[Federal Register: September 6, 2002 (Volume 67, Number 173)]
[Notices]               
[Page 57059-57060]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr06se02-113]                         

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Highway Administration

 
Environmental Impact Statement: Lincoln County, Oregon

AGENCY: Federal Highway Administration (FHWA); Department of 
Transportation

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 improvement in Lincoln County, Oregon. The proposed project is 
near the rural unincorporated community of Beverly Beach. The Oregon 
Department of Transportation (ODOT) and FHWA will be analyzing 
alternatives to constructing a modified or replacement crossing of US 
101 over Spencer Creek.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Anthony Boesen, Region 2 Liaison 
Engineer, Federal Highway Administration, Equitable Center, Suite 100, 
530 Center Street NE, Salem, Oregon 97301, Telephone (503) 399-5749.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FHWA, in cooperation with ODOT and the 
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (COE), will conduct technical studies, 
prepare a Draft EIS (DEIS), and conduct a public open house to receive 
comments regarding the proposed

[[Page 57060]]

action in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).
    The proposed project is necessary to maintain US 101 as a 
functional state lifeline highway route. The proposed project will 
involve a replacement bridge crossing of Spencer Creek on US 101 and 
construction of stable approaches to the bridge. The original Spencer 
Creek bridge, built in 1947 and located about six miles north of 
Newport, Oregon has deteriorated to the point that it has been 
determined unsafe and closed to traffic. A temporary bridge was 
constructed in 1999 immediately shoreward of the old bridge and has a 
design service life of five to eight years. Consequently, the existing 
Spencer Creek Bridge across the stream must be replaced. The sea cliffs 
and embankments that support the US 101 approaches to the old and 
temporary bridges are adjacent to the beach and are unstable. They have 
been substantially damaged from erosion caused by waves attacking the 
sea cliff. Landslides have also damaged the existing highway, and may 
pose hazards further inland. Consequently, any long term solution to 
the bridge problem will also need to involve stabilization of roadway 
approaches to any bridge crossing Spencer Creek in order to maintain 
the state lifeline highway route.
    Possible Build Alternatives that will be considered as the proposed 
project develops will involve two basic concepts. The first concept 
would generally follow the existing alignment of US 101. The second 
concept would realign the highway inland and away from the beach. 
Depending on the location of the highway under either concept, 
shoreline stabilization may be required. As required by NEPA, a No-
Build Alternative will be considered to provide an understanding about 
what will happen if nothing is done to solve the problem. The DEIS will 
address the No-Build Alternative and one or more Build Alternatives.
    While the FHWA will be the lead agency for preparing the EIS, the 
COE will be a cooperating agency. Under section 103 of the 1962 River 
and Harbor Act, the COE has approved funding for planning, engineering 
and environmental investigations for shoreline stabilization options 
that would protect US 101 highway facilities along the beach. The COE 
is expected to consider as part of the proposed action some or all of 
the following design options--off shore breakwater, terracing the sea 
cliff, sea cliff toe armoring, and beach nourishment. Pursuant to the 
NEPA, the COE's analysis of the proposed action will be incorporated 
into the EIS.
    Public workshops, meetings, and a public open house will be held as 
needed to identify an adequate range of reasonable alternatives, review 
alternatives, and aid in selection of an alternative. Appropriate 
notice to interested parties will be provided for all public gatherings 
regarding the proposed.
    The EIS process will combine COE, and FHWA/ODOT work into one 
series of environmental documents (e.g., technical reports, DEIS, and 
Final EIS). In conjunction with the FHWA's Record of Decision for the 
Final EIS, the COE will make a determination regarding the proposed 
action impacts as required by NEPA for inclusion into their Record of 
Decision.
    To ensure that the full range of issues related to the proposed 
action are addressed and potentially significant and insignificant 
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.

    (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: August 28, 2002.
Elton Chang,
Environmental Engineer, Oregon Division.
[FR Doc. 02-22678 Filed 9-5-02; 8:45 am]
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