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Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities Southcoast Region

NOTICE OF INTENT TO BEGIN ENGINEERING & ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES
AND REQUEST FOR SCOPING COMMENTS

Ketchikan Herring Cove Bridge (No. 253) Improvement Project SFHWY-00072 / 0902043

The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOT&PF) is proposing to replace the Herring Cove Bridge (No. 253) in Ketchikan Alaska.

The proposed project activities would

   • Replace the existing bridge with a new bridge with ADA accessible pedestrian sidewalks on 
      each side.
   • Install a temporary detour bridge for access while new bridge is constructed.
   • Install ADA accessible pathways on the outside of the guardrail on the west side from Wood 
      Road to Powerhouse Road, and on the east side between Powerhouse road and the opposite 
      end of the bridge.
   • Improve the intersections at Wood Road and Powerhouse Road.
   • Provide new asphalt surfacing, new guardrail along South Tongass Hwy, and associated 
      drainage and guardrail improvements.
   • The existing overhead electrical and communication utilities along South Tongass would be 
      relocated into underground conduit in order for the new bridge to be constructed.

Construction is expected no sooner than late summer 2020.

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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 November 3, 2017 and executed by FHWA and DOT&PF.

Development of this proposed project would follow a process required by the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Based on project location and scope of work, the environmental document is anticipated to be a categorical exclusion (CE). Possible affected resources include wetlands, waters of the U.S., eagles, and cultural or historic properties.

The proposed project would comply with all applicable authorities including:

   • National Historic Preservation Act Section 106                • Clean Air & Clean Water Act
   • EO-13175 (Consult & Coordinate w/ Indian Tribal Gov)   • EO-11990 (Protect Wetlands)
   • EO-11593 (Protect & Enhance Cultural Env.)                  • EO-13112 (Invasive Species)
   • EO-13007 (Indian Sacred Sites)                                    • EO-11988 Manage Floodplains
   • Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation Mgt Act            • EO-12898 (Env. Justice)

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DOT&PF is soliciting comments and information on the proposed project. Your comments would help us evaluate potential environmental, social and economic impacts of this project as well as impacts to historic and cultural resources.

Please submit your written comments to:

   Jim Scholl, Environmental Impact Analyst
   DOT&PF, Southcoast Region       Phone: 907-465-4498
   P.O. Box 112506                          FAX: 907-465-4414
   Juneau AK 99811-2506            E- mail: jim.scholl@alaska.gov

To ensure that all possible factors are considered, please provide comments via email or fax, or mailing address by July 23, 2018.

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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.

If you or someone you represent requires special accommodations in order to respond to this public notice, please call or email the project coordinator listed above or call Alaska Relay at 711 or call

   (800) 770-8973 for TTY    (800) 770-8255 for voice

   (800) 770-3919 for ASCII    (866) 355-6198 for STS

Ask the communications assistant to call the project coordinator listed above so arrangements can be made to assist you.