Notice of Intent to Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement - SH 68
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Notice of Intent to Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement - SH 68

Purpose: TxDOT is initiating an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the proposed SH 68 road project in Hidalgo County. The EIS will develop and evaluate a range of alternatives including a “no-build” alternative. The significance of impacts for the proposed SH 68 project was initially uncertain, so the process began by preparing an environmental assessment (EA). Based on preliminary analysis and feedback from the public, it was determined that an EIS should be prepared.
   
Description: The SH 68 project proposes constructing a new highway from I-2/US 83 to I–69C/US 281. Cities within the study area include Alamo, Pharr, Donna, Edinburg, San Juan and San Carlos. The proposed SH 68 project is listed in the 2015-2040 Hidalgo County Metropolitan Transportation Plan as a four-lane divided rural highway facility with the potential for main lanes and overpasses.

The purpose of the project is to improve north/south mobility, increase travel capacity for local and regional traffic and provide an alternate north/south evacuation route during emergency events. The project is needed because of a lack of sufficient north/south mobility for local and regional traffic and for additional emergency evacuation routes to serve the region’s historical and continuing population and traffic growth.

The environmental review, consultation, and other actions required by applicable federal environmental laws for this project are being, or have been, carried out by TxDOT pursuant to 23 U.S.C. 327 and a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) dated Dec. 16, 2014, and executed by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and TxDOT. Under this MOU, TxDOT is initiating this EIS as the lead federal agency. This MOU assigns to TxDOT the FHWA’s responsibilities under the National Environmental Policy Act and other environmental laws.
   
Downloads:
Contact: TxDOT Pharr District
Director of Transportation Planning and Development
(956) 702-6100
Email