow the Wisconsin Division, Madison, Wisconsin. and impacts to be evaluated; and (4) public and interested agencies to [FR Doc. 2017–21917 Filed 10–10–17; 8:45 am] announce that public and agency comment on the scope of the Tier 1 EIS. BILLING CODE 4910–22–P scoping meetings will be conducted. This public outreach effort will educate The Chesapeake Bay Crossing Study and engage stakeholders, and solicit Tier 1 EIS will identify the preferred stakeholder input. FHWA and MDTA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION corridor alternative for addressing will invite all interested individuals, congestion at the Chesapeake Bay organizations, and public agencies to Federal Highway Administration Bridge and evaluate its financial comment on the scope of the Tier 1 EIS, viability. The study area is a broad including the purpose and need, Tier 1 Environmental Impact Statement geographic area that includes the entire corridor alternatives to be studied, for the Chesapeake Bay Crossing length of the Chesapeake Bay in impacts to be evaluated, and evaluation Study, Anne Arundel County, Maryland, spanning approximately 100 methods to be used. Baltimore County, Calvert County, miles from the northern end near Havre FHWA and MDTA will develop Cecil County, Dorchester County, de Grace to the southern border with preliminary public outreach materials Harford County, Kent County, Queen Virginia between St. Mary’s and (such as fact sheets, brochures, maps or Anne’s County, St. Mary’s County, Somerset Counties. The study will other materials) to support the scoping Somerset County, and Talbot County, include a review of existing roadway process. A public scoping presentation Maryland infrastructure and environmental in webinar format will be held in AGENCY: Federal Highway conditions along both shores of the Bay November 2017. The meeting will be Administration (FHWA), Maryland to identify potential crossing corridors held online and available for viewing at Transportation Authority (MDTA), DOT. in Maryland. Each potential corridor the study Web site ACTION: Notice of intent to prepare a alternative will consist of a corridor (www.baycrossingstudy.com). MDTA Tier 1 Environmental Impact Statement band approximately one mile wide. This will also provide local viewing of the (EIS). width may be adjusted to accommodate presentation at multiple locations. asabaliauskas on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with NOTICES the specific conditions at each crossing Presentation times and locations will be SUMMARY: The FHWA, as the Lead as the study progresses. announced on the project Web site, in Federal Agency, and MDTA, as the Once the full range of potential newspaper advertisements, and by other Local Project Sponsor, are issuing this corridor alternatives is developed, the media. notice to advise the public of our study will include identification of a Initial scoping will provide an intention to prepare a Tier 1 EIS for the range of reasonable corridor alternatives opportunity for public input on issues Chesapeake Bay Crossing Study in for screening. It is assumed that relevant to the Tier 1 EIS. More Maryland. The Tier 1 EIS will assess the approximately ten to fifteen corridors information on public outreach potential environmental impacts of will be identified as reasonable for activities, including future public open VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:58 Oct 10, 2017 Jkt 244001 PO 00000 Frm 00121 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\11OCN1.SGM 11OCN1

47292 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 195 / Wednesday, October 11, 2017 / Notices houses, will be available in a project individuals from its prohibition in the As stated in the previous notice, coordination plan on the study Web Federal Motor Carrier Safety FMCSA has evaluated the eligibility of site. All public meetings related to the Regulations (FMCSRs) against persons these applicants and determined that study will be held in locations with insulin-treated diabetes mellitus renewing these exemptions would accessible to persons with disabilities. (ITDM) from operating commercial achieve a level of safety equivalent to or Any person who requires special motor vehicles (CMVs) in interstate greater than the level that would be assistance, such as a language commerce. The exemptions enable these achieved by complying with the current interpreter, should contact the individuals with ITDM to continue to regulation 49 CFR 391.41(b)(3). Chesapeake Bay Crossing Study: Tier 1 operate CMVs in interstate commerce. The physical qualification standard NEPA Team at (410) 537–5650 or via DATES: Each group of renewed for drivers regarding diabetes found in email at info@baycrossingstudy.com at exemptions were applicable on the 49 CFR 391.41(b)(3) states that a person least 48 hours before the open house or dates stated in the discussions below is physically qualified to drive a CMV meeting. and will expire on the dates stated in if that person: Letters inviting agencies to be the discussions below. Has no established medical history or cooperating or participating in the clinical diagnosis of diabetes mellitus FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. environmental review process are being currently requiring insulin for control. sent to those agencies that have Christine A. Hydock, Chief, Medical jurisdiction or may have an interest in Programs Division, 202–366–4001, III. Discussion of Comments the Chesapeake Bay Crossing Study: fmcsamedical@dot.gov, FMCSA, Department of Transportation, 1200 FMCSA received one comment in this Tier 1 NEPA. FHWA and MDTA will preceding. An anonymous commenter notify cooperating and participating New Jersey Avenue SE., Room W64– 224, Washington, DC 20590–0001. stated they believe the rule preventing agencies of a separate agency scoping drivers with ITDM operating CMVs in meeting to be held October 25, 2017, in Office hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., e.t., Monday through Friday, interstate commerce should be removed Annapolis, Maryland. and the medical examiners should Written comments or questions on the except Federal holidays. If you have questions regarding viewing or determine whether a driver is fit to scope of the Tier 1 EIS should be mailed operate a CMV in interstate commerce. to the Chesapeake Bay Crossing Study: submitting material to the docket, contact Docket Services, telephone (202) On May 4, 2015, FMCSA published a Tier 1 NEPA, c/o Ms. Melissa Williams, Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) Director, Division of Planning & 366–9826. (80 FR 25260) proposing changes to the Program Development, Maryland SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Diabetes standard and requesting Transportation Authority, 2310 comments from the public. FMCSA is I. Electronic Access Broening Highway, Baltimore, MD currently evaluating comments received 21224; sent via email to mwilliams9@ You may see all the comments online and drafting a Final Rule. Information mdta.state.md.us; or submitted on the through the Federal Document related to this action can be found in the study Web site Management System (FDMS) at: http:// Docket at FMCSA–2005–23151. (www.baycrossingstudy.com). www.regulations.gov. Docket: For access to the docket to IV. Conclusion (Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Program Number 20.205, Highway Research, read background documents or Based upon its evaluation of the 127 Planning and Construction. The regulations comments, go to http// renewal exemption applications and implementing Executive Order 12372 www.regulations.gov and/or Room comments received, FMCSA announces regarding intergovernmental consultation on W12–140 on the ground level of the its’ decision to exempt the following Federal programs and activities apply to this West Building, 1200 New Jersey Avenue program.) drivers from the rule prohibiting drivers SE., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. with ITDM from driving CMVs in Issued on: October 2, 2017. and 5 p.m., e.t., Monday through Friday, interstate commerce in 49 CFR Gregory Murrill, except Federal holidays. 391.64(3): Division Administrator, Federal Highway Privacy Act: In accordance with 5 As of August 1, 2017, and in Administration, Baltimore, Maryland. U.S.C. 553(c), DOT solicits comments accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and [FR Doc. 2017–21916 Filed 10–10–17; 8:45 am] from the public to better inform its 31315, the following 35 individuals BILLING CODE P rulemaking process. DOT posts these have satisfied the renewal conditions for comments, without edit, including any obtaining an exemption from the rule personal information the commenter prohibiting drivers with ITDM from DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION provides, to http://www.regulations.gov, driving CMVs in interstate commerce as described in the system of records (80 FR 37719; 80 FR 59223): Federal Motor Carrier Safety notice (DOT/ALL–14 FDMS), which can Administration Adele M. Aasen (ND) be reviewed at http://www.dot.gov/ Kyle E. Beine (WI) [Docket No. FMCSA–2009–0155; FMCSA– privacy. Joseph M. Blackwell (GA) 2011–0125; FMCSA–2011–0144; FMCSA– II. Background Joseph G. Blastick (SD) 2011–0145; FMCSA–2013–0019; FMCSA– Gary W. Boninsegna (OH) 2013–0181; FMCSA–2015–0062; FMCSA– On July 27, 2017, FMCSA published Billy J. Bronson (OR) 2015–0063] a notice announcing its decision to Michael L. Campbell (NC) asabaliauskas on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with NOTICES renew exemptions for 127 individuals Steven C. Cornell (PA) Qualification of Drivers; Exemption from the insulin-treated diabetes Applications; Diabetes Josiah L. Crestik (MN) mellitus prohibition in 49 CFR Richard L. Cunningham (NE) AGENCY: Federal Motor Carrier Safety 391.41(b)(3) to operate a CMV in Thomas M. Delasko (FL) Administration (FMCSA), DOT. interstate commerce and requested William T. Eason (NC) ACTION: Notice of final disposition. comments from the public (82 FR Douglas J. Garrison (IA) 35029). The public comment period Daniel W. Gregory (NC) SUMMARY: FMCSA announces its ended on August 28, 2017, and one Barry L. Grimes, Sr. (MD) decision to renew exemptions for 127 comment was received. Dennis J. Grimm (DE) VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:58 Oct 10, 2017 Jkt 244001 PO 00000 Frm 00122 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\11OCN1.SGM 11OCN1


Document Created: 2018-10-25 10:01:26
Document Modified: 2018-10-25 10:01:26
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionNotices
ActionNotice of intent to prepare a Tier 1 Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).
ContactJeanette Mar, Environmental Program Manager, Federal Highway Administration, Maryland Division, 10 S. Howard Street, Suite 2450, Baltimore, MD 21201, (410) 779-7152, or email at [email protected] Melissa Williams, Director, Division of Planning & Program Development, Maryland Transportation Authority, 2310 Broening Highway, Baltimore, MD 21224, (410) 537-5650, or email at [email protected]
FR Citation82 FR 47291 
2025 Federal Register | Disclaimer | Privacy Policy
USC | CFR | eCFR