83 FR 33972 - Environmental Impact Statement; Hays County, Texas
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Highway Administration Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 138 (July 18, 2018)
Federal Highway Administration
Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 138 (July 18, 2018)
| Page Range | 33972-33973 | |
| FR Document | 2018-15301 |
[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 138 (Wednesday, July 18, 2018)] [Notices] [Pages 33972-33973] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2018-15301] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Highway Administration Environmental Impact Statement; Hays County, Texas AGENCY: Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), Department of Transportation. ACTION: Federal notice of intent to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: FHWA, on behalf of TxDOT, is issuing this notice to advise the public that an EIS will be prepared for a proposed transportation project to construct a new location four lane roadway in and near the City of Kyle in Hays County. The roadway would start west of Kyle and run east to Interstate 35 (I-35), and may follow portions of existing Ranch-to-Market (RM) 150, from west of Arroyo Ranch Road, running east to I-35. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Carlos Swonke, Division Director, TxDOT Environmental Affairs Division, 125 East 11th Street, Austin, Texas 78701; Phone (512) 416-2734; email: [email protected]. TxDOT's normal business hours are 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. (central time), Monday through Friday. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The environmental review, consultation, and other actions required by applicable Federal environmental laws for this project are being, or have been, carried-out by TxDOT pursuant to 23 U.S.C. 327 and a Memorandum of Understanding dated December 16, 2014, and executed by FHWA and TxDOT. TxDOT will prepare an EIS for the proposed construction of a new location four lane roadway in and near the City of Kyle in Hays County. The roadway would start west of Kyle and run east to I-35, and may follow portions of existing RM 150, from west of Arroyo Ranch Road, running east to I-35. The proposed project is included in the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (CAMPO) 2040 Metropolitan Transportation Plan, 2015, as a new location four-lane roadway that may follow portions of the existing RM 150 roadway. The proposed project is approximately 6 miles long. Proposed improvements to Ranch to Market (RM) 150 are needed because the existing two-lane facility is inadequate to handle existing and future traffic volumes between I-35 and RM 150 west of Kyle, resulting in congestion and safety concerns. In addition, the overall transportation network does not provide sufficient linkage to I-35 to handle existing and future traffic volumes in this growing area of Hays County. The current two-lane facility does not meet current design standards, does not meet the Level of Service to meet increasing travel demand and does not provide a safe and adequate crossing of the Union Pacific Railroad. In addition, regional population growth continues to increase demand for additional capacity and access in this corridor and the region. The purpose of the proposed project is to relieve congestion and improve safety along the existing RM 150 corridor between RM 150 west of Kyle and I-35. The EIS will develop and evaluate alternatives intended to satisfy the identified purpose and need. The alternatives will include a range of build alternatives and a no-build alternative within the study corridor, which is generally bounded to the north by RM 150 south of Indian Hills Trail, to the east by the existing RM 150 east of Arroyo Ranch Road and through the city of Kyle to I-35, to the south by the intersection of Yarrington Rd. and I-35, and to the west by the Blanco River. The roadway build alternatives may include limited access and non- limited access (arterial) design. The EIS will evaluate potential impacts from construction and operation of the proposed project, including, but not limited to, the following: Transportation impacts, air quality and noise impacts; water quality impacts including storm water runoff, water recharge zone impacts; impacts to waters of the United States, including wetlands; impacts to floodplains; impacts to historic and archeological resources; socio-economic impacts including environmental justice and limited English proficiency populations; impacts to land use, vegetation and wildlife, including threatened and endangered species and habitat impacts; impacts to or potential displacement of residents and businesses; and impacts to aesthetic and visual resources. TxDOT will issue a single Final EIS and Record of Decision document pursuant to 23 U.S.C. 139(n)(2), unless TxDOT determines statutory criteria or practicability considerations preclude issuance of the combined document. Anticipated state and federal permits, pending selection of alternatives and field surveys, may include, but are not limited to, the following: United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Section 404 permit, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) Section 401 Water Quality Certification; TCEQ Texas Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (TPDES) permit, Advisory Council for Historic Preservation (ACHP) Section 106 (National Historic Preservation Act) approval, and United States Fish and Wildlife Service Section 7 (Endangered Species Act) permits and approval. Public involvement is a critical component of the project development process and will continue throughout the development of the EIS. A draft project coordination plan has been developed in accordance with 23 U.S.C. [[Page 33973]] 139, Efficient Environmental Reviews for Project Decision Making, to identify and document opportunities for project involvement by the public and other agencies. The project coordination plan will promote involvement from stakeholders, agencies and the public as well as describe the proposed project, the roles of the agencies and the public, the proposed project purpose and need, schedule, level of detail for alternatives analysis, and the proposed process for coordination and communication. The plan will be available for public review, input, and comments at public meetings, including scoping meetings held in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and upon request at the TxDOT Austin District Office. In accordance with 23 U.S.C. 139, cooperating agencies, participating agencies and the public will be given an opportunity for continued input on the proposed project. A public scoping meeting is planned for the summer of 2018. An agency scoping meeting will also be held with participating and cooperating agencies. The purpose of the agency and public scoping meetings is to present the project studies completed to date and identify significant and other relevant issues related to the proposed RM 150 corridor as part of the NEPA process. The scoping meetings will provide an opportunity for participating agencies, cooperating agencies, and the public to review and comment on the draft project coordination plan and schedule, the proposed project purpose and need, the range of alternatives developed to date to be considered and evaluated in the EIS, and methodologies and level of detail for analyzing alternatives. In addition to the agency and public scoping meetings, a public hearing will be held. Public notice will be given of the time and place of the meetings and hearing. To ensure that the full range of issues related to the proposed project is addressed and all significant issues are identified, comments and suggestions are invited from all interested parties. Such comments or questions concerning this proposed action should be directed to TxDOT at the address provided above. (Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Program Number 20.205, Highway Planning and Construction.) Issued on: July 10, 2018. Michael T. Leary, Director, Planning and Program Development, Federal Highway Administration. [FR Doc. 2018-15301 Filed 7-17-18; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-22-P
![33972 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 138 / Wednesday, July 18, 2018 / Notices
Fiscal year ACTION: Federal notice of intent to access in this corridor and the region.
2019 raw prepare an Environmental Impact The purpose of the proposed project is
Country cane sugar Statement (EIS). to relieve congestion and improve safety
allocations along the existing RM 150 corridor
(MTRV) SUMMARY: FHWA, on behalf of TxDOT, between RM 150 west of Kyle and I–35.
is issuing this notice to advise the The EIS will develop and evaluate
Congo ................................... 7,258
Costa Rica ............................ 15,796
public that an EIS will be prepared for alternatives intended to satisfy the
Cote d’Ivoire ......................... 7,258 a proposed transportation project to identified purpose and need. The
Dominican Republic .............. 185,335 construct a new location four lane alternatives will include a range of build
Ecuador ................................ 11,584 roadway in and near the City of Kyle in alternatives and a no-build alternative
El Salvador ........................... 27,379 Hays County. The roadway would start within the study corridor, which is
Fiji ......................................... 9,477 west of Kyle and run east to Interstate generally bounded to the north by RM
Gabon ................................... 7,258 35 (I–35), and may follow portions of 150 south of Indian Hills Trail, to the
Guatemala ............................ 50,546 existing Ranch-to-Market (RM) 150, east by the existing RM 150 east of
Guyana ................................. 12,636 from west of Arroyo Ranch Road, Arroyo Ranch Road and through the city
Haiti ....................................... 7,258 running east to I–35. of Kyle to I–35, to the south by the
Honduras .............................. 10,530 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
India ...................................... 8,424 intersection of Yarrington Rd. and I–35,
Carlos Swonke, Division Director, and to the west by the Blanco River.
Jamaica ................................ 11,584
Madagascar .......................... 7,258 TxDOT Environmental Affairs Division, The roadway build alternatives may
Malawi ................................... 10,530 125 East 11th Street, Austin, Texas include limited access and non-limited
Mauritius ............................... 12,636 78701; Phone (512) 416–2734; email: access (arterial) design. The EIS will
Mexico .................................. 7,258 carlos.swonke@txdot.gov. TxDOT’s evaluate potential impacts from
Mozambique ......................... 13,690 normal business hours are 8:00 a.m.– construction and operation of the
Nicaragua ............................. 22,114 5:00 p.m. (central time), Monday proposed project, including, but not
Panama ................................ 30,538 through Friday. limited to, the following: Transportation
Papua New Guinea .............. 7,258 SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The impacts, air quality and noise impacts;
Paraguay .............................. 7,258 environmental review, consultation, and water quality impacts including storm
Peru ...................................... 43,175 other actions required by applicable water runoff, water recharge zone
Philippines ............................ 142,160 impacts; impacts to waters of the United
Federal environmental laws for this
South Africa .......................... 24,220
project are being, or have been, carried- States, including wetlands; impacts to
St. Kitts & Nevis ................... 7,258
Swaziland ............................. 16,849 out by TxDOT pursuant to 23 U.S.C. 327 floodplains; impacts to historic and
Taiwan .................................. 12,636 and a Memorandum of Understanding archeological resources; socio-economic
Thailand ................................ 14,743 dated December 16, 2014, and executed impacts including environmental justice
Trinidad & Tobago ................ 7,371 by FHWA and TxDOT. and limited English proficiency
Uruguay ................................ 7,258 TxDOT will prepare an EIS for the populations; impacts to land use,
Zimbabwe ............................. 12,636 proposed construction of a new location vegetation and wildlife, including
four lane roadway in and near the City threatened and endangered species and
These allocations are based on the of Kyle in Hays County. The roadway habitat impacts; impacts to or potential
countries’ historical shipments to the would start west of Kyle and run east to displacement of residents and
United States. The allocations of the in- I–35, and may follow portions of businesses; and impacts to aesthetic and
quota quantities of the raw cane sugar existing RM 150, from west of Arroyo visual resources. TxDOT will issue a
TRQ to countries that are net importers Ranch Road, running east to I–35. The single Final EIS and Record of Decision
of sugar are conditioned on receipt of proposed project is included in the document pursuant to 23 U.S.C.
the appropriate verifications of origin, Capital Area Metropolitan Planning 139(n)(2), unless TxDOT determines
and certificates for quota eligibility must Organization (CAMPO) 2040 statutory criteria or practicability
accompany imports from any country Metropolitan Transportation Plan, 2015, considerations preclude issuance of the
as a new location four-lane roadway that combined document.
for which an allocation has been
may follow portions of the existing RM Anticipated state and federal permits,
provided. Raw cane sugar for Fiscal
150 roadway. The proposed project is pending selection of alternatives and
Year 2019 TRQs may enter the United
approximately 6 miles long. field surveys, may include, but are not
States as of October 1, 2018. Proposed improvements to Ranch to limited to, the following: United States
Robert Lighthizer, Market (RM) 150 are needed because the Army Corps of Engineers (USACE)
United States Trade Representative. existing two-lane facility is inadequate Section 404 permit, Texas Commission
[FR Doc. 2018–15266 Filed 7–17–18; 8:45 am] to handle existing and future traffic on Environmental Quality (TCEQ)
volumes between I–35 and RM 150 west Section 401 Water Quality Certification;
BILLING CODE 3290–F8–P
of Kyle, resulting in congestion and TCEQ Texas Pollutant Discharge
safety concerns. In addition, the overall Elimination System (TPDES) permit,
transportation network does not provide Advisory Council for Historic
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION sufficient linkage to I–35 to handle Preservation (ACHP) Section 106
existing and future traffic volumes in (National Historic Preservation Act)
Federal Highway Administration this growing area of Hays County. The approval, and United States Fish and
current two-lane facility does not meet Wildlife Service Section 7 (Endangered
amozie on DSK3GDR082PROD with NOTICES1
Environmental Impact Statement; Hays current design standards, does not meet Species Act) permits and approval.
County, Texas the Level of Service to meet increasing Public involvement is a critical
travel demand and does not provide a component of the project development
AGENCY: Texas Department of safe and adequate crossing of the Union process and will continue throughout
Transportation (TxDOT), Federal Pacific Railroad. In addition, regional the development of the EIS. A draft
Highway Administration (FHWA), population growth continues to increase project coordination plan has been
Department of Transportation. demand for additional capacity and developed in accordance with 23 U.S.C.
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![Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 138 / Wednesday, July 18, 2018 / Notices 33973
139, Efficient Environmental Reviews DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (Project). The Project has been advanced
for Project Decision Making, to identify in accordance with the requirements of
and document opportunities for project Federal Highway Administration the Council on Environmental Quality
involvement by the public and other regulations for implementing the
agencies. Hunts Point Interstate Access procedural provisions of the National
The project coordination plan will Improvement Project; Comment Period Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) (40
promote involvement from stakeholders, Extension CFR parts 1500 through 1508), the
agencies and the public as well as AGENCY: Federal Highway FHWA Environmental Impact and
describe the proposed project, the roles Administration (FHWA), DOT. Related Procedures; Final Rule (23 CFR
of the agencies and the public, the ACTION: Notice of availability of Draft part 771), and the NYSDOT Procedures
proposed project purpose and need, Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for Implementation of the State
schedule, level of detail for alternatives for the Hunts Point Access Improvement Environmental Quality Review Act at 17
analysis, and the proposed process for Project; extension of comment period. New York Codes, Rules, and
coordination and communication. The Regulations Part 15.
plan will be available for public review, SUMMARY: The FHWA is extending the The Project is located on and in the
input, and comments at public comment period for a notice of immediate vicinity of the Hunts Point
meetings, including scoping meetings availability for a DEIS for the Hunts Peninsula in Bronx County, New York.
held in accordance with the National Point Access Improvement Project, The purpose of the Project is to provide
Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and which was published on June 1, 2018. improved access between the Hunts
upon request at the TxDOT Austin The original comment period is set to Point Peninsula and Sheridan
District Office. close on July 16, 2018. The extension is Boulevard and the Bruckner Expressway
In accordance with 23 U.S.C. 139, based on the FHWA’s desire to allow for automobiles and trucks traveling to
cooperating agencies, participating interested parties sufficient time to and from the commercial businesses
agencies and the public will be given an review and provide comprehensive located on the peninsula. In addition,
opportunity for continued input on the comments on this DEIS. Therefore, the the Project will address structural and
proposed project. A public scoping closing date for comments is changed to operational deficiencies related to the
meeting is planned for the summer of July 31, 2018, which will provide those existing infrastructure within the
2018. An agency scoping meeting will interested in commenting additional established project limits.
also be held with participating and time to discuss, evaluate, and submit The DDR/DEIS describes the Project;
cooperating agencies. The purpose of responses. the consideration of social, economic,
the agency and public scoping meetings and environmental effects that would
DATES: The comment period for the
is to present the project studies result from implementation of the
completed to date and identify notice of availability for the DEIS for the
Hunts Point Access Improvement Project; and measures to mitigate
significant and other relevant issues adverse effects.
related to the proposed RM 150 corridor Project, which was published on June 1,
2018, at 83 FR 25451, is extended. The DDR/DEIS will be available for
as part of the NEPA process. The review during business hours at the
scoping meetings will provide an Comments must be received on or
before July 31, 2018. following locations on and after June 1,
opportunity for participating agencies, 2018:
cooperating agencies, and the public to ADDRESSES: Requests for further
review and comment on the draft information or submission of comments • Hunts Point Public Library, 877
project coordination plan and schedule, regarding the Project may be sent to Southern Boulevard, Bronx, NY
the proposed project purpose and need, huntspoint@dot.ny.gov or the • Bronx Library Center, 310 East
the range of alternatives developed to individuals listed below. Kingsbridge Road, Bronx, NY
date to be considered and evaluated in Erik Koester, P.E., Project Director, • West Farms Branch Library, 2085
the EIS, and methodologies and level of Region 11, NYS Department of Honeywell Avenue, Bronx, NY
detail for analyzing alternatives. Transportation, 47–40 21st Street, • Soundview Library, 660 Soundview
In addition to the agency and public Long Island City, NY 11101, Phone Avenue, Bronx, NY
scoping meetings, a public hearing will (718) 482–4683 • Parkchester Library, 1985 Westchester
be held. Public notice will be given of Sara Gross, P.E., Area Engineer, Federal Avenue, Bronx, NY
the time and place of the meetings and Highway Administration, Leo O’Brien • Bronx Community Board 1, 3024
hearing. To ensure that the full range of Federal Building, 11A Clinton Third Avenue, Bronx, NY
issues related to the proposed project is Avenue, Suite 719, Albany, NY • Bronx Community Board 2, 1029 E
addressed and all significant issues are 12207, Phone: (518) 431–4127 163 Street, Bronx, NY
identified, comments and suggestions • Bronx Community Board 3, 1426
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
are invited from all interested parties. Boston Road, Bronx, NY
Such comments or questions concerning Background • Bronx Community Board 6, 1932
this proposed action should be directed On June 1, 2018, at 83 FR 25451, a Arthur Avenue, Rm. 403–A, Bronx,
to TxDOT at the address provided notice of availability, including a Draft NY
above. Environmental Impact Statement for the • Bronx Community Board 9, 1967
Hunts Point Access Improvement Turnbull Avenue #7, Bronx, NY
(Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance
Project, published in the Federal • Casita Maria, 928 Simpson Street,
Program Number 20.205, Highway Planning Bronx, NY
and Construction.) Register. The New York State
• The Point, 940 Garrison Avenue,
amozie on DSK3GDR082PROD with NOTICES1
Department of Transportation
Issued on: July 10, 2018. Bronx, NY
(NYSDOT), in cooperation with the
Michael T. Leary, • Bronx Borough Hall, 851 Grand
FHWA, has prepared a Draft Design
Director, Planning and Program Development,
Concourse, Bronx, NY
Report/Draft Environmental Impact
Federal Highway Administration. Statement/Draft Section 4(f) Evaluation The DDR/DEIS may also be accessed
[FR Doc. 2018–15301 Filed 7–17–18; 8:45 am] (DDR/DEIS) for the Hunts Point at https://www.dot.ny.gov/SouthBronx.
BILLING CODE 4910–22–P Interstate Access Improvement Project Authority: 40 CFR 1506.9 and 10.
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Document Created: 2018-11-06 10:24:45
Document Modified: 2018-11-06 10:24:45
| Category | Regulatory Information | |
| Collection | Federal Register | |
| sudoc Class | AE 2.7: GS 4.107: AE 2.106: | |
| Publisher | Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration | |
| Section | Notices | |
| Action | Federal notice of intent to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). | |
| Contact | Carlos Swonke, Division Director, TxDOT Environmental Affairs Division, 125 East 11th Street, Austin, Texas 78701; Phone (512) 416-2734; email: [email protected] TxDOT's normal business hours are 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. (central time), Monday through Friday. | |
| FR Citation | 83 FR 33972 |
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