Notice of Intent to Begin Engineering and Environmental Studies and Floodplain Encroachment: Sterling Highway MP 43-56 Pavement Preservation Project Number CFHWY01253

NOTICE OF INTENT TO BEGIN ENGINEERING AND ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES AND FLOODPLAIN ENCROACHMENTProject Title: Sterling Highway MP 43-56 Pavement PreservationProject No.: CFHWY01253 / 0A33035The 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 a proposal to resurface the Sterling Highway from milepost (MP) 43-56, near Cooper Landing, Alaska. The purpose of the proposed project is to extend the service life of the roadway, as well as make safety and drainage improvements as needed.The proposed work may include: Grading and paving Minor improvements and safety improvements to the following bridges: 0673 (Kenai River at Schooners) 0674 (Cooper Creek) 0675 (Kenai River at Cooper Landing) Drainage improvements Structural section repairs ADA improvements Replacing, repairing, or installing roadside hardware (i.e. signage, striping, guardrails) Vegetation clearing and grubbing Relocating utilities as neededThe proposed project may encroach into the mapped base (100-year) floodplain and/or regulatory floodway associated with the Kenai River (FEMA FIRM Panels 02122C1385E, 02122C1380E, 02122C1360E, and 0200122125A). The proposed project may also encroach into the mapped base floodplain associated with Cooper Creek (FEMA FIRM Panel 02122C1360E). Additionally, the proposed project may encroach into unmapped base floodplains associated with Quartz Creek and Kenai Lake (FEMA FIRM Panel 0200122150A) and several unnamed streams that intersect with the Sterling Highway throughout the project corridor. Project activities that may impact base floodplains would include vegetation clearing and hardware installation (i.e. guardrails). Other activities would include culvert improvements that may involve functionally dependent uses of floodplains. Additionally, minimal excavation and/or fill of riprap below ordinary high water to address erosion near the highway and bridges would be longitudinal encroachments into the floodway and/or floodplains. No net changes to base flood elevations are anticipated.This proposed project will comply with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act; Executive Orders: 11990 (Wetlands Protection), 11988 (Floodplain Protection), the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act, and U.S. DOT Act Section 4(f). Construction for the proposed project is anticipated to begin in Spring 2026. To ensure that all possible factors are considered, please provide written comments to the following address by September 14, 2025.Heidi Zimmer, Regional Environmental ManagerDOT&PF Preliminary Design & EnvironmentalP.O. Box 196900Anchorage, Alaska 99519-6900heidi.zimmer@alaska.gov If you have any questions or require additional information, please contact Aaron Hunting, P.E., Project Manager, at 907-269-0546 or aaron.hunting@alaka.gov.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 Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities (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