Notice of Intent and Open House - Pioneer Park Boat Launch/Parking/Plug-ins & Peger Road Bike Path

Notice of Intent to Begin Engineering and Environmental Studies and Public Open HousePioneer Park Boat Launch/Parking/Plug-ins & Peger Road Bike PathState/Federal Project Numbers: NFHWY008910002547The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOT&PF) invites you to join us for an open house to learn about the proposed project to improve access and amenities near the Chena River at Pioneer Park in Fairbanks, Alaska. The proposed project includes: Expanding the existing parking lot near the Chena River to more than 100 spaces. Adding approximately 16 motor vehicle plug-ins to support winter use. Constructing a southbound left-turn lane from Peger Road into the parking lot. Enhancing the riverbank to improve non-motorized watercraft access (e.g., kayaks, canoes, rafts). Developing a separated bicycle and pedestrian path along the east side of Peger Road, connecting Airport Way to the Chena River and the Chena Riverwalk path.Construction is anticipated to begin in summer 2027.The project is being developed in accordance with the following special purpose regulations including Section 4(f) of the Department of Transportation Act; Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act; and the following EOs): EO 11990 (Wetlands Protection); EO 12898 (Environmental Justice); EO 11593 (Protection and Enhancement of the Cultural Environment); EO 13112 (Invasive Species); and EO 11988 (Floodplain Management). The proposed riverbank and non-motorized boat launch improvements are anticipated to place fill in the regulated floodway of the Special Flood Hazard Area Zone AE of the Chena River floodplain.More information about the project can be found at https://dot.alaska.gov/nreg/pioneerpark. Open House5:00-7:00 pm on Wednesday, August 20, 2025Pioneer Park Wilderness Pavilion (closest access is from Peger Road)2300 Airport Way, Fairbanks, AKProject staff, including Fairbanks North Star Borough Parks & Recreation staff will be in attendance and available to answer your questions. Materials presented at the meeting will be available on the project website prior to the open house.Comment sheets will be provided at the meeting, or comments outside the meeting can be made by contacting:John Netardus, PE, Engineering Manager2301 Peger Road, Fairbanks AK 99709-5316Telephone: (907) 451-5448Text Telephone (TDD): 771 or 1-800-770-8973Email: info@pioneerparkingproject.comPlease submit comments by September 20, 2025If you require reasonable accommodation and/or special modifications to participate in this public open house, please contact the project manager listed above. Please make your request at least 10 days before the accommodation is needed in order to make any necessary arrangements. To communicate by text telephone, dial TTY 711 or 1-800-770-8973.The environmental review, consultation, and other actions required by applicable Federal environmental laws for this project are being, or have been, carried out by the Alaska 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 one shall be subject to discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability, regardless of the funding source, including Federal Transit Administration, Federal Aviation Administration, Federal Highway Administration, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and State of Alaska funds. Title VI Nondiscrimination Policy: dot.alaska.gov/tvi_statement.shtml. To file a complaint, visit dot.alaska.gov/cvlrts/titlevi.shtml