Environmental Impact Statement; Glacier County, Montana

[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 14 (Friday, January 21, 2000)]
[Notices]
[Page 3528]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-1435]


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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Highway Administration


Environmental Impact Statement; Glacier County, Montana

AGENCY:  Federal Highway Administration, (FHWA), DOT.

ACTION:  Notice of intent.

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

SUMMARY:  The FHWA hereby gives notice that it intends to prepare an 
environmental impact statement (EIS) for a corridor study to evaluate 
development of a highway between Browning, Montana and the Hudson 
Divide in Glacier County, Montana. Access to the area is currently 
provided by US 89 and the study will evaluate improvements to the 
existing highway and all practicable alignment alternatives.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:  Dale Paulson, Program Development 
Engineer, Federal Highway Administration, 2880 Skyway Drive, Helena, MT 
59602; Telephone: (406) 449-5303 ext. 239; or Joel M. Marshik, Manager, 
Environmental Services and Tribal Liaison, Montana Department of 
Transportation, 2701 Prospect Avenue, Helena, Montana 59602; Telephone: 
(4060 444-7632.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Electronic Access

    An electronic copy of this document may be downloaded using a modem 
and suitable communications software from the Government Printing 
Office's Electronic Bulletin Board Service at (202) 512-1661. Internet 
users may reach the Office of the Federal Register's home page at: 
http://www/nara.gov./fedreg and the Government Printing Office's 
database at: http://www.access.gpo.gov.nara.

Background

    The FHWA, in cooperation with the Montana Department of 
Transportation (MDT), will prepare an EIS to acquire land, design, and 
construct a new or improved US 89 between Browning, Montana and the 
Hudson Bay Divide. The EIS will examine the short and long-term impacts 
on the natural and physical environment. The impact assessment will 
include, but not be limited to, impacts on wetlands, wildlife, and 
fisheries; social environment; changes in land use; aesthetics; changes 
in traffic; and economic impacts. Environmental Justice (as outlined in 
Executed Order 12898) will also be addressed as part of the impact 
assessment. The EIS will also examine measures to mitigate significant 
adverse impacts resulting from the proposed action.
    Comments are being solicited from appropriate Federal, State, and 
local agencies and from private organizations and citizens who have 
interest in this proposal. Public information meetings will be held in 
the project area to discuss the potential alignments. The draft EIS 
will be available for public and agency review; and a public hearing 
will be held to receive comments. Public notice will be given of the 
time and place of all meetings and hearings.
    Comments and/or suggestions from all interested parties are 
requested, to ensure that the full range of all issues, and significant 
environmental issues in particular, are identified and reviewed. 
Comments or questions concerning this proposed action and/or its EIS 
should be directed to the FHWA or the MDT at the addresses listed 
previously.

(Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Program Number 20.205, 
Highway Planning and Construction. The regulations implementing 
Executive Order 12372 regarding intergovernmental consultation on 
Federal programs and activities apply to this proposed action)


    Authority:  23 U.S.C. 315; 49 CFR 1.48.

    Issued on: January 11, 2000.
Dale Paulson,
Program Development Engineer, FHWA.
[FR Doc. 00-1435 Filed 1-20-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-22-M