[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 108 (Monday, June 7, 1999)] [Notices] [Pages 30372-30373] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 99-14284] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Highway Administration Environmental Impact Statement: Pierce County, Washington AGENCY: Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), DOT. ACTION: Additional Studies. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The FHWA, Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), and Pierce County are issuing this notice to advise the public that additional studies have been completed related to the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) (FHWA-WA-EIS-98-3D) prepared for a proposed new roadway project in Pierce County, Washington between Interstate 5 and State Route 7 (Pacific Avenue). FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jim Leonard, PE, Transportation/ Environmental Engineer FHWA, Olympia, Washington 98501. Phone Number (360) 753-9408. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FHWA, in cooperation with WSDOT and Pierce County, issued a DEIS in May 1998 on a proposal to build a new roadway between Interstate 5 at the Thome Lane interchange and State Route 7 (Pacific Avenue) at 176th Street South. The proposed roadway corridor passes through a residential area in the City of Lakewood known as American Lake Gardens and portions of the Fort [[Page 30373]] Lewis Military Reservation and McChord Air Force Base. The DEIS includes a Major Investment Study (NUS) that examines the overall need for the project and alternative means of reducing or meeting the demand for additional transportation capacity and a Draft 4(f) Evaluation. The new roadway would compound existing barriers to wildlife movement for many species and would isolate the habitat north of the roadway. This habitat has been used by the western gray squirrel, which is listed as threatened by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. The DEIS evaluated impacts to western gray squirrel and Garry oak (also known as Oregon white oak) woodland habitat from the proposed roadway based on available information and field reconnaissance. Oak woodlands are important because this type of habitat has been greatly reduced in western Washington and because it is important habitat for the western gray squirrel. The DEIS committed to a genetic analysis of western gray squirrels and a detailed mapping and evaluation of oak woodlands as part of the EIS process. Both additional studies are now available for public review as part of the environmental documentation of the proposed roadway. These additional studies do not change the purpose and need for the project, the range of alternatives considered, the overall impacts or the range of potential mitigation measures described in the DEIS. (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: June 1, 1999. James A. Leonard, Transportation and Environmental Engineer. [FR Doc. 99-14284 Filed 6-4-99; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-01-M