Parks Hwy 99-163 Ph3 NOI 2024

NOTICE OF INTENT TO BEGIN ENGINEERING AND ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES & NOTICE OF FLOODPLAIN ENCROACHMENTParks Hwy MP 99-163 Drainage Improvements - Phase 3Project No. CFHWY01264The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOT&PF) has assumed the responsibilities of the Federal Highway Administration under 23 U.S.C.327 and is soliciting comments and information on the third phase of a project to improve drainage on the Parks Highway between milepost (MP) 99 and 163 in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough.This project is the third phase of the ongoing parent project, Parks Hwy MP 99 - 163 Drainage & Culvert Improvements (CFHWY00592 / 0A41042), as described in the 2024-2027 Statewide Transportation Improvement Program. The parent project is being developed in phases for design and construction due to funding, scheduling, and logistical constraints. Phase 1 (ten sites) and Phase 2 (one site) have completed design and may begin construction as early as spring 2025. Phase 3 includes 14 new sites and is anticipated to be further split into two phases (Phase 3, seven sites and Phase 4, seven sites). Construction is anticipated to begin as early as 2026, depending on funding availability.The project will improve drainage at 14 existing culvert locations. The proposed work would include the following as needed: Drainage improvements Culvert maintenance, replacement, and installation of new culverts or large structures Ditch grading Digouts and associated resurfacing Guardrail Signage Utility relocations Temporary detours Clearing and grubbingDrainage improvement activities may encroach into the base (100-year) floodplain associated with Rabideux Creek (MP 105.7; FEMA FIRM Panel 02170C3500F) and Trapper Creek (MP 115.6; Panel 02170C2780F). Encroachments into unmapped floodplains or areas of undetermined flood hazard may occur at Section House Creek (MP 101.3, Panel 02170C3515F), Sawmill Creek (MP 109.7, Panel 02170C3475F) and Drywater Creek (MP 117.4, Panel 02170C2760F); and unnamed streams and wetland drainageways at 104.8, 108.6, 108.7, 115.8, 124.6, 139.7, 148.1, and 155.0 (FEMA FIRM Panels 02170C3500F, 02170C2780F, 0200214400C, 0200213075C, and unmapped areas). The encroachments are considered functionally dependent, are not longitudinal, and are not anticipated to result in a change to base flood elevations.This proposed project will comply with all applicable authorities, including Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act; Executive Orders: 11990 (Wetlands Protection), 11988 (Floodplain Management), 12898 (Environmental Justice), 11593 (Historic Preservation), 13084 (Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal Governments); the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act, U.S. DOT Act Section 4(f); Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act; Endangered Species Act; Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation Management Act; and Section 6(f) of the Land and Water Conservation Act.To ensure that all possible factors are considered, written comments can be submitted via mail or email to the following by November 25, 2024. Brian Elliott, Regional Environmental ManagerDOT&PF Preliminary Design & EnvironmentalP.O. Box 196900Anchorage, Alaska 99519-6900If you have any questions or require additional information, please contact Aaron Hunting, P.E., Project Manager, at 269-0546.The environmental review, consultation, and other actions required by applicable Federal environmental laws for this project are being, or have been, carried out by DOT&PF pursuant to 23 U.S.C. 327 and a Memorandum of Understanding dated April 13, 2023 and executed by FHWA and DOT&PF. It is the policy of the DOT&PF that no person shall be excluded from participation in, or be denied benefits of any and all programs or activities we provide based on race, religion, color, gender, age, marital status, ability, or national origin, regardless of the funding source including Federal Transit Administration, Federal Aviation Administration, Federal Highway Administration and State of Alaska Funds. The DOT&PF complies with Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Individuals with a hearing impairment can contact DOT&PF at our Telephone Device for the Deaf (TDD) at (907) 269-0473.