Notice Draft Environmental Assessment Availability and Virtual Public Hearing with In-Person Option for US 77 from SH 71 to North of CR 156

Where:

The virtual public hearing will be posted below beginning Tuesday, Nov. 16, 2021, at 5 p.m. Please note that this is not a live event. The materials can be viewed at your convenience.

Additionally, TxDOT is providing an in-person hearing option for individuals who would like to participate in person instead of online. In-person attendees will be able to review the same materials and presentation as the online public hearing.

When:

The pre-recorded presentation will be posted on this page on Tuesday, Nov. 16, 2021, at 5 p.m.

Additionally, TxDOT is providing an in-person option for individuals who would like to participate in person instead of online. In-person attendees will be able to view the same presentation and materials delivered in the online public hearing, which will be playing on a screen, review hard copies of project materials, ask questions of TxDOT staff, and leave written comments. The in-person option will be held on Thursday, Nov. 18, 2021, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the VFW Hall, 500 Veterans Memorial Dr., La Grange, TX, 78945. For both the virtual public hearing and in-person option, members of the public may call 979-608-1005 to provide verbal testimony immediately following posting of the virtual public hearing presentation, from 5 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 18, 2021, through 11:59 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 3, 2021.

Purpose:

The purpose of the public hearing is to present the proposed project to the public and receive comments. The project is proposing to widen US 77 from SH 71 to approximately 0.56 miles north of CR 156 in Fayette and Lee Counties, Texas. The virtual and in-person hearing will consist of the same narrated presentation by the project team, project exhibits and other information, and an opportunity to comment. Comments must be received on or before Friday, Dec.3, 2021, to be a part of the official hearing record.

Description:

The proposed US 77 improvements would include the expansion of the existing two lane, undivided rural roadway to a four-lane divided roadway in rural sections and a five-lane section in more developed areas north of La Grange and through a section of northern Warda. The divided section would include two 12-foot travel lanes, 10-foot outside shoulders, four-foot inside shoulders and a median that would vary between 56 and 68-feet wide. Twelve-foot left turn lanes would also be constructed at multiple intersections within the project area. The five-lane section would include a 14-foot center left turn lane instead of a median. In addition, the outside shoulders would be reduced to eight feet wide. Roadside drainage would be maintained in grass-lined ditches.

The proposed project would, subject to final design considerations, require approximately 152.74 acres of additional right of way and potentially displace two residences and four non-residential structures. Relocation assistance is available for displaced persons and businesses. Information about the TxDOT Relocation Assistance Program and services and benefits for those displaced and other affected property owners, as well as information about the tentative schedule for right-of-way acquisition and construction, can be obtained from the TxDOT Yoakum District Office at (361) 293-4335.

The proposed project is anticipated to impact the following property protected under Section 4(f) of the Department of Transportation Act of 1966 and Chapter 26 of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Code: The Fayette County Fairgrounds. The Fairgrounds have both recreational and historic components. The proposed project would require the acquisition of approximately 0.56 acres of right of way from the recreational area, but the acquisition would be outside the boundary of the historic site at the Fairgrounds. The proposed project would include the realignment of the existing shared-use path and would remove approximately 0.27 acres of maintained grasses between US 77 and the Czech Music Museum of Texas building, which is located on the Fairgrounds property. The acquisition would not impact any of the existing recreational amenities other than the shared-use path re-alignment. The new right of way would include construction of a shared-use path from the project’s southern terminus at SH 71 to the north, connecting to the existing path at the Fayette County Fairgrounds, which would provide increased access for pedestrians and bicyclists to the Fairgrounds property. The amount and location of proposed right of way take was minimized to the maximum extent possible. TxDOT anticipates making a de minimis determination for the use under Section 4(f) of the Department of Transportation Act of 1966. Public comment on the effects of the proposed project on the activities, features, or attributes of the Fayette County Fairgrounds may be submitted as described in the notice below.

The proposed project would not involve construction in wetlands.

Special Accommodations:

TxDOT makes every reasonable effort to accommodate the needs of the public. The virtual public hearing materials and exhibits will be in English. If you have a special communication accommodation or need for an interpreter, a request can be made. If you have a disability and need assistance, special arrangements can also be made to accommodate most needs. Please call TxDOT’s Public Information Office at (361) 293-4436 no later than 4:00 p.m. CDT on Monday, Nov. 15, 2021, to request special accommodations. Please be aware that advance notice is requested as some accommodations may require time for TxDOT to arrange.

Memorandum of Understanding:

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 dated Dec. 9, 2019, and executed by FHWA and TxDOT.

Downloads:

Contact:

Reference the following project numbers: CSJs: 0211-06-059
TxDOT Yoakum District
Public Information Office
403 Huck St.
Yoakum, TX 77995

(361) 293-4300

Posted: Oct. 26, 2021