NOTICE
The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) is seeking public comments on the effects that proposed improvements to Illinois Route 47 will have on the Champaign County Forest Preserve District, Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve. The Champaign County Forest Preserve District is a local, property tax-supported government agency charged with the stewardship of five forest preserves covering 3,885 acres in Champaign County, Illinois; the Lake of The Woods Forest Preserve is one of the five Forest Preserves included in the Champaign County Forest Preserve District. As such, it is subject to protection under Section 4(f) of the US Department of Transportation Act of 1966. For the Illinois Route 47 project, IDOT intends to seek a Section 4(f) “de minimis” impact finding from the Federal Highway Administration based on a determination that the project will not adversely affect the features, attributes, or activities that qualify the Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve for protection under Section 4(f).
Effects of the Illinois Route 47 project on the Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve will include the construction of a new 10’ multi-use trail. The proposed 10’ multi-use trail will be constructed along the east side of IL-47 and will extend from the existing bike trail, where it crosses IL-47 north of Mahomet, north to Briarcliff Drive; a portion of the proposed multi-use path will be constructed on Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve property. This trail is being built as part of the roadway project to provide greater access to the existing trail system in the area. In addition, minor grading and shaping of Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve property along the west side of IL-47 will be required to accommodate proposed ditch work. Due to the nature of this project no mitigation will be included as part of this construction project. Detailed documentation describing the impacts associated with the effects of the Illinois Route 47 project on the Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve is available at the following location(s) during normal business hours:
Illinois Department of Transportation
Region 3/District 5
13473 IL Hwy. 133, P.O. Box 610
Paris, IL 61944
Attention: Mr. Craig Emberton
Phone: 217-465-4181
Hours of availability:
Monday Friday from 8:00 A.M. to 4:30 P.M.
Written comments may be submitted at the IDOT office, mailed to the IDOT office, or submitted electronically to craig.emberton@illinois.gov. Comments must be received by September 16, 2013 to be considered as a part of the public record.
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