[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 131 (Thursday, July 9, 1998)] [Notices] [Page 37168] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 98-18256] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Highway Administration Environmental Impact Statement: Harrison County, Mississippi AGENCY: Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of Intent. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The FHWA is issuing this notice to advise the public that an environmental impact statement will be prepared for an East Harrison County connector between Interstate 10 and United States Highway 90 in Biloxi, Mississippi. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Cecil Vick, Realty Officer/Environmental Coordinator, Federal Highway Administration, 666 North Street, Suite 105, Jackson, MS 39202-3199. Telephone: (601) 965-4217. Contacts at the State and local level, respectively are: Mr. Billie Barton, Environmental/Location Division Engineer, Mississippi Department of Transportation. P.O. Box 1850, Jackson, MS, 39215-1850, telephone: (601) 359-7920; and Mr. Ricky Lee, District Engineer, Mississippi Department of Transportation, P.O. Box 551, Hattiesburg, MS, 39403-0551, telephone (601) 544-6511. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FHWA, in cooperation with the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) will prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) on the proposed East Harrison County connector in Biloxi, Mississippi. The proposed connector would be located in one of two corridor study areas; Corridor One would begin at Exit 41 (MS 67 interchange) crossing the Tchoutacobouffa River, Big Lake, and connecting to US 90 west of the Coliseum; Corridor Two would begin at Exit 44 (Cedar Lake Interchange) crossing Back Bay of Biloxi and connecting to US 90 west of Keesler Air Force Base. The connector is a proposed full control of access facility and interchanges will be studied at various locations. Section 65-39-1(2), Mississippi Code 1972, annotated, authorized study of the connector and the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1998, authorized partial funding. Alternatives under consideration include (1) taking no action and (2) build alternative. The FHWA and MDOT are seeking input as a part of the scoping process to assist in determining the clarifying issues relative to this project. Letters describing the purposed action and soliciting comments will be sent to appropriate federal, state, and local agencies, and to private organizations and citizens who have previously expressed or are known to have interest in this proposal. A formal scoping meeting with federal, state, and local agencies, and other interested parties will be held in the immediate future. Coordination will be continued with appropriate federal, state, and local agencies, and to private organizations and citizens who have previously expressed or known to have interest in this proposal. A public involvement meeting will be held and a newsletter developed to keep the public informed. The draft EIS will be available for public and agency review and comment prior to the official 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. Andrew H. Hughes, Division Administrator, Jackson, Mississippi. [FR Doc. 98-18256 Filed 7-8-98; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-22-M