Environmental Impact Statement: Alexander, Pulaski, and Union Counties, Illinois

Catherine A. Batey
Federal Highway Administration
November 25, 2015

[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 227 (Wednesday, November 25, 2015)]
[Notices]
[Page 73871]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-30003]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Highway Administration


Environmental Impact Statement: Alexander, Pulaski, and Union 
Counties, Illinois

AGENCY: Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of intent.

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SUMMARY: The FHWA is issuing this notice to advise the public that an 
Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) will be prepared for the Shawnee 
Parkway Project in Alexander, Pulaski, and Union Counties, Illinois.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Catherine A. Batey, Division 
Administrator, Federal Highway Administration, 3250 Executive Park 
Drive, Springfield, Illinois 62703. Phone: (217) 492-4600. Jeffrey L. 
Keirn, PE., Deputy Director of Highways, Region Five Engineer, Illinois 
Department of Transportation, State Transportation Building, 2801 W. 
Murphysboro, P.O. Box 100, Carbondale, Illinois 62903, (618) 549-2171.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FHWA, in cooperation with Illinois 
Department of Transportation, will prepare an EIS for the Shawnee 
Parkway project. The anticipated termini are the intersection of 
Illinois Route 3 with Illinois Route 146 and Interstate 57. The project 
study area includes portions of the following counties: Alexander, 
Pulaski, and Union in Illinois. The study area covers approximately 350 
square miles.
    The EIS for the Shawnee Parkway is being conducted to evaluate the 
need for improved transportation between the anticipated termini within 
the study area. The EIS will complete an analysis of transportation 
alternative(s) in the study area and evaluate environmental impacts 
based on field investigations, transportation studies, economic impact 
studies, and cost analysis.
    Alternatives assessed will seek to avoid, minimize and mitigate 
impacts to resources in the project area. In accordance with IDOT 
policies, the project is being developed using Context Sensitive 
Solutions (CSS) as a basis for a stakeholder outreach program. A 
scoping meeting will be held on December 3, 2015.
    A range of alternatives will be developed and evaluated, including 
but not limited to: Taking no action, existing roadway improvements, 
and new roadways on new location. The Stakeholder Involvement Plan 
(SIP), which will satisfy the 23 U.S.C. Section 139 requirements for a 
coordination plan, will be developed to ensure that a full range of 
issues related to this proposed project are identified and addressed. 
The SIP provides meaningful opportunities for all stakeholders to 
participate in defining transportation issues and solutions for the 
study area.
    Comments or questions concerning this proposed action and the EIS 
are invited from all interested parties and should be directed to the 
FHWA at the address provided above or the following Web site: 
www.shawneeparkway.org.
    A public hearing will be held after the Draft EIS is published and 
made available for public and agency review. Public notice will be 
given of the time and place of public meetings and hearings.
    The EIS will conclude with a Record of Decision selecting either a 
no-build or a preferred alternative.

(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: November 19, 2015.
Catherine A. Batey,
Division Administrator, Federal Highway Administration, Springfield, 
Illinois.
[FR Doc. 2015-30003 Filed 11-24-15; 8:45 am]
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