[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 242 (Friday, December 16, 2011)]
[Notices]
[Pages 78331-78332]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-32234]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Highway Administration


Environmental Impact Statement: Jackson County, NC

AGENCY: Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), Department of 
Transportation.

ACTION: Notice of intent.

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SUMMARY: The FHWA is issuing this notice to advise the public that an 
environmental impact statement will be prepared for a proposed highway 
project from NC 107 to US 23-74 east of Sylva, Jackson County, North 
Carolina. (TIP Project R-4745).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Mitch Batuzich, Preconstruction 
and Environment Specialist, Federal Highway Administration, 310 New 
Bern Avenue, Suite 410, Raleigh, North Carolina 27601-1418, Telephone: 
(919) 747-7033.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FHWA, in cooperation with the North 
Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT), will prepare an 
environmental impact statement (EIS) on the proposed NC 107 Connector 
from NC 107 to US 23-74 east of Sylva. A notice of intent was 
previously published in the Federal Register on October 1, 2008 (Volume 
73, Number 191) with the following purpose description:

    ``The purpose of this project is to relieve traffic congestion 
in the Sylva area. The proposed action is consistent with the Sylva 
Thoroughfare Plan adopted in 1994 and the Jackson County 
Comprehensive Transportation Plan that is anticipated for adoption 
in 2009.''

NC 107 is the major north/south transportation corridor in Jackson 
County and several municipalities. It is a link in NCDOT's Strategic 
Highway Corridors Vision Plan as part of the 70-mile long Corridor 05 
between Anderson, SC and Knoxville, TN. It is an important route for 
regional mobility. There are no major parallel routes within 4 miles of 
NC 107 that could serve as an alternative for north/south through 
traffic. During current peak hours, portions of NC 107 between US 23 
Business and NC 116 in the Sylva area have reached their traffic 
carrying capacity.
    The purpose of the project is being revised. Traffic studies show 
that substantial upgrades to existing NC 107/US 23 Business are needed 
to provide acceptable levels of traffic service in the future. The 
purpose of the proposed action is to develop a transportation solution 
that improves the NC 107 north/south vehicular mobility by increasing 
average speeds for through traffic between US 23-74 and NC 107 south of 
Sylva. Alternatives to be studied may include: (1) The `no-build' 
alternative, (2) improve existing facilities, and (3) a highway on new 
location.''
    Letters describing the proposed action and soliciting comments have 
been sent to appropriate Federal, State and local agencies. Citizens 
Informational Workshops and meetings with local officials and 
neighborhood groups will be held in the study area. Public hearings 
will also be held. Information on the time and place of the workshops 
and hearings will be provided in the local news media. The draft EIS 
will be available for public and agency review and comment at the time 
of the hearing.
    An interagency project team is being assembled to obtain input on 
major milestones during the project's development. These include the 
purpose and need, detailed study alternatives, bridge lengths, 
alignment reviews, the preferred alternative, and avoidance and 
minimization of environmental impacts.
    The purpose and need statement for the project is being developed. 
To ensure that the full range of issues related to the proposed action 
is addressed and all significant issues are identified, comments and 
suggestions are invited from all interested parties. Comments and 
questions concerning the proposed action should be directed to the FHWA 
at the address provided above.

(Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Program Number 20.205, 
Highway Research Planning and Construction. The regulations 
implementing Executive Order 12372 regarding intergovernmental 
consultation on

[[Page 78332]]

Federal programs and activities apply to this program.)


    Issued on: December 12, 2011.
Clarence W. Coleman, Jr.,
Director of Preconstruction & Environment, Raleigh, North Carolina.
[FR Doc. 2011-32234 Filed 12-15-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-22-P