Environmental Impact Statement: Riverside County, CA; Notice of Intent

Rebecca Bennett
Federal Highway Administration
September 26, 2012

[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 187 (Wednesday, September 26, 2012)]
[Notices]
[Page 59244]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-23679]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Highway Administration


Environmental Impact Statement: Riverside County, CA; Notice of 
Intent

AGENCY: Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of Intent.

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SUMMARY: The FHWA, on behalf of the California Department of 
Transportation (Caltrans), is issuing this notice to advise the public 
that an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) will be prepared for a 
proposed highway project in Riverside County, California. Caltrans will 
be responsible for production of the EIS in accordance with assignment 
of National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) responsibilities from DOT 
to Caltrans pursuant to Section 6005 of the Safe, Accountable, 
Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users 
(SAFETEA-LU, Pub. L. 109-59).

DATES: Comments regarding the proposed action should be provided to 
Caltrans at the address listed below by no later than October 28, 2012.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Aaron Burton, Senior Environmental 
Planner, Environmental Studies ``B,'' California Department of 
Transportation, Division of Environmental Planning, 464 West 4th 
Street, 6th Floor, MS 829, San Bernardino, California 92401-1400; or 
call (909) 383-2841.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Effective July 1, 2007, the Federal Highway 
Administration (FHWA) assigned, and the California Department of 
Transportation (Caltrans) assumed, environmental responsibilities for 
this project pursuant to 23 U.S.C. 327. Caltrans, as the assignee for 
NEPA compliance, will prepare an EIS on a proposal for a roadway 
widening project in Riverside County, California. The proposed project 
would widen Cajalco Road from two to four lanes between Harvill Avenue 
at the east end and Temescal Canyon Road at the west end, from four to 
five lanes between Temescal Wash and Temescal Canyon Road, and from 
four to six lanes between Interstate 215 (I-215) southbound ramps and 
Harvill Avenue. The purpose of the proposed project is to: (1) To 
improve the transportation facility to address anticipated growth and 
mobility needs, as identified in the County of Riverside General Plan 
Circulation Element Policy 1.5; (2) provide improved interregional 
travel by improving east-west mobility in Riverside County; and (3) to 
improve roadway alignment and intersection design to enhance safety 
along Cajalco Road. Alternatives under consideration include: (1) 
Widening existing Cajalco Road with minor alignment changes between I-
215 and Temescal Canyon Road; (2) widening existing Cajalco Road 
between I-215 and Hollis Lane and between east of Eagle Canyon Road and 
Temescal Canyon Road, along with constructing a new segment of Cajalco 
Road between Hollis Lane and east of Eagle Canyon Road; and (3) taking 
no action. The project covers a length of approximately 16 miles. 
Anticipated federal approvals for the project include Air Quality 
Conformity, Section 7,Endangered Species Act, consultation for 
threatened and endangered species, and a Section 404, Clean Water Act 
individual permit.
    Letters describing the proposed action and soliciting comments will 
be sent to appropriate Federal, State, Participating Agencies, Tribal 
governments (as determined by the Native American Heritage Commission 
consultation), and local agencies, and to private organizations and 
citizens who have previously expressed or are known to have interest in 
this proposal. The environmental review process is anticipated to be 
started in late 2012. Public scoping meetings will be held to discuss 
the alternatives and the potential impacts of the proposed project. In 
addition, a public hearing will be held. Public notice will be given of 
the time and place of the meetings and hearing. The EIS 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 Caltrans at the address provided above.

(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 program.)

    Issued on: September 17, 2012.
Rebecca Bennett,
Director, Local Programs, Federal Highway Administration, Sacramento, 
California.
[FR Doc. 2012-23679 Filed 9-25-12; 8:45 am]
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