NOTICE OF INTENT TO BEGIN ENGINEERING AND ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES AND FLOODPLAIN ENCROACHMENT: Sterling Highway MP 169 to 175 Pavement Preservation

The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOT&PF) has assumed the responsibilities of the Federal Highway Administration under 23 U.S.C. 327 and is soliciting comments and information on a proposal to resurface the Sterling Highway from milepost (MP) 169 to MP 175 near Homer, Alaska. The purpose of the proposed project is to extend the service life of the roadway as well as make safety and drainage improvements as needed. The existing roadway surface and roadside hardware are beginning to show signs of wear characteristic of their lifespans. Repairing or replacing them before significant deterioration occurs can prevent extensive and costly repairs in the future. The proposed project would resurface the Sterling Highway from MP 169 to MP 175. Additional work may include: Evaluating the structural section Replacing or installing Guardrail and guardrail end treatments Signs, roadside hardware, and striping Medians, curb ramps, sidewalks, multi-use pathways, and

pedestrian facilities (including ADA improvements) Drainage improvements including storm drains, ditches, and culverts Lighting improvements Vegetation clearing and grubbing Relocating or adjusting utilitiesThe proposed project would encroach into the base (100-year) floodplain associated with Cook Inlet (FEMA FIRM Panels 02122C2020E, 02122C2015E, and 02122C1995E). Potential impacts may include repaving, drainage adjustments, and vegetation clearing. The project would be a longitudinal encroachment into the floodplain with no major encroachment or change to the base flood elevation anticipated. This proposed project will comply with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act; Executive Orders: 11990 (Wetlands Protection), 11988 (Floodplain Protection), 12898 (Environmental Justice), the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act, and U.S. DOT Act Section 4(f).Construction for the proposed project is anticipated to begin in spring 2025. To ensure that all possible factors are considered, please provide written comments to the following address by November 30, 2022.Brian Elliott, Regional Environmental Manager DOT&PF Preliminary Design & Environmental P.O. Box 196900 Anchorage, Alaska 99519-6900 brian.elliott@alaska.govIf you have any questions or require additional information, please contact Julia Hanson, P.E., Project Manager, at 907-269-0753 or Jenna DiFolco, Environmental Impact Analyst, at 907-269-0536.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. 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. Individuals with a hearing impairment can contact DOT&PF at our Telephone Device for the Deaf (TDD) at (907) 269-0473.