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US 491 South Corridor FLH-666-1(49)17 CN 2357 Navajo 9 to NM 134 MP 15 to MP 46. Public Hearing January 17, 2007. Invocation. Presentation Outline. Introductions US 491 South Corridor Project Overview Preferred Build Alternative Environmental Assessment Findings
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US 491South CorridorFLH-666-1(49)17CN 2357Navajo 9 to NM 134MP 15 to MP 46 Public Hearing January 17, 2007
Presentation Outline • Introductions • US 491 South Corridor Project Overview • Preferred Build Alternative • Environmental Assessment Findings • Question and Comments Session • Closing
Introductions New Mexico Department of Transportation
Introductions Presenters and Guests • Ricardo Roybal (NMDOT) • Albert M. Thomas (BHI) • Eric Johnson (MAI) • Gene Martinez (NDOT) • Navajo Nation Officials • NMDOT representatives
Navajo Nation Involvement • Office of the President/Vice President • Navajo Nation Council • Oversight Committees • Chapters • Tribal Departments • General Public
Project Agencies • NDOT - Navajo Department of Transportation • NMDOT - New Mexico Department of Transportation • FHWA - Federal Highway Administration • BIA - Bureau of Indian Affairs
Other Agency Involvement • Governor Richardson’s Office • Legislators & Public Officials • Indian Health Service • School Districts • Navajo Tribal Utility Authority
Consultant Project Team • Bohannan-Huston, Inc. • Marron & Associates • Gannett Fleming West • Wilson & Company • HDR Engineering • AMEC Earth and Environmental • SWCA Environmental • TBE Group
Purpose of Public Hearing • Review project plans • Describe proposed project improvements • Present environmental assessment findings • Solicit public input & comment
US 491 South Corridor Project Overview Bohannan-Huston, Inc.
Purpose and Need To improve travel safety, meet existing and future travel demands, enhance mobility and access along the route, and establish a link that supports the regional transportation system and long range planning goals.
Secondary Benefit The opportunity to provide a roadway that best serves the traditional, economic, and resource interests of local communities as well as support potential economic development and anticipated growth in the region.
Current Plans • NMDOT committed to 4-lanes • US 491 South Corridor will continue after US 491 North Corridor • Engineering re-evaluation for US 491 South Corridor complete • Environmental Assessment (EA) for US 491 South Corridor released on January 2, 2007 • EA evaluates No-Build Alternative and Preferred Build Alternative
Proposed Schedule • US 491 South Corridor • Environmental Assessment comment period from January 2 through February 1, 2007 • Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) by April 2007 • Right-of-Way agreements by October 2007 • Construction to begin by early 2009
Preferred Build Alternative Bohannan-Huston, Inc.
New Typical Section Concept • Leave Existing Lanes • Build 2 New Lanes Adjacent to Existing • Separate Traffic with 46’ Divided Median • Majority of Earthwork within ROW Easement
US 491 South CorridorRight-of-Way Issues • Right-of-Way Easement • Expand existing wide enough to build roadway prism • Construction Maintenance Easements - CME • Minor easements needed for drainage and permanent facilities • Temporary Construction Easement/Permits - TCP • Needed for driveway and turnout reconstruction • Needed for fixing or replacing cattleguards at ROW fence
US 491 South CorridorRight-of-Way Needs • US 491 South Corridor • Additional right-of-way easement required for new lanes • Minor easements needed for drainage • Temporary Construction Permits needed for driveways and cattleguards • Approximately 200 acres total
Project Improvements • Public transit and school bus • Bicycle and pedestrian traffic • Street lighting at intersections • School flashers where warranted • Drainage improvements • Livestock crossings • Median crossovers at 1/2 mile spacing • Turn lanes at major intersections
Environmental Findings Marron and Associates, Inc.
Environmental AssessmentProcess • Guided by Location Study Procedures and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) • Collect data and evaluate impacts • Conduct public involvement • Prepare Environmental Assessment (EA) • 30-day comment period and public hearing • Issue Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI)
EA Comment Period • January 2 through February 1, 2007 • EA available for viewing at NMDOT District 6, NDOT, & Tohatchi Chapter • EA on internet at www.us491.com • Public hearing January 17 • Comments due by February 1 to Eric Johnson - see address on comment form
Decision Process • NMDOT reviews of comments and consults with Navajo Nation • NMDOT prepares Input Synopsis • NMDOT and NDOT make decision regarding Preferred Build Alternative • NMDOT prepares FONSI Request • FHWA reviews FONSI Request and makes decision to issue FHWA FONSI • BIA makes separate decision to issue BIA FONSI
After FONSI is Issued… • NMDOT continues right-of-way process with the Navajo Nation • NMDOT proceeds with final design and construction
Environmental Commitments I • Landforms and Geology • Soils • Water • Wetlands • Vegetation • Wildlife • Threatened and endangered species
Environmental Commitments II • Cultural resources • Air quality • Visual Resources • Communities and land use • Socioeconomics and environmental justice • Easements • Multi-modal transportation
Environmental Commitments III • Permit/plan applications or requirements • Utility adjustments • Hazardous substances • Construction activities
EA Findings • Project necessary for safe and efficient travel • No significant adverse social, economic, or environmental impacts • Alternative selection will follow public review period (30-day comment period) • FONSI will address any concerns raised during review period • FONSI will be used as a basis for federal-aid approval (FHWA)
Public Involvement • Voice comments in meeting recorded by court reporter • Write comments on comment form • Provide comments on web site at www.us491.com • Send e-mail to eric@marroninc.com • Comments must be provided by February 1, 2007 in order to be included in the Input Synopsis.
Questions and Comments Please hold up your number when you speak - this will let the court reporter know your name for the transcripts of tonight’s hearing.