State Route 28/U.S. Highway Route 127 Improvements Project Fentress County, Tennessee Public Hearing March 15, 2011 South Fentress Elementary School 5018 Wilder Road Grimsley, Tennessee

Meeting Purpose Provide the public with the latest information on the SR-28/US-127 Improvements Project; Gather feedback regarding the content of the environmental document; Solicit comments and concerns; Answer questions; and Meet the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).

Please Pick-up an information package; View the project displays; Ask TDOT representatives for assistance; and Provide comments.

Your Comments Are Important and Will Be Considered 1.Submit a statement to the Court Reporter. o See the representative at the Court Reporter’s table. 2.Submit written comments tonight. o Comment card is included in your handout. 3.Mail written comments to TDOT postmarked by April 5, *Please make sure to include your name and address on your submitted comment form or letter to be included in the official record.

Project Location Project Termini ▫Begin Project: SR-62 in Clarkrange, TN ▫End Project: Improved four-lane section three miles north of Grimsley, TN Project Length: ▫Total project length is 9.3 miles

Project Background Tennessee General Assembly passed legislation to connect all county seats by a four-lane highway to the interstate system (TCA § ). In 1999, local officials requested a feasibility study to identify deficiencies along SR-28/US- 127 from Interstate 40 to Jamestown, TN (county seat). The feasibility study was completed in TDOT initiated an Environmental Assessment (EA) in 2008.

Project Background Continued TDOT held a Public Meeting on the EA in June Federal and state agency review of the project area held in September Technical studies (Ecology, Air, Noise, Geology, Traffic, Hazardous Materials, Archaeology, and History) were completed in 2009 and The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) approved the EA on December 22, The Notice of Availability was published in February The EA was distributed for public review at the Fentress County Library and the TDOT Construction Office in Crossville in February 2011.

Purpose and Need Provide a direct link between Jamestown and Interstate 40 in Crossville as part of the Tennessee County Seat Connector Program; Improve operational efficiency; and Promote economic development.

Alternatives Evaluated in the Environmental Assessment No-Build Alternative ▫No improvements would be made to the existing roadway network other than routine maintenance. ▫SR-28/US-127 would not be widened and would remain a two-lane roadway. Alternative A (Build Alternative) ▫Would widen SR-28/US-127 to a four or five lane roadway.

Alternative A (Build Alternative) Alternative A is comprised of two typical sections: In the vicinity of SR- 62 to Banner Roslin Road: ▫Two 12-foot travel lanes in either direction. ▫12-foot continuous center turn lane. ▫10-foot shoulder on either side of the roadway. ▫ Two-foot gutters and 10-feet of utility strip on either side of the roadway. ▫Within approximately 104 feet of right-of-way.

Alternative A (Build Alternative) From Banner Roslin Road to the northern project terminus at Wright Frogge Road: ▫Two, 12-foot travel lanes in either direction (Divided Highway). ▫52-feet of median between travel lanes. ▫ 12-foot shoulders. ▫Within approximately 300 feet of right-of-way.

Transportation and Land Use Impacts Alternative A would: Improve mobility and safety of traffic. Improve access for traffic. Improve traffic operational efficiency. Converts 82 acres of land to highway right-of- way. Is consistent with regional and state planning efforts.

Social and Economic Impacts of Alternative A No effect on social/community cohesion. No disproportionate effects on minority or low-income communities/persons. 48 residential relocations (nine of which are presently vacant). 11 business relocations. One non-profit relocation. Clarkrange Fire Department

Social and Economic Impacts of Alternative A Continued Possible increase in taxable property. Increased opportunities to attract new businesses and industries. Possible increase in number of job opportunities.

Cultural Resource Impacts of Alternative A Architectural/Historic: No adverse effect Archaeological: No adverse effect Recreational Resources: No effect Section 4(f) and Section 6(f) Resources: No effect Aesthetics and Visual: No adverse effect

Physical Environment Impacts of Alternative A Air Quality: No Impact Noise Level Range: No substantial increase over existing noise levels. Geology: No Impact Hazardous Materials: Right-of-way may be required from potentially contaminated sites; recommended Phase II Contamination Assessment may be carried out at some of these sites. Floodplains: No Impact Energy: No Impact

Natural Resource Impacts of Alternative A Farmland: Direct conversion of some prime farmland. Streams: 10 stream crossings Wet-weather conveyance: four crossings Ponds: three ponds Wetlands: 21 wetlands 303(d) Listed Streams: No streams listed in project area. Wild and Scenic Rivers: No Impact

Natural Resources Impacts of Alternative A Continued Federally Listed Threatened and Endangered Species: ▫May affect, but not likely to adversely affect, three listed species. State Listed Threatened and Endangered Species: ▫May affect, but not likely to adversely affect, three listed species.

Permits Required National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Permit, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; Class V Injection Well Permit, Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation; Aquatic Resources Alterations Permit, State of Tennessee; and Section 404 Permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Schedule of Remaining Tasks Hold Public HearingMarch 15, 2011 Public Comment Period EndsApril 5, 2011 Prepare Final Environmental Document Spring and Summer 2011 Approval and Distribution of the Final Environmental Document Summer and Fall 2011* *As of March 2011, this project does have not funding for design or right-of-way acquisition. Therefore, the final environmental document cannot be approved by FHWA until dedicated funding is allocated.

Remember – Your Comments Are Important and Will Be Considered Please let us know what you think by: Submitting statements to the court reporter; Submitting written comments tonight; and/or Mailing comments to TDOT postmarked by April 5, *Please make sure to include your name and address on your submitted comment form or letter to be included in the official record.

For More Information on the Project Please Contact: Mr. Ralph Barnes, PE TDOT Project Manager (615) Visit the project website at: