Federal Register / Vol. 64, No. 60 / Tuesday, March 30, 1999 / Notices 15197 disadvantaged by increased overhead Dated: February 19, 1999. Metropolitan Transportation Authority costs. Applicants argue that the Strobe Talbott, (MTA) Transit (NYC requested relief and order will promote Deputy Secretary of State. Transit) intend to prepare an competitiveness in the variable annuity [FR Doc. 99–7768 Filed 3–29–99; 8:45 am] Alternatives Analysis/Environmental market by obviating the filing of BILLING CODE 4710±10±P Impact Statement (AA/EIS) in redundant exemptive applications, accordance with the National thereby reducing administrative Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) for expenses and maximizing efficient use DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION transportation improvements in the of resources and enhancing the corridor between LaGuardia Airport and Applicant’s ability to effectively take Federal Aviation Administration Lower and Midtown . MTA advantage of business opportunities as NYC Transit will ensure that the AA/ such arise. Applicants submit, for all the Notice of Intent To Rule on Application EIS also satisfies the requirements of the reasons stated herein, that their request (99±12±C±00±CHO) To Impose a New York State Environmental Quality for approval is necessary or appropriate Passenger Facility Charge (PFC) at Review Act. The work being performed in the public interest and consistent Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport, will also satisfy the FTA’s alternatives with the protection of investors and the Charlottesville, VA analysis requirements and guidelines. This effort will be performed in purposes fairly intended by the policy AGENCY: Federal Aviation cooperation with the Federal Aviation and provisions of the 1940 Act, and that Administration (FAA), DOT. an order of the Commission should, Administration (FAA), the Federal ACTION: Correction to notice of intent to therefore, be granted. Highway Administration (FHWA), the rule on application. Port Authority of New York and New Conclusion SUMMARY: This correction revises Jersey, the New York City Departments For the reasons stated above, information from the previously of Transportation and City Planning and Applicants request that the Commission published notice. the New York State Department of issue an order granting the exemptions In notice document 99–6937 Transportation. Other interested agencies and elected officials or bodies and an amended order as described beginning on Page 13841 in the issue of include the New York State Office of the above. Applicants believe that the Monday, March 22, 1999, under Notice Governor, the New York City Office of requested exemptions and the amended of Intent to Rule on Application, the the Mayor, the Office of the Borough order, in accordance with the standards correct number should read ‘‘99–12–00– President of , the New York City of Section 6(c), are appropriate in the CHO’’. Under SUPPLEMENTARY Planning Commission, and the New public interest and consistent with the INFORMATION, second paragraph the York City Council. protection of investors and the purposes second sentence should read ‘‘The FAA will approve or disapprove the Its proximity to Manhattan makes fairly intended by the policy and LaGuardia Airport ideally suited to the provisions of the 1940 Act. application, in whole or in part, no later than April 30, 1999’’. Manhattan-bound business traveler. For the Commission, by the Divisions of However, travelers to LaGuardia must DATES: Comments must be received on Investment Management, pursuant to use frequently congested highways delegated authority. or before April 29, 1999. (Grand Central Parkway, - Margaret H. McFarland, FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Art Queens Expressway, Long Island Deputy Secretary. Winder, Project Manager, Washington, Expressway) and river crossings (e.g. [FR Doc. 99–7685 Filed 3–29–99; 8:45 am] Airports District Office, 23723 Air Midtown Tunnel, Tri-borough Bridge). Freight Lane 3911 Hartzdale Dr., Suite BILLING CODE 8010±01±M Peak period travel times between 1, Camp Hill, PA 17011. (717) 730– Manhattan and LaGuardia are frequently 2832. an hour or more, and uncertainty Issued in Jamaica, New York on March 23, regarding travel times forces travelers to DEPARTMENT OF STATE 1999. set aside even more time to avoid Thomas Felix, missing flights or appointments in Office of the Secretary Manager, Planning and Programming Branch, Manhattan. Unless corrective actions are AEA–610, Eastern Region. taken, these access limitations will [Public Notice 3017] [FR Doc. 99–7764 Filed 3–29–99; 8:45 am] reduce both the airport’s appeal to BILLING CODE 4910±13±M travelers and the attractiveness of the National Interest Determination and city as a national and international Waiver of Section 620(q) of the Foreign center. Assistance Act of 1961, as Amended, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Many other major cities in this Relating to Assistance to Honduras country and abroad have direct rail Federal Transit Administration access to their airports. In Pursuant to the authority vested in me contrast, transit service to LaGuardia is by Section 620(q) of the Foreign Alternatives Analysis/Environmental infrequent or inconvenient, with Assistance Act of 1961, as amended, Impact Statement of the Extension of relatively high fares and lengthy and Executive Order 12163, and the Subway Service From Manhattan to unreliable travel times in peak periods Department of State Delegation of LaGuardia Airport (since the available transit modes Authority No. 145, I hereby determine AGENCY: Federal Transit Administration, depend on the same congested that furnishing assistance to Honduras DOT. highways and local streets). However, is in the national interest and that the ACTION: Notice of intent to prepare an many LaGuardia passengers have Section’s prohibition on assistance is alternatives analysis/environmental origins or destinations within the waived. This determination shall be impact statement (AA/EIS). Manhattan Central Business District reported to Congress as required by law. (CBD), which has an extensive existing The determination shall also be SUMMARY: The Federal Transit rail rapid transit network with published in the Federal Register. Administration (FTA) and the extensions into Queens. This

VerDate 23-MAR-99 09:53 Mar 29, 1999 Jkt 183247 PO 00000 Frm 00049 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\A30MR3.035 pfrm04 PsN: 30MRN1 15198 Federal Register / Vol. 64, No. 60 / Tuesday, March 30, 1999 / Notices combination forms an established base location can be accessed by subway meetings by contacting Mr. Thomas from which an attractive transit link to (Astoria ‘‘N’’ line at the Ditmars Jablonski at MTA–NYC Transit as the airport could potentially be built. Boulevard Station), and by the Q19A indicated above. Given these problems, the AA/EIS and Q101 bus lines, which also connect II. Description of Study Area and to the E and F subway lines at the will evaluate public transit Project Need improvements in the corridor between station, and to the #7 Lower and and subway line at the Queensboro Plaza The study area and travel corridors LaGuardia Airport in Queens, New station. Limited public parking is involved are wholly within New York York. In particular, the focus will be on available near the site. The Manhattan and Queens Counties. They primarily proposed extensions of existing rail location is within several blocks of the include Lower and Midtown Manhattan rapid transit (subway) lines that #4, 5, 6 and 7 subway lines (at the Grand (the Central Business District (CBD) of presently operate in Manhattan and Central station) and the B, D and F lines Manhattan) and those portion of Queens, and which would be extended at 42nd Street at 6th Avenue, and to northern and northwestern Queens along a selected alignment to provide numerous local bus routes on Sixth, through which passengers and service to the airport. Fifth and Madison Avenues and along employees pass on their way to and Scoping of the AA/DEIS will be 42nd Street. from LaGuardia Airport. The Manhattan accomplished through correspondence The meetings will be held in an ‘‘open CBD is one of the largest and most dense with interested persons, organizations, house’’ format, and project employment concentrations in the and federal, state and local agencies, representatives will be available to world, but also includes a major and through public meetings. See discuss the project throughout the time residential population. The involved SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION below for period given. Informational displays areas of Queens include numerous details. and written materials will also be commercial and industrial centers as During the initial months of the AA/ available. In addition to written well as major residential areas. Existing transit service between the DEIS process, MTA NYC Transit will comment, which may be made at the Manhattan CBD and LaGuardia Airport work with other agencies and with the meeting or as described below, a includes: (a) Gray Line bus service from general public to identify potentially stenographer will be available at the various CBD locations; (b) ferry service feasible alternatives for providing meetings to record comments. from Lower Manhattan to LaGuardia’s prompt, reliable, dedicated access ADDRESSES: Written comments on the Marine Air Terminal (MAT); and (c) between Lower and Midtown project scope should be sent to Mr. local bus lines connecting existing Manhattan and LaGuardia Airport. Thomas R. Jablonski, Project Manager, subway lines to the airport (e.g., the Q33 These alternatives should take full MTA–NYC Transit, 130 Livingston and Q47 bus routes connecting with the advantage of the city’s existing Street, Room 7068–D, Brooklyn, New ‘‘E,’’ ‘‘F’’ and ‘‘R’’ subway lines at the extensive public transit network, and York 11201. The scoping meetings will Roosevelt Avenue station, the Q48 bus provide travelers with a ‘‘single-seat be held at the following locations: route from the ‘‘7’’ subway service at ride’’ from points throughout the Steinway School (IS 141), 37–11 21st Main Street-Flushing, and the M60 bus Manhattan CBD to the airport. Only Avenue, Astoria, New York 11370, and route from the ‘‘N’’ subway service at those alternatives found to meet the the Metropolitan Transportation the Astoria Boulevard station). The project’s needs, goals and objectives Authority, 5th Floor Board Room, 347 available paratransit services in this would receive detailed consideration in Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10017. travel market include medallion taxis, the AA/DEIS. In addition to possible FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: private car and limousine services, and new transit lines or services, the AA/ Brian P. Sterman, Federal Transit private vans and mini-buses operated by DEIS will also evaluate a No-Build Administration, One Bowling Green, hotels and other Manhattan operations. alternative and a Transportation System Room 429, New York, New York 10004– As noted above in the Summary Management (TSM) alternative. See the 1415. (212)–668–2201. section, all transit and paratransit Alternatives discussion under SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: modes serving the airport (except the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION below for ferry service to the MAT) must use details. I. Scoping combinations of local streets, arterials, DATES: Comment Due Date: Written FTA and MTA–NYC Transit invite highways and bridges and tunnels, comments on the scope of alternatives interested individuals, organizations many of which are highly congested and impacts to be considered should be and federal, state and local agencies to during the travel periods when airport sent to the MTA–NCY Transit offices by participate in defining the alternatives demand is the greatest. In addition to May 28, 1999. See ADDRESSES below. to be evaluated in the EIS and traffic congestion and the associated air Scoping Meetings: The public scoping identifying any significant social, and noise pollution, travel by these meetings will be held on Tuesday, May economic or environmental issues existing highway-dependent modes is 11, 1999 starting at 6PM (sign-in begins related to the alternatives. Scoping often unrealible—a fundamental at 5PM) at the Steinway School (IS141) comments may be made at the public problem for time-sensitive air travelers. at 37–11 21st Avenue in Astoria, New scoping meeting or in writing. See Given the need to address these York, and on Wednesday, May 12, 1999 DATES and ADDRESSES section above for airport access problems, the primary starting at 6PM (sign-in begins at 5PM) locations and times. During scoping, goals for the LaGuardia Airport Subway at the Metropolitan Transportation comments should focus on identifying Access (LASA) project are to (a) provide Authority offices in Manhattan. See specific social, economic or convenient, reliable and safe public ADDRESSES below. People with special environmental impacts to evaluate, and transit access for airport passengers and needs should contact Douglas Sussman suggesting alternatives that are more employees between Lower and Midtown at the Metropolitan Transportation cost effective or have less environmental Manhattan and LaGuardia Airport, (b) Authority offices at the address below or impact while achieving the similar develop public transit options providing by calling (212)–878–7483. Both transportation goals and objectives. a ‘‘one-seat’’ (i.e., transfer-free) trip meeting locations are accessible to Scoping materials will be available at between Lower and Midtown people with disabilities. The Queens the meetings or in advance of those Manhattan and multiple LaGuardia

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Airport terminals, (c) improve the detailed study in the AA/DEIS. This • Sunnyside Yard Alternative would quality of public transit service and process will insure that all reasonable be a branch of the BMT Broadway- reduce the travel time within the study and feasible alternatives are considered. Astoria Line (‘‘N’’ Train service) starting corridor from LaGuardia Airport to the It is projected that the AA/DEIS will at the in Long Manhattan CBD, (d) reduce the use of consider the following alternatives, at a Island City. From that point, the congested highway, river crossings, minimum: alignment would extend as a modern local streets and arterials by LaGuardia (1) No Build Alternative, representing aerial transit guideway structure along Airport passengers and employees, future conditions in the travel corridors the northern side of the Sunnyside thereby reducing areawide traffic between the Manhattan CBD and Yards, and would then pass over and congestion, (e) increase mobility by LaGuardia Airport with no new run along the eastern side of AMTRAK’s better serving the critical Manhattan transportation projects or services, other Northeast Corridor tracks. At CBD-to-LaGuardia Airport travel market, than those already committed to by approximately 30th Avenue, the and by creating improved connections local officials and agencies. alignment would turn east and run within the region to the Manhattan CBD, (2) Transportation Systems along the northern side of 30th Avenue (f) attract new ridership to public transit Management (TSM) Alternative, before turning north along the Brooklyn- through the initiation of additional representing future conditions with the Queens Expressway (BQE). At that service to LaGuardia Airport, (g) implementation of one or more lower- point, the alignment will enter a minimize impacts to airport operations cost measures to improve the efficiency ‘‘depressed section’’ (where the tracks during and after construction, and of existing transportation systems, are below grade but in an ‘‘open cut’’ ensure that proposed alignments do not rather than significantly expanding section rather than enclosed in a tunnel) preclude other planned improvements those systems (e.g., improvements to the as it travels along the southern side of on- or off-airport, (h) promote and existing express bus services, subway- the Grand Central Parkway (GCP). As it reinforce economic development and to-bus connections to the airport, etc.). approaches the airport, the alignment the quality of life in New York, (i) more (3) Build Alternatives, involving would rise and cross over the GCP to efficiently accommodate forecasted construction of facilities and enter the airport. On-airport stations are growth in LaGuardia Airport passenger implementation of associated transit projected to be provided at the CTB and trips, (j) conform to the New York State services between the Manhattan CBD USAir/Delta terminals as noted above Air Quality Implementation Plan (SIP) and LaGuardia Airport. In recent for the 19th Avenue Alternative. (4) Other Alternatives. The FTA and as required by the Clean Air Act decades, the MTA, PANYNJ and other MTA NYC Transit will review other Amendments of 1990, (k) avoid, public agencies have performed possible Build alternatives that may be minimize and mitigate degradation of extensive studies of possible transit the natural environment, and (j) provide raised throughout the scoping process. connections to this airport. Based on reliable transit service that is compatible Any other alternatives found to those studies and on further studies by with existing transit systems in the potentially meet the project’s goals and MTA NYC Transit of possible region. objectives, as outlined above, would Adherence to these goals should help extensions of the BMT Broadway also be analyzed in the AA/DEIS. identify new services that take full Astoria Line (‘‘N’’ Train service), the IV. Probable Effects advantage of the city’s extensive transit following two subway alternatives are network in the Manhattan CBD and scheduled to be considered in the AA/ The FTA and MTA NYC Transit plan Queens, maximize the potential for a DEIS. These are preliminary alignments to evaluate in the AA/DEIS all ‘‘single-seat’’ ride from Lower and for these alternatives, with further potentially significant social, economic Midtown Manhattan to LaGuardia, refinements expected throughout the and environmental impacts of the preserve the city’s quality of life while AA/DEIS process in both the off- and project alternatives. Impacts proposed supporting economic development, and on-airport sections: for analysis include changes in the • minimize the degradation of the natural The 19th Avenue Alternative would physical environment (air quality, noise, environment. be an extension of the BMT Broadway- water quality, geology, visual); changes The objectives to be used to facilitate Astoria Line (‘‘N’’ Train service) beyond in the social environment (land use, the process of selecting a locally its present Ditmars Boulevard Terminus. residential, commercial or industrial preferred alternative are to (a) identify From that point, the line would be displacement or disruption, changes in viable alternatives that address the extended northerly as a modern aerial neighborhood character or cohesion); corridor’s transportation problems while transit guideway structure along the changes in traffic and pedestrian meeting the project’s goals; (b) develop centerline of 31st Street up to 20th circulation (on local streets, highways criteria for screening and evaluating the Avenue. From there, the alignment and arterials, and at the airport) and alternatives based upon the project’s would curve easterly across the Con associated changes in traffic congestion; goals; (c) identify the anticipated Edison property to 19th Avenue, where impacts to parklands or historic sites; impacts for each alternative with it would continue along the avenue. At changes in transit service, mobility and potential mitigation strategies; (d) 45th Street, the alignment would swing patronage; capital, operating and initiate the development of cost/benefit northerly and then enter a tunnel maintenance costs for proposes transit projections that are used for project section, in which the alignment would services; and financial and fiscal considerations; and (e) identify the remain as it crosses onto the airport implication. Impacts will be analyzed locally preferred alternative for study in property. After serving the Marine Air for both construction-period activities, the FEIS. Terminal and passing around the and for long-term operation of the runway at the airport’s western end, the alternatives. III. Alternatives alignment would rise onto an aerial Construction-period impacts The AA/DEIS process will include a section, and extend to two other on- projected to be of importance for this review of proposed alternatives that airport stations—one at the Central project include noise and vibration, could potentially meet the project’s Terminal Building (CTB) and a second traffic diversions due to temporary goals and objectives, and the selection to jointly serve the USAir and Delta roadway closures, temporary loss of on- of those alternatives that warrant terminals. street parking, and short-term

VerDate 23-MAR-99 09:53 Mar 29, 1999 Jkt 183247 PO 00000 Frm 00051 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\A30MR3.116 pfrm04 PsN: 30MRN1 15200 Federal Register / Vol. 64, No. 60 / Tuesday, March 30, 1999 / Notices disruptions to subway service. Potential PLACE: Hearing Room, Surface interest in the line between milepost long-term impact of likely importance Transportation Board, 1925 K Street, 308.09, at Oil Junction, and milepost include traffic, parking and pedestrian NW, Washington, D.C. 20423. 312.55, at Maltha, a distance of 4.46 flow impacts near stations (including STATUS: The Board will meet to discuss miles in Kern County, CA; (3) on the on-airport locations), visual impacts due among themselves the agenda item Porterville Subdivision, the line to the introduction or extension of listed below. Although the conference is between milepost 38.9, at Exeter, and transit lines into an area, noise impacts, open for public observation, no public milepost 47.2, at Lindsay, a distance of and property acquisitions and participation is permitted. 8.3 miles in Tulare County, CA; (4) on residential or commercial displacement MATTERS TO BE DISCUSSED: Finance the Visalia Subdivision, the line to provide space for alternatives’ right- Docket No. 33556, Canadian National between milepost 23.8, at Visalia, and of-way or support facilities. Railway Company, Grand Trunk milepost 20.2, at Loma, a distance of 3.6 Each alternative will be analyzed for Corporation, and Grand Trunk Western miles in Tulare County, CA; (5) on the potential transportation, environmental, Railroad Incorporated— control— Visalia Subdivision, the line between social, economic and financial impacts Illinois Central Corporation, Illinois milepost 51.0, at Lacjac, and milepost as required by current Federal (NEPA) Central Railroad Company, Chicago, 49.8, at Reedley, a distance of 1.2 miles and State (SEQRA) environmental laws Central and Pacific Railroad Company, in Tulare County, CA; (6) on the Cameo and current Council on Environmental and Cedar River Railroad; Finance Rail Spur, the line between milepost Quality (CEQ) and FTA guidelines and Docket No. 33556 (Sub-No. 1), Canadian 0.03+160, at Fresno, and milepost 6.0, will be evaluated for it’s ability to meet National Railway Company, Illinois near Fresno, a distance of about 5.97 the project’s goals. Central Railroad Company, The Kansas miles in Fresno County, CA; and (7) on the Landco Spur, the line between V. FTA Procedures City Southern Railway Company, and Gateway Western Railway Company— milepost 113.70, near Bakersfield, and In accordance with federal Terminal Trackage Rights—Union milepost 111.76, near Bakersfield, a transportation planning regulations 23 Pacific Railroad Company and Norfolk & distance of 1.94 miles in Kern County, CFR part 450, the AA/DEIS will include Western Railway Company; STB CA. a comprehensive alternatives selection Finance Docket No. 33556 (Sub-No. 2), Because the projected revenues of the process, which will assess each possible Responsive Application—Ontario rail lines to be operated will exceed $5 alternative’s ability to meet the project’s Michigan Rail Corporation; and, million, SJVR certified to the Board, on goals and objectives, and determine Finance Docket No. 33556 (Sub-No. 3), March 9, 1999, that the required notice those alternatives that warrant detailed Responsive Application—Canadian of its acquisition had been posted at the analysis. Upon completion of the AA/ Pacific Railway Company and St. workplace of the employees on the DEIS, the MTA NYC Transit, in concert Lawrence & Hudson Railway Company affected lines. On March 10, 1999, SJVR with other agencies and elected officials Limited. certified to the Board that it had served and bodies, will select a locally CONTACT PERSON FOR MORE INFORMATION: a copy of the notice on the national preferred alternative. Dennis Watson, Office of Congressional offices of the labor unions with Then the MTA NYC Transit, as the and Public Services, Telephone: (202) employees on the affected lines. See 49 project sponsor, will seek to continue 565–1594, TDD: (202) 565–1695. CFR 1150.42(e). The transaction is the further engineering and preparation Dated: March 22, 1999. scheduled to be consummated on or of the Final EIS. After consideration of after May 10, 1999. Vernon A. Williams, the results of the FEIS, the FTA and If the notice contains false or Secretary. MTA NYC Transit and the FAA will misleading information, the exemption prepare required environmental [FR Doc. 99–7759 Filed 3–26–99; 11:58 am] is void ab initio. Petitions to revoke the decisions and Records of Decision BILLING CODE 4915±00±P exemption under 49 U.S.C. 10502(d) (RODs). The publication of these RODs may be filed at any time. The filing of will clear the way for the final design DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION a petition to revoke does not and construction of the finally selected automatically stay the transaction. alternative. Surface Transportation Board An original and 10 copies of all Issued on March 25, 1999. pleadings, referring to STB Finance [STB Finance Docket No. 33723] Letitia Thompson, Docket No. 33723, must be filed with Regional Administrator, Federal Transit San Joaquin Valley Railroad the Surface Transportation Board, Office Administration. CompanyÐAcquisition and Operation of the Secretary, Case Control Unit, 1925 [FR Doc. 99–7779 Filed 3–29–99; 8:45 am] ExemptionÐTulare Valley Railroad K Street, NW, Washington, DC 20423– BILLING CODE 4910±57±M Company 0001. In addition, a copy of each pleading must be served on Fritz R. San Joaquin Valley Railroad Company Kahn, Esq., 1100 New York Avenue, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (SJVR), a Class III rail carrier, has filed NW, Suite 750 West, Washington, DC a verified notice of exemption under 49 20005–3934. Surface Transportation Board CFR 1150.41 to acquire from Tulare Board decisions and notices are Valley Railroad Company (TVR) seven available on our website at Sunshine Act Meeting; Corrected railroad line segments. The lines to be 1 ‘‘WWW.STB.DOT.GOV.’’ Notice acquired and operated by SJVR are as Decided: March 23, 1999. TIME AND DATE: 10:00 a.m. Thursday, follows: (1) on the Arvin Subdivision, TVR’s undivided one-half interest in the By the Board, David M. Konschnik, March 25, 1999. Director, Office of Proceedings. EX PARTE NO. 333: Meetings of the Board. line between milepost 316.78, at Magunden, and milepost 333.83, at Vernon A. Williams, Secretary. 1 This corrects the notice serviced March 19, Arvin, a distance of 17.05 miles in Kern 1999, to include Finance Docket No. 33556 Sub County, CA; (2) on the Oil City [FR Doc. 99–7557 Filed 3–29–99; 8:45 am] Nos. 2 and 3. Subdivision, TVR’s undivided one-half BILLING CODE 4915±00±P

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