Environmental Impact Statement: Lincoln County, NM

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Highway Administration

Environmental Impact Statement: Lincoln County, NM

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

highway project in Lincoln County, New Mexico.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Gregory D. Rawlings, Environmental

Specialist, Federal Highway Administration, 604 W. San Mateo Road,

Santa Fe, New Mexico 87505. Telephone: (505) 820-2027.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FHWA, in cooperation with the New Mexico

State Highway and Transportation Department, will prepare design

location studies and an EIS for proposed improvements to U.S. Highway

70 (US 70) in Lincoln County, NM. US 70 provides an essential link

between Interstate 10 and Interstate 40 across southeast New Mexico and

is an important route for goods movement as well as local and regional

mobility. US 70 serves as a primary access route to several major

recreational sites in southeastern NM, including the Lincoln National

Forest, White Sands National Monument, Valley of Fires Recreation Area,

a downhill ski area, a gaming casino, Ruidoso Downs race track, and

several major mountain resorts. The Mescalero Apache Reservation and

three military installations (Holloman and Cannon Air Force bases and

White Sands Missile Range) are also accessed by US 70.

The segment of US 70 being studied is between the communities of

Ruidoso Downs and Riverside, a distance of 60.3 kilometers (37. 5

miles), and includes the communities of Glencoe, San Patricio, Hondo,

Tinnie, Picacho, and Riverside. Short sections of the highway also

cross through or are adjacent to the Lincoln National Forest. The

existing highway consists of two travel lanes with several short

segments of three lanes to provide for passing. The highway intersects

many side roads and driveways through these communities.

Improvements to the existing highway are needed to: (1) Meet

economic growth goals of the State; and (2) correct safety deficiencies

associated with use and condition of the existing highway. Alternatives

for consideration will include the No Action alternative and

alternatives developed through the agency and public involvement

process. Alternatives may include construction of acceleration,

deceleration, and turning lanes; construction of additional travel

lanes; and minor realignments of the existing highway to improve design

deficiencies and avoid sensitive natural and cultural resources.

Preliminary scoping for the project began in May 1999 and included

(1) A letter with introductory information sent to federal, state, and

local agencies, Native American groups, public and private

organizations, and individuals identified as potentially interested or

affected parties; and (2) two public information meetings conducted in

the project study area to solicit preliminary issues and concerns

regarding the proposed action. A scoping letter describing the proposed

action and a draft design location study will be sent to interested

agencies followed by a formal agency scoping meeting planned for

December 8, 1999. Additional public meetings will be held to discuss

our intention to prepare an EIS. These meetings will also provide

opportunity for public and agency input.

A public hearing will be held to present the findings of the Draft

EIS (DEIS) during the public review period. The DEIS will be available

for public and agency review and comment prior to the 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. Comment or

questions concerning the proposed action and EIS should be directed to

the FHWA at the address provided above.

(Catalogue of Federal Domestic Assistance Program Assistance Program

Number 20.205, Highway Research, Planning and Construction. The

regulations implementing Executive Order 12372 regarding

intergovernmental consultation on Federal programs and activities

and 23 U.S.C. 315; 49 CFR 1.48 apply to this program.)

Issued on November 9, 1999.

Gregory D. Rawlings,

Environmental Specialist, Santa Fe, NM.

[FR Doc. 99-29829 Filed 11-15-99; 8:45 am]

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