[Federal Register: March 15, 1999 (Volume 64, Number 49)]
[Notices]               
[Page 12830]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr15mr99-76]

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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Highway Administration

 
Environmental Impact Statement; Polk County, IA

AGENCY: Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of intent.

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

SUMMARY: The FHWA issues this notice to advise the public that an 
environmental impact statement will be prepared for a proposed highway 
project in Polk County, Iowa.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Gerald L. Kennedy, SR/WA, Environment 
and Realty Manager, FHWA, 105 6th Street, Ames, IA 50010-6337, (515) 
233-7317. Harry S. Budd, P.E., Director, Office of Project Planning, 
Iowa Department of Transportation, 800 Lincoln Way, Ames, IA 50010, 
(515) 239-1391.

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 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 Iowa Department of Transportation 
and the Polk County Public Works Department, will prepare an 
environmental impact statement (EIS) on the proposed extension of the 
M. L. King Jr. Parkway. The proposed four-lane roadway would extend 
from a location approximately 460 meters south of Euclid Avenue to 
approximately 460 meters north of Interstate Highway 35/80. The 
proposed roadway would involve the construction of an interchange where 
the M. L. King Jr. Parkway intersects Interstate Highway 35/80. The 
proposed roadway extends approximately 3.4 km (2.1 miles) between the 
Interstate Highway 35/80 termini and the Euclid Avenue termini.
    The proposed M. L. King Jr. Parkway will provide direct access to 
Euclid Avenue in Des Moines and is expected to reduce traffic 
congestion on 2nd Avenue and Merle Hay Road. If constructed, average 
daily traffic (ADT) on the proposed roadway is projected to approach 
27,886 vehicles in Horizon Year 2020. The proposed roadway from Euclid 
Avenue to Interstate Highway 35/80 will complement the existing street 
network.
    Alternatives under consideration include: ((1) Taking no action; 
(2) using alternate travel modes; (3) improvements to Merle Hay Road 
and 2nd Avenue as well as the interchanges at Interstate Highway 35/80; 
and (4) construction of a four-lane limited access roadway from a 
proposed interchange at Interstate Highway 35/80 to Euclid Avenue. The 
``build'' scenario will consider and study various alignments, 
interchange locations, and variations of grade.
    Letters describing the proposed action and soliciting comments will 
be sent to Federal, State, and local agencies, and to private 
organizations and citizens who have previously expressed or are known 
to have an interest in the proposal. Public involvement will be sought 
throughout the further analysis of this proposal. In addition, a public 
hearing will be offered. Public notice will be given of the time and 
place of the public meetings and public hearing. The draft EIS will be 
available for public and agency review and comment prior to the public 
hearing.
    A scoping meeting will be held for identifying significant issues 
to be addressed in the environmental impact statement. A number of 
issues were identified in a functional study, completed in 1993. The 
functional study identified a corridor as well as existing conditions 
within the corridor.
    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 in the caption FOR FURTHER 
INFORMATION CONTACT.

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

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

    Dated: March 5, 1999.
Bruce Matzke,
Acting Division Administrator.
[FR Doc. 99-6240 Filed 3-12-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-22-P