[Federal Register: March 3, 1999 (Volume 64, Number 41)]
[Notices]               
[Page 10336]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr03mr99-132]


[[Page 10336]]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Highway Administration

 
Environmental Impact Statement: Jackson County, Oregon

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 a proposed 
transportation improvement in the City of Medford, Jackson County, 
Oregon.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Ivan Marrero, Liaison Engineer Region 3, Federal Highway 
Administration, Equitable Center, 530 Center Street, N.E., Suite 100, 
Salem, Oregon 97301, Telephone: (503) 399-5749, 
Ivan.Marrero@fhwa.dot.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FHWA, in cooperation with the Oregon 
Department of Transportation (ODOT), will prepare an environmental 
impact statement (EIS) on a proposal to solve the long-term (year 2020) 
transportation demands and congestion in the Interstate 5/Barnett Road 
(South Medford) Interchange Area. Congestion on Barnett Road is 
impacting existing business and industry and has the potential to 
curtail future economic development in the area. Improvements are 
considered necessary to provide for existing and projected traffic 
demands and a safe and efficient transportation system meeting modern 
AASHTO design standards.
    Alternatives will be developed as part of the project development 
process that will be incorporated into the EIS. Alternatives may 
include one or more of the following: taking no action (no build); 
improving the Interstate 5/Barnett Road Interchange; constructing new 
roadways to provide for additional local circulation and/or widening 
existing roadways to reduce congestion on the Interstate 5/Barnett Road 
Interchange; developing new access across Interstate 5; improved 
transit service to the area; using Transportation System Management and 
Transportation Demand Management measures to alleviate traffic 
congestion; and modifying land use to reduce congestion. Potential 
impacts and/or improvements to the Bear Creek Greenway regional bicycle 
and pedestrian facility will also be considered.
    Information describing the proposed action and soliciting comments 
will be sent to appropriate Federal, State and local agencies, and to 
private organizations and citizens who have expressed or are known to 
have an interest in this proposed project. A local formal scoping 
meeting is scheduled on March 18, 1999, 4 pm to 7 pm at the Scottish 
Right Temple, 955 North Phoenix Road, Medford, Oregon.
    Public informational meetings will be held by ODOT during project 
development and a public hearing will be scheduled. The draft EIS will 
be available for public and agency review and comments 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 the FHWA 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: February 22, 1999.
Elton H. Chang,
Environmental Engineer, Oregon Division.
[FR Doc. 99-5144 Filed 3-2-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-22-M