Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 1 / Monday, January 3, 2011 / Notices 207

the SPR funds apportioned annually CTA operates the system in a.m. at CTA Headquarters, in must be used for research, development, Cook County, . The proposed Conference Room 2A, 567 W. Lake and technology transfer activities. In project, described more completely Street, , IL 60661. accordance with government-wide grant within, would bring the North Red and Representatives of Native American management procedures, a grant Purple lines up to a state of good repair Tribal governments and Federal, State, application must be submitted for these from the track structure immediately regional, and local agencies that may funds. In addition, recipients must north of Belmont Station in Chicago, have an interest in any aspect of the submit periodic progress and financial Illinois to the Linden terminal in project will be invited to be reports. In lieu of Standard Form 424, Wilmette, Illinois. The purpose of this participating or cooperating agencies, as Application for Federal Assistance, the Notice of Intent is to (1) alert interested appropriate. FHWA uses a work program as the grant parties regarding the intent to prepare ADDRESSES: Comments will be accepted application. The information contained the EIS, (2) to provide information on at the public scoping meetings or they in the work program includes task the nature of the proposed project and may be sent to Mr. Steve Hands, descriptions, assignments of possible alternatives, and (3) to invite Strategic Planning and Policy, Chicago responsibility for conducting the work public participation in the EIS process. Transit Authority, P.O. Box 7602, effort, and estimated costs for the tasks. DATES: Written comments on the scope Chicago, IL 60680–7602, or via e-mail at This information is necessary to of the EIS, including the project’s [email protected]. determine how FHWA planning and purpose and need, the alternatives to be FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. research funds will be utilized by the considered, the impacts to be evaluated, Reginald Arkell, Community Planner, State Transportation Departments and if and the methodologies to be used in the Federal Transit Administration, Region the proposed work is eligible for Federal evaluations should be sent to CTA on or V, 200 West Adams Street, Suite 320, participation. The content and before February 18, 2011. See Chicago, IL 60606, phone 312–886– frequency of submission of progress and ADDRESSES below for the address to 3704, e-mail [email protected]. which written public comments may be financial reports specified in 23 CFR SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: part 420 are specified in OMB Circular sent. Four public scoping meetings to A–102 and the companion common accept comments on the scope of the Scoping grant management regulations. EIS will be held on the following dates: The FTA and CTA invite all • Monday, January 24, 2011; 6 p.m. to Respondents: 52 State Transportation interested individuals and 8:30 p.m.; at St. Augustine College, 1345 Departments, including the District of organizations, public agencies, and Columbia and Puerto Rico. West Argyle Street, Chicago, IL 60640. • Tuesday, January 25, 2011; 6 p.m. Native American Tribes to comment on Frequency: Annual. the scope of the Tier 1 EIS, including Estimated Average Annual Burden to 8:30 p.m.; at the Nicholas Senn High the project’s purpose and need, the per Response: 560 hours per School, 5900 North Glenwood Avenue, alternatives to be studied, the impacts to respondent. Chicago, IL 60660. be evaluated, and the evaluation Estimated Total Annual Burden • Wednesday, January 26, 2011; 6 methods to be used. The Tier 1 EIS will Hours: 29,120 hours. p.m. to 8:30 p.m.; at the New Field Primary School, 1707 West Morse be a planning level EIS that will allow Authority: The Paperwork Reduction Act Avenue, Chicago, IL 60626. the CTA and FTA to use the National of 1995; 44 U.S.C. Chapter 35, as amended; • Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and 49 CFR 1.48. Thursday, January 27, 2011; 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.; at the Fleetwood-Jourdain process as a tool to involve agencies and Issued On: December 22, 2010. Community Center, 1655 Foster Street, the public in the decision making Judith Kane, Evanston, IL 60201. process for the project as well as to Acting Chief, Management Programs and The buildings to be used for the capture any associated or cumulative Analysis Division. scoping meetings are accessible to impacts on the environment. This [FR Doc. 2010–32721 Filed 12–30–10; 8:45 am] persons with disabilities. Any process will ensure that: the complete BILLING CODE P individual who requires special 9.5-mile RPM corridor is analyzed; the assistance or language translation, such EIS is used to help refine and prioritize as a sign language interpreter, to design concepts, and; related DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION participate in the scoping meeting components of the project are grouped should contact Mr. Jeff Wilson, together for future analysis. After this Federal Transit Administration Government and Community Relations Tier 1 EIS process is complete, component projects can each be Intent To Prepare an Environmental Officer, Chicago Transit Authority, at evaluated more specifically with a Impact Statement for Proposed Transit 312–681–2712 or second-tier EIS and/or other NEPA Improvements to the North Red and [email protected], five days environmental documentation as Purple Lines, Cook County, IL prior to the meeting. Scoping materials describing the needed. These ensuing NEPA AGENCY: Federal Transit Administration, project purpose and need and the documents can reference and U.S. Department of Transportation. alternatives proposed for analysis will summarize information from the Tier 1 ACTION: Notice of Intent to Prepare an be available at the meetings and on the EIS and concentrate on the issues Environmental Impact Statement. CTA Web site http:// specific to the subsequent actions (40 www.transitchicago.com/rpmproject. CFR 1502.20). Comments should SUMMARY: The Federal Transit Paper copies of the scoping materials address (1) the project’s priorities and Administration (FTA), as the lead may also be obtained from Mr. Jeff appropriate cost-effective alternatives Federal agency, and the Chicago Transit Wilson, Government and Community and components, and (2) any significant Authority (CTA) intend to prepare a Relations Officer, Chicago Transit environmental impacts relating to the Tier 1 Environmental Impact Statement Authority, at 312–681–2712 or alternatives. (Tier 1 EIS) for the North Red and [email protected]. NEPA ‘‘scoping’’ (40 CFR 1501.7) has Purple Line Modernization (RPM) An interagency scoping meeting will specific and fairly limited objectives, Project in Cook County, Illinois. The be held on Monday, January 24 at 10:30 one of which is to identify the

VerDate Mar<15>2010 15:48 Dec 30, 2010 Jkt 223001 PO 00000 Frm 00127 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\03JAN1.SGM 03JAN1 jlentini on DSKJ8SOYB1PROD with NOTICES 208 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 1 / Monday, January 3, 2011 / Notices

significant issues associated with over 19% of all weekday and 23% of all into a minimal state of good repair. It alternatives that will be examined in weekend CTA rail trips, could not be would provide adequate service for the detail in the Tier 1 EIS, while accommodated either on the currently next 20 years. The stations, viaducts, simultaneously limiting consideration congested road network or through bus and other structural elements would not and development of issues that are not transportation alternatives; and the be brought up to modern standards and truly significant. It is in the NEPA project area population is growing, would only meet minimal ADA scoping process that potentially highly transit-reliant, and diverse. requirements. Upgrades would be made significant environmental impacts— to signals and communication systems. Project Location and Environmental those that give rise to the need to The number of stations and station Setting prepare an environmental impact entrances would remain at 21 and 23, statement—should be identified; The project area extends from the respectively. impacts that are deemed not to be track structure immediately north of Evanston Branch: The Evanston significant need not be developed Belmont station to Linden station, Branch, between Linden Terminal and extensively in the context of the impact which is approximately 9.5 miles and Howard Station, is the northern section statement, thereby keeping the includes 21 stations and two rail yards, of the study area and is approximately statement focused on impacts of the Howard Yard and the Linden Yard. 3.8 miles long. This segment currently consequence. Transit projects may also Currently, the Red and Purple Lines has 2 operating tracks with 8 stations generate environmental benefits; these operate beside each other on 4 tracks for (not including Howard). Only one should be highlighted as well—the 5.7 miles from north of Belmont station station would be renovated to impact statement process should draw to Howard station, of which 1.9 miles is accommodate 8 car trains; two stations attention to positive impacts, not just located on steel elevated structure and which are already accessible would negative impacts. 3.8 miles on earthen embankment. The receive minor repairs; the other six Once the scoping process is Purple Line operates alone on 2 tracks stations would be renovated to meet completed, a scoping report and for 3.8 miles from Howard station to minimal ADA requirements. This annotated outline will be prepared and Linden station on earthen embankment. alternative consists of upgrades to shared with interested agencies and the The project area traverses dense urban existing structures primarily within the public. The report and outline serves at single and multi family residential, existing CTA right-of-way and least three worthy purposes, including commercial, and educational land uses maintenance of the existing overall track (1) documenting the results of the and includes portions of Chicago’s alignment, structure, and station scoping process; (2) contributing to the North Side, Evanston, and Wilmette, configurations. transparency of the process; and (3) Illinois. The project area includes North Red Line: The North Red Line, providing a clear roadmap for concise numerous parks and cemeteries, and between Belmont Station and Howard development of the environmental crosses the of the Station, is the southern section of the document. . study area and is approximately 5.8 miles long. This segment currently has Alternatives Purpose and Need for the Project 4 operating tracks with 13 stations. The purpose of the North Red and Several alternatives are proposed for Eight stations would be renovated to Purple Line Modernization project is to analysis in the EIS. Public input meet minimal ADA requirements; one bring the existing crucial transit asset received during scoping will help to station would be reconstructed; the into a state of good repair, while select, reject and/or revise the following remaining four stations are already reducing travel times, improving access alternatives. accessible and would receive minor to job markets, responding to shifts in No Action Alternative: The No Action repairs. This alternative consists of travel demand, better utilizing existing Alternative would maintain the status upgrades to existing structures primarily transit infrastructure and providing quo. This alternative would include the within the existing CTA right-of-way access to persons with disabilities in the absolute minimum repairs required to and maintaining the existing overall north lakefront and north suburbs of keep the Red and Purple lines track alignment, structure, and station Chicago. This project would also functional. Travel patterns would configurations. Express service with no support the area’s economic remain the same. Travel times would stops between Howard and Belmont development initiatives and current likely continue to increase and service would continue to be provided in both transit supportive development reliability would continue to degrade directions during peak periods. patterns. due to the need to safely operate on Basic Rehabilitation with Transfer The need for the project is based on systems not considered in a state of Stations Alternative: This alternative the following considerations: the North good repair. Additional ADA access includes all of the elements of the Basic Red and Purple Line infrastructure is would not be provided. Minor repairs Rehabilitation Alternative plus new significantly past its useful life as most and upgrades would be made using transfer stations at Wilson and Loyola. of it was constructed between 1900 and current capital funding levels. The The number of stations would remain at 1922; much of the infrastructure is number of stations and station entrances 21 and the total number of station dilapidated and continued degradation would remain at 21 and 23, entrances would increase to 25. could increase the cost of maintenance respectively. No stations would be Evanston Branch: Same as Basic and compromise service in the future; renovated. The No Action Alternative is Rehabilitation Alternative above in this transit trips are delayed and unreliable used as a basis for comparison for the segment for this alternative. due to antiquated infrastructure; the other alternatives. North Red Line: This alternative community relies on these facilities for Basic Rehabilitation Alternative: This includes all of the elements of the Basic all trip types including work access and alternative includes a strategic mix of Rehabilitation Alternative plus new reverse commutes; 15 of the 21 stations repairs, rehabilitation, and replacement transfer stations at Wilson and Loyola. within the project area do not have to bring the Evanston Branch (between The new transfer stations and 1 mile of access for persons with disabilities; the Linden Terminal and Howard Station) associated structures would have a volume of passengers, over 128,000 trips and the North Red Line (between useful life of 60–80 years; the rest of the on an average weekday representing Belmont Station and Howard Station) improvements would have a useful life

VerDate Mar<15>2010 15:48 Dec 30, 2010 Jkt 223001 PO 00000 Frm 00128 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\03JAN1.SGM 03JAN1 jlentini on DSKJ8SOYB1PROD with NOTICES Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 1 / Monday, January 3, 2011 / Notices 209

of 20 years. Additional access to express additional access points; examples of Evanston Branch: Same as service would be possible at the two this could include: Adding an Ainslie Modernization 4-Track Alternative new transfer stations. This alternative entrance to Argyle station and removing above in this segment for this would allow for potential expanded Lawrence station; adding a Glenlake alternative. hours of express service. Seven stations entrance to Granville station and a North Red Line: This alternative would be renovated to meet minimal Hollywood entrance to Bryn Mawr would replace a significant portion of ADA requirements; three stations would station and removing Thorndale station; the existing 4-track elevated rail be reconstructed (two as transfer and providing additional access to structure and embankment with a stations); the remaining three stations Howard station at Rogers Avenue and below-grade 2-track alignment. This are already accessible and would removing Jarvis station. alternative would provide a single more receive minor repairs. Modernization 3-Track Alternative: frequent local service in both directions Modernization 4-Track Alternative: This alternative would provide modern between Linden and Belmont in this This alternative would provide modern amenities at stations, extend the useful corridor; no express overlay service amenities at stations, extend the useful life of the system for the next 60–80 would be provided. The alternative life of the system for the next 60–80 years, increase speed and reliability, alignment would begin north of years, increase speed and reliability, and address safety and accessibility Belmont and transition below ground, and address safety and accessibility concerns. This alternative would proceeding underneath the northbound concerns. This alternative would require remove one of the four tracks in the Brown Line tracks. The alignment significant right-of-way acquisitions. North Red Line corridor. The number of would continue northward generally The number of stations would decrease stations would decrease to 17 and the following Sheffield/Sheridan to the to 17 and the total number of station total number of station entrances would intersection of Sheridan and Broadway, entrances would increase to 31. increase to 31. The number of stations and then proceed north underneath Evanston Branch: All stations would to be reconstructed and repaired would Broadway until it transitions back to the be reconstructed or renovated to meet be the same as the Modernization 4- elevated alignment just north of Loyola. modern standards for accessibility and Track Alternative above. Subway stations would be constructed safety including modern platform Evanston Branch: Same as at Addison, Irving Park, Wilson, Foster, widths and clear lines of sight, in Modernization 4-Track Alternative addition to being expanded to Bryn Mawr, Glenlake, and Devon/ above in this segment for this accommodate 8 car trains. Four stations Loyola. In total, seven modern stations alternative. would be reconstructed; the remaining would be constructed underground; one two previously-modernized stations North Red Line: All stations would be station would be reconstructed above would receive minor repairs. reconstructed or renovated to meet ground; one previously-modernized Reconstruction of elevated structures modern standards for accessibility and station would receive minor repairs. and viaducts would bring them up to safety including modern platform The current 4-track earthen modern standards including clearances widths and clear lines of sight. This embankment between Loyola and for cross streets underneath viaducts. alternative would generally stay within Howard would be replaced with a 2- Minimal acquisition would be required the existing right-of-way, would track modern concrete aerial structure. to straighten curves that currently slow eliminate one of the four existing tracks This alternative would require right-of- service. The potential exists to between Belmont and Howard to way acquisition outside of the existing consolidate stops while providing accommodate wider platforms, and Red Line alignment for station entrances additional access points; examples of would replace the existing structures and auxiliary structures. Curves would this could include: Adding a and embankment with modern concrete be straightened and new subway stops Washington entrance to Main station aerial structure. Local service would be would be located to maximize train and removing South Blvd station; and offered in both directions at all times speed. The potential exists in the adding a Gaffield entrance to Noyes and express service would be offered remaining elevated alignment to provide station and a Church entrance to Davis inbound in the morning and outbound additional access to Howard station at station and removing . in the evening; no reverse commute Rogers Avenue and remove Jarvis North Red Line: All stations would be express service would be provided. station. Some right-of-way acquisition would be reconstructed or renovated to meet Possible Effects modern standards for accessibility and required to straighten curves that safety including modern platform currently slow service. The potential The purpose of this Tier 1 EIS process widths and clear lines of sight. Nine exists to consolidate stops, while is to study, in a public setting, the stations would be reconstructed (two as providing additional access points; effects of the proposed project and its transfer stations); the remaining one possibilities would be the same as for alternatives on the quality of the human previously-modernized station would the Modernization 4-Track Alternative and natural environment. Areas of receive minor repairs. This alternative above. investigation for transit projects would provide express and local service Modernization 2-Track Underground generally include, but are not limited to: in both directions by maintaining 4- Alternative: This alternative would Land use, development potential, land tracks and would replace the existing provide modern amenities at stations, acquisition and displacements, historic structures and embankment with extend the useful life of the system for resources, visual and aesthetic qualities, modern concrete aerial structure. This the next 60–80 years, increase speed air quality, noise and vibration, energy alternative would allow for potential and reliability, and address safety and use, safety and security, and expanded hours of express service. accessibility concerns. This alternative ecosystems, including threatened and Substantial additional right-of-way would operate underground in a new 2- endangered species. Investigation may would be required to increase platform track alignment in place of the current reveal that the proposed project will or widths and provide clear lines of sight, 4-track alignment in the North Red Line will not substantially affect many of as well as to straighten curves that slow segment. The number of stations would these areas. Measures will be identified service. The potential exists to decrease to 16 and the total number of to avoid, minimize, or mitigate any consolidate stops, while providing station entrances would increase to 29. significant adverse impacts.

VerDate Mar<15>2010 15:48 Dec 30, 2010 Jkt 223001 PO 00000 Frm 00129 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\03JAN1.SGM 03JAN1 jlentini on DSKJ8SOYB1PROD with NOTICES 210 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 1 / Monday, January 3, 2011 / Notices

FTA Procedures received (preferably in advance of ADDRESSES: You may submit comments The regulations implementing NEPA, printing), FTA and its grantees will (identified by the DOT Docket ID as well as provisions of the Safe, distribute only the executive summary Number above) by any of the following of the environmental document together methods: Accountable, Flexible, Efficient • Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for with a Compact Disc of the complete Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to Users (SAFETEA–LU), calls for public environmental document. A complete http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the involvement in the EIS process. Section printed set of the environmental online instructions for submitting document will be available for review at comments. 6002 of SAFETEA–LU requires that FTA • and CTA do the following: (1) Extend an the CTA’s offices and elsewhere; an Mail: Docket Management Facility; invitation to other Federal and non- electronic copy of the complete M–30, U.S. Department of Federal agencies and Native American environmental document will also be Transportation, West Building Ground Tribes that may have an interest in the available on the CTA’s Web page. Floor, Rm. W12–140, 1200 New Jersey The EIS will be prepared in Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590. proposed project to become • ‘‘participating agencies;’’ (2) provide an accordance with NEPA and its Hand Delivery or Courier: West opportunity for involvement by implementing regulations issued by the Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, participating agencies and the public to Council on Environmental Quality (40 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., help define the purpose and need for a CFR Parts 1500–1508) and with the Washington, DC 20590 between 9 a.m. proposed project, as well as the range of FTA/Federal Highway Administration and 5 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday regulations ‘‘Environmental Impact and through Friday, except Federal holidays. alternatives for consideration in the EIS; • and (3) establish a plan for coordinating Related Procedures’’ (23 CFR Part 771). Fax: (202) 493–2251. Regardless of how you submit your public and agency participation in, and Issued on: December 22, 2010. comments, you should mention the comment on, the environmental review Marisol Simo´n, docket number of this document. You process. An invitation to become a Regional Administrator. participating or cooperating agency, may call the Docket at (202) 366–9324. [FR Doc. 2010–33065 Filed 12–30–10; 8:45 am] Please identify the proposed collection with scoping materials appended, will BILLING CODE 4910–57–P be extended to other Federal and non- of information for which a comment is Federal agencies and Native American provided, by referencing its OMB clearance number. It is requested, but Tribes that may have an interest in the DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION proposed project. It is possible that FTA not required, that two copies of the and CTA will not be able to identify all National Highway Traffic Safety comment be provided. Note that all comments received will Federal and non-Federal agencies and Administration be posted without change to http:// Native American Tribes that may have [Docket No. NHTSA–2010–0111] www.regulations.gov, including any such an interest. Any Federal or non- personal information provided. Anyone Federal agency or Native American Reports, Forms, and Recordkeeping is able to search the electronic form of Tribe interested in the proposed project Requirements all comments received into any of our that does not receive an invitation to dockets by the name of the individual become a participating agency should AGENCY: National Highway Traffic submitting the comment (or signing the notify at the earliest opportunity the Safety Administration (NHTSA), comment, if submitted on behalf of an Project Manager identified above under Department of Transportation. association, business, labor union, etc.). ADDRESSES. ACTION: Request for extension of a You may review DOT’s complete A comprehensive public involvement currently approved collection of Privacy Act Statement in the Federal program and a Coordination Plan for information. public and interagency involvement Register published on April 11, 2000 will be developed for the project and SUMMARY: This notice solicits public (65 FR 19477–78). posted on CTA’s Web site, http:// comments on continuation of the Docket: For access to the docket to www.transitchicago.com/rpmproject. requirements for the collection of read background documents or The public involvement program information on safety standards. Before comments received, go to http:// includes a full range of activities a Federal agency can collect certain www.regulations.gov or the street including maintaining the project Web information from the public, it must address listed above. Follow the online page on the CTA Web site and outreach receive approval from the Office of instructions for accessing the dockets. to local officials, community and civic Management and Budget (OMB). Under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: groups, and the public. Specific procedures established by the Complete copies of each request for activities or events for involvement will Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, collection of information may be be detailed in the project’s public before seeking OMB approval, Federal obtained at no charge from Mrs. Lori participation plan. agencies must solicit public comment Summers, U.S. Department of The Paperwork Reduction Act seeks, on proposed collections of information, Transportation, NHTSA, Room W43– in part, to minimize the cost to the including extensions and reinstatement 320, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., taxpayer of the creation, collection, of previously approved collections. Washington, DC 20590. Mrs. Summer’s maintenance, use, dissemination, and This document describes a collection telephone number is (202) 366–4917 disposition of information. Consistent of labeling information on five Federal and fax number is (202) 366–7002. with this goal and with principles of motor vehicle safety standards, for SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Under the economy and efficiency in government, which NHTSA intends to seek OMB Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, it is FTA policy to limit insofar as approval. The labeling requirements before a proposed collection of possible distribution of complete include brake fluid warning, glazing information is submitted to OMB for printed sets of environmental labeling, safety belt labeling, and approval, Federal agencies must first documents. Accordingly, unless a vehicle certification labeling. publish a document in the Federal specific request for a complete printed DATES: Comments must be received on Register providing a 60-day comment set of environmental documents is or before March 4, 2011. period and otherwise consult with

VerDate Mar<15>2010 15:48 Dec 30, 2010 Jkt 223001 PO 00000 Frm 00130 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\03JAN1.SGM 03JAN1 jlentini on DSKJ8SOYB1PROD with NOTICES