State of Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities (DOT&PF)

Notice of Intent to Begin Engineering and Environmental Studies: Richardson Hwy MP 206-233 Planning and Environmental Linkages (PEL) Study

Project No. NFHWY00508

The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOT&PF) is soliciting public input on a Planning and Environmental Linkages (PEL) study being prepared for the Richardson Highway corridor between milepost (MP) 206 and MP 233, located north of Paxson in interior Alaska.

DOT&PF has recently prepared an existing conditions and needs assessment report; it is available for review on the project website: https://richardson-highway-mp-206-233-pel-akdot.hub.arcgis.com/.

DOT&PF will prepare a PEL study report, which should be available for public input in early 2022. The report will contain a list of recommended future transportation improvement projects for the corridor. Examples of potential solutions may include:

• Road widening including embankment reconstruction and re-paving

• Realigning portions of the road to meet current design standards and facilitate bridge construction

• Rockfall mitigation

• Modification to Phelan Creek, including diking and roadway grade raise to mitigate icing and stream encroachment.

To learn about the PEL study, make a public comment (through October 30, 2021) on corridor conditions or potential improvements, or to join the email list, please contact the project team using the contact information listed below.

Jennifer Wright, P.E., Project Manager
Department of Transportation & Public Facilities
2301 Peger Road, Fairbanks, AK  99709-5316

If you have any questions or require additional information, please contact Jennifer Wright, P.E., Project Manager, at (907)451-2275, jennifer.wright@alaska.gov.

The PEL study is being developed in compliance with the following as applicable: Section 4(f) of the Department of Transportation Act; Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act; Section 9 and 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899; Section 7 of the Wild and Scenic River Act; Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act; Clean Water Act; Executive Order (EO) 11990, Wetlands Protection; EO 11988, Floodplain Protection; EO 12898, Environmental Justice; EO 11593, Protection and Enhancement of the Cultural Environment; EO 11593, Historic Preservation, EO 13084, Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal Governments; and EO 13112, Invasive Species.

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. Planning products may be adopted during a subsequent environmental review process.

It is the policy of the 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 TTY at 711 or 1-800-770-8973