Coalition for the Advancement of Regional Transportation

I-71

Environmental Protection Agency recommendations to FHWA

US Environmental Protection Agency
Region 4
Atlanta Federal Center
61 Forsyth Street
Atlanta GA 30303-8960

July 13, 2001


Jose Sepulveda, Division Administrator
Kentucky Division Office
Federal Highway Administration
330 West Broadway
Frankfort, Kentucky 40601

Dear Mr. Sepulveda:

The United States Environmental Protection Agency, Region 4 and 5
received emails (copies enclosed) from Ms. Jackie Green, Executive Director of the Coalition for the Advancement of Regional Transportation (CART) concerning the I-71 A widening project in Kentucky. Since the I-71 project is in Kentucky, U. S. EPA Region 4 is taking the lead in the response.

It appears that Ms. Green has concerns regarding the appropriate level and scope of National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) compliance documentation for this project. Since the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) is the responsible federal agency for preparing the NEPA documentation for the I-71 project, we request that your agency carefully review the points set
forth in Ms. Green's email and then take such action as FHWA may deem appropriate.

We understand that the I-71 proposal would add one new lane in each direction. The project would start near the eastern end of "Spaghetti Junction" in Louisville and head northeast for approximately 10 miles. The issue of additional foreseeable
widenings, in. to 8-lanes, should also be addressed. Given the magnitude of this proposal, it seems very likely that, at least, the project would have substantial construction noise and air
quality impacts as well as impacts on the flow of traffic through this area. We suggest that the I-71 widening project be processed, at least, as an Environmental Assessment (EA) to
determine whether (finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) would be appropriate or the preparation of an
Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) should be undertaken.

In addition, we understand the two new lanes would be placed between the existing lanes inside the existing 1-71 right-of-way. The NEPA documentation should identify and evaluate feasible
alternatives, including mass transit alternatives, if applicable. It should also evaluate whether the addition of the new lanes would preclude the future use of mass transit through this I-71 corridor.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. Please keep us informed as to your agency's decision and provide us with the opportunity of reviewing the draft NEPA documentation. If you
have any questions, please contact me at (404) 562-9611.

Sincerely,

Heinz Mueller, Chief
Office of Environmental Assessment
US EPA Region 4

Enclosure