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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

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 491 South Corridor FLH-666-1(49)17 CN 2357 Navajo 9 to NM 134 MP 15 to MP 46

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  1. US 491South CorridorFLH-666-1(49)17CN 2357Navajo 9 to NM 134MP 15 to MP 46 Public Hearing January 17, 2007

  2. Invocation

  3. Presentation Outline • Introductions • US 491 South Corridor Project Overview • Preferred Build Alternative • Environmental Assessment Findings • Question and Comments Session • Closing

  4. Introductions New Mexico Department of Transportation

  5. Introductions Presenters and Guests • Ricardo Roybal (NMDOT) • Albert M. Thomas (BHI) • Eric Johnson (MAI) • Gene Martinez (NDOT) • Navajo Nation Officials • NMDOT representatives

  6. Navajo Nation Involvement • Office of the President/Vice President • Navajo Nation Council • Oversight Committees • Chapters • Tribal Departments • General Public

  7. Project Agencies • NDOT - Navajo Department of Transportation • NMDOT - New Mexico Department of Transportation • FHWA - Federal Highway Administration • BIA - Bureau of Indian Affairs

  8. Other Agency Involvement • Governor Richardson’s Office • Legislators & Public Officials • Indian Health Service • School Districts • Navajo Tribal Utility Authority

  9. Consultant Project Team • Bohannan-Huston, Inc. • Marron & Associates • Gannett Fleming West • Wilson & Company • HDR Engineering • AMEC Earth and Environmental • SWCA Environmental • TBE Group

  10. Purpose of Public Hearing • Review project plans • Describe proposed project improvements • Present environmental assessment findings • Solicit public input & comment

  11. US 491 South Corridor Project Overview Bohannan-Huston, Inc.

  12. Study Limits

  13. US 491 South Corridor

  14. Existing Road

  15. 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.

  16. 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.

  17. 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

  18. 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

  19. Preferred Build Alternative Bohannan-Huston, Inc.

  20. 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

  21. Typical Section

  22. 2-Existing & 2-New Lanes

  23. 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

  24. 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

  25. 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

  26. Environmental Findings Marron and Associates, Inc.

  27. 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)

  28. 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

  29. 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

  30. After FONSI is Issued… • NMDOT continues right-of-way process with the Navajo Nation • NMDOT proceeds with final design and construction

  31. Environmental Commitments I • Landforms and Geology • Soils • Water • Wetlands • Vegetation • Wildlife • Threatened and endangered species

  32. Environmental Commitments II • Cultural resources • Air quality • Visual Resources • Communities and land use • Socioeconomics and environmental justice • Easements • Multi-modal transportation

  33. Environmental Commitments III • Permit/plan applications or requirements • Utility adjustments • Hazardous substances • Construction activities

  34. 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)

  35. 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.

  36. 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.

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