U-4020

Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Project Review Form
Project Number: 08-0099 County: Watauga
Due Date: 10/22/2007
Date Received: 09/27/2007
Project Description: Widening of US 421 (King Street) to a multi-lane from NC 194 (Jefferson Ave.) to US 321
(Hardin Street); approx. 1.155 miles in length in Watauga County. TIP No. U-4020
This Project is being reviewed as indicated below:
Regional Office Regional Office Area In-House Review
Asheville Air Soil & Water Marine Fisheries
Fayetteville Water Coastal Management
Mooresville Wildlife Water Resources
Aquifer Protection
- Environmental Health
Raleigh
Land Quality Engineer
v/ Wildlife - DOT Solid Waste Mgmt
Washington
Forest Resources Radiation Protection
Wilmington Land Resources
Other
Winston-Salem Parks & Recreation
Water Quality
Water Quality - DOT
Air Quality
Manager Siun-Off/Region: Date: In-House Reviewer/Agency:
Response (check all applicable)
No objection to project as proposed.
- Insufficient information to complete review
No Comment
Other (specify or attach comments)
If you have any questions, please contact:
Melba McGee, Environmental Coordinator at [e-mail]
0C'T 0 9
S ANI? eTpR 4oAC: i y
US 421 (King Street)
East of NC 194 (Jefferson Road)to US 321 (Hardin Street)
Boone, Watauga County
Federal Project No. NHF-421(31)
WBS Element 35015.1.1
T.I.P. PROJECT U-4020
ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION
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APPROVED:
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Date
Finding of No Significant Impact
U. S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
FEDERAL HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION
AND
N. C. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS
Submitted Pursuant to 42 U.S.C. 4332(2)(c)
Gregory J. Thofpe, Ph.D., Environmental Management Director
Project Development and Environmental Analyst Branch
John F. Sullivan III, P. E., Division Ad mistrator
"T? ``Federal Highway Administration
US 421 (King Street)
East of NC 194 (Jefferson Road)to US 321 (Hardin Street)
Boone, Watauga County
Federal Project No. NHF-421(31)
WBS Element 35015.1.1
T.I.P. PROJECT U-4020
Finding of No Significant Impact
September 2007
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Documentation prepared in the Project Development and Environments' c) - *FESS%6 . 4'-"'
Analysis Branch by: •?? ?'y'9
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE
PROJECT COMMITMENTS
1. TYPE OF ACTION ....................................................................... 1
II. DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSED ACTION ............................. i
A. GENERAL DESCRIPTION ................................................................................................................1
B. RECOMMENDED CROSS SECTION ...................................................................................................I
C. RIGHT OF WAY ............................................................................................................................. 2
D. ESTIMATE PROJECT COST ............................................................................................................. 2
III. SUMMARY OF BENEFICIAL AND ADVERSE IMPACTS .............. 2
A. BENEFICIAL IMPACTS ................................................................................................................... 2
B. ADVERSE IMPACTS ....................................................................................................................... 3
IV. COORDINATION AND COMMENTS ........................................... 5
A. CIRCULATION OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT .................................................................. 5
-B. COMMENTS RECEIVED ON THE ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT ................................................... 6
1. North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission ...........................................................6
C. PUBLIC HEARING AND COMMENTS ............................................................................................... 6
i. Public Hearing .................................................................................................................. 6
2. Summary of Written Comments ..................................................................................... 8
V. REVISION TO THE ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT ............. io
VI. BASIS FOR FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT ................11
APPENDIX
A. FIGURES
B. CORRESPONDENCE
C. RELOCATION REPORT
D. PUBLIC HEARING CERTIFICATION
PROJECT COMMITMENTS
Project Development and Environmental Analysis Branch
US 421 (King Street)
From NC 194 (Jefferson Avenue) to US 321 (Hardin Street)
Watauga County
Federal Aid Project NHF-42,1(31)
State Project No.:8.17516or
T.I.P. No. U-4020
Project Development & Environmental Analysis - Natural Environment
Unit
It is anticipated that a US Army. Corps of Engineers Nationwide Permit 14 and
Nationwide Permit 33 will be applicable.
A permit pursuant to Section 26a of the TVA Act is required for the construction of this
project.
A section 4o1 General Water Quality Certification will be required by the North Carolina
Department of Environment, Health, and Natural Resources (DE
. HNR) for activities
resulting in discharge into any of the streams involved with this project.
Roadway Design Unit
The outside lanes in each direction along US 421(King 'Street) will be widened to 14 feet
to accommodate bicycle traffic.
Sidewalks will be added to both sides-of US 421 (King Street) within the project study
corridor. The -amount of cost sharing will be coordinated between NCDOT and the
Town of Boone.;
Location and Surveys Branch
Two geodetic survey markers maybe impacted by this project. NCD"OT will
coordination with the NC Geodetic Survey prior to the start of construction.
Htidraulies Unit and Construction Unit
NCDOT's Best Management Practices for Protection of Surface Waters (March 1997)
will be adhered to on this project.
Stormwater runoff will not be directly discharged into existing stream channels. ;
Finding of No; Significant Impact, U-4020 Page 10f 2
September 200

US 421 (King Street)
East of NC 194 (Jefferson Road) to US 321 (Hardin Street)
Boone, Watauga County
Federal Aid Project NHF-421(31)
State Project 8.r7516o1
WBS Element 35015.1.1
TIP No. U-4020
I. TYPE OF ACTION
This is a Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) administrative action,
Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI).
The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) and the FHWA have
determined this project will not have any significant impact on the human and natural
environments. This FONSI is based on the November 20o6 Environmental Assessment,
which has been independently evaluated by the FHWA and determined to adequately
and accurately discuss the environmental issues, providing sufficient evidence and
analysis for determining that an Environmental Impact Statement is not required. The
FHWA takes full responsibility for the accuracy, scope, and content of the Environmental
Assessment.
II. DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSED ACTION
A. General Description
The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) and the Federal
Highway Administration (FHWA) propose to widen US 421(King Street) to a multi-lane
facility from east of NC 194 (Jefferson Road) to US 321 (Hardin Street) in Boone,
Watauga County (see figure 1). The project is approximately 1.155 miles in length. The
proposed improvements will widen US 421 (King Street) to a multi-lane divided facility
with a variable width raised median (see figures 2A and 2B). The project also proposes
to improve the intersections of US 421 with Grove Street, NC 194 (Jefferson Rd), New
Market Blvd, US 221/NC 105 Extension, and US 321 (Hardin Street). The existing right
of way along the project corridor ranges from 40 feet to 6o feet wide.
The proposed project is included in NCDOT's approved 2007-2013
Transportation Improvement Program (T.I.P.). Right of Way acquisition is scheduled to
begin in Federal Fiscal Year (FFY) 20o8 and construction is scheduled to begin in FFY
2009. The preliminary construction and right-of-way costs for the NCDOT-preferred
alternative, which involves widening US 421 (King Street) to a four to six-lane divided
curb and gutter section, is $11,200,ooo and $32,029;8oo, respectively.
B. Recommended Cross Section
Based on information from comprehensive studies of the natural and human
environment, engineering evaluations, and comments from all interested groups,
NCDOT recommends widening US 421 (King Street) to a six-lane divided facility from
Grove Street to US 221/NC 105. From US 221/NC 105 to US 321 (Hardin Street), US
421 will consist of a four-lane divided facility (see figure 3). The improvements include
constructing 12400t wide inside travel lanes and 14400t wide outside lanes to
accommodate bicycles. The project also proposes to construct 5-foot wide sidewalks
along both sides of the facility. Opposite direction travel lanes are separated by a
continuous 4400t wide concrete median. The median will maintain a 3o-foot width
between the double left-turn lanes at US 321 and US 221/NC 105 because there is not
enough distance to reduce its width significantly.
The majority of the widening will occur along the south side of US 421. The
decision to widening along the south side was based off of several factors. A number of
churches are located along the north side of US 421. Also, impacts to the BellSouth
telecommunications facility would have resulted in a significant increase in the project
cost.
C. Right of way
From US 221/NC 105 to US 321, the current right of way extends 20 feet from the
centerline on each side of US 421 (King Street). From NC 194 to US 221/NC 105, the
right of way extends approximately 30 feet from the centerline of US 421.
From NC 194 to US 221 / NC 105, the proposed right of way is approximately 148
feet wide. Of the 148 feet, approximately 73 additional feet will be acquired along the
south side due to the current widening plan. From US 221/NC 105 to US 321 the
proposed right of way width is approximately 115 feet. Along this section, the vast
majority of the improvements are along the south side of the project as well, resulting in
an additional 70 feet of right of way from the south side.
The proposed improvements will also result in the need for additional right of
way and temporary easements along roads intersecting US 421. In addition to the
permanent right of way to be acquired, the proposed improvements will also result in
temporary easements along both sides of US 421 to allow for the project's construction.
D. Estimate Project Cost.
Estimated construction and right-of-way costs for the NCDOT-preferred
alternative are $11,200,00o and $32,029,80o respectively. The total project cost is
$43,229,800.
III. SUMMARY OF BENEFICIAL AND ADVERSE IMPACTS
A. Beneficial Impacts
The proposed'improvements will result in improved mobility along the project
study corridor. The construction of additional lanes along US 421 (King Street) will
increase the traffic carrying capacity of the facility. The additional lanes (turn lanes
included) at the signalized intersections will result in a decrease in the delay experienced
at these intersections. The combination of the increased traffic carrying capacity and
reduction of intersection delay will result in a decrease of the considerable congestion
that King Street currently experiences. The project also proposes a raised concrete
median between intersections within the project corridor. The raised median will
require drivers to make a U-turn to access businesses and residences on the opposite
side of the facility on which the are currently traveling. By limiting all left turn
movements to the signalized intersections, impacts to traffic flow by vehicles crossing
opposing traffic will be limited. The proposed raised median will also provided added
safety benefits. The raised median will reduce the accident potential by limiting contact
by opposite direction traffic. The raised median will also act as a refuge for pedestrians
attempting to cross King Street.
The proposed improvements will improve mobility and accessibility for both
pedestrians and bicyclists. The project proposes to construct sidewalks along the
southside of US 421. This will result in sidewalks along both sides of the facility.
Currently, pedestrian facilities are limited to the northside of US 421. The project also
proposes to construct 14400t wide outside lanes to accommodate bicycles. These
additions will make the facility more pedestrian and bicycle friendly compared to the
existing conditions.
B. Adverse Impacts
The preferred alternative proposes to widen US 421 (King Street) along the south
side of the existing facility. This will necessitate the acquisition of the majority of all
properties abutting the southside of US 421 between Grove Street (immediately east of
NC 194) and US 321 (Hardin Street). Many of the businesses within the project study
area cater to students attending Appalachian State University. Businesses patronized by
students of the adjacent university may find it difficult to find a location to relocate to
that will provide the students with the same convenience and accessibility. Many of
these businesses also cater to travelers heading through Boone along US 421. Finding a
location that will continue to allow these businesses to attract through travelers may be
difficult
The preferred alternative includes a raised concrete median that will result in
changes in access for the adjacent properties and intersecting streets within the project
corridor. Access to businesses along the project corridor will be limited to right-in, right-
out only movements. Vehicles attempting to reach businesses or residences on the
opposite side of the street from which they are traveling will be forced to make a U-turn
movement. U-turn movements and left-turns will only be allowed at one of the five
signalized intersections within the project corridor.
However, case studies from the document "Economics Impacts of Access
Management" state,
¦ The majority of businesses report no change in business activity following
a median project.
¦ Destination type businesses, such as restaurants and stores, appear less
sensitive to access changes than businesses that rely on passer-by traffic.
¦ Because the likelihood of left-turns into a business declines as opposing
traffic volumes increase, medians or other access changes will have less
effect on the frequency of left turns into businesses on high volume
roadways during peak travel periods.
SUIVIMARIZVVG IMPACTS
RESOURCE ALTERNATIVE 2
(4 to 6 -lane Divided Facility)
NCDOT-Preferred
Archaeological o
Architectural
District/Properties 0/0
Total Stream Impacts loo feet
Jurisdictional Wetland o.o acres
Endangered Species
Community
°
Terrestrial Community
Impacts o acres
Hazardous Material Sites
(Potential/Verified)
26/6
Noise Receptors 20
Prime Farmland o acres
Section 40) Impacts o
Schools* 2
Churches** 1
EJ Communities*** 1
Air Quality No
Residential Relocations ***
(Owners / Tenants)
1/65
Business Relocations*
(Owners / Tenants) 9/21
Critical Water Supplies No
Total Cost $43,229,800
* New Watauga County High School scheduled to begin construction Spring 2008.
* Hardin Park Elementary School located 1/8 mile north of project corridor on NC 194 but will not be
directly impacted by the project.
** Grace Lutheran Church is located at the western project limit. No property will be acquired from the
church.
*** See section V "Revisions and Updates to Environmental Assessment"
4
TYPE OF IMPACT AMOUNT OF IMPACT
Air Quality The project is not anticipated to create any
adverse effects.
There are seven Federally Protected
Endangered Species Species for Watauga County but the project
area will effect none.
Hazardous Material Sites There are twenty-six hazardous material
sites but only six verified USTs/ASTs.
Low-income individuals were identified
Environmental Justice Issues along the southside of the project corridor.
Additional public outreach measures were
implemented to insure involvement.
Noise Receptors A total of 20 receptors are located within
the project study area.
There is one church and currently one
Churches/Schools school (i proposed) within the project area
but none will be directly impacted.
Jurisdictional Streams loo linear feet impacted for the project.
Section io6/4f Properties o/o.
There is a total of 66 residential
Displacements displacements and 31 business
displacements (including tenants).
IV. COORDINATION AND COMMENTS
A. Circulation of the Environmental Assessment
The Environmental Assessment (EA) was approved by the North Carolina
Department of Transportation, Division of Highways on November 9, 2oo6, and by the
Federal Highway Administration on November 16, 2oo6. Copies of the approved EA
were provided to the North Carolina Department of Administration - State
Clearinghouse.
The approved EA was circulated to the following federal, state, and local agencies
for review and comment. An asterisk (*) indicates a response was received from that
agency.
Appalachian Regional Commission
US Department of the Army Corps of Engineers
US Environmental Protection Agency
US Fish and Wildlife Service
US Geological Survey
Tennessee Valley Authority
NC Department of Environment and Natural Resources*
NC Division of Water Quality*
NC Wildlife Resources Commission*
NC Department of Administration (State Clearinghouse)
NC Department of Cultural Resources
Town of Boone (Chris A. Carter, City Manager)*
High Country Council of Governments
Watauga County Board of Commissioners*
NCDOT conducted a Citizen's Informational Workshop (CIW) on November 18,
2004. There were 44 citizens in attendance at the workshop. The majority voiced
support for the proposed improvements to US 421 (King Street). Handouts provided at
the workshop included a comment sheet, so written comments could be received.
Following circulation of the Environmental Assessment, a public hearing was
held at the Broyhill Inn at Appalachian State University on March 13, 2007.
Approximately loo people attended the hearing and 12 citizens spoke for the record. The
hearing was not controversial in nature and there were no requests for major design
revisions. The majority of the citizens felt that the project was necessary and agreed or
had no negative comments regarding the proposed design.
B. Comments Received on the Environmental Assessment
Written comments on the Environmental Assessment were received from several
agencies. The following are excerpts of the substantive comments with responses in
Italics, where appropriate:
1. North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission
Comment: "Hardin Creek is classified as C+; we understand the "+" to
indicate specially designated waters, such as Outstanding Resource
Waters, occur downstream. Boone Creek, Class C Trout+, is also in the
project area but not expected to be impacted. Trout are known from the
Boone vicinity, including the South Fork New River that Hardin Creek
flows to about one mile downstream. Hardin Creek may support trout, as
trout have been noted from other small-urbanized streams in the vicinity,
and a moratorium may be recommended.
Downstream of the project the South Fork New River is also inhabited by
the Kanawha Minnow (Phenacobius teretulus), Federal Species of
Concern (FSC) and Special Concern (SC) Kanawha darter (Etheostoma
kanawae), state Significantly Rare, sharpnose darter (Percina
oxyrhynchus), state SC; cutlips minnow (Exoglossum maxillingua), state
Endangered (E); seep medulia (Leptoxis dilatata), state SC.
Response: Best management practices will be utilized during the
widening of the road to prevent the accumulation of sediment in the
streams. This is a project commitment.
C. Public Hearing and Comments
1. Public Hearing
Following circulation of the Environmental Assessment, a public hearing was
held at the Broyhill Inn and Conference Center on Appalachian State University's
campus in Boone, NC on March 13, 2007. Approximately ioo people attended the
hearing, and 13 citizens spoke for the record.
All of the speakers (12) were in support of the proposed improvements to US 421
(King Street) in Boone. Comments were related to the time frame for right of way
acquisition, relocation assistance, construction duration, and possible advancement.
Comment: "As Mr. Lakey is aware and certain others are aware, we are in the
process of building a new high school just to the east of this property which
will be serviced primarily by this road. That high school is scheduled to be
completed and opening, and we're crossing our fingers, in August of 2010.
That's going to put more traffic on this road than what's there now. We
would hope that increased traffic would not have to be working through a
construction zone, trying to get to a new high school. We certainly hope that
you will do everything that you can to advance the project and move it along
to where it is completed by-August 201o as well."
Response: In order to limit the impacts of construction along US 421 within
the project limits on the traffic going to and from the new high school, the date
for which right of way acquisition will begin will be advanced from August
2008 to November 2007. Also, the construction contract letting will be
advanced from April 2010 to April 2009.
Comment: "I'm just interested in the height of the wall that's going to go in
front our two new hotels across from New Market. Even more importantly,
what the wall is going to be made of and how it's going to look since it's going
to be a primary introduction of people into our town?"
Response: The type of the wall and the exact height of the proposed wall will
be determined during the right of way design stage of the plan development. It
is anticipated that the wall height will range from approximately 12' to 27.
Comment: "...there is one of the few large trees in the downtown area and on
the corridor that's probably going to be lost. I would ask you to please
consider the design, since most of the construction is going to occur on the
south side. I'm not saying push it off on the south side totally. If there's any
way to save this tree, I think it would be a benefit, not only to my family but
the community in general. I think it's the only yard in this corridor because
everything has gone business. I bet the tree is over ioo years."
Response: The tree is in or relatively close to a temporary construction
easement. Construction operations may impact the tree. Removal due to
location may not be necessary. There may be possible damage to the tree root
structure that could result in the loss of the tree. However, an effort will be
made to avoid or minimize impacts to the trees.
Comment: "I do have a question in regards to public safety. With the medians
in the roadway, if there's an emergency for police, fire or EMS, can there be a
crossing that would be safe so they can cross over the medians.
Response: NCDOT does not recommend constructing a median crossover
along the project corridor. The only time we would entertain the idea of an
EMS crossing or median opening is if there was afire station located within the
project limits. The median and the curbing will be mountable consisting of 5"
curbs with 2" lips. The additional capacity provided by the proposed
improvements should increase response times for any EMS vehicles or services
that have to utilize US 421.
Comment: "This may be a silly question with regard to the schedule. Although
it's indeterminate what time you begin, do we have any idea how long a
project like this will take?"
Response: The construction duration would be approximately 3 years (3
springs). The project may require some nighttime construction. The
maintenance of traffic will make construction more complicated and thus more
time consuming than if the road could be closed.
Comment: "I've only owned my own place about 4 years. There's only going to
be about four businesses left on the left side. I've got seven employees to
employ; not counting all the jobs that's going to be took. We need to know as
fast as we can what's going to happen so we can plan. That's the only thing
I'm wondering is how long is all this going to take?
Response: If the schedule is able to be accelerated, right of way acquisition
may occur six months sooner than the current right of way date.
Comment: "My question is a lot of these properties on the south side are going
to be chopped up, smaller areas to develop or build on. I'm concerned about
what the town of Boone, as easy as they are to work with you, what's going to
happen in that regard. Some of these places like on my Mom's property, it
narrows down. Unless someone on either side buys our property, we haven't
even got a big enough place to build a parking lot with set backs for parking
cars or something. I'm concerned what may occur there with the reduced
amount of property that might be able to be developed unless people go
together and market their property. There's going to be even more loss to
some people than others."
Response: The department's interest is in acquiring the land needed for the
widening of US 421 and managing access to a practical extent. Right of Way
agents will discuss specific property impacts during the acquisition process.
Individual property owners are governed by local ordinances in regards to
redeveloping property.
2. Summary of Written Comments
In addition to the spoken commentary given at the hearing, NCDOT received a
total of fifteen (i5) written comments. This was a combination of comments mailed in
and received at the public hearing. None of the comments received, expressed
opposition to the project. The comments received expressed the specific concerns of the
individual sending them in.
Written comments expressed concern about various issues within the project
corridor. There was concern in regards to large delivery trucks being able to access
properties along the project corridor. NCDOT expressed that proper delivery route
planning will allow all delivery vehicles reach their destination. The majority of the
written comments were in regards to the right of way acquisition and negotiation
8
process. Owners and tenants alike were concerned with the timeline and time available
to relocate prior to construction beginning.
The following requests were received from the Town of Boone. The NCDOT
response is shown in italics.
¦ Street lighting for the entire project.
Street lighting for improved facilities is to be paid for by the requesting
municipality.
¦ Sidewalks along both sides of the project.
NCDOT will replace any sidewalks removed during construction of the
improved facility. The current design proposes to construct sidewalks along
both sides of US 421 within the project limits. Per the NCDOT Pedestrian Policy
Guidelines (dated October 2000), in order for new sidewalks to be constructed,
a written request from the municipality for sidewalks must be received by the
Project Final Field Inspection and commitment must be demonstrated by a cost
sharing agreement execution prior to the let date.
¦ Bike lanes for the entire project '
The NCDOT Bike and Pedestrian Transportation Unit does not recommend the
installation of exclusive bike lanes in areas where there are numerous driveway
entrances and intersecting streets due to safety reasons. To accommodate
bicyclists, the project proposes to construct 14 foot wide outside lanes.
¦ Left-turn access from US 421 (south) into the Town of Boone Public Works
Center.
NCDOT does not recommend the constructing a median cross-over. Per the
NCDOT Median Crossover Guidelines, a median crossover shall only be
considered when the Department deems it necessary to service traffic generated
by existing (and proposed) roadways, businesses or other development; and
this traffic cannot be adequately serviced with the existing crossovers at
intersections, reasonable alternative routes or other access points.
¦ NCDOT to maintain the center median or contract with Town of Boone for
maintenance.
Per the NCDOT Landscaping Guidelines, the municipality is responsible for the
maintenance of the center median.
The NCDOT has reviewed and thoroughly considered all of the incoming
comments from the public and the environmental agencies. A post-hearing meeting was
held to discuss the comments and make final decisions regarding the proposed action.
While it is not reasonable or feasible to expect that all public recommendations can be
adequately incorporated into the final design, the proposed highway improvement does
reflect the prevailing consensus of the motoring public and their local officials while
serving the best interest of their welfare.
9
V. REVISION AND UPDATES TO THE ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT
The following revisions and/or updates to the Environmental Assessment have
been made:
1. Changes in Preferred Alternative (see figures 4A and 4B)
US 421 (King Street) @ US R21(Hardin Street)
At the US 421 (King Street) /US 321 (Hardin Street) Intersection, the US 421
(North) approach will consist of three lanes; a combination thru and right-turn lane and
two exclusive left-turn lanes. The US 421 (South) approach will consist of one thru-lane
and a combination thru and right-turn lane. The US 321 (Northbound) approach will
consist of an exclusive left-turn lane, a thru-lane to facilitate traffic for Councill Street,
and an exclusive right-turn lane.
US 421 (King Street) R US 221/NC 10s Extension
At the US 421 (King Street) /US 221 _ NC 105 Extension intersection, the US 421
(South) approach will include a left-turn lane for U-turn movements, two thru lanes a
right-turn lane.
US 421 (King Street) 0 NC 194 (Jefferson Road) /Daniel Boone Drive
Daniel Boone Drive will be realigned to intersect US 421 at the current T-
intersection of US 421 and NC 194. The realignment of Daniel Boone Drive will allow
additional access to the proposed new Watauga County High School that will be built
near the project. Along US 421 (North) an exclusive left-turn lane will be added to allow
movement on to the realigned Daniel Boone Drive. A thru lane from NC 194 (South) to
the realigned Daniel Boone Drive will also be constructed at the intersection.
2. Title VI/ Environmental Justice Concerns
Impacts to Identified Low-Income EJ Populations
The Community Impact Assessment (CIA) prepared for this project, dated
February 2006 identified three Census Blocks adjacent to southern project limit that
have an "above-threshold" level of low income individuals, prompting Environmental
Justice concerns. The high concentration of low-income individuals is due to the
presence of Appalachian State University students in the area. However, included in
these numbers could be "other residents and patrons of businesses and community
centers on East King Street." The CIA states, "if residential relocations are concentrated
on the southern side of the project corridor, these low income groups could be
disproportionately negatively impacted." that any improvements to US 421 along the
southside of project corridor." Per the Environmental Assessment, the decision to widen
US 421 along the southern side of the project corridor was based on the presence of a
large church along the north side, ease of construction and lower construction costs.
The decision to widen to the southern side was not based on the desire to avoid
Environmental Justice populations to the north of the project area. Subsequent field
inspections of the homes and businesses along King Street revealed a large number of
rental and student housing along the north side of the proposed project, similar in nature
to those citizens residing on the southside of King Street. Census Tract 9804 Block
Group 1, which is adjacent to the northern project limit, is a large Block Group that at its
10
furthest extent stretches approximately five miles northwest of the project area. Due to
the size of the Block Group, the demographic characteristics of residents living near King
Street are not revealed well by the data. Therefore, the demographic nature of the Block
Group obtained from the 2000 census does not specifically portray the composition of
the neighborhood along the project. Also, the 2000 census data identifies one area in
Census Tract 9804, Block Group 1 close to the proposed improvements to US 421 that
has a minority population two to three times the county average. It should also be noted
that of the 988 occupied units within this census tract, 459 are rented. Based off of the
diversity of populations, residences, businesses and other activities along King Street,
neither side of the street appeared as a clear choice for relocation, based solely on the
demographics of race, income, or other characteristics.
Public Involvement Efforts
Since there is a potential to impact Environmental Justice populations,
additional public involvement was performed. As part of the additional outreach,
NCDOT Division 11 staff posted approximately twenty five fliers announcing the
upcoming public hearing at businesses and apartment complexes in the area
surrounding the project. This effort was in addition to the regular publishing of notices
of the public hearing in local papers. Also, the ASU student newspaper, the Appalachian,
ran a news article about the project, as did the other local newspaper.
Public Comments
Public comments gathered at the public hearing included: concerns about project
scheduling conflicts with the new high school being constructed just east of the project
limit, questions about the material used in the retaining wall, safety concerns, access
concerns, aesthetic concerns particularly landscaping and the preservation of specimen
trees, compensation for relocations, the inclusion of audio traffic signals for the visually
impaired, and the inclusion of bicycle and pedestrian facilities. Further examination of
the public hearing sign-in sheet illustrates that there were a number of people who own
and /or operate residential and commercial property on the southern side of the project
that were present at the public hearing. Based on observations, examination of the sign
in sheet and discussions with attendees at the hearing, NCDOT Public Involvement staff
concluded that there were not any renters from the residential properties on the
southern side of the project present at the public hearing.
Available Mitigation Programs
The NCDOT Relocation Assistance Program is in place as a mitigation measure to
compensate and assist business owners and residents displaced by the proposed
widening. This program has three basic components: Relocation Moving Payments,
Relocation Replacement Housing Payments, and Relocation Assistance.
VI. BASIS FOR FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT
Based on a study of the impacts of the proposed action, as documented in the
Environmental Assessment, and on comments from federal, state, and local agencies, it
is the finding of the North Carolina Department of Transportation and the Federal
Highway Administration that the project will not have a significant impact upon the
quality of the human or natural environment. The proposed action is not controversial
from an environmental perspective. No significant impacts on natural, ecological,
cultural, or scenic resources are expected. In view of the above evaluation, it has been
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2357 • North Carolina • 8 -2278 • Fax: 264-
POB 235 Boone, 28607-2357 (82)264 (828) 0107
Email: [e-mail] • Websile: appalcart.com
Christopher D. Turner
[e-mail]
828.284.2280 December 28. 2004
Dr. Gregory Thorpe
Attil: Dion J. Vlventl
PE Project Development and Environmental Analysis Branch
North Carolina Department of Transportation
PO Box 25201
Raleigh, NC 27611
T1P LU-4020
Dear Sirs:
1 am writing to thank you for having the informational sessions in Boone last month
regarding the widening of US 421 between Hardin Street and NC 194. As the
Transportation Director of AppaICART the local transportation authority, I can tell you
that,,ve need a wider turn lane going South on US 421 where you turn left to New Market
Centre Boulevard. Several times our vehicles have lost mirrors to oncoming trucks while
we wait to make a left turn.
There is also a need to make a safe pedestrian crossing to New Market Centre from
Woods Circle at the junction of US 421 and New Market Boulevard. Many people in the
apartments on Wood Circle have no safe way to get to New Market Centre without
driving. All the bus stops are on the New Market Centre side of the street so it would be
helpful to have a pedestrian crosswalk. 'It would also be good to have a crosswalk across
New Market Boulevard. Both of these crosswalks should have lights and audible signals
as we have a number of blind people in the area who would need these devices to cross
the roads safely..
v"i there should be 121- Pede-ctr;2n c lk.s at the TTS 421. and Hardin Street
intersection, particularly getting across King Street to the corner adjacent to the Daniel
Boone Inn. It would also be good to have some pedestrian facilities at the junction of NC
105 and US 421.
I noticed an error on the map. State Farm Road is shown beginning at the intersection of
US 421 and 221. That is locally referred to as the intersection of NCI 05 Extension and
US 421. State Farm Road begins at the traffic light on NC 105 Extension and State Farm
Road.
Sincerely,
Christopher D.=3 liner
7
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
MICHAEL F. EASLEY 1 501 IVLAiL SERVICE CENTER, RALEIGH, N.C. 27699-1 301
GOVERNOR
January 8, 2004
The Honorable Velma C. Burnley
Mayor of Boone
Post Office Drawer 192
Boone, North Carolina 28607
Dear Mayor Burnley:
LYNDO TIPPETT
SECRETARY
Thank you for your letter presenting the Transportation Improvement Program priorities
for the Town of Boone.
Based on your request, we are modifying the scope of the planning work for Project
U-4020 to include improvements to US 421 from US 221 (105 Extension) to NC 194.
Board of Transportation member Sam Erby has indicated his strong support for this
scope change and plans to meet with town officials and the chamber of commerce to
discuss potential funding options for the proposed improvements.
As you may know, work has begun on the planning for Project U-4020. Due to the
change in the scope of work, we anticipate an eight-month delay in the right-of-way
acquisition and construction.
If you need additional information, please let me know...
Sincerely,
L/ndo.Tlpp tt
'Y P
LT/va
cc: Samuel L. Erby, Member, Board of Transportation
PHONE [phone] FAA 919-733-9150
O?VI . ?qoG William G. Ross Jr., Secretary
North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources
\
7 Alan W. Klimek, P.E., Director
Division of Water Quality
.? Coleen H. Sullins, Deputy Director
Division of Water Quality
October 14, 2003
MEMORANDUM
TO: Gregory J. Thorpe, Ph.D., Director
NCDOT Project Development & Environmental Analysis Branch
FROM: Cynthia F. Van Der Wiele, NCDOT Coordinator
SUBJECT: Review of Scoping Sheets for Widening of US 421 (King Street) from US 321 (Hardin Street) to
US 221 (Hwy 105 Extension) in Boone, Watauga County, F.A. Project NHF-421(31), State
Project No. 8.1751601, TIP No. U-4020, Division 11.
In reply to your correspondence dated August 7, 2003 (received August 11, 2002) in which you requested
comments for the referenced project, preliminary analysis of the project indicates that the following water
resources in Hydrologic Unit 05-07-01 will be impacted:
Stream (Index)
Boone Creek (10-1-4-4)
Water Quality Classifccation
C trout +
The "+" symbol identifies waters that are subject to a special management strategy specified in .15A NCAC 2B
.0225, the Outstanding Resources Waters (ORW) rule, in order to protect downstream waters designated as ORW.
NC Division of Water Quality has the following comments:
Environmental Documentation
The environmental document should provide a detailed and itemized presentation of the proposed impacts to
wetlands and streams with corresponding mapping. If mitigation is required, it is preferable to present a
conceptual (if not finalized) mitigation plan with the environmental documentation. Appropriate mitigation plans
will be required prior to issuance of a 401 Water Quality Certification.
Design & Construction
The New River Basinwide Water Quality Plan (DWQ, 2000) notes that in Sub-basin 05-07-01, most of the High
Quality and Outstanding Resource Waters in the New River basin are found in the South Fork New River
watershed, despite the fact that 63 percent of the basin population lives in the drainage. These waters provide
habitat for 24 rare, threatened or endangered species including three fish species that are found only in the New
River basin.
Furthermore, urbanization often has greater hydrologic effects than any other land use, as native watershed
vegetation is replaced with impervious surfaces in the form of paved roads, buildings, parking lots, and residential
homes and yards. Urbanization results in increased surface runoff and correspondingly earlier and higher peak
flows after storms. Flooding frequency is also increased. These-effects are compounded when small streams are
channelized (straightened) or piped and storm sewer systems are installed to increase transport of drainage waters
downstream. Bank scour from these frequent high flow events tends to enlarge urban streams and increase
suspended sediment. Scouring also destroys the variety of habitat in streams leading to degradation of benthic
macroinvertebrate populations and loss of fisheries (EPA, 1999).
t
N. C. Division of Water Quality, 401 Wetlands Certification Unit,
1650 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1650 (Mailing Address)
2321 Crabtree Blvd., Raleigh, NC 27604-2260 (Location)
[phone] (phone), 919-733-6893 (fax), (hitp7Hh2o.enr.state.ne.us/ncwetiands)
Customer Service #: 1-877-623-6748

North Carolina Wildlife Resources Comma

?? .'?err
TO: Gregory J. Thorpe, Ph.D., Director
Project Development and Environmental Analysis Branch, NCDOT
FROM: Marla Chambers, Highway Projects Coordinator ,
Habitat Conservation Program, NCWRC
DATE: October 29, 2003
SUBJECT: Review of NCDOT scoping sheets for widening of US 421 (King Street) from US
321 (Hardin Street) to US 221 (Highway 105 Extension) in Boone, Watauga
County. TIP No. U-4020.
North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) is requesting comments from the
North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) regarding impacts to fish and
wildlife resources resulting from the subject, project. Staff biologists have reviewed the
information provided on the scoping sheets and have the following preliminary comments.
These comments are provided in accordance with the provisions of the National Environmental
Policy Act (42 U.S.C. 4332(2)(c)) and the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act (48 Stat. 401, as
amended; 16 U.S.C. 661-667d).
The NCDOT proposes to widen the existing US 421 (King Street), a 2-lane roadway, to a
five-lane curb and gutter facility from US 321 (Hardin Street) to US 221 (Highway .105
Extension) in Boone, for a project length of approximately 0.3 miles. An unnamed tributary to
Boone Creek, Class C trout, and an unnamed tributary to Hardin Creek, Class C +, appear to be
within the project study area. Boone Creek is classified "C trout +".
Current land use surrounding the project is primarily commercial and high-density
residential and is fully developed. Access management should address safety and level of
service issues. Transit, bicycle and pedestrian use and future expansion will need to be
considered in the project design. Sidewalks may be included on the south side of the roadway.
We encourage NCDOT and the Town of Boone to consider using non-impervious materials to
construct sidewalks, particularly in developed watersheds with a high percentage of impervious
surfaces. Stormwater management using low impact development techniques (see
for information) in urbanized areas is also strongly encouraged
N'l.ailin;Address: DivI, o;i oI I J, o.1 F!;;Iwnc., 4 .7 _ t,. ,,.cr • A,.... i .?vC 27699-1721
US 421, East King Street
Boone, Watauga County 2 October 29, 2003
to minimize negative impacts to receiving waters. Alternatives to curb and gutter should be
investigated. Stormwater should receive pre-treatment and not routed directly into streams.
In addition, to help facilitate document preparation and the review process, our general
information needs are outlined below:
1. Description of fishery and wildlife resources within the project area, including a listing of
federally or state designated threatened, endangered, or special concern species. Potential
borrow areas to be used for project construction should be included in the inventories. A
listing of designated plant species can be developed through consultation with the
following programs:
The Natural Heritage Program
N. C. Division of Parks and Recreation
1615 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, N. C. 27699-1615
[phone]
and,
NCDA Plant Conservation Program
P. O. Box 27647
Raleigh, N. C. 27611
[phone]
2. Description of any streams or wetlands affected by the project. If applicable, include the
linear feet of stream that will be channelized or relocated.
Cover type maps showing wetland acreage impacted by the project. Wetland acreage
should include all project-related areas that may undergo hydrologic change as a result of
ditching, other drainage, or filling for project construction. Wetland identification may
be accomplished through coordination with the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers
(USACE). If the USACE is not consulted, the person delineating wetlands should be
identified and criteria listed.
4. Cover type maps showing acreage of upland wildlife habitat impacted by the proposed
project. Potential borrow sites and waste areas should be included.
5. Show the extent to which the project will result in loss, degradation, or fragmentation of
wildlife habitat (wetlands or uplands).
6. Include the mitigation plan for avoiding, minimizing or compensating for direct and
indirect degradation in habitat quality as well as quantitative losses.
7. Address the overall environmental effects of the project construction and quantify the
contribution of this individual project to environmental degradation. .
US 421, East King Street
Boone, Watauga County
October 29, 2003
8. Provide a discussion of the probable impacts on natural resources, which will result from
secondary development, facilitated by the improved road access.
9. If construction of this facility is to be coordinated with other state, municipal, or private
development projects, a description of these projects should be included in the
environmental document, and all project sponsors should be identified.
Thank you for the opportunity to provide input in the early planning stages of this project.
If you have any questions regarding these comments, please contact me at [phone].
cc: Marella Buncick, USFWS
Cynthia Van Der Wiele, NCDWQ
3_.
County of Watauga?`=_-'-_-. JAN 0 3 2005
Courthouse, Suite 1 • 842 West King Street • Boone, North Carolina 2861}x;,1;
.7
'HF
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Jim Deal, Chairman
William R. Winkler, III, Vice-Chairman
David Blust
Keith Honeycutt
Winston Kinsey
Telephone [phone]
TDD 1-800-735-2962
Voice 1-800-735-8262 JAN 3 - 1uub
COUNTY MANAGER
Robert E. Nelson, Jr.
COUNTY ATTORNEY
Anthony di Santi
December 22, 2004
Mr. Lyndo Tippett
Secretary of Transportation
1501 Mail Service Center
Raleigh NC 27699-1501
Dear Mr. Tippett:
The Watauga County Board of Commissioners instructed me to forward a copy of the enclosed
Resolution adopted at their December 21, 2004, regular meeting supporting enhancements for
the NCDOT project to widen US 421 (King Street) TIP Project # U-4020.
Sincerely,
Anita J. Fogle
Clerk to the Board
Watauga County Commissioners
Enclosure
Resolution In Support of Enhancements for the
NCDOT Project to Widen US 421 (King Street)
TIP Project # U-4020
WHEREAS, the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) in conjunction
with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) is proposing to widen
approximately one mile of US 421 (King Street) to a multi-lane facility from
Hardin Street (HWY 321) to Jefferson Road (HWY 194); and
WHEREAS this section of King Street is the primary entrance to historic downtown
Boone, a much frequented tourist destination; and
WHEREAS, Watauga County's economy is dependant upon tourism; and
WHEREAS, the proposed widening will displace or negatively impact at least one-half
of the businesses and residential structures situated in the right-of-way corridor.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that Watauga County requests the NCDOT
to make special allowance for preserving the character of the primary entrance to
downtown Boone during the planning and construction phase of this project; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Watauga County requests the NCDOT to provide
for the placement and funding of enhancements on this project to include, but not
be limited to, extensive native landscaping, sidewalks and bike lanes, landscaped
medians, native rockwork for any walls or. structures, aesthetically-pleasing street
lighting and signage; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Watauga County requests the NCDOT to make
every effort to work with the Town of Boone elected officials and staff to
preserve the community character while developing and constructing this project.
AS ADOPTED by the Watauga County Board of Commissioners on this the 2l't day
of December , 2004.
-, -eej?
Ji Deal
irman
ATTEST:
(SEAL)
Anita l Fogle
Clerk to the Board
a n a
V
o o ?'
of A"
North Carolina Department of Cultural Resour:,P i'
State Historic Preservation Office
David L. S. Brook, Administrator
Michael F. Easley, Governor Division of Historical Resources
Lisbeth C. Evans, Secretary
Jeffrey J. Crow, Deputy Secretary
Office of -Archives and History
October 20, 2003
MEMORANDUM
TO: Greg Thorpe, Ph.D., Director
Project Development and Environmental Analysis Branch
NCDOT Division of Highways
FROM: David Brook' ?-
SUBJECT: Scoping, Widening of US 421 (Kung Street) from US 321 (Hardin Street) to US 221
(Highway 105 Extension), Boone, U-4020, Watauga County, ER03-2131
Thank you for your letter of August 11, 2003, concerning the above project.
We have conducted a search of our maps and files and located the following structure of historical or
architectural importance within the general area of this project:
Jones House, 124 King Street, listed in the. National Register of Historic Places.
We recommend that a Department of Transportation architectural historian identify and evaluate any
structures over fifty years of age within the project area, and report the findings to us.
There are no known archaeological sites within the proposed project area. Based on our knowledge of the
area, it is unlikely that any archaeological resources that may be eligible for conclusion in the National Register
of Historic Places will be affected by the project. We, therefore, recommend that no archaeological
investigation be conducted in connection with this project.
The above comments are made pursuant to Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act and the
Advisory Council on Historic Preservation's Regulations for Compliance with Section 106 codified at 36 CFR
Part 800.
Thank you for your cooperation and consideration. If you have questions concerning the above comment,
contact Renee Gledhill-Earley, environmental review coordinator, at 919/733-4763. In all future
communication concerning this project, please cite the above referenced tracking number.
www.hno.dcr.state.nc.us
Location Mailing Addre3s Telephone/Fax
ADMINISTRATION 507 N. Blount St., Raleigh NC 4617 Mail Service Center, Raleigh NC 276994617 [phone] • 733-8653
RESTORATION 515 N. Blount St., Raleigh NC 4617 Mail Service Center, Raleigh NC 276994617 [phone] • 715-4801
SURVEY & PLANNING 515 N. Blount St., Raleigh NC 4617 Mail Service Center, Raleigh NC 276994617 [phone] • 715-4801
HISTORIC' ARCHITECTt-RE. SECTION
,N,'urtir Ccrc,li - DePur+mcnl u1 Tr; nsp, nafi(,
:N4ENI0R NDUN.1
TO: Dior. J. Viventi, PE, Protect Development Engineer
FROM: Richard Silverman, Office of Human Environment
SUBJECT: U-4020, Boone, Watauga County
DATE: January 30, 2004
CC: Project File
Attached is a signed concurrence form which states that NCDOT and SHPO, agree
that:
• There are properties over fifty years old within the project's Area of Potential
Effects (APE), but based on the historical information available and the
photographs of each property, none is considered eligible for the National
Register and no further evaluation of there is necessary.
• There are no National Register-listed nor any Study-Listed properties within
the project's area of potential effects.
Since there are no historic properties affected by the proposed project, compliance
with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act for historic architecture is
complete. Please notify us in writing if the scope of this project changes. A change
in scope may necessitate a new survey of the APE.
f'ecl?rrrrJ,lir! = \IIh-NA TIPS U- 020 C`ount': NN'tataiug,i
NAL
ERTIES VO.1'
f'r(yect Description: Widen US 421 (King St.) Fro-in US 321 to 17S 221 in Boone
Un Jan. 21. 200-1 1'ef,rescntativrS of [hc'
® North Carolina Department of'Transportati= (NCDOT)
® Fcdcral Highway Aitnlini,-,ti ation (FHWA)
® North Carolina State Historic Preservation Office. (HPO)
? Other
Rcvie.wed the subject project at
? Scoping meetin;
21 Historic architectural resources photograph re-view session!consultation
? Other
All parties present agreed
? Thcrc arc no properties ov; r fifty years old vILhirl the pro tot's area of potential effects.
Then: are rio properties':ess thwi f lty Year-, old whiclh Ire considered to nlect C•ntcrla Consideration G \cnthlrl the
project's area of'pa tcntial cfccts.
® There are properties over fifty ye..us old within the project's Area of 1 uteivial F..tTects (APE), but based on the
historical informatior avail3bic; wid the photographs of each property, the properties identified ati_t._1 thru #12
are considered not eii<,ible for the. National R.egiste.r and no further evaluation o them is necessary.
® There are no National Roister-listed or Study Listed properties within the project's area of potential effects.
*0TE: She.1one5 1'101t%C (`f{) is not in the APE far this Project.
® All properties greater than 50 yew of age located in the APE halve been considered at this consultation, and based
upon the above concunrence, all compliance fix historic architecture with Section 106 of the National I listor:c
Prescr,ation Act and US 1211-1 2(a) has been completed for this- project
® There are no historic properties affected by this project. l?lrrrtci; earn- notes yr dui t+nrents us nce?lc:??)
Signed:
epresentativc. NCDOT Datc
fI-IWA, for the Division Adrmnistrator, or Ot, er Fcdcral Agency ate
ve, IiI'O
I \ -?1
Date
State IIistoric Preservation Officer ?-55n) Daur
11 a sur,cy r,:pon i3 pa-cpAred. J linal Copy oftltlx term and the :m hed list will 10cintlucred.
1. The presence of intact riparian buffers and/or wetlands in urban areas can lessen these impacts and restoration
of these watershed features should be considered where feasible.
2. The DWQ requests that DOT use Best Management Practices for the Protection of Surface Waters (March
1997) throughout the design and construction of this project.
3. In order to prevent degradation of water quality,
¦ Phased grading and seeding plans designed to minimize the exposure of bare ground is strongly
encouraged;
¦ Storm water runoff from the project should be pre-treated to the maximum extent feasible, rather
than routed directly into streams.
4. Sediment should be removed from any water pumped from behind a cofferdam before the water is returned to
the stream.
5. Wetland and stream impacts should be avoided to the maximum extent practical. If this is not possible,
alternatives that minimize wetland impacts should be chosen. In accordance with the NCDWQ Wetlands
Rules (15A NCAC 21-1.0506(b)(6)), mitigation will be required for impacts of greater than 150 linear feet to
any single perennial stream. In the event that mitigation becomes required, the mitigation plan should be
designed to replace appropriate lost functions and values. In accordance with the NCDWQ Wetlands Rules
{ 15A NCAC 2H.0506 (h)(3)), the Wetland Restoration Program (WRP) or Ecological Enhancement Program
(EEP) may be available compensatory mitigation.
Thank you for requesting our input at this time. The DOT is reminded that issuance of a 401 Water Quality
Certification requires that appropriate measures be instituted to ensure that water quality standards are met and
designated uses are not degraded or lost. If you have any questions or require additional information, please
contact Cynthia Van Der Wiele at [phone].
Attachment
pc: John Thomas, USACE Raleigh Field Office
Chris Militscher, USEPA
Marella Buncick, USFWS
Marla. Chambers, NCWRC
File Copy
`O?- OG ..,a.,. .... ...........,,
North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources
CID r Alan W. Klimek, P.E., Director
Division of Water Quality
Q -? _Coleen H. Sullins. Deputy Director
Division of Water Quality
October 14, 2003
MEMORANDUM
TO: Gregory J. Thorpe, Ph.D., Director
NCDOT Project Development & Environmental Analysis Branch
FROM: Cynthia F. Van Der Wiele, NCDOT Coordinator '.. `.-_ +:!-•?_'
SUBJECT: Review of Scoping Sheets for Widening of US 421 (King Street) from US 321 (Hardin Street) to
US 221 (Hwy 105 Extension) in Boone, Watauga County, F.A. Project NHF-421(31), State
Project No. 8.1751601, TIP No. U-4020, Division 11.
In reply to your correspondence dated August 7, 2003 (received August 11, 2002) in which you requested
comments for the referenced project, preliminary analysis of the project indicates that the following water
resources in Hydrologic Unit 05-07-01 will be impacted: ,.
Stream (Index)
Boone Creek (10-14-4)
Water Ouality Classification
C trout +
The "+" symbol identifies waters that are subject to a special management strategy specified in 15A NCAC 2B
.0225, the Outstanding Resources Waters (ORW) rule, in order to protect downstream waters designated as ORW.
NC Division of Water Quality has the following comments:
Environmental Documentation
The environmental document should provide a detailed and itemized presentation of the proposed impacts to
wetlands and streams with corresponding mapping. If mitigation is required, it is preferable to present a
conceptual (if not finalized) mitigation plan with the environmental documentation. Appropriate mitigation plans
will be required prior to issuance of a 401 Water Quality Certification.
Desken & Construction
The New River Basinwide Water Quality Plan (DWQ, 2000) notes that in Sub-basin 05-07-01, most of the High
Quality and Outstanding Resource Waters in the New River basin are found in the South Fork New River
watershed, despite the fact that 63 percent of the basin population lives in the drainage. These waters provide
habitat for 24 rare, threatened or endangered species including three fish species that are found only in the New
River basin.
Furthermore, urbanization often has greater hydrologic effects than any other land use, as native watershed
vegetation is replaced with impervious surfaces in the form of paved roads, buildings, parking lots, and residential
homes and yards. Urbanization results in increased surface runoff and correspondingly earlier and higher peak
flows after storms. Flooding frequency is also increased. These effects are compounded when small streams are
channelized (straightened) or piped and storm sewer systems are installed to increase transport of drainage waters
downstream. Bank scour from these frequent high flow events tends to enlarge urban streams and increase
suspended sediment. Scouring also destroys the variety of habitat in streams leading to degradation of benthic
macroinvertebrate populations and loss of fisheries (EPA, 1999).
N. C. Division of Water Quality, 401 Wetlands Certification Unit,
1650 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1650 (Mailing Address)
2321 Crabtree Blvd., Raleigh, NC 27604-2260 (Location)
[phone] (phone), 919-733-6893 (fax), (hnn://h2o.enr.state.nc.us/n"--hands)
Customer Service #: 1-877-623-6748
4*02
R ?(_b 9N
I V
County of Watauga JAN 0 3 2005
Courthouse, Suite 1 • 842 West King Street • Boone, North Carolina 2a8W'r;)i= rRANSpORTATICn
;`FF?CF i; THF- SECRETARY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Jim Deal, Chairman
William R. Winkler, 111, Vice-Chairman
David Blust
Keith Honeycutt
Winston Kinsey
Telephone [phone]
TDD 1-800-735-2962
Voice 1-800-735-8262 AN 3 _
COUNTY MANAGER
Robert E. Nelson, Jr.
COUNTY ATTORNEY
Anthony di Santi
December 22, 2004
Mr. Lyndo Tippett
Secretary of Transportation
1501 Mail Service Center
Raleigh NC 27699-1501
Dear Mr. Tippett:
The Watauga County Board of Commissioners instructed me to forward a copy of the enclosed
Resolution adopted at their December 21, 2004, regular meeting supporting enhancements for
the NCDOT project to widen US 421 (King Street) TIP Project # U-4020.
Sincerely,
Anita J. Fogle `-'
Clerk -to the Board
Watauga County Commissioners
Enclosure
Town of Boone
APR 2 7 2W
MAY 0 8 21110
. Resolution In Support of Acceleration of the
NCDOT Project to Widen US 421 (King Street)
TIP Project # U-4020
WHEREAS, the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) in conjunction with the Federal
Hi`,hway Administration (FHWA) is proposing to widen approximately one mile of US Hwy 421 (Kin( g-Street)
to a multi-lane facility from Hardin Street (US Hwy 321) to Jefferson Road (NC Hwy 194); and
WHEREAS NCDOT has announced a tentative project schedule of construction beginning in April, 2010; and
WHEREAS, Watauga County is constructing the new Watauga High School on a site accessed by US Hwy 421
east of the TIP Project #U-4020; and y
WHEREAS, the new Watauga High School is scheduled to open in August, 2010; and
WHEREAS, US Hwy 421 (King Street) is the primary travel route to the high school site for residents of
Boone, Blowing Rock, and the western half of Watauga County; and
WHEREAS, Average Daily Traffic on King Street ranges from 19,600 to 39,700 vehicles (already above the
design capacity), and is projected to increase to 28,900 to 67,800 vehicles per day by 2030; and
WHEREAS, the accident rate for 2002-2005 within the project area of U4020 was two- times the statewide
rate for similar highway facilities; and
WHEREAS, adding significant new traffic from the new Watauga High School to an already dangerous, traffic-
choked road that would be impeded by the U-4020 construction in August, 2010 would create an even more
congested and hazardous situation.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Boone Town Council requests the NCDOT to accelerate
TIP Project U-4020 so that it can be complete before or shortly after the scheduled opening of `lie new Watauga
High School in August, 2010.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Boone Town Council alternatively requests the NCDOT to divide
U-4020 into two phases, with phase 1 consisting of the section from NC Hwy 105 to NC Hwy 194 and being
complete before August, 2010.
AS ADOPTED by the Boone Town Council on this the 19`h day of April, 2007.
Mayor
ATTEST-
Town Clerk
P.O. DPAWEP 192 • BOONE, NORTH CAROLINA 28607
s,w A/Vf a?
North Carolina
Department of Administration
Michael F. Easley, Governor Britt Cobb, Secretary
January 22, 2007
Mr. Gregory Thorpe
N.C. Dept. of Transportation
Program Development
1548 Mail Service Center
Raleigh„ NC 27699-1534
Dear Mr. Thorpe:

Re: SCH File # 07-E-4220-0212; EA; Widening of US 421 (King Street) to a multi-lane from NC
194 (Jefferson Ave.) to US 321 (Hardin Street); approx. 1.155 miles in length in Watauga
County. - TIP No. U-4020
The above referenced environmental impact information has been submitted to the State Clearinghouse
under the provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act. According to G.S. 113A-10, when a
state agency is required to prepare an environmental document under the provisions of federal law, the
environmental document meets the provisions of the State Environmental Policy Act. Attached to this
letter for your consideration are the comments made by agencies in the course of this review.
If any further environmental review documents are prepared for this project, they should be forwarded to
this office for intergovernmental review.
Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call.
Sincerely,
Ms. Chrys Baggett
Environmental Policy Act Coordinator
Attachments
cc: Region D
Region K
Mailing Address: Telephone: [phone] Location Address:
1301 Mail Service Center Fax [phone] West Jones Street
Raleigh, NC 27699-1301 State Courier #51-01-00 Raleigh, North Carolina
e-mail [e-mail]
An Equal Opportunity/Affrmative Action Employer
NCDEN-R
North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources
MiGbael F. Easley; Govemo,
MENIORANDUM
hr }s Baggett
it
1 ROM tuba McGee z
? firer. ncn.; a Pa.vr i ew '-oordalnAtor
i it'Llian. r, Ross Jr_, Secretary.
SUBJECT.; 07-11.212 W.j.de213. q SPf US 421. in, Bt-cor_e., Wc' tall a cO'.AntV
YY- i E ; _ tj c1'211:?r y" 1 a z t? s,?'?' •'
Th:e:. beoartlli.e.nt ct =•i? iron ment . and Natti..xal. ReSr-,.1u ;:ces bas the
Proposed In-format.:.on The attached .-'vn;mexx s a.re. for the applFc -It's
?-2f armat ion.
Thank .:you for the op-p v t raft; to zet: e:•..
tt.a ??IIaPr: t s
De. .
1601 ii Service Center, Raiei fi , 4Vortt? v rct n2 27699-1-6013 C hCarolina
Phone: M-733-49841 FAX- 919-715-3061 Internet. tmv.enr.st8te.r.c.u$11 RI
An Equal ?pdta,r+i?? ?lf?iav?re?c??so ??:ptoyer • SU.?ti.?e?Yle.9.1t'', °? has? C?'?snmer':?a;+°r
North Carallna 'Wildl fe.: e-sources Commission f
Richard B. 'Hmmilton, E e,c..ut- DixGc.t??r
TO: Melba Mctr e-c., l tt? iror:imental Cocirdinmor
.Office of Legislative and lnt.ergo.vert3.mental Affairs; DEER
?,?-nuCr=,: -
FROM: 14?arl??.Cl?txi?rbers, ??" ?t.rzz.?:°CDC?"1" Pent it ?<ot?rdina%e?r ?? ? ?.n Li
Habitat: Conservation Program., NCW'RC
DATE., Jan '.M 1111-
SUBJECT- Rev te?? of the. Envirarunental Assc ssniem .For the proposed. widening of US 421
(King 'Street) to a multi-lane- facility- from. NNC 1.94 (Jefferson.??.??enue::) to US 321
(Iiardin Street) In Boone. Watau a. Caunty. TIP No, U-4020, (11-1 A No, 07-
0212 revised due date .l /1-7/2007
has submitted for rtview an.
worth. Cazolin i Department of 'l i:anSport at.ittrr (N NC
Environmental Assessment, (EA) document for the :subject prriject. Staff biologists with the
NNorth. Carolina. \ ildlifG Resources Co.nirnission. 'CWRC) have reviewed the information
pr'ovided. T hose to-rnments a.re provided i:n acct}xdance ?A?ith lit; provisions of the National
l?n-017 =. ental :PolicN, Act (4 U.S.C'. 4332(2)(c )) and the 'Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act
(48 Stal., x#01, as amended. 16 U.S.C. 661-667d).
NCD.OT pi-opo:$es. o widen t 1:? 42,1 (Kind- Street) to a multi-lane, divtided. curb-and- -titter
facility from: NC 194. (Defferso Avenue) to C_.iS 321 (F-lardin. Street) in Boone., NC for a Project
Length. of 4pprom matcl 1.157 miles. I'h.e yCDOT's. Preferred alternative is a c- mbiued 4 to 6-
lane.roadwav witlt widet ows de lanes to acconu-nodate bicycles and sidewalks provided on both
sid=es dfthe read. Impacts; for this a ternau4ve appear the same as the. 4-lane alternaitiv'e.
Approxitmatety 1.00 feet (i stream. impacts: are. au icipat.cd .to e.sttnd and join the culverts carrying
Hardin: Creel- anal o=ne if its uuuartsed tributaries ntm, the US 4'1. and NC 194 junction. 14ardin
Creek is ciassi ted a C+;. vN:v unde.r510nd the -" to irtd-icat4 specially d.esi"hated -vvAaters, such as
Outsta ding Resource NVzters., occur dom •zastream. , Boone Creek, Class C "t"rout also in the
project.area, but is not. s:mpeclteal To be C.rnpacted. Trout arc ltdovytz frown-: the Boone. vicinity,
including-the South., Fork. New R'Ivu that Eardin. Cree.. llcrws to abt}Ltt one atilt; downstream.
I4 lnilingAddress: Division ofI land Fisheries 1721 ]Mail Service Center Raleigh. N 12,7699-I 1? l
Telephone: [phone] • Fax: [phone]
U.4020, US 4-2 1 King
[}itwd' l Greek,'WarxigC o, •,
lunusin t'..
Hardin Creek rnav support trout, as trrt,rt have been noted 1rorn other small urbanize streams in
the Ac nit-v, and. a moratorir_ m nxay be re.ornrn nded.
I)o,wnstream of the project the So:uih l=ork. New River is also inhabited by the Kanawha mituaow
(1111eizc`rcobius' teret-1. a 4- t_ Federal S ac.Ies of Concern "l 'SC) and state Specia.i Concern {SC 1
Kanawha darter ( theosrrxrnu htrrtana r'ri ), stair; Significantly Rare.. sharpnose darter (ere h7a.
o: ttt<ncliti l_ state fiG, c:trtl Ps min
i noms #Exc?? ?t?:ssarrra rxral,tt'ir?;z?er); state Frrtlan.?c?tc?# (T:-).; seep
niudalia (I e.ptoxrs car"lcxlt.1a), state 't`hreatened green floater -(La?.mrgot?.r? st?hvrrac?trc); FSC and
state E; and spike (?_ftiptio dilataid), state: SC. Sediment. and crosion control. acad. sto:rn1 ater
1reatiatent z3=i11he. i iportant for this.. project. Sediment. and. erosion control measures :should
adhere to the design.:?tand:ards Rir sensitive -watersheds. The curb-and-gutter facility wi.11 cam,
pollutaittt-laden rwwf iorn tbis highly Ll:rbanTzed. area to near-b str{:MnS stor[Ii-,eater treatment
f otai the Ir add } project must be maximized and. is strongly encouraged for area development.
1\um roes studies have shoNvn that when 10--15% of a vvatr rsh:ed is wnv reed to inipm ious
Surfaces:. there is- a serious decline i.n the health: of rec'ix?in. vvaters (Sehueler 19-94) and .tlte,
quaiitµ of fish: habitat and -w•etiands are negaiive.hi- impact d (Booth 1991, raylor 1993), We
rci:crnnmend tliat the local. offilc:i.als require, strong, sto''iw titer. controls for devei.c3:pmen.t: in the
vicinity and. use. lbmv impact development techniqu4s (see m-ova-- .loNviractdevelorrrent.or}j fox
inforn a on) to rnanage stonnwaler quantv)! and quality,. We encourage, NtC.DO T and local
officials use more-:t' ttpexvt.dta; Materials to construct sidewalks, parking tots, and, oib.er f4cilities,
parzicttla 1Y r in dev Loping watershed.3 acid tho-se xith a. high percentage of .iinpenrious Hsu faces.
itileasures to mitiga. e sec ndaq Arid carnulatlvc impacts can be -found in the. Guidance
=Morriorandurn to: Address . and Mitagate SerondarN, and Cumulative Impacts to .:aquatic and
Terrestrial NVildfife ,Resources. and eater Quality; (NNCNtr'RC 2002):
"l:h-m.ik you. Cor the 9pportutiih= to review and. co.m.rneixt on this p gject, If nit have aril yuesticrns
regarding these C..Omments.,. please contact,tne: at.(70.4).545.-3811.
Literature: Cited:
:Borth,. D. 1991, t_rbanization and the natural drainage s3stenz-i.ni.paets, Solutions, vMd
.prognoses Northwest.. i- ironmentai Jvurttal. 7(1)93-11&
Nt"WRG (sYazth Carolina. Wildli.#:e. Resources Goniinissioial,. 2002. Guidance ? -4.-emorandu .1 to
Address and 'Mitigate Se.eon.lar and Currrtrlaz.Wy ln)p,;i is to Aquatic trrid Terrestrial
Wildlife Re.sources and Water Quality, 'NCWRC, Ra:le.i_?h. Available:
h:t ?r rja .rtc??5iltllr°te.cr p?'E? 1t'tlcll:ile$pcxe icst"onrp is _trnp4acis_pd:l t.l;?ebru,,u v
2tltl ):
Sth.uelef,: "I oho.. 1994_ . The Ini.pt)rtan- e• of Imper Viousne:ss, Watershed. l'rtitection TLcbwgves.
I_:3 fpp,1.00-.I I I' .
Tavior,' 13.L_ 19.93: Tlie influences of N etland and ??aiershtcl.a7?c?rpho.l.n? e.a1 charactcristic.s and
relaiab.*nships to wetland sLaetati.on communities. iAasters thesis. Dept, c.f Ovii
. .,- er•in 1-Inivers.it1p of 1 aslii:ngton. Seattle, 1 ..
U-.4020. US 4 21 (King Stty t)
Nadia Creek 1Natllau€a.Co, i • January 1', 2(1(}^
C: Marella Bunciek. 1JSI-V4'S
Sue Homewood, NCDWQ
Angle Rodgers.., NCNHP
? W A j} C t 1. Ci13ti[ Easley, GaveM may
0 1vIWar:i G Ross Jr., Secretary
NcK vi :pan dAna l«aaw €na of Eger. ,an,,ar,* Nat' •aj Reswro"
_ is t W, Mrnek, P.E. Directnr'
5 u virsmn of Wattr Ojality
Jarruar. v 2, '-'()0'1T) v1O11XANDUNt 1
TO: Nfelba me ee
1=rOM..: Sete l~.tarr ewood. ivisior of Water f
Subject coin men: can the. iiviro.,insent2l Assessmei t re ated try proposed US 421 15-011a CM.Stang
W. to 1 :F e sstit g. U : r 1. , l atu'a . County. Federal. Aid Project .No- NNIP-4 1(31 ).,
Sttic t?r4jex.t :\•o_ S..:; 51601, T1.1' -J-4*20, I)E`R Praj ct = 074)212 (due date 118107).
Tlus. c? ce has t'trviev-ed.the re*renced documelit dated Nov&mber 15,.20(%. The Division ofA"ater
Quality (DNVQ) is respohsi le.for the issuance. of the Section. 401 Water Quality C:•ertnf cation :fur
actin axes, that impact NC ,titers of the ? =.5.., in?ludibg' eftnds. law is our undmstatding rhat the Proi.ect. as
punted MW result M itrtpacts to;uri±d:ict%c?nal w?°etlasrdss. stream., . and other.,surfacre Nlmters. The DWQ
offers the following comments based on set ew of thedocument:.
I . future environn ntal documents, :r.cWdiirg the 401. Water Quality Cenite tion Application; should.
pin;Tide a detailed-and tcntizo?d prese.ntatior of the proposed impacts to weth mds: and streaLms with
c rrespondi n apping if xiritigation is necessaxyas: required. by 15A NI AC 2H.tx -06 h),
pr feralile to present a onceptual 6 fnot trnah :snit Lion. plan the enr*it?artxr3ental.
doed mentatush. Appropriate n iiiga ion plans will. he required pricer to issuance of'a 401 Watcr
(,ttrality,. C ortifxc-ax em.,
After tlrc sell c fior: of.the preferred alternative and:p. for to an iss€ rice, of the 401 'e'ater Quality
C:erf f cat ionr, he 'I C'DOT to rtspocifa l r-e=_nded that the x will need to demors-umte the avoidance
and mini zation. of impacts. to -w hand, (and: streams) o the nraximu:m. extert: ?a?act;ca,:, Xrz
accordance with the lvn.vir nntentsl =vlana e-ment C?ornrniWom? s Rules f ISA 1\C°AC 2H:,OMO(b-)'.,
mitigation tit ill :lie required for impacts cal" .greeter than I. acre to wetlands.. In the eve. That.
mits actors. is required,. the TM-ti I gg.ti.pn.pl a should be designed. to replace appToprtate lost functions
and values.. The NC Ecos siem, Ezhancerrient Program may be available Iii use as weiiand
nt?ti;?atit?zi..
In aceardancr. w th the Enciror mcmal, l?aaa ent C`.ommi?sfon.'s Rules ; t yA.:\?C, AC_
2H.O.506(h); . m ti ration. will. he required for. impacts of Brea#er ihar.3 'LSO hrear feet to any singgl.e
pzrenhial steam. IIT. the event that mitigation is required, the rn tigai on plan should be &-sigmed t'o
replace appropriate I.P511 ftmctions and values,. The NC Ecosystem Enhancement yrotrazn may be
mailable for use as stream nisi .ea.t%oT:.
4: NCB OT is:re$ 6ctfiIlly reminded that
till an cbs..'inding but not l nliteil ui, hsidLinst, t713,
exeavati a and cleari tojU isdteti.mia1 wal ands, streams, ar,d.riparianliuffcrs 3e-ed to by included
in the :fi al im. Oact celeuiations<. These. itnpae#a; itt a d1 Q to aril cons G4inn a>npact . CempUra {
0othervvi:se . atso need: to be inc:l-tided as par,.. of the 401 Water Quality' C'en't>ficaton Application,
x?
4.??s ur?5crt Pe?^i':itti? ?i< y?I?Q?1lX?llJf
1W, !A911 WveceCentar, Ratejg?,140.rt•, Car'vR? q c'
232= C?abaee aoulevard. Site ?3! . t'a t . Ye. Gareiina. err
Pnt :.4y9•73?,1aM d FAX ?i9.7?3 0?? :'.nt^ie .h ?=?Y2o.?rr.siafe.rc c s#flcus?ttands.
:i 2f jyryGrUif`t"s Affir€t1a` a dtair"rtyS.`)w-?0% 3k4?CB ??'kw Corwnf'a
5. Sedirtte7t.atd erc? at?il cc?n.lc;l. n1ea.sures should.t1ot be plactd 1n lived-and. or strean.s
6.. 1.3orrow-,`xcasre areas houW avoid weilan.ds to the maxim m extx:n.t pract cel. impacts to wetlands :in
borrow/,,Lute areas will need. to be presented in the'401 U.'ater Quality. Cerr_fic.ation and could
pr"_ipilate compensatory zz;i .iga-.1on.-
The 40.1. Water. Quality l: e, i fication application tic ill reed to spc. i.ticalls a ddress i?.e propuycd
rt±ethods for rtornnwater manage tnent, More specifically, stone -ster will not be permitted to
discharge directly into s"arns or surfe-c;e Waters.
5:. Based on,.the. information: presented in the doc ..em the mag*n.itude. of impacts to tvetlands and
sheaves may.retluire an Nationwi idE (N-W) application to. the Corps of Lngireeis and correswndi:ncy
401 Wa. er Qualm Ce.; x f catior, Please be advised that a 1*0 `: Waier Quality Certi.tica.d.on. requires
satisfactory protection of water qualin1 to ensure thet -water quality standards are niet and n:o wetland
or stream uses are lost.. Final :permit authorization -,t•ill. requifre the submittal of a formal application
by ffie NNCDOT and -written concurrence. from the tNC )N Q. Please be aware. that any approval will
kK.ootttizt?ent tom. apps??prnate a?-d ante at ci rntni?ti zati.oti of tip,;Hand and. stream.irtaotzs, to-the
maximium extents practical.. the development of an accepwble s!(-ttm«ater.t nagernent plan. and the
inclusion of appropriate mitigation plans where app.=.opr ate.
9.: if concrete is.used during wnstruotion, a dr; %-Ork area should be m. aintained. to prexre.nt direct
contas-tbet-xeetl curing conc;.rete and stream water. Water. that inadvertently contacts uncured
concrete. should. skit be discharged to .sLrface waters due to the potential for elevated pli and
possible aquatic life and fish kills,
14. .I3:.terttporazy acces.W roaci Or detours a, e co n t=ucted: the site -ball be graded to its preoon:5 x-timi
contours and ele-rations. Disturbed areas should be seeded yr mulched to stabilize: the soil and
appropri to nati? e %v.oody spevie5 should be panted.. Whien. using to xporany structures the area
should be rieared but not gYrublied. t`leariiig the area wi'ith. t °na..n say s, mo??-er, bushWhogs, or other
mechanized equipment and leaving the stumps and- root mitt: intact. al.l.ows the area to re-vegetate
natura tv and minimizes soil disturber c?e.
u. Placeinernt ofeulverts acid other Stru%tur?.in ? tt4.cn?, streams, and w-efla ids s u ll be-placed below
fhe eleNration of the st earnbed by one foot. for all cui' erts with a diameter greater than 48 inches;
ana.20 peroert of the-culvert diameter for culverts. ha-N in; a diameter less than 48 inches. to alloy
lowflow passage of water and aquatic life. Desi chi and- placement of culverts and other structures
including :terrzpc?rarj erosion control. measures shall not be conducted in a manner that. may result in
dis egtailibriuzn of wetlands- or streambeds or banks, adjacent, to or upstream and dov, nr stream of the
.above. structures. The applicant; is requt.rid to provide evid.enve tbat the.equilihriuni.ts being
DNVQ. if this. coedit' . is unable to.be inet: due to bedrock or.
maintained: if seguzst:ed. in ,Thin b. 0111
other limiting features eneo=tkred` eluring construction.,. please contact ths: ' IC DWQ for guidance
on bow to proceed and to detennine wbether or of a permit xtoditicatian. N,01 be: required.
12.. If tnitil iple pipes or barrels are required. they should lie designed. to na:inn..ic natural stream cross
section as closely as.possible ineIuding pipes or baTTels at flood plaits elevation and'or sills where
appropriate.. Widening the stream Cnann.el. should be avoided. Stream cbanrnel.widen g at the inlet.
or outlet end ..of stiuctures typi:call} decreases. evatcr velocity e:aaasi.:tg seditnennt dep«:sition that
..recl€a.irts. iz?creascd rxiairitrtlance and disrupts aquatic life passage,
1 Sediment and, erosion co,11trol. me.ast res su.tl cient to protect .vat:er r..esourcet oust be. implemented
and maintained-An acecodance with. the most recent -mrsior, cat North. Carolina Sediment and Erosion
Control Planning avd. 'De&i9n Mangy; a.l and. the rnost..te e:nt versiosl. of NC:S0002.50. .
14. All work in. or a4iacent to stream graters should he conducted in a dry work area. Approved IMP
measures fxorn the most current version. ofNCDOT Construction, and Maintenance, AclMties
tnan`ual such as &andbags, rock berris coff&dams and. other diversion struetuty s should be used to
prevent excavation. in flowing water.
TS. While the use. ofNiation' INretland.inrentory ( TW1.) maps,, tiC Coastal Region'Eval.uation. of
IYetland.i*?ytiaircanee (NC-CREI;) reaps and soil surrey maps are useful tools,: their inherent
iriaccuraabe.s require that qualified personnel perform onsite wedand del :neat:ions prior to permit
approval..
l6.. Hear equ prrmnt should be opera:ted frmn the bank rather than in stream channels in order to
'MinimiW sed nlentation and reduce the likelihood of iritrod.ucing other pollutants into streams. This
equipment should he inspected dai1- anal rnaintai.ned to prevent contamination of surface waters
:fr6in leaki4 fuels, lubricants, kydraulic fluids, or other toxic materials.
17 . lZiprap. should not be placed. in.tl?e acti+ e tYca.lg e channel or placed in the streambed in a. manner
that preclird;` aquatic :fife passage, lioeni.neerin: boulders or structures should be properly
desi
ed.. sized. anti installed.
971
18. Riparian vegetation (liative trees and shrubs) should be preserved to the ntaximuna extent possible.
Riparian vegetation txtt,.st b€ .rees:tablished wnt:hin the construction l.irnits of the, project by the end. of
the iFowing seasomfollowiaa corri}?letioii.ot conktru tion.
The NQDI?rQ 4pprecia-te:s Ow.. opporturi y to provide: coinmen+.S on your Project, Should you. have any
quest . ns or require any additional information, please contact. Sue Tiomewood at 336-7714964.
cc: Jtilin. .l grnas; US. Army Corps of Engineers. Raleigh Field Office
l=ederal`:H ghw°ayA.dministxa ion-
Clan?.141<ilt$eher.;:E,n??rortmental f'rotecticin ?AgencMarla. CbAmbers', Wildli.f'e .R.t sources Commission
Vlarella $uncic.k, US Fish and Wildlife $erviee
DWQ.Wirstent lem. Regional Office
I?V''`< 401 Transportation. Permitting unit
NORTH CAROLINA STATE CLEARINGHOUSE
DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION
INTERGOVERNMENTAL REVIEW
STATE NUMBER: 07-E-4220-0212 F02
DATE RECEIVED: 12/13/2006
AGENCY RESPONSE: 01/08/2007
REVIEW CLOSED: 01/13/2007
CLEARINGHOUSE COORD REGION D
REGION D COG
P.O. BOX 1820 .
BOONE NC
REVIEW DISTRIBUTION
CC& PS - DEM; NFI P
DENR LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS 4
DEPT OF AGRICULTURE` '
DEPT OF CUL RESOURCES'
DEPT OF TRANSPORTATION
REGION D COG
PROJECT INFORMATION
APPLICANT: N.C. Dept. of Transportation
TYPE: National Environmental Policy Act -?-y
ERD: Environmental Assessment
DESC: Widening of, US 421 (King Street) to a multi-lane from NC 194 (Jefferson Ave.) to
US 321 (Hardin Street); approx. 1.155 miles in length in Watauga County. TIP No.
U-4020
The attached project has been submitted to the N. C. State Clearinghouse for
intergovernmental review. Please review and submit your response by the above
indicated date to 1301 Mail Service Center, Raleigh NC 27699-1301.
If additional review time is needed, please contact this office at [phone].
AS A RESULT OF THIS REVIEW THE FOLLOWING IS SUBMITTED:
NO COMMENT
M
COMMENTS ATTACHED
SIGNED BY:
DATE: L _6
b
xhvuh?!Wl rvx KEVIEW
Please review the attached notification and indicate your response. If your agency requires additional information, contact the
applicant directly or call High Country Council of Governments' Clearinghouse. Please submit your response to the address below by
the due date indicated.
Phone: [phone]
SCH Number 07-E-4220-0212 Date 12-18-06 Response Date_01-03-07
Please Sign. and Return
This Page Only To.,
High Country Council of Governments
Clearinghouse Coordinator
P.O. Box 1820
Boone, NC 28607
Reviewers:
Greg Young, Manager, Town of Boone
-4 1.
Response: This agency has reviewed the notification and offers the following recommendation: (Check appropriate
response/more than one can be checked)
No Comment
v/Favorable. The project is in agreement with the goals and objectives of this agency's programs.
Unfavorable. The project is not in agreement with the goals and objectives of this agency's programs.
Potential Problem (s). Identify:
Comments:
Reviewed by
Name: Agency: Date:
NORTH CAROLINA STATE CLEARINGHOUSE
DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION
INTERGOVERNMENTAL REVIEW
STATE NUMBER:.:. .T-E..-4 20-,0212 F02
DATE RECEIVED: 12/13/2006? _
AGENCY RESPONSE: 01/08/2007
REVIEW CLOSED: 01/13/2007
MS RENEE GLEDHILL-EARLEY
CLEARINGHOUSE COORD
DEPT OF CUL RESOURCES
ARCHIVES-HISTORY BLDG - MSC 4617
RALEIGH NC
REVIEW DISTRIBUTION
CC&PS - DEM, NFIP
DENR LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS
DEPT OF AGRICULTURE
DEPT OF CUL RESOURCES
DEPT OF TRANSPORTATION
REGION D COG

PROJECT INFORMATION
APPLICANT: N.C. Dept. of Transportation
TYPE: National Environmental Policy Act
ERD:, Environmental Assessment
C(Z o 3 - a? 3 I
S (9) t ? C1 1o?
1s107-
DESC: Widening of US 421 (King Street) to a multi-lane from NC 194 (Jefferson Ave.) to
US 321 (Hardin Street); approx. 1.155 miles in length in Watauga County. TIP No.
U-4020
The attached project has been submitted to the N. C. State Clearinghouse for
intergovernmental review. Please review and submit your response by the above
indicated date to 1301 Mail Service Center, Raleigh NC 27699-1301.
If additional review time is needed, please contact this office at [phone].
AS A RESULT OF THIS REVIEW THE FOLLOWING IS SUBMITTED:
IN NO COMMENT
COM TS ATTACHED
?4..?6i^?'- ??'? ill, ?\.
SIGNED BY:
?J
DATE: I . (k • Dl-
T EC r: .?
EPA Review Comments on the Federal EA for U-4020, US 421 Improvements,
Boone,. Watauga County.
This is a non-Merger project. The Federal EA was issued on 12/8/06 and comments were
requested by 3/1/07. NCDOT. proposes to widen US 421 to a multi-lane divided facility
from NC 194 to US 321 for approximately 1.2 miles.
Two alternatives were study in detail, Alternative 1 (4-lane divided) and Alternative 2 (4
to 6 lane divided). NCDOT prefers Alternative 2. Estimated impacts for the proposed
widening alternatives are as follows (Alternatives 1 & 2, respectively):
Residential & Business relocations: 1R/9B & 1R/9B
Church/Schools: 0/0 & 0/0
Wetlands: 0 & 0 acres
Streams: 100 & 100 linear feet
Riparian buffers: 0 & 0
Sections 4(f)/106 properties: 0/0 & 0/0
Archaeological sites: 0 & 0
Noise Receptors: 20 & 20
ESAs: 0
EJ communities: 0
Natural Heritage Program areas: 0 & 0
Air quality: No (NAAQS Attainment)
Terrestrial forests: 0& 0
Prime Farmlands: 0 & 0
Hazardous Material Sites: 6 & 6
Critical Water Supplies: No
EPA lacks objections to the proposed project and NCDOT's preferred alternative. The
Federal EA was comprehensive and the Summary table of impacts (iii) was very useful in
comparing the two alternatives. A Nationwide permit No.. 14 will be needed by the
USACE.
EPA notes the extensive information contained in the EA regarding MSATs (Pages 30-
36). The proposed project should help to relieve congestion and improve LOS within the
project study area and should have a net positive impact on air quality, including MSAT
emissions. EPA also notes the project commitments for outside increased lane widths for
bicycle traffic as well as the adding sidewalks on both sides of the widened roadway.
Town of Boone
BOON
North Carol
May 25, 2007
Mr. Ryan L. White, Project Planning Engineer
NC Department of Transportation
Project Development and Environmental Analysis
1548 Mail Service Center
Raleigh NC 27699-1548
RE: Project U-4020 (King Street Widening)
Dear Mr. White:
At their May 17, 2007, meeting the Boone Town Council met and discussed the Department
of Transportation's policy regarding sidewalk installation. The Town of Boone is formally
requesting that sidewalks be included on both sides of the road for the entire project area (including
Highway 194 to project end.) The Town of Boone will participate in the Department of
Transportation's cost share program for the installation of the sidewalks, where they currently do no
exist withing the project limits.
Please forward the necessary agreements at the appropriate time. If any additional
information is needed please contact me at [phone].
Sincerely,
G g Young
Town Manager
/fva
P.O. DRAWER 192 • BOONE, NORTH CAROLINA 26607
NORTH CAROLINA STATE CLEARINGHOUSE t.;;..:..,
DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION
INTERGOVERNMENTAL REVIEW
STATE NLJMBER:= 7-E.-4 20-,0212 F02
DATE RECEIVED: 12/13/2006 -
AGENCY RESPONSE: 01/08/2007
REVIEW CLOSED: 01/13/2007
MS RENEE GLEDHILL-EARLEY
CLEARINGHOUSE COORD
DEPT OF CUL RESOURCES
ARCHIVES-HISTORY BLDG - MSC 4617
RALEIGH NC
REVIEW DISTRIBUTION
CC&PS - DEM, NFIP
DENR LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS
DEPT OF AGRICULTURE
DEPT OF CUL RESOURCES
DEPT OF TRANSPORTATION
REGION D COG
?Yy.
0m -
PROJECT INFORMATION
APPLICANT: N.C. Dept. of Transportation
TYPE: National Environmental Policy Act
ERD: Environmental Assessment
?e? CCZ v3 - ?.?jL3)I?
\ C%
11SIo7
DESC: Widening of US 421 (King Street) to a multi-lane from NC 194 (Jefferson Ave.) to
US 321 (Hardin Street); approx. 1.155 miles in length in Watauga County. TIP No.
U-4020
The attached project has been submitted to the N. C. State Clearinghouse for
intergovernmental review. Please review and submit your response by the above
indicated date to 1301 Mail Service Center, Raleigh NC 27699-1301.
If additional review time is needed, please contact this office at [phone].
AS A RESULT OF THIS REVIEW THE FOLLOWING IS SUBMITTED:
IN NO COMMENT
COM TS ATTACHED
SIGNED BY:
DATE: A. 1 ? • DT
T EC : ' ?
EPA Review Comments on the Federal EA for U-4020, US 421 Improvements,
Boone, Watauga County.
This is a non-Merger project. The Federal EA was issued on 12/8/06 and comments were
requested by 3/l/07. NCDOT proposes to widen US 421 to a multi-lane divided facility
from NC 194 to US 321 for approximately 1.2 miles.
Two alternatives were study in detail, Alternative 1 (4-lane divided) and Alternative 2 (4
to 6 lane divided). NCDOT prefers Alternative 2. Estimated impacts for the proposed
widening alternatives are as follows (Alternatives 1 & 2, respectively):
Residential & Business relocations: 1R/9B & 1R/9B
Church/Schools: 0/0 & 0/0
Wetlands: 0 & 0 acres
Streams: 100 & 100 linear feet
Riparian buffers: 0 & 0
Sections 4(f)/106 properties: 0/0 & 0/0
Archaeological sites: 0 & 0
Noise Receptors: 20 & 20
ESAs: 0
EJ communities: 0
Natural Heritage Program areas: 0 & 0
Air quality: No (NAAQS Attainment)
Terrestrial forests: 0& 0
Prime Farmlands: 0 & 0
Hazardous Material Sites: 6 & 6
Critical Water Supplies: No
EPA lacks objections to the proposed project and NCDOT's preferred alternative. The
Federal EA was comprehensive and the Summary table of impacts (iii) was very useful in
comparing the two alternatives. A Nationwide permit No. 14 will be needed by the
USACE.
EPA notes the extensive information contained in the EA regarding MSATs (Pages 30-
36). The proposed project should help to relieve congestion and improve LOS within the
project study area and should have a net positive impact on air quality, including MSAT
emissions. EPA also notes the project commitments for outside increased lane widths for
bicycle traffic as well as the adding sidewalks on both sides of the widened roadway.

,'

_

-
;?
,'? ; i
,
,,
'`
;?
?,
,'
_;?
EIS RELOCATION REPORT
® E.I.S. ? CORRIDOR ? DESIGN
North Carolina Department of Transportation
RELOCATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
WBS: 35015.1.1 COUNTY Watauga. Alternate 1 of 1 Alternate
I.D. NO.: U-4020 F.A. PROJECT NHF-421 31
DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT: Proposed widening of US-421 Kin St.), NC-194 to US-321 Hardin St.
ESTIMATED DISPLACEES INCOME LEVEL
Type of
Displacees
Owners
Tenants Total
Minorities
0-15M
15-25M
25-35M
35-50M
50 UP
Residential 1 65 66 20 50+ 16
Businesses 9 21 31 2 VALUE OF DWELLING DSS DWELLING AVAILABLE
Farms Owners Tenants For S ale For R ent
Non-Profit 0-20M $ 0-150 0-20m $0-160
ANSWE R ALL QUESTIONS 20-40M 160-260 20-40M 160-250
Yes No Explain all "YES" answers. 40-70M 250200. 7 40-70M 260400
X 1. Will special relocation services be necessary? 70-100M 400400 12 70-100M 4004600 30+
X 2. Will schools or churches be affected by 100 up 1 600 up 46 100 uP 100+ 600 UP 100+
displacement? TOTAL 1 65 100+ 130+
X 3. Will business services still be available REMARK S (Respond b N umber
after project? 3. Will not be disrupted due to project.
X .4. Will any business be displaced? If so, 4. A. Clyde Jones Auto Parts, 8700 sf, 6 emp., 1 minority
indicate size, type, estimated number of
employees, minorities, etc. B. Antique Store, 3000 sf, 2 employees, 0 minorities
C. Hardees, 2975 sf, 24 employees, 8 minorities
X 5. Will relocation cause a housing shortage? D. Ives Auto Sales, 845 sf, 2 employees, 0 minorities
E. Tom Ives Home Inspection, 845 sf, 1 employee, 0 min.
6. Source for available housing (list). F. Polaris, 6000 sf, 4 employees, 0 minorities
X 7. Will additional housing programs be
needed? G. Colvard Oil Co., 1625 sf, 9 emp., 2 minorities
EL Extra Mile Food Market, 2400 sf, 3 employees, 0 min.
X 8. Should Last Resort Housing be
considered? I. Blue Ridge Beds, 3150 sf, 9 employees, 1 minority
J. High Country Cleaners, 2400 sf, 7 employees, 2 min.
X 9. Are there large, disabled, elderly, etc. K. Boone Gospel Tabernacle, 4900 sf, 2 employees, 0 min.
families? L. Black Bear Apts. Office, 3200 sf, 3 employees, 0 min.
X 10. Will public housing be needed for project? M. Massage Therapy, 1925 sf, 3 employees, 0 minorities
X 11. Is public housing available? N. Mexican Grocery Store, 1925 sf, 3 emp., 3 minorities
X 12. Is it felt there will be adequate DSS housing O. Trailway Cleaners, 7900 sf, 8 employees, 2 minorities
housing available during relocation period? P. Ski Rental Shop, 3325 sf, 3 employees, 0 minorities
f X 13. Will there be a problem of housing within Q. Dental Office, 9100 sf, 7 employees, 1 minority
financial means? R. Skin Studio, 9100 sf, 2 employees, 0 minority
X 14. Are suitable business sites available (list S. Appalachian Family Practice, 9100 sf, 6 emp., 0 minority

I source).
15. Number months estimated to complete
RELocATION?

24 to 36 months
F T. Survey Company, 9100 sf, 7 employees, 1 minority
U. Optometrist Office, 3850 sf, 5 employees, 1 minority

V. State Farm Ins. Office, 3000 sf, 5 employees, 0 min.
Continued on Attached Sheet
06/05/2007 .
Date
Right of Way Agent Relocation Coordi for Date
FRM15-E Revised 09-02 Original & 1 Copy: Relocation Coordinator
1 2 Copy Division Relocation File
EIS Relocation Report Continued On U-4020 Watauga County
W. Pottery Store, 1995 sf, 3 employees, 0 minorities
X. PC Medics Store, 1995 sf, 3 employees, 0 minorities
Y. Florist, 1995 sf, 5 employees, 0 minorities
Z. Winkler Plumbing Co., 1995 sf, 6 employees, 1 minority
AA, Beauty Salon, 1995 sf, 3 employees, 0 minorities
BB. Appalachian.net Online Service, 900 sf, 4 employees, 0
minorities
CC. Pantry Inc., 4441 sf, 4 employees, 0 minorities
.DD. Country Inn & Suites, 15400 sf, 25 employees, 12 minorities
EE. Auto Repair, 7694 sf, 4 employees, 0 minorities
FF. Business Storage Building, 950 sf, 1 employee, 0 minority
6. Watauga County Board of Realtors MLS, Newspapers, etc.
8. As necessary in accordance with state law.
11. Housing Authority, City of Boone
12. Given the last resort housing programs and proper lead-time it is felt
that DSS housing could be made available to those persons being
displaced.
14. Suitable business sites will be available during relocation period.
Source same as for available housing (no. 6)
++ Anticipated that the majority of tenant displacees are Appalachian State
students.
{
ty\?"? N^
I
"yn
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
MICHAEL F. EASLEY
. GOVERNOR
May 3, 2007
Mr. John F. Sullivan, P.E.
Division Administrator
Federal Highway Administration
310 New Bern Avenue, Suite 410
Raleigh, NC 27601
Dear Mr. Sullivan,
LYNDO TIPPETT
SECRETARY
SUBJECT: Proposed widening of US 421 (King Street) from US 321 (Hardin Street) to NC 194,
Boone, Watauga County, Federal Aid Project No. NHF-421(31), WBS Element 35015.1.1,
TIP No. U-4020
CERTIFICATION OF PUBLIC HEARING AND ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
This is to certify that a combined public hearing was held for the subject project on March 13,
2007. A copy of the public hearing transcript is attached for your records.
This is also to certify that the North Carolina Department of Transportation, Division of
Highways, has considered the impact of the project on the environment, its economic and social effects,
and the consistency of the project with the goals and objectives of the region.
Sincerely,
Gregory J. Thorpe, PhD, Director
Project Development and Environmental Analysis Branch
MAILING ADDRESS:
NC DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
PROJECT DEVELOPMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS
1548 MAIL SERVICE CENTER
RALEIGH NC 27699-1548
TELEPHONE: [phone]
FAX: [phone]
VWESSITE: WWW.DOH.DOT.STATE.NC.US
LOCATION:
TRANSPORTATION BUILDING
1 SOUTH WILMINGTON STREET
RALEIGH NC
526 with the school, there's going to be certain times of the year and times of the day when
527 the traffic is going to be pretty heavy. Anything that's not on that map, any suggestions
528 about changing traffic patterns, that would not have been addressed under this project.
529 That is something that can be addressed at the systems level with the RPO and with the
530 town of Boone. We will note those comments and make sure they get to the right person.
531 Under this project we would not be able to address that specific issue. It's outside the
532 scope of this project. We will pass that along to the appropriate person in Raleigh. Come
533 ahead, ma'am.
534
535 Beth Carroll: My name is Beth Carroll. My partner is a business owner. He'll
536 be affected by this.
537
538 I have a couple of easy questions. It's noted a proposed project. This is
539 definitely happening. Is there any chance that it won't happen? She'll need to move.
540 I'm not sure from this schedule if the right-of-way acquisition would be an appropriate
541 time frame for the business to move or if moving would have to happen prior to that
542 point. How far ahead of time might that be? When will she need to be out and when will
543 we know for sure what the time line is? Thanks.
544
545 Moderator: I would suggest that you do talk with Mr. Caudle. Jim, will you
546 raise your hand? That's one of those property specific questions that he can best handle.
547 As far as the schedule, yes, we may move that schedule up. It looks like we've got about
548 18 months between the right-of-way and construction. We're going to try to speed that
549 up. We want to go ahead and have all the right-of-way bought before we start
550 construction. We want to have that out of the way. The Relocation Assistance Program,
551 the work that our Right-of-Way Agents do, we're going to work as hard as we can to
552 have everyone moved and situated before we start the project. Each scenario with each
553 property owner is different. I highly recommend, now's the time to be asking those
554 questions. Let me know what those questions are, and I'll get those to Mr. Caudle so he
555 can start to address those. Jim doesn't have all the information in front of him right now
556 but he can start looking into it.
557
558 Anyone else? We're going to be here for the next few minutes. The
559 comment sheet carries the same weight. I appreciate everyone coming out tonight. With
560 that, I formally close the hearing. Thank you.
561
562
563 Hearing Adjourned.
564
565 Ed Lewis, Moderator
566 Public Involvement Unit
567
568
569 Typed by Cyndy D. Hummel
570 March 21, 2007
571

U-4020 US 421 - King Street page 12
a
478 decision as far as the relocation of your home or your business. It's a good program that
479 we have in place, Greg.
480
481 Greg Brew: (Inaudible)
482
483 Moderator: Sorry about that. I wasn't doing the math. Greg corrected me.
484 Greg Brew, our Roadway Design Engineer pointed out we may get out there six months
485 sooner than that right-of-way date. Thank you, Greg. Yes, sir, if you'll come up so I can
486 get it on the tape, I'd appreciate it. Greg did go to Virginia Tech. I went to State. That's
487 why he does the roadway design plans.
488
489 Edward Stamey: My name is Edward Stamey. I've lived here in Boone all
490 my life. They're taking some property that belongs to my Mom.
491
492 My question is a lot of these properties on the south side are going to be
493 chopped up, smaller areas to develop or build on. I'm concerned about what the town of
494 Boone, as easy as they are to work with you, what's going to happen in that regard.
495 Some of these places like on my Mom's property, it narrows down. Unless someone on
496 either side buys our property, we haven't even got a big enough place to build a parking
497 lot with set backs for parking cars or something. I'm concerned what may occur there
498 with the reduced amount of property that might be able to be developed unless people go
499 together and market their property. There's going to be even more loss to some people
500 than others.
501
502 Moderator: Thank you for those comments. Those are some of the discussions
.503 as far as how much of the property is the Department going to buy, that's something
504 that's part of our negotiation with our. Right-of-Way Officer. You'll be able to have
505 those questions answered. As far as what any other property owners could do with the
506 city of Boone, that's a local issue. Our Right-of-Way Agents are going to talk about your
507 specific property, what the impacts are going to be and what exactly we would have to
508 purchase from you. Any other questions that you have, they would be able to answer
509 them or direct you to the correct person to talk to. With Boone involved with some of
510. those local issues, we tend to stay out of. Come ahead, sir.
511
512 Wiley Martin: I'm Wiley Martin. I did own the State Farm Insurance on East
513 King Street.
514
515 I'm asking you, is the problem getting traffic out on football games on
516 weekend traffic? Have they considered going down 105 and cut straight across Horn in
517 the west and tie it right into Appalachian State University? That way you can get
518 football crowds out. You can get people into Appalachian. It would be a lot less
519 expensive than taking this whole corner. I wondered if they considered that? If you've
520 got the new high school, you can come up 105 or come from Cold Creek. It would be a
521 lot less expense and a lot less people being relocated. That's all I wanted to ask.
522
523 Moderator: I appreciate those comments, sir. You're talking about a system
524 level subject. It's not just King Street but the entire traffic network. What we're talking
525 about tonight is just those improvements along King Street. With the football games,
U-4020 US 421 - King Street page 11
431 This may be a silly question with regard to the schedule. Although it's
432 indeterminate what time you begin, do we have any idea how long a project like this will
433 take?
434
435 Moderator: The question would be the construction time. It's always difficult
436 to put these improvements out there under traffic conditions. Trent, Frank what do you
437 think about, two years, two and a half years?
438
439 Unidentified DOT: (Inaudible)
440
441 Moderator: Two and a half to three years. It's quite a challenge constructing
442 these projects and still maintain traffic. We will have a traffic-phasing plan. The idea is
443 to keep the workers safe and the people in the cars safe while we're constructing this
444 project. Watch your step. State your name and address.
445
446 Jerry Idol: How are y'all doing? My name is Jerry Idol. I own Idol's Tire in
447 Boone. There's a man sitting right here that's been in business 54 years. I'm right
448 beside him. I've only owned my own place about 4 years. There's only going to be
449 about four businesses left on the left side. I've got seven employees to employ, not
450 counting all the jobs that's going to be took. We need to know as fast as we can what's
451 going to happen so we can plan. That's the only thing I'm wondering is how long is all
452 this going to take?
453
454 Moderator: If you'll turn to your handout where we've got the general project
455 information. We're looking at a right-of-way acquisition schedule of August 2008.
F 456 We've heard tonight that we want to speed that up. It's not going to keep you from
457 talking to one of our Right-of-Way Agents tonight. Tell them what your concerns are
458 and what your issues are. We do have processes in place that will assist in relocating the
459 business. With these type of widening projects, the down side is, we are buying people's
460 homes, buying businesses out that have been there forever. That's one of those things
461 that are hard, but it's necessary in order to get the cars out there a safe place to go. We
462 looked at trying to widen to the north side. The impacts would have been even greater.
463 The construction would have been more difficult. We also looked at trying to widen
464 equally on both sides. All that would have done would have taken out both sides. We
465 did take a hard look at this. The south side was the best side to widen to. There are
466 impacts associated with this project. It's those property owners and those homes and
467 businesses that are affected. Now is the time to start talking to our Right-of-Way Agents.
468 Go ahead and let them know what your concerns are. That way they'll have plenty of
469 time to address any concerns that you have. If we're. able to speed the schedule up, that
470 right-of-way date could happen a year earlier. We'll stake that alignment on your
471 property. Our Right-of-Way Agent will come out and meet with you and talk about
472 options - how you're going to move, how you're going to value my property. Each
473 individual property that we deal with is different. It has it's own little things associated
474 with it. That's why our Right-of-Way Agents go out and discuss that with you. No
475 acquisition is the same. There's always something different that comes up. This process,
476 there's no black box associated with it. We're going to come out and speak with each
477 and every one of you, answer all your questions, so that you'll be able to make a good
U-4020 US 421 - King Street page 10
383 to please consider the design, since most of the construction is going to occur on the
384 south side. I'm not saying push it off on the south side totally. If there's any way to save
385 this tree, I think it would be a benefit, not only to my family but the community in
386 general. I think it's the only yard in this corridor because everything has gone business.
387 I bet the tree is over 100 years. Having grown up there, I've flown that tree all over the
388 world. It's been to the moon. That tree has had a swing in it at one time. I've written
389 songs about growing up there. Please reconsider, because even though it's a temporary
390 taking, it's a permanent taking of that tree. There's a maple tree, also I beg for, but if we
391 can't have the maple tree, please save the oak tree.
392
393. Moderator: We have spoken to a few other folks that have flown that jet and
394 space ship. The situation is the tree is in the temporary construction easement. That
395 temporary construction easement is what we use to work on the backside of the road.
396 We've heard that tonight. It is on the record. That will be something we will be
397 discussing with our design staff and our local DOT staff. We'll see what we can do in
398 that situation. We have noted the location of that tree. Come ahead, sir.
399
40o Lynn Hagaman: My name is Lynn Hagaman. I'm the Sheriff of Watauga
401 County. I'm going to ask a question in a second. You go back and tell your daddy that
402 your brother and I climbed that tree.
403
404 I do have a question in regards to public safety. With the medians in the
405 roadway, if there's an emergency for either police, fire or EMS, can there be a crossing
406 that would be safe so they can cross over the medians?.
407
408 Moderator: Is there a fire station or police station out there now? There's not a
409 fire station on the project.
410.
411 Lynn Hagaman: No.
412
413 Moderator: The only situation where we would entertain the idea of a median
414 crossing would be immediately in front of a fire station. I think with the extra lanes, we
415 don't anticipate that there would be any sort of additional delay in response time. In fact,
416 with the extra amount of lanes, the response time should improve. We have had
417 questions along those lines before. If you and the fire chief can write us, and let us know
418 what your concerns are, we'll certainly address those.
419 .
420 Lynn Hagaman: I can't speak for the fire department. If there was a
421 structure fire across, depending on where the hydrant was, they may have to lay hose
422 across both lanes. Just wanted you to address that.
423
424 Moderator: Thank you for those comments, Sheriff. Anyone else tonight?
425 We'll be around a little bit if you want to talk to us one on one. If there's not any other
426 questions, I'll go ahead ...come ahead, sir.
427
428 Bob Ducamera: Thank you, Mr. Lewis. My name is Bob Ducamera with
429 Prudential Mountain Properties.
430
U-4020 US 421 - King Street page 9
335
336 Jerry Idol: (Inaudible)
337
338 Moderator: Please note that Mr. Idol's questions have been addressed. If
339 there's anyone in the audience that would like to come up and make any comment, please
340 raise your hand, I'll call on you. Come on up and make your comment or question.
341 Again, let me stress that the comment sheet is good for 30 days. Take it home tonight. If
342 you have any questions, send that in to me. Yes, sir. Come ahead, please.
343
344 John Grasinger: Hello, my name is John Grasinger.
345
346 I'm just interested in the height of the wall that's going to go in front our
347 two new hotels across from New Market. Even more importantly, what the wall is going
348 to be made of and how it's going to look since it's going to be a primary introduction of
349 people into our town?
350
351 Moderator: Thank you, sir. We've had several comments like that. We're
352 really not prepared to give you height and elevation. If you want that information, we
353 can certainly get that to you. The look of the wall, we can take a look at that and address
354 that at our meeting that's coming up in about 45 days. If you have any suggestions,
355 please send those in to us. If you have a question about how high a wall is or how high
356 the road is in front of your property, ask us that question and we'll get that to you pretty
357 quickly. I've heard similar questions tonight about that wall and that's something that we
358 can discuss and investigate. Anyone else tonight? Yes, ma'am, please come up. Yes,
359 sir, sorry.
360
361 Unidentified Male: (Inaudible)
362
363 Moderator: Let me just make sure that I get this on tape. The question from
364 the gentleman in back, do the comments that you send in on the comment sheet carry the
365 same weight as the comments tonight? Yes, they do. If you talked to one of us tonight,
366 and you didn't write anything down,. we're going to forget that. One of my guys forgot to
367 pick me up today. I was here about 30 minutes late. So we're a forgetful bunch. Please,
368 don't think that if you talked with us, that we've heard you. We've heard you right then.
369 What we want you to do is fill out these comment sheets. That way we can make sure
370 they fully get addressed and they will. So any comments, any questions, you can take
371 them home tonight and think about it. Just get them in before the 13`h. That way we can
372 fully give them their due diligence when we're trying to address them. Any other person
373 want to come up? Any other questions? Some people write better than they speak. They
374 don't feel comfortable speaking in front of a crowd. That's perfectly okay. You want to
375 come up ma'am?
376
377 Rebecca Eggers Grotter: I'm Rebecca Edwards Grotter. I'm an attorney here
378 in town.
379
380 I grew up in one of the properties that's listed on the map. I guess it's a
381 temporary taking in the Green Hatched. However, there is one of the few large trees in
382 the downtown area and on the corridor that's probably going to be lost. I would ask you
U-4020 US 421- King Street page 8
287 through movement to make this road last as long as possible and get the road to move the
288 traffic like it needs to move. A lot of you may say, if somebody wants to turn into my
289 business are they going to? If you're a business that they want to get to, they will. This
290 type of median, we've done studies, the affect is negligible on the properties. What we're
291 looking at is controlling the access, making sure that the number of cars that we carry
292 lasts for a long time into the future and we have a safe design to limit those rear-end
293 collisions.
294
295 We'll go ahead and open up the floor for anyone that would like to speak. I've got three
296 folks on the list. Once they've gone through, we'll give everyone else an opportunity to
297 speak. When I call your name, what I would like for you to do is to come up, state your.
298 name and address and let us know what your comment or questions are. We may be able
299 to answer them tonight, we may not. Let's be respectful of everybody's questions and
300 comments. If there's any other questions, anyone else that wants to speak and you
301 haven't signed up, you'll get a chance. So with that, Mr. Jim Deal.
302
303 Jim Deal: Thank you, Mr. Lewis. Mr. Lakey.
304
305 My comments are primarily directed toward the timing of the project. As
306 Mr. Lakey is aware and certain others are aware, we are in the process of building a new
307 high school just to the east of this property which will be serviced primarily by this road.
308 That high school is scheduled to be completed and opening, and we're crossing our
309 fingers, in August of 2010. That's going to put more traffic on this road than what's
310 there now. We would hope that increased traffic would not have to be working through a
311 construction zone, trying to get to a new high school. We certainly hope that you will do
312 everything that you can to advance the project and move it along to where it is completed
313 by August 2010 as well. If not, the difficulties that you are going to experience with
314 construction are going be even worse. So we hope that you will certainly take that into
315 consideration. Thank you.
316
317. Moderator: Thank you, Mr. Deal. We will be addressing that issue. Mr. Ron
318 Henries.
319
320 Ron Henries: My name is Ron Henries. I'm currently on the Watauga County
321 Board of Education.
322
323 1 want to echo some of the things that Mr. Deal said about this project. I
324 look around this room and I see so many people that are going to loose property because
325 of this. My heart goes out to every one of you. I was looking at the map trying to figure
326 out how many of these kids are going to be affected, trying to get to that new high school.
327 Six out of the eight school districts will be funneled through this channel to get to the
328 new high school. Only Parkway and Green Valley will be coming in from the other
329 direction. It's instrumental that we be able to do something to facilitate traffic flow
330 through the Perkinsville area. I'm certainly not smart enough to know if this is the best
331 plan or not. It's up to these folks to decide that. We appreciate everybody's support in
332 trying to get these kids to the high school as quickly as possible. Thanks.
333
334 Moderator: Thank you, Mr. Henries. Jerry Idol
U-4020 US 421 - King Street page 7
239 and sidewalks. There may be some culverts that we'll add on to the existing pipes. The
240 Candy Cane colored structures are existing structures that will stay in place. These
241 drainage structures here. The Blue stands for water. Pink or a Purple color will stand for
242 utility easement or a cemetery, things like that. We do have a historic property here.
243 That is a Dashed Line, but that's off the project. The project will have no effect on it.
244 That's the map.
245
246 The project starts here at Hardin Street. There's an existing signal that will remain there.
247 We are widening all the way to the south side. You may want to, in your handout, turn to
248 those overhead views of the intersections. You can see the number of lanes that we're
249 putting in to handle the turning movements. If you look at the typical section, we've got
250 a four-lane section, then a six-lane section. The six-lane section at 105, we've got six
251 lanes here, from here back, we've got four lanes. We've also got some additional turn
252 lanes. With the amount of traffic that's going to be turning, we wanted to separate that
253 turning traffic from the through traffic. That's going to help the cars and the trucks get
254 through there without having to wait for someone to make that left turn across traffic.
255 They're not going to be able to. Now you can do that with that two-lane you have out
256 there. We've got a concrete median barrier or a grassed median all the way through the
257 entire project. The only places you will be able to turn left will be at these signalized
258 intersections. What does that mean? That means that if you've brought a delivery into
259 Mountain Oil, you've come up from Greensboro, you'll turn in, drop your load, pick up a
260 load and then you'll come here. You're not going to be able to turn left because we've
261 got that median in there. We're going to ask you to come out, make a right turn, get in
262 this left turn lane, do a U-turn and get back to Greensboro where you're wanting to. go. Is
263 that the only way to get .around? I think a lot of folks know that there's some back roads.
264 If you didn't want to do a left turn, if you knew another way, you can certainly do that.
265 From a safety standpoint and a capacity standpoint, when I talk about capacity, it's the
266 number of cars we move through here. We are prohibiting left-hand turns out of any of
267 the businesses and side roads. What we're asking you to do is come down here and do a
268 U-turn where it's safer to do that. Some of you have been out there today and have been
269 at some of these places. You haven't been able to turn left because of the amount of
270 traffic. You say, I'm going to go right and do a U-turn. We're starting to do this on all or
271 projects across the state because we want to keep traffic moving. We want this road to
272 last as long as it can. We're separating that turning traffic from that through traffic and
273 we're keeping everybody moving. You can do a safe U-turn at a signal because all the
274 right turns are separated from the through movements as are the left turns.
275
276 We've got existing signals at the major intersections - Grove Street, East King Street,
277 Delmar Street. We've also got a signal at Jefferson Road/NC 194. We've got a signal
278 here now that's going to remain at Forest Hill Drive. We've got a signal at NC
279 105/194/US 221. We've got a signal here at Hardin Street. Some of these roads on the
280 uphill side of the road, there's not too much work we have to do to make them smoothly
281 tie-in to the new road. On the downhill side, the lower part of the road, you can see
282 where we're having to do some additional work on these side roads to make sure we've
283 got a good, safe design for folks turning out of and turning into that road. A lot of this
284 has to do with bringing the road up a little bit so you do have a smooth transition in your
285 car or truck getting up to the road. What we've tried to put in is a good, safe design.
286 We've put some extra lanes in there. We've separated the turn movements from the
U-4020 US 421 - King Street page 6
191 be provided with assistance on locations of comparable housing and/or commercial
192 establishments, moving procedures, and moving aid. Moving expenses may be paid for
193 you. Additional monetary compensation is available to help homeowners cope with
194 mortgage increases, increased value of comparable homes, closing costs, etc. A similar
195, program is available to assist business owners. The Right-of-Way Agent can explain this
196 assistance in greater detail. We have representatives from our Right-of-Way Branch here
197 tonight. They've had an opportunity to speak with a lot of you. There's two pamphlets
198 that the Right-of-Way Office has put out. This one is "Frequently Asked Questions about
199 Right-of-Way Acquisition", and this one is "The Relocation Assistance Program". If
200 you're one of those property owners that are going to have right-of-way bought from you,
201 then this is the only one that you need. If you're one of those property owners that we're
202 going to purchase your entire property, then you want to go ahead and get both of these.
203 And tonight before you leave, touch base with our Right-of-Way Agents and get their
204 contact information, if you have any questions later on. You can send those questions to
205 me and I'll make sure that those right-of-way questions will get to those folks.
206
207 The last page, a lot of folks have already used it, it's the Comment Sheet. My contact
208 information is in the bottom right hand corner. You can use this form. You can mail it to
209 me. You can fax it to me. You can send something on your letterhead. My US mail
210 address is down here. You can also email me. We are going to have available in PDF
211 format, this map. So if you do have a good computer system at home, email me and we
212 can get a copy of this map to you. If you do not have email capabilities and there's a
213 certain section of the map that you want to get a copy of, let me know and we'll get that
214 out to you.
215
216 We're going to go ahead and go through the map briefly. Then we'll open it up to our
217 speakers and anyone else. This is a public hearing map. What you see here is reflected
218 in the Environmental Assessment document. As all good maps, it has a north arrow, up
219 this way. It's got a legend. with all the different colors on it. We'll talk about what that
220 means. We also have these typical sections. This is what we gave you copies of in your
221 handout. There's different colors on here. The legend talks about what the different
222 colors are. The Brown color is structures. That could be anything from a home to a
223 businesses, to a garage, anything like that. The next color is the Dark Green color. That
224 Dark Green color that you see in certain places, that is right-of-way that is owned by the
225 Department of Transportation now. The next color is the Light Green color. The Light
226 Green color, without the hash marks is permanent right-of-way that the Department is
227 going to have to purchase. You can see with all the widening to the south side, there's a.
228 lot of Light Green in there. There's also Light Green color with the hash marks through
229 it that's a construction easement. Most of the time we need that to work and get the
230 equipment in there. In most cases that will revert back to the property owner. Sometimes
231 we may have to keep it if it's a drainage easement of some sort so we can make sure the
232 roadway has a place for the storm water to drain. The next color is the Gray color. The
233 Gray is existing road that's out there now. The next color is the Orange color. Orange is
234 existing road that is out there now that's going to be resurfaced. We'll resurface all of
235 King Street under this project because we are making it a smoother road from a design
236 standpoint. The next color that we want to talk about is the Yellow color. That's new
237 roadway. That's new pavement. You can see all the new paving is pretty much on the
238 south side. The Red color stands for concrete structures like the median, curb and gutter
U-4020 US 421 - King Street page 5
143 If you turn to the next page, we've got some proposed project information. We've
144 discussed that. The typical section, those are in the back. You can take a look at those
145 that shows typically what we're going to put out there. The right-of-way varies from 100
146 feet to 140 feet. There is no access control. So each property would have access to the
147 roadway. Since we are widening to the south side, we have 63 residences that are
148 anticipated to be moved. We have 25 businesses that would be impacted by the project
149 and would have to be moved. Then there below, you see our estimated cost of the
150 project. Our right-of-way cost is just over $ 21,000,000, utilities cost around $ 700,000,
151 construction cost a little over $ 11,000,000, for a total cost of a little over
152 $33,000,000. The tentative schedule and I underscore tentative, is shown below. A
153 number of factors can affect a project schedule, so project schedules are subject to
154 change. The right-of-way acquisition is scheduled for August 2008, construction for
155 April 2010. I was informed today that the Department is making an effort to speed that
.156 schedule up.
157
158 The next page is the Summary of Environmental Impacts. I won't go through those.
159 There's a list on the left and then on the right is the number associated with it. As far as
160 noise receptors, there's 20. The residential relocations, we show those. Critical water
161 supply total cost, that's just some information that's been included in the Environmental
162 Assessment that we used in planning the project.
163
164 The next page is the Typical Section. If you cut the road and laid it on end like you
165 would a loaf of bread, that's kind of what we've shown here. You can see the number of
166 lanes, four and six lanes. On the next page is some intersection diagrams showing the
167 lane configurations. Those speak for themselves. You can see the turning lanes.
168
169 The next page is just a vicinity map showing the project in relation to Watauga county.
170
171 The next page is our Right-of-Way page. We do have some right-of-way issues that we
172 do need to address. We do have some relocations that we're going to take care of as well.
173 After decisions have been made regarding the final design, the proposed right-of-way
174 limits will be staked out on the properties that are out there. The property owners can see
175 exactly how far into their property that the right-of-way is coming. At that point in time,
176 our local Right-of-Way Agent will call you and set up an appointment with you to come
177 out and talk about what that line means. He'll inform you of your rights as a property
178 owner. He'll fully explain the whole right-of-way acquisition process. If permanent
179 right-of-way is required, these professionals who are familiar with real estate values will
180 evaluate and appraise your property. The evaluations and appraisals will be reviewed for
181 completeness and accuracy and then the Right-of-Way Agent will make a written offer to
182 you. The current market value of the property at its highest and best use when appraised,
183 will be offered as compensation. There's four rules that the Department must follow.
184 Number one, we treat all owners and tenants equally. Number two, we must fully explain
185 the owner's rights. Number three, we must pay just compensation in exchange for
186 property rights. And number four, we must furnish relocation advisory assistance.
187
188 Relocation Advisory Assistance is the next heading. If you are a relocatee, in other
189 words, if your residence or business is to be acquired, purchased as part of this project,
190 additional assistance in the form of advice and compensation is available. You will also
U-4020 US 421 - King Street page 4
97 spoken and written issues will be discussed at that meeting. We'll have minutes from that
98 meeting available to anyone that wants them. We'll also have a typed transcript of
99 tonight's hearing available for anyone who wants to see those as well. In order to get
100 those, contact me in and let me know that.
101
102 The State/Federal Relationship, we're talking about the funding of the project. It's 80%
103 Federal dollars, 20% State dollars. The Board of Transportation is responsible for the
104 selection and scheduling of the projects on the Federal Aid System, their location, design
105 and maintenance cost after construction. FHWA, or Federal Highways is responsible for
106 the review and approval of the previously mentioned activities to ensure that each Federal
107 Aid Project is designed, constructed and maintained to Federal Aid Standards.
108
109 Need for the Project. King Street is classified in the Federal Highway Functional
110 Classification System as a "principal arterial". Arterials are meant to provide a higher
ill level of mobility. However, the development along the project prevents it from
112 adequately providing long, uninterrupted travel that a "US" route is intended to provide.
113 Because of its location in the Town of Boone, US 421 serves the local traffic needs by
114 providing access to adjacent businesses. Due to the numerous through routes (US 321,
115 US 221, NC 194 and NC 105) that go through there, that intersect with King Street, the
116 project corridor acts as a funnel for traffic to and from Boone, the Tri-Cities in
317 Tennessee, as well as the Triad and Metrolina areas of North Carolina. The current
118 Average Daily Traffic (ADT) on US 421 in Boone ranges from 19,000 to 39,000 vehicles
119 per day and is expected to increase to almost 29,000 and close to 68,000 vehicles per day
120 by the year 2030. You all know what it looks like out there now, imagine what it would
121 look like if we did not do any improvements. Based on traffic projections and without
122 the proposed project, King Street would operate very poorly with considerable traffic
123 delays in the future. Also, turn to the next page, during a recent three-year period, there
124 were 268 accidents that occurred on this section of King Street in town. The most
125 frequent type of accident was the rear-end collisions. The resulting accident rate is two
126 times higher than the statewide rate for similar highway facilities. With the amount of
127 "congestion, people stopping and starting, trying to turn left, that's why you have those.
128 type of collisions.
129
130 The Project Description. The Department proposes to widen King Street from an existing
131 two-lane roadway to a multi-lane roadway from NC 194/Jefferson Avenue to US 321/
132 Hardin Street. Widening is proposed to take place on the south side of the existing
133 alignment for two reasons. One, that it is more economic alternative and secondly, it is
134 the most practical from a design perspective. In addition, the intersections with Grove
135 Street, Hardin Street, New Market Street, Forest Hills Drive and Jefferson Avenue will be
136 improved. The project length is about 1.2 miles long. What we are talking about as far
137 as the standard number of lanes, King Street will be widened to a four-lane, divided, curb
138 and gutter roadway with a 17.5-foot raised median and five-foot sidewalks on both sides
139 from Hardin Street to US 221/NC 105. We will add additional turn lanes as needed.
140 From that point, US 421/US 221/NC 1.05 to just past NC 194, the project will widen to a
141 basic six-lane, divided, curb and gutter roadway with sidewalks on both sides.
142
U-4020 US 421 - King Street page 3
49 how congested that road is at different times of the day. Traffic is going to increase by
50 the year 2030 to an extra 10,000 cars. What we wanted to do was go in and provide some
51 extra lanes so we can handle the extra traffic that's going to be out there. One of the
52 other things we do, with the intersections out there is to also provide separate turning
53 lanes. So the folks that are wanting to go straight on through.won't have to wait for a
54 person to turn in front of them. Basically we're adding more lanes out there to handle the
55 cars and the many turns that will be taking place out there.
56
57 What is the Purpose of the Public Hearing? It's an on going process. We've been out
58 here before and talked with many of you about this project at a Citizen's Informational
59 Workshop. It's an opportunity for you to give us some more information about this
60 project, how it affects you, and what your comments are. Planning and environmental
61 studies have been on going. We've completed the first step with the Environmental
62 Assessment. Once we finish the public involvement process, over the next 30 days, we'll
63 complete the next phase document. It's called a Finding Of No Significant Impact.
64 We've had copies of the EA and the map available for the last 30 days at the Town of
65 Boone, Town Hall on West King Street. We've also had it available at the District
66 Engineer's Office on Jefferson Highway in Boone. They'll continue to be there.
67
68 The next place, Your Participation. That's very important. I had an opportunity to talk to
69 a few of you tonight, prior to the meeting. You were able to tell me certain issues
70 associated with your property. You were able to ask me questions. That is why we were
71 here. We wanted to make sure we had an opportunity to speak with you one on one.
72 We're going to be recording the hearing tonight. That way we'll capture all your
73 comments and questions that you have. We may not be able to answer them all tonight,
74 but we will eventually address them at a meeting that's going to take place in about 45
75 days in Raleigh. There's a lot of different ways you can give us your comments. One is
76 to come up tonight and speak into the microphone. On the last page of the handout,
77 there's a comment sheet. In the bottom left hand corner is my contact information. If
78 you have any question at all about this project, how the project affects you or your
79 community, anything like that, send that in to me within the next 30 days. What I will
80 do, if it's a design question, I'll make sure Mr. Brew gets it. If it's a planing question,
81 Mr. White will get that. If it's a right-of-way question, I'll share that with our local right-
82 of-way office here. Right now, I'm the point of contact. Everybody will see these
83 comments. I'll go ahead and send those comments out.
84
85 There's a lot of different people here tonight. Everybody's going to have their own
86 opinion. We're not here to argue. I'm not here to convince you that this is the best
87 project. What we're about tonight is to hear your comments. They're going to be
88 different. Let's respect each other's comments. Let's give everybody an opportunity to
89 speak tonight and let us know what their comments are. We'll all get along just fine.
90
91 Let's turn to the next page. What is Done with the Input? We read every one of them. I
92 had a project three months ago; I had about 1,400 comments that came in. I read every
93 one of them. It took a while. We made sure we addressed every one of them. We want
94 to address your comments. Get those in and I'll be sending those out as they come in. In
95 about 30 or 40 days we'll have a meeting in Raleigh and we'll discuss everything that
96 we've heard tonight and everything that we're going to hear in the next 30 days. All
U-4020 US 421 - King Street page 2
I OFFICIAL PUBLIC HEARING TRANSCRIPT
2 Combined Public Hearing for US 421 (King Street) Improvements
3 From NC 194 (Jefferson Avenue) to US 321 (Hardin Street)
4 Broyhill Inn & Conference Center
5 March 13, 2007
6 TIP #U-4020
7
8
9 Good evening. My name is Ed Lewis. I'm a Public Hearing Officer for the North
10 Carolina Department of Transportation. I'll be conducting the hearing tonight. I'd like to
11 welcome you all to the public hearing to talk about the proposed transportation
12 improvements to King Street in Boone. We refer to that project number as TIP Project
13 U-4020. So any time you talk to one of us, with the Department of Transportation, please
14 use that number.
15
16 Before we get into it, I want to introduce some folks that we have here tonight. We have
0 with us for the North Carolina Department of Transportation, Board of Transportation
18 Representative for this area, Mr. Arnold Lakey. We also have Mr. Michael Pettyjohn,
19 who is the Division Engineer. We have Mr. Trent Beaver, who is the Division
20 Construction Engineer. From our Right of Way Branch, we have Jimmy Caudle and we
21 also have Daniel Miles. We have Ivan Dishman, Assistant District Engineer, Mr. Frank
22 Gioscio, who is the Resident Engineer. I think a lot of y' all know Frank. All these folks
23 are from this area here, so these are your Department of Transportation representatives.
24 They work in this area. It will be these folks that will be working on this project. From
25 our Raleigh offices, with the Department of Transportation, we have Mr. Greg Brew,
26 who is our Roadway Design Engineer. Greg's team is responsible for -the maps that you
27 see here tonight. Along with Greg, we have Mr. Imad Younis. From our planning
28 branch, the folks that are responsible for the planning of the project and producing the
29 Environmental Assessment, we have Mr. John Conforti; we have Mr. Ryan White, and
30 Zahid Baloch. We have Mr. Greg Smith, who is our Noise and Air person. Assisting me.
31 .tonight, out of my shop is Mr. Jamille Robbins. I think we've covered everybody. We
32 also have Mr. Craig Hughes, who is one of the members of the High Country RPO.
33 That's the Rural Planning Organization. They take care of the local planning issues.
34
35 We'll go ahead and get into the hearing. First, I want to make sure that everybody signed
36 in and picked. up the literature for tonight's public hearing. If you did not get one, raise
37 your hand and we'll get you one to you..Jamille will bring those to you, and Mr: White.
38
39 The way we're going to do this, we're going to go through the literature real quickly and
40 then we're going to go through the map, explain the map. Then we're going to open it up
41 for you to ask any questions or make any comments. We did have a sign-up sheet
42 available out front. So we'll go through those folks. Then once those folks that have
43 signed up have spoken then we'll give everyone an opportunity to speak also.
44
45 Let's go ahead and turn to the first page of the handout. What is the Purpose of the
46 Project? The project proposes to widen King Street to a multi-lane roadway from NC
47 194, Jefferson Avenue to US 321, Hardin Street. The purpose of the project is to
48 improve mobility and route connectivity through the project study area. You all know
U-4020 US 421 - King Street page 1
US 421 (King Street)
East of NC 194 (Jefferson Road)to US 321 (Hardin Street)
Boone, Watauga County
Federal Project No. NHF-421(31)
WBS Element 35015.1.1
T.I.P. PROJECT U-4020
ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION
Finding of No Significant Impact
U. S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
FEDERAL HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION
AND
N. C. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS
Submitted Pursuant to 42 U.S.C. 4332(2)(c)

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APPROVED:
CU 10 Cl
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Date
re gory J. Th e, Ph.D., Environmental Management Director
`? ?. roject Development and Environmental Analys' Branch
46"4'ederal ohn F. Sullivan III, P. E., Division Ad 'nistrator
Highway Administration
US 421 (King Street)
East of NC 194 (Jefferson Road)to US 321 (Hardin Street)
Boone, Watauga County
Federal Project No. NHF-421(31)
WBS Element 35015-1.1
T.I.P. PROJECT U-4020
Finding of No Significant Impact
September 2007
0\?1111///j/
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CARO
Documentation prepared in the Project Development and EnvironmentO 0 .'!?`,-SS/O - I-
Analysis Branch by:
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DATE Ryan L. White, P.E. G I
Project Planning Engineer
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WG. Conforti, REM
DATE f UIQ7 JOHN G.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE
PROJECT COMMITMENTS
1. TYPE OF ACTION .......................................................................1
II. DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSED ACTION ............................. I
A. GENERAL DESCRIPTION ................................................................................................................I
B. RECOMMENDED CROSS SECTION .................................................................................................. .I
C. RIGHT OF WAY ............................................................................................................................. 2
D. ESTIMATE PROJECT COST ............................................................................................................. 2
III. SUMMARY OF BENEFICIAL AND ADVERSE IMPACTS .............. 2
A. BENEFICIAL IMPACTS ................................................................................................................... 2
B. ADVERSE IMPACTS ....................................................................................................................... $
IV. COORDINATION AND COMMENTS ........................................... 5
A. CIRCULATION OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT .................................................................. 5
B. COMMENTS RECEIVED ON THE ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT .................................................... 6
1. North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission ........................................................... 6
C. PUBLIC HEARING AND COMMENTS ............................................................................................... 6
1. Public Hearing .................................................................................................................. 6
2. Summary of Written Comments ..................................................................................... 8
V. REVISION TO THE ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT ..........:.. to
VI. BASIS FOR FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT ................11
APPENDIX
A. FIGURES
B. CORRESPONDENCE
C. RELOCATION REPORT
D. PUBLIC HEARING CERTIFICATION
PROJECT COMMITMENTS
Project Development and Environmental Analysis Branch
US 421 (King Street)
From NC 1,94 (Jefferson Avenue). to US 321 (Hardin Street)
Watauga County
Federal Aid Project NHF-421(31)
State Project No. 8.17516o1
T.I.P. No. U-4020
Project Development & Environmental Analysis Natural Environment
Unit
It is anticipated that a US Army Corps of Engineers Nationwide Permit 14 and
Nationwide Permit 33 will be applicable.
A permit pursuant to Section 26a of the TVA Act is required for the construction.of this
project.
A section 401 General Water Quality Certification will be required by the North Carolina
Department of Environment, Health, and Natural Resources (DEHNR) for activities
resulting in discharge into any of the streams involved with this project.
Roadway Design Unit
The outside lanes in each direction along US 421 (King Street) will be widened to, 14 feet
to accommodate bicycle traffic.
Sidewalks will be added to both sides of US 421 (King Street) within the project study
corridor. The amount of cost sharing will be coordinated between NCDOT and the
Town of Boone.
Location and Surveys Branch
Two geodetic survey markers maybe impacted by this project. NCDOT will
coordination,with the NC Geodetic Survey prior to the start of construction.
Hydraulics Unit and Construction Unit
NCDOT's Best Management Practices for Protection `of Surface Waters (March 1997)
will be adhered to on this project.
Stormwater runoff will not be directly discharged into existing stream channels.
Finding of No Significant Impact, U-4020 Page 10f 2
September 2007
US 421 (King Street)
East of NC 194 (Jefferson Road) to US 321 (Hardin Street)
Boone, Watauga County
Federal Aid Project NHF-421(31)
State Project 8.17516oi
WBS Element 35015.1.1
TIP No. U-4020
I. TYPE OF ACTION
This is a Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) administrative action,
Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI).
The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) and the FHWA have
determined this project will not have any significant impact on the human and natural
environments. This FONSI is based on the November 2oo6 Environmental Assessment,
which has been independently evaluated by the FHWA and determined to adequately
and accurately discuss the environmental issues, providing sufficient evidence and
analysis for determining that an Environmental Impact Statement is not required. The
FHWA takes full responsibility for the accuracy, scope, and content of the Environmental
Assessment.
II. DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSED ACTION
A. General Description
The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) and the Federal
Highway Administration (FHWA) propose to widen US 421(King Street) to a multi-lane
facility from east of NC 194 (Jefferson Road) to US 321 (Hardin Street) in Boone,
Watauga County (see figure 1). The project is approximately 1.155 miles in length. The
proposed improvements will widen US 421 (King Street) to a multi-lane divided facility
with a variable width raised median (see figures 2A and 2B). The project also proposes
to improve the intersections of US 421 with Grove Street, NC 194 (Jefferson Rd), New
Market Blvd, US 221/NC 105 Extension, and US 321 (Hardin Street). The existing right
of way along the project corridor ranges from 40 feet to 6o feet wide.
The proposed project is included in NCDOT's approved 2007-2013
Transportation Improvement Program (T.I.P.). Right of Way acquisition is scheduled to
begin in Federal Fiscal Year (FFY) 2oo8 and construction is scheduled to begin in FFY
2oo9. The preliminary construction and right-of-way costs for the NCDOT-preferred
alternative, which involves widening US 421 (King Street) to a four to six-lane divided
curb and gutter section, is $11,200,ooo and $32,029,8oo, respectively.
B. Recommended Cross Section
Based on information from comprehensive studies of the natural and human
environment, engineering evaluations, and comments from all interested groups,
NCDOT recommends widening US 421 (King Street) to a six-lane divided facility from
Grove Street to US 221/NC 105. From US 221/NC 105 to US 321 (Hardin Street), US
421 will consist of a four-lane divided facility (see figure 3). The improvements include
constructing 12400t wide inside travel lanes and 14-foot wide outside lanes to
accommodate bicycles. The project also proposes to construct 5-foot wide sidewalks
along both sides of the facility. Opposite direction travel lanes are separated by a
continuous 4400t wide concrete median. The median will maintain a 30-foot width
between the double left-turn lanes at US 321 and US 221/NC 105 because there is not
enough distance to reduce its width significantly.
The majority of the widening will occur along the south side of US 421. The
decision to widening along the south side was based off of several factors. A number of
churches are located along the north side of US 421. Also, impacts to the BellSouth
telecommunications facility would have resulted in a significant increase in the project
cost.
C. Right of Way
From US 221/NC 105 to US 321, the current right of way extends 20 feet from the
centerline on each side of US 421 (King Street). From NC 194 to US 221/NC 105, the
right of way extends approximately 30 feet from the centerline of US 421.
From NC 194 to US 221 / NC 105, the proposed right of way is approximately 148
feet wide. Of the 148 feet, approximately 73 additional feet will be acquired along the
south side due to the current widening plan. From US 221/NC 105 to US 321 the
proposed right of way width is approximately 115 feet. Along this section, the vast
majority of the improvements are along the south side of the project as well, resulting in
an additional 70 feet of right of way from the south side.
The proposed improvements will also result in the need for additional right of
way and temporary easements along roads intersecting US 421. In addition to the
permanent right of way to be acquired, the proposed improvements will also result in
temporary easements along both sides of US 421 to allow for the project's construction.
D. Estimate Project Cost .
Estimated construction and right-of-way costs for the NCDOT-preferred
alternative are $11,200,00o and $32,029,80o respectively. The total project cost is
$43,229,800.
III. SUMMARY OF BENEFICIAL AND ADVERSE IMPACTS
A. Beneficial Impacts
The proposed'improvements will result in improved mobility along the project
study corridor. The construction of additional lanes along US 421 (King Street) will
increase the traffic carrying capacity of the facility. The additional lanes (turn lanes
included) at the signalized intersections will result in a decrease in the delay experienced
at these intersections. The combination of the increased traffic carrying capacity and
reduction of intersection delay will result in a decrease of the considerable congestion
that King Street currently experiences. The project also proposes a raised concrete
median between intersections within the project corridor. The raised median will
require drivers to make a U-turn to access businesses and residences on the opposite
side of the facility on which the are currently traveling. By limiting all left turn
movements to the signalized intersections, impacts to traffic flow by vehicles crossing
opposing traffic will be limited. The proposed raised median will also provided added
safety benefits. The raised median will reduce the accident potential by limiting contact
by opposite direction traffic. The raised median will also act as a refuge for pedestrians
attempting to cross King Street.
The proposed improvements will improve mobility and accessibility for both
pedestrians and bicyclists. The project proposes to construct sidewalks along the
southside of US 421. This will result in sidewalks along both sides of the facility.
Currently, pedestrian facilities are limited to the northside of US 421. The project also
proposes to construct 14400t wide outside lanes to accommodate bicycles. These
additions will make the facility more pedestrian and bicycle friendly compared to the
existing conditions.
B. Adverse Impacts
. The preferred alternative proposes to widen US 421 (King Street) along the south
side of the existing facility. This will necessitate the acquisition of the majority of all
properties abutting the southside of US 421 between Grove Street (immediately east of
NC 194) and US 321 (Hardin Street). Many of the businesses within the project study
area cater to students attending Appalachian State University. Businesses patronized by
students of the adjacent university may find it difficult to find a location to relocate to
that will provide the students with the same convenience and accessibility. Many of
these businesses also cater to travelers heading through Boone along US 421. Finding a
location that will continue to allow these businesses to attract through travelers may be
difficult
The preferred alternative includes a raised concrete median that will result in
changes in access for the adjacent properties and intersecting streets within the project
corridor. Access to businesses along the project corridor will be limited to right-in, right-
out only movements. Vehicles attempting to reach businesses or residences on the
opposite side of the street from which they are traveling will be forced to make a U-turn
movement. U-turn movements and left-turns will only be allowed at one of the five
signalized intersections within the project corridor.
However, case studies from the document "Economics Impacts of Access
Management" state,
¦ The majority of businesses report no change in business activity following
a median project.
¦ Destination type businesses, such as restaurants and stores, appear less
sensitive to access changes than businesses that rely on passer-by traffic.
¦ Because the likelihood of left-turns into a business declines as opposing
traffic volumes increase, medians or other access changes will have less
effect on the frequency of left turns into businesses on high volume
roadways during peak travel periods.
SUMMARIZING IMPACTS
RESOURCE ALTERNATIVE 2
(4 to 6 -lane Divided Facility)
NCDOT-Preferred
Archaeological 0
Architectural
District/Properties 0/0
Total Stream Impacts loo feet
Jurisdictional Wetland o.o acres
Endangered Species
Community 0
Terrestrial Community
Impacts o acres
Hazardous Material Sites
(Potential/Verified) 26/6
Noise Receptors 20
Prime Farmland o acres
Section 40) Impacts o
Schools* 2
Churches** 1
EJ Communities*** 1
Air Quality No
Residential Relocations ***
(Owners / Tenants) 1/65
Business Relocations*
(Owners / Tenants) 9/21
Critical Water Supplies No
Total Cost $43,229,800
* New Watauga County High School scheduled to begin construction Spring 2008.
* Hardin Park Elementary School located 1/8 mile north of project corridor on NC 194 but will not be
directly impacted by the project.
** Grace Lutheran Church is located at the western project limit. No property will be acquired from the
church.
*** See section V "Revisions and Updates to Environmental Assessment"
4
TYPE OF IMPACT I AMOEWTOFIMPACT
Air Quality The project is not anticipated to create any
adverse effects.
There are seven Federally Protected
Endangered Species Species for Watauga County but the project
area will effect none.
Hazardous Material Sites There are twenty-six hazardous material
sites but only six verified USTs/ASTs.
Low-income individuals were identified
Environmental Justice Issues along the southside of the project corridor.
Additional public outreach measures were
implemented to insure involvement.
Noise Receptors A total of 20 receptors are located within
the project study area.
There is one church and currently one
Churches/Schools school (1 proposed) within the project area
but none will be directly impacted.
Jurisdictional Streams loo linear feet impacted for the project.
Section io6/4f Properties o/0
There is a total of 66 residential
Displacements displacements and 31 business
displacements (including tenants).
IV. COORDINATION AND COMMENTS
A. Circulation of the Environmental Assessment
The Environmental Assessment (EA) was approved by the North Carolina
Department of Transportation, Division of Highways on November 9, 2006, and by the
Federal Highway Administration on November 16, 2oo6. Copies of the approved EA
were provided to the North Carolina Department of Administration - State
Clearinghouse.
The approved EA was circulated to the following federal, state, and local agencies
for review and comment. An asterisk (*) indicates a response was received from that
agency.
Appalachian Regional Commission
US Department of the Army Corps of Engineers
US Environmental Protection Agency
US Fish and Wildlife Service
US Geological Survey
Tennessee Valley Authority
NC Department of Environment and Natural Resources*
NC Division of Water Quality*
NC Wildlife Resources Commission*
NC Department of Administration (State Clearinghouse)
NC Department of Cultural Resources
Town of Boone (Chris A. Carter, City Manager)*
High Country Council of Governments
Watauga County Board of Commissioners*
NCDOT conducted a Citizen's Informational Workshop (CIW) on November 18,
2004. There were 44 citizens in attendance at the workshop. The majority voiced
support for the proposed improvements to US 421 (King Street). Handouts provided at
the workshop included a comment sheet, so written comments could be received.
Following circulation of the Environmental Assessment, a public hearing was
held at the Broyhill Inn at Appalachian State University on March 13, 2007.
Approximately loo people attended the hearing and 12 citizens spoke for the record. The
hearing was not controversial in nature and there were no requests for major design
revisions. The majority of the citizens felt that the project was necessary and agreed or
had no negative comments regarding the proposed design.
B. Comments Received on the Environmental Assessment
Written comments on the Environmental Assessment were received from several
agencies. The following are excerpts of the substantive comments with responses in
Italics, where appropriate:
1. North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission
Comment: "Hardin Creek is classified as C+; we understand the "+" to
indicate specially designated waters, such as Outstanding Resource
Waters, occur downstream. Boone Creek, Class C Trout+, is also in the
project area but not expected to be impacted. Trout are known from the
Boone vicinity, including the South Fork New River that Hardin Creek
flows to about one mile downstream. Hardin Creek may support trout, as
trout have been noted from other small-urbanized streams in the vicinity,
and a moratorium may be recommended.
Downstream of the project the South Fork New River is also inhabited by
the Kanawha Minnow (Phenacobius teretulus), Federal Species of
Concern (FSC) and Special Concern (SC) Kanawha darter (Etheostoma
kanawae), state Significantly Rare, sharpnose darter (Percina
oxyrhynchus), state SC; cutlips minnow (Exoglossum maxillingua), state
Endangered (E); seep medulia (Leptoxis dilatata), state SC.
Response: Best management practices will be utilized during the
widening of the road to prevent the accumulation of sediment in the
streams. This is a project commitment.
C. Public Hearing and Comments
1. Public Hearing
Following circulation of the Environmental Assessment, a public hearing was
held at the Broyhill Inn and Conference Center on Appalachian State University's
campus in Boone, NC on March 13, 2007. Approximately ioo people attended the
hearing, and 13 citizens spoke for the record.
All of the speakers (12) were in support of the proposed improvements to US 421
(King Street) in Boone. Comments were related to the time frame for right of way
acquisition, relocation assistance, construction duration, and possible advancement.
Comment: "As Mr. Lakey is aware and certain others are aware, we are in the
process of building a new high school just to the east of this property which
will be serviced primarily by this road. That high school is scheduled to be
completed and opening, and we're crossing our fingers, in August of 2010.
That's going to put more traffic on this road than what's there now. We
would hope that increased traffic would not have to be working through a
construction zone, trying to get to a new high school. We certainly hope that
you will do everything that you can to advance the project and move it along
to where it is completed by August 201o as well."
Response: In order to limit the impacts of construction along US 421 within
the project limits on the traffic going to and from the new high school, the date
for which right of way acquisition will begin will be advanced from August
2008 to November 2007. Also, the construction contract letting will be
advanced from April 2010 to April 2009.
Comment: "I'm just interested in the height of the wall that's going to go in
front our two new hotels across from New Market. Even more importantly,
what the wall is going to be made of and how it's going to look since it's going
to be a primary introduction of people into our town?"
Response: The type of the wall and the exact height of the proposed wall will
be determined during the right of way design stage of the plan development. It
is anticipated that the wall height will range from approximately 12' to 27.
Comment: "...there is one of the few large trees in the downtown area and on
the corridor that's probably going to be lost. I would ask you to please
consider the design, since most of the construction is going to occur on the
south side. I'm not saying push it off on the south side totally. If there's any
way to save this tree, I think it would be a benefit, not only to my family but
the community in general. I think it's the only yard in this corridor because
everything has gone business. I bet the tree is over loo years."
Response: The tree is in or relatively close to a temporary construction
easement. Construction operations may impact the tree. Removal due to
location may not be necessary. There may be possible damage to the tree root
structure that could result in the loss of the tree. However, an effort will be
made to avoid or minimize impacts to the trees.
Comment: "I do have a question in regards to public safety. With the medians
in the roadway, if there's an emergency for police, fire or EMS, can there be a
crossing that would be safe so they can cross over the medians.
Response: NCDOT does not recommend constructing a median crossover
along the project corridor. The only time we would entertain the idea of an
EMS crossing or median opening is if there was afire station located within the
project limits. The median and the curbing will be mountable consisting of 5"
curbs with 2" lips. The additional capacity provided by the proposed
improvements should increase response times for any EMS vehicles or services
that have to utilize US 421.
Comment: "This may be a silly question with regard to the schedule. Although
it's indeterminate what time you begin, do we have any idea how long a
project like this will take?"
Response: The construction duration would be approximately S years (g
springs). The project may require some nighttime construction. The
maintenance of traffic will make construction more complicated and thus more
time consuming than if the road could be closed.
Comment: "I've only owned my own place about 4 years. There's only going to
be about four businesses left on the left side. I've got seven employees to
employ; not counting all the jobs that's going to be took. We need to know as
fast as we can what's going to happen so we can plan. That's the only thing
I'm wondering is how long is all this going to take?"
Response: If the schedule is able to be accelerated, right of way acquisition
may occur six months sooner than the current right of way date.
Comment: "My question is a lot of these properties on the south side are going
to be chopped up, smaller areas to develop or build on. I'm concerned about
what the town of Boone, as easy as they are to work with you, what's going to
happen in that regard. Some of these places like on my Mom's property, it
narrows down. Unless someone on either side buys our property, we haven't
even got a big enough place to build a parking lot with set backs for parking
cars or something. I'm concerned what may occur there with the reduced
amount of property that might be able to be developed unless people go
together and market their property. There's going to be even more loss to
some people than others."
Response: The department's interest is in acquiring the land needed for the
widening of US 421 and managing access to a practical extent. Right of Way
agents will discuss specific property impacts during the acquisition process.
Individual property owners are governed by local ordinances in regards to
redeveloping property.
2. Summary of Written Comments
In addition to the spoken commentary given at the hearing, NCDOT received a
total of fifteen (15) written comments. This was a combination of comments mailed in
and received at the public hearing. None of the comments received, expressed
opposition to the project. The comments received expressed the specific concerns of the
individual sending them in.
Written comments expressed concern about various issues within the project
corridor. There was concern in regards to large delivery trucks being able to access
properties along the project corridor. NCDOT expressed that proper delivery route
planning will allow all delivery vehicles reach their destination. The majority of the
written comments were in regards to the right of way acquisition and negotiation
process. Owners and tenants alike were concerned with the timeline and time available
to relocate prior to construction beginning.
The following requests were received from the Town of Boone. The NCDOT
response is shown in italics.
¦ Street lighting for the entire project.
Street lighting for improved facilities is to be paid for by the requesting
municipality.
¦ Sidewalks along both sides of the project.
NCDOT will replace any sidewalks removed during construction of the
improved facility. The current design proposes to construct sidewalks along
both sides of US 421 within the project limits. Per the NCDOT Pedestrian Policy
Guidelines (dated October 2000), in order for new sidewalks to be constructed,
a written request from the municipality for sidewalks must be received by the
Project Final Field Inspection and commitment must be demonstrated by a cost
sharing agreement execution prior to the let date.
¦ Bike lanes for the entire project
The NCDOT Bike and Pedestrian Transportation Unit does not recommend the
installation of exclusive bike lanes in areas where there are numerous driveway
entrances and intersecting streets due to safety reasons. To accommodate
bicyclists, the project proposes to construct 14 foot wide outside lanes.
¦ Left-turn access from US 421 (south) into the Town of Boone Public Works
Center.
NCDOT does not recommend the constructing a median cross-over. Per the
NCDOT Median Crossover Guidelines, a median crossover shall only be
considered when the Department deems it necessary to service traffic generated
by existing (and proposed) roadways, businesses or other development, and
this traffic cannot be adequately serviced with the existing crossovers at
intersections, reasonable alternative routes or other access points.
¦ NCDOT to maintain the center median or contract with Town of Boone for
maintenance.
Per the NCDOT Landscaping Guidelines, the municipality is responsible for the
maintenance of the center median.
The NCDOT has reviewed and thoroughly considered all of the incoming
comments from the public and the environmental agencies. A post-hearing meeting was
held to discuss the comments and make final decisions regarding the proposed action.
While it is not reasonable or feasible to expect that all public recommendations can be
adequately incorporated into the final design, the proposed highway improvement does
reflect the prevailing consensus of the motoring public and their local officials while
serving the best interest of their welfare.
9
V. REVISION AND UPDATES TO THE ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT
The following revisions and/or updates to the Environmental Assessment have
been made:
i. Changes in Preferred Alternative (see figures 4A and 4B)
US 421 (King Street) 0 US 321(Hardin Street)
At the US 421 (King Street) /US 321 (Hardin Street) Intersection, the US 421
(North) approach will consist of three lanes; a combination thru and right-turn lane and
two exclusive left-turn lanes. The US 421 (South) approach will consist of one thru4ane
and a combination thru and right-turn lane. The US 321 (Northbound) approach will
consist of an exclusive left-turn lane, a thru-lane to facilitate traffic for Councill Street,
and an exclusive right-turn lane.
US 421 (King Street) 0 US 221/NC 105 Extension
At the US 421 (King Street) /US 221- NC 105 Extension intersection, the US 421
(South) approach will include a left-turn lane for U-turn movements, two thru lanes a
right-turn lane.
US 421 (King Street) 0 NC 194 (Jefferson Road) /Daniel Boone Drive
Daniel Boone Drive will be realigned to intersect US 421 at the current T-
intersection of US 421 and NC 194. The realignment of Daniel Boone Drive will allow
additional access to the proposed new Watauga County High School that will be built
near the project. Along US 421 (North) an exclusive left-turn lane will be added to allow
movement on to the realigned Daniel Boone Drive. A thru lane from NC 194 (South) to
the realigned Daniel Boone Drive will also be constructed at the intersection.
2. Title VI/ Environmental Justice Concerns
Impacts to Identified Low-Income EJ Populations
The Community Impact Assessment (CIA) prepared for this project, dated
February 2006 identified three Census Blocks adjacent to southern project limit that
have an "above-threshold" level of low income individuals, prompting Environmental
Justice concerns. The high concentration of low-income individuals is due to the
presence of Appalachian State University students in the area. However, included in
these numbers could be "other residents and patrons of businesses and community
centers on East King Street." The CIA states, "if residential relocations are concentrated
on the southern side of the project corridor, these low income groups could be
disproportionately negatively impacted." that any improvements to US 421 along the
southside of project corridor." Per the Environmental Assessment, the decision to widen
US 421 along the southern side of the project corridor was based on the presence of a
large church along the north side, ease of construction and lower construction costs.
The decision to widen to the southern side was not based on the desire to avoid
Environmental Justice populations to the north of the project area. Subsequent field
inspections of the homes and businesses along King Street revealed a large number of
rental and student housing along the north side of the proposed project, similar in nature
to those citizens residing on the southside of King Street. Census Tract 9804 Block
Group 1, which is adjacent to the northern project limit, is a large Block Group that at its
10
furthest extent stretches approximately five miles northwest of the project area. Due to
the size of the Block Group, the demographic characteristics of residents living near King
Street are not revealed well by the data. Therefore, the demographic nature of the Block
Group obtained from the 2000 census does not specifically portray the composition of
the neighborhood along the project. Also, the 2000 census data identifies one area in
Census Tract 9804, Block Group i close to the proposed improvements to US 421 that
has a minority population two to three times the county average. It should also be noted
that of the 988 occupied units within this census tract, 459 are rented. Based off of the
diversity of populations, residences, businesses and other activities along King Street,
neither side of the street appeared as a clear choice for relocation, based solely on the
demographics of race, income, or other characteristics.
Public Involvement Efforts
Since there is a potential to impact Environmental Justice populations,
additional public involvement was performed. As part of the additional outreach,
NCDOT Division 11 staff posted approximately twenty five fliers announcing the
upcoming public hearing at businesses and apartment complexes in the area
surrounding the project. This effort was in addition to the regular publishing of notices
of the public hearing in local papers. Also, the ASU student newspaper, the Appalachian,
ran a news article about the project, as did the other local newspaper.
Public Comments
Public comments gathered at the public hearing included: concerns about project
scheduling conflicts with the new high school being constructed just east of the project
limit, questions about the material used in the retaining wall, safety concerns, access
concerns, aesthetic concerns particularly landscaping and the preservation of specimen
trees, compensation for relocations, the inclusion of audio traffic signals for the visually
impaired, and the inclusion of bicycle and pedestrian facilities. Further examination of
the public hearing sign-in sheet illustrates that there were a number of people who own
and /or operate residential and commercial property on the southern side of the project
that were present at the public hearing. Based on observations, examination of the sign
in sheet and discussions with attendees at the hearing, NCDOT Public Involvement staff
concluded that there were not any renters from the residential properties on the
southern side of the project present at the public hearing.
Available Mitigation Programs
The NCDOT Relocation Assistance Program is in place as a mitigation measure to
compensate and assist business owners and residents displaced by the proposed
widening. This program has three basic components: Relocation Moving Payments,
Relocation Replacement Housing Payments, and Relocation Assistance.
VI. BASIS FOR FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT
Based on a study of the impacts of the proposed action, as documented in the
Environmental Assessment, and on comments from federal, state, and local agencies, it
is the finding of the North Carolina Department of Transportation and the Federal
Highway Administration that the project will not have a significant impact upon the
quality of the human or natural environment. The proposed action is not controversial
from an environmental perspective. No significant impacts on natural, ecological,
cultural, or scenic resources are expected. In view of the above evaluation, it has been
11
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t OF TRANSPORTATION
DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS
5 PROJECT DEVELOPMENT AND
ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS BRANCH
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WIDEN TO A MULTI-LANE. FACILITY
BOOAW, WATAUGA COUNTY
TIP NUMBER U-1020
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!m- If AppalCART F , Providing Public Treinsportatiois Since 1981 - i
1'08 2357 • Boone, North Carolina 28607-2357 • (828) 264•2278 • Fax: [phone]
Email: [e-mail] • Weloshe: appalcart.com
Christopher D. Turner
[e-mail]
828.264.2280 December 28, 2004
Dr. Gre`rorv Thorpe
Attn: Dion J. Ul\'entl
PE Project Development and Environmental Analysis Branch
North Carolina Department of Transportation
PO Box 25201
Raleigh, NC 27611
TIP :" U-=4020
Dear Sirs:
1 am writing to thank you for having the informational sessions in Boone last month
regarding the widening of US 421 between Hardin Street and NC 194. As the
Transportation Director of AppalCART the local transportation authority, I can tell you
that we-need a wider turn lane going South on US 421 where you turn left to New Market
Centre Boulevard. Several times our vehicles have lost mirrors to oncoming trucks while
we wait to make a left turn.
There is also a need to make a safe pedestrian crossing to New Market Centre from
Woods Circle at the junction of US 421 and New Market Boulevard. Many people in the
apartments on Wood Circle have no safe way to get to New Market Centre without
driving. All the bus stops are on the New Market Centre side of the street so it would be
helpful to have a pedestrian crosswalk. 'It would also be good to have a crosswalk across
New Market Boulevard. Both of these crosswalks should have lights and audible signals
as we have a number of blind people in the area who would need these devices to cross
the roads safely
th-pre shcL:ld be s:ni;'Lo - redestr;21. f1'cssv.,2.!ks at the US 42l and Hardin Street
intersection, particularly getting across King Street to the corner adjacent to the Daniel
Boone Inn. It would also be good to have some pedestrian facilities at the junction of NC
105 and US 421.
I noticed an error on the map. State Farm Road is shown beginning at the intersection of
US 42.1 and 221. That is locally referred to as the intersection of NC105 Extension and
US 421. State Farm Road begins at the traffic light on NC 105 Extension and State Farm
Road.
Sincerely, /f
Christopher D.-`iirner

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
MICHAEL F. EASLEY 1501 1VLAIL SERVICE CENTER; RALEIGH, N.C. 27699-1501
GovTR,NoR
January 8, 2004
The Honorable Velma C. Burnley
Mayor of Boone
Post Office Drawer 192
Boone, North Carolina 28607
Dear Mayor Burnley:
LYNDO TIPPETT
SECRETARY
Thank you for your letter presenting the Transportation Improvement Program priorities
for the Town of Boone.
Based on your request, we are modifying the scope of the planning work for Project
U-4020 to include improvements to US 421 from US 221 (105 Extension) to NC 194.
Board of Transportation member Sam Erby has indicated his strong support for this
scope change and plans to meet with town officials and the chamber of commerce to
discuss potential funding options for the proposed improvements.
As you may know, work has begun on the planning for Project U-4020. Due to the
change in the scope of work, we anticipate an eight-month delay in the right-of-way
acquisition and construction.
If you need additional information, please let me know...
Sincerely,
L?ndo T ppett
LT/va
cc: Samuel L. Erby, Member, Board of Transportation
PHONE [phone] FAX [phone]
CIO 7
o ?
October, 14, 2003
MEMORANDUM
TO: Gregory J. Thorpe, Ph.D., Director
NCDOT Project Development & Environmental Analysis Branch
FROM: Cynthia F. Van Der Wiele, NCDOT Coordinator
SUBJECT: Review of Scoping Sheets for Widening of US 421 (King Street) from US 321 (Hardin Street) to
US 221 (Hwy 105 Extension) in Boone, Watauga County, F.A. Project NEF-421(31), State
Project No. 8.1751601, TIP No. U-4020, Division 11.
In reply to your correspondence dated August 7, 2003 (received August 11, 2002) in which you requested
comments for the referenced project, preliminary analysis of the project indicates that the following water
resources in Hydrologic Unit 05-07-01 will be impacted:
Stream (Index)
Boone Creek (10-1-4-4)
Water Quality Classification
C trout +
The "+" symbol identifies waters that are subject to a special management strategy specified in .15A NCAC 2B
.0225, the Outstanding Resources Waters (ORW) rule, in order to protect downstream waters designated as ORW.
NC Division of Water Quality has the following comments:
Environmental Documentation
The environmental document should provide a detailed and itemized presentation of the proposed impacts to
wetlands and streams with corresponding mapping. If mitigation is required, it is preferable to present a
conceptual (if not finalized) mitigation plan with the environmental documentation. Appropriate mitigation plans
will be required prior to issuance of a 401 Water Quality Certification.
Design & Construction
The New River Basinwide Water Quality Plan (DWQ, 2000) notes that in Sub-basin 05-07-01, most of the High
Quality and Outstanding Resource Waters in the New River basin are found in the South Fork New River
watershed, despite the fact that 63 percent of the basin population lives in the drainage. These waters provide
.habitat for 24 rare, threatened or endangered species including three fish species that are found only in the New
River basin.
Furthermore, urbanization often has greater hydrologic effects than any other land use, as native watershed
vegetation is replaced with impervious surfaces in the form of paved roads, buildings, parking lots, and residential
homes and yards. Urbanization results in increased surface runoff and correspondingly earlier and higher peak
flows after storms. Flooding frequency is also increased. These effects are compounded when small streams are
channelized (straightened) or piped and storm sewer systems are installed to increase transport of drainage waters
downstream. Bank scour from these frequent high flow events tends to enlarge urban streams and increase
suspended sediment. Scouring also destroys the variety of habitat in streams leading to degradation of benthic
macroinvertebrate populations and loss of fisheries (EPA, 1999).
- iJCDE
N. C. Division of Water Quality, 401 Wetlands Certification Unit,
1650 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1650 (Mailing Address)
2321 Crabtree Blvd., Raleigh, NC 27604-2260 (Location)
[phone] (phone), 919-733-6893 (fax), (htto:l/h2o.enr.state. nc.uslncwetlands)
Customer Service #: 1-877-623-6748
William G. Ross Jr., Secretary
North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Alan W. Klimek, P.E., Director
Division of Water Quality
Coleen H. Sullins, Deputy Director
Division of Water Quality
E CF?,k??,t
F / { A .? ?
North C;arolina`ildlfe Resources Comm>s'a?

TO: Gregory J. Thorpe, Ph.D., Director
Project Development and Environmental Analysis Branch, NCDOT
FROM: Marla Chambers Highway Projects Coordinator '
Habitat Conservation Program, NCWRC
DATE: October 29, 2003
SUBJECT:'. Review of NCDOT scoping sheets for widening of US 421 (King Street) from US
321 (Hardin Street) to US 221 (Highway 105 Extension) in Boone, Watauga
County. TIP No. U-4020.
North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) is requesting comments from the
North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) regarding impacts to fish and
wildlife resources resulting from the subject. project. Staff biologists have reviewed the
information provided on the scoping sheets and have the following preliminary comments.
These comments are provided in accordance with the provisions of the National Environmental
Policy Act (42 U.S.C. 4332(2)(c)) and the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act (48 Stat. 401, as
amended; 16 U.S.C. 661-667d).
The NCDOT proposes to widen the existing US 421 (King Street), a 2-lane roadway, to a
five-lane curb and gutter facility from US 321 (Hardin Street) to US 221 (Highway .105
Extension) in Boone, for a project length of approximately 0.3 miles. An unnamed tributary to
Boone Creek, Class C trout, and an unnamed tributary to Hardin Creek, Class C +, appear to be
within the project study area. Boone Creek is classified "C trout +".
Current land use surrounding the project is primarily commercial and high-density
residential and is fully developed. Access management should address safety and level of
service issues. Transit, bicycle and pedestrian use and future expansion will need to be
considered in the project design. Sidewalks may be included on the south side of the roadway.
We encourage NCDOT and the Town of Boone to consider using non-impervious materials to
construct sidewalks, particularly in developed watersheds with a high percentage of impervious
surfaces. Stormwater management using low impact development techniques (see
for information) in urbanized areas is also strongly encouraged
?'l.a!?ln=S', Address: NIC -17699-1721
US 421, East King Street
Boone, Watauga County 2 October 29, 2003
to minimize negative impacts to receiving waters. Alternatives to curb and gutter should be
investigated. Stormwater should receive pre-treatment and not routed directly into streams.
In addition, to help facilitate document preparation and the review process, our general
information needs are outlined below:
1. Description of fishery and wildlife resources within the project area, including a listing of
federally or state designated threatened, endangered, or special concern species. Potential
borrow areas to be used for project construction should be included in the inventories. A
listing of designated plant species can be developed through consultation with the
following programs:
The Natural Heritage Program
N. C. Division of Parks and Recreation
1615 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, N. C. 27699-1615
[phone]
and,
NCDA Plant Conservation Program
P. O. Box 27647
Raleigh, N. C. 27611
[phone]
2. Description of any streams or wetlands affected by the project. If applicable, include the
linear feet of stream that will be channelized or relocated.
Cover type maps showing wetland acreage impacted by the project. Wetland acreage
should include all project-related areas that may undergo hydrologic change as a result of
ditching, other drainage, or filling for project construction. Wetland identification may
be accomplished through coordination with the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers
(USACE). If the USACE is not consulted, the person delineating wetlands should be
identified and criteria listed.
4. Cover type maps showing acreage of upland wildlife habitat impacted by the proposed
project. Potential borrow sites and waste areas should be included.
5. Show the extent to which the project will result in loss, degradation, or fragmentation of
wildlife habitat (wetlands or uplands).
6. Include the mitigation plan for avoiding, minimizing or compensating for direct and
indirect degradation in habitat quality as well as quantitative losses.
7. Address the overall environmental effects of the project construction and quantify the
contribution of this individual project to environmental degradation. .
US 421, East King Street
Boone, Watauga County 3 October 29, 2003
8. Provide a discussion of the probable impacts on natural resources, which will result from
secondary development, facilitated by the improved road access.
9. If construction of this facility is to be coordinated with other state, municipal, or private
development projects, a description of these projects should be included in the
environmental document, and all project sponsors should be identified.
Thank you for the opportunity to provide input in the early planning stages of this project.
If you have any questions regarding these comments, please contact me at [phone].
cc: Marella Buncick, USFWS
Cynthia Van Der Wiele, NCDWQ
County of Wata d AN 0 3 2005
Courthouse, Suite 1 • 842 West King Street • Boone, North Carolina 2865V;. ;TAN;-::°<; :?.110h
elf ?;c? :.:
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Jim Deal, Chairman
William R. Winkler, III, Vice-Chairman
David Blust
Keith Honeycutt
Winston Kinsey
Telephone [phone]
TDD 1-800-735-2962
Voice 1-800-735-8262 JAN 3 - Ltd
COUNTY MANAGER
Robert E. Nelson, Jr.
COUNTY ATTORNEY
. Anthony di Santi
December 22, 2004
Mr. Lyndo Tippett
Secretary of Transportation
1501 Mail Service Center
Raleigh NC 27699-1501
Dear Mr. Tippett:
The Watauga County Board of Commissioners instructed me to forward a copy of the enclosed
Resolution adopted at their December 21, 2004, regular meeting supporting enhancements for
the NCDOT project to widen US 421 (King Street) TIP Project # U-4020.
Sincerely,
Anita J. Fogle
Clerk to the Board
Watauga County Commissioners
Enclosure
Resolution In Support of Enhancements for the
NCDOT Project to Widen US 421 (King Street)
TIP Project # U-4020
WHEREAS, the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) in conjunction
with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) is proposing to widen
approximately one mile of US 421 (King Street) to a multi-lane facility from
Hardin Street (HWY 321) to Jefferson Road (HWY 194); and
WHEREAS this section of King Street is the primary entrance to historic downtown
Boone, a much frequented tourist destination; and
WHEREAS, Watauga County's economy is dependant upon tourism; and
WHEREAS, the proposed widening will displace or negatively impact at least one-half
of the businesses and residential structures situated in the right-of-way corridor.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that Watauga County requests the NCDOT
to make special allowance for preserving the character of the primary entrance to
downtown Boone during the planning and construction phase of this project; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Watauga County requests the NCDOT to provide
for the placement and funding of enhancements on this project to include, but not
be limited to, extensive native landscaping, sidewalks and bike lanes, landscaped
medians, native rockwork for any walls or. structures, aesthetically-pleasing street
lighting and signage; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Watauga County requests the NCDOT to make
every effort to work with the Town of Boone elected officials and staff to
preserve the community character while developing and constructing this project.
AS ADOPTED by the Watauga County Board of Commissioners on this the 21St day
of December , 2004 .
Ji Deal
Ctkirman
ATTEST:
(SEAL)
Anita 1. Fogle ?.J
Clerk to the Board
I v G
or-
8A8 = _
ana <-
Q- C vl;
oirice Of Mc ?
North Carolina Department of Cultural Resour,!`:«,;
State Historic Preservation Office
David L. S. Brook. Administrator
Michael F. Easley. Governor Division of Historical Resources
Lisbeth C. Evans, Secretary
Jeffrey J. Crow, Deputy Secretary
Office of Archives and History
October 20, 2003
MEMORANDUM
TO: Greg Thorpe, Ph.D., Director
Project Development and Environmental Analysis Branch
NCDOT Division of Highways
. :,
FROM: David Brook
SUBJECT: Scoping, Widening of US 421 (King Street) from US 321 (Hardin Street) to US 221
(Highway 105 Extension), Boone, U-4020, Watauga County, ER03-2131
Thank you for your letter of August 11, 2003, concerning the above project.
We have conducted a search of our maps and files and located the following structure of historical or
architectural importance within the general area of this project:
Jones House, 124 King Street, listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
We recommend that a Department of Transportation architectural historian identify and evaluate any
structures over fifty years of age within the project area, and report the findings to us.
There are no known archaeological sites within the proposed project area. Based on our knowledge of the
area, it is unlikely that any archaeological resources that may be eligible for conclusion in the National Register
of Historic Places will be affected by the project. We, therefore, recommend that no archaeological
investigation be conducted in connection with this project.
The above comments are made pursuant to Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act and the
Advisory Council on Historic Preservation's Regulations for Compliance with Section 106 codified at 36 CFR
Part 800.
Thank you for your cooperation and consideration. If you have questions concerning the above comment,
contact Renee Gledhill-Earley, environmental review coordinator, at 919/733-4763. In all future
communication concerning this project, please cite the above referenced tracking number.
www.hno.dcr.state.nc.us
Location Mailing Address Telephone/Fax
ADMINISTRATION 507 N. Blount St.. Raleigh NC 4617 Mail Service Center. Raleigh NC 27699.4617 [phone] • 733-8653
RESTOPUTION 515 N. Blount St.. Raleigh NC 4617 Mail Service Center. Raleigh NC 276994617 [phone] • 715-4801
SURVEY & PLANNING 515 N. Blount St.. Raleigh NC 4617 Mail Service Center. Raleigh NC 276994617 [phone] • 715 801
HISTORk-- APCHITECTURE. SECTION
,,Vf:r!li L. L'rO[[![!:: fiePu lrn nl OI Trnnsponaiion
A.4 EN10R ,1NDUld1
TO: Dior. J. Viventi, PE, Project Development Engineer
FROM: Richard Silverman, Office of Human Environment
SUBJECT: U-4020, Boone, Watauga County
DATE: January 30, 2004
CC: Project File
Attached is a signed concurrence forrn which states that NCDOT and SHPO, agree
that:
• There are properties over fifty years old within the project's Area of Potential
Effects (APE), but based on the historical information available and the
photographs of each property, none is considered eligible for the National
Register and no further evaluation of them is necessary.
• There are no National Register-listed nor any Study-Listed properties within
the project's area of potential effects.
Since there are no historic properties affected by the proposed project, compliance
with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act for historic architecture is
complete. Please notify us in writing if the scope of this project changes. A change
in scone may necessitate a new survey of the APE.
F.derm'Aid T NIM-421(31) TIP# 1`-40211 C )unry. Watau+ja
CONCURRENCE FORM FOR PROPERTIES NOT ELIGIBLE FOP,
.ME NATIONAL REGISTER Of' HISTORIC PLACES
Project Description: Wideii U.S 421 (Kin+f St.) Fro-in US 321 to US 221 in Boone
Un Jan. 21. 200-1 reprc,cntdtiv;S of thr
0 North Carolina Department of•Traf: portati:)n (NCDOT)
® Fcdcral Highway Administration (FHWA)
® North Carolina State. Historic Preservation Officc. (HPO)
[] Other
Reviewed the subject project at
? Scoping rneetjn;
Historic architectural re ourccs photograph review session.consultation
? Other
All parties present agreed
? Thcrc arc no properties over fifth years old .,,ithin the project's area of potential effects:
Thcrc: are no properties less. than tfty yc<ars old whi-lh are considered to elect Criteria C:otaidcrztion ii within the
project's area of'p: t:.ntial effects.
® There are pmp-cmics over fifty ye vs old within the project's Area of POtebtlal F..t`fects (APE), but based on the
historical infonnatimi avait3bie VIJ the, pholograpbs of each property, the properties identified as :?1- thru 1-'
are considered not eli-giblc for the. Nx;onal Register and no further evaluation cis them is necessary.
® F here are no National Register-listed or Study Listed properties within the project's area Of potential effects.
NOTE: The J n es Hom.(• (:\K) is not in the APE for this protect.
© All properties greater than 50 yr<us of age located in the APE have been considered at this consultation, and based
upon the above concurrence, all compliance fer historic architecture with Section 106 of the National llistoric
Preservation Act and GS' 121-12(a) has b,:cn completed for thi Project.
(?] There are no historic properties affected by this project. (Attach c:rrr nnt?.? yr duct+nrents us rteetled)
Si,,ncd:
?I f z? f
epresenta- nvc. NCDO"f Date
f:1.1* A-, for the Division Admimstratnr, or oL ::r Fcdcral Agency ate
Rcpr srntatjwe, III't"i Date
State l listoric Preservation Officer / >,n Dane
If 4 survey ri:pon is prcpArcd. a final copy of (Ili: tcnn and the :L mdied iist .v1;I be included.
1. The presence of intact riparian buffers and/or wetlands in urban areas can lessen these impacts and restoration
of these watershed features should be considered where feasible.
2. The DWQ requests that DOT use Best Management Practices for the Protection of Surface Waters (March
1997) throughout the design and construction of this project.
3. In order to prevent degradation of water quality,
¦ Phased grading and seeding plans designed to minimize the exposure of bare ground is strongly
encouraged;
¦ Storm water runoff from the project should be pre-treated to the maximum extent feasible, rather
than routed directly into streams.
4. Sediment should be removed from any water pumped from behind a cofferdam before the water is returned to
the stream.
5. Wetland and stream impacts should be avoided to the maximum extent practical. If this is not possible,
alternatives that minimize wetland impacts should be chosen. In accordance with the NCDWQ Wetlands
Rules (15A NCAC 2H.0506(b)(6)}, mitigation will be required for impacts of greater than 150 linear feet to
any single perennial stream. In the event that mitigation becomes required, the mitigation plan should be
designed to replace appropriate lost functions and values. In accordance with the NCDWQ Wetlands Rules
115A NCAC 2H.0506 (h)(3)}, the Wetland Restoration Program (WRP) or Ecological Enhancement Program.
(EEP) may be available compensatory mitigation.
Thank you for requesting our input at this time. The DOT is reminded that issuance of a 401 Water Quality
Certification requires that appropriate measures be instituted to ensure that water quality standards are met and
designated uses are not degraded or lost. If you have any questions or require additional information, please
contact Cynthia Van Der Wiele at [phone].
Attachment
pc: John Thomas, USACE Raleigh Field Office
Chris Militscher, USEPA
Marella Buncick, USFWS
Marla. Chambers, NCWRC
File Copy
North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources
r Alan W. Klimek, P.E., Director
Division of Water Quality
-? Coleen H. Sullins. Deputy Director
Division of Water Quality
October 14, 2003
MEMORANDUM
TO: Gregory J. Thorpe, Ph.D., Director
NCDOT Project Development & Environmental Analysis Branch
FROM: Cynthia F. Van Der Wiele, NCDOT Coordinator. ir?..
SUBJECT: Review of Scoping Sheets for Widening of US 421 (King Street) from US 321 (Hardin Street) to
US 221 (Hwy 105 Extension) in Boone, Watauga County, F.A. Project NHF-421(31), State
Project No. 8.1751601, TIP No. U-4020, Division 11.
In reply to your correspondence dated August 7, 2003 (received August 11, 2002) in which you requested
comments for the referenced project, preliminary analysis of the project indicates that the following water
resources in Hydrologic Unit 05-07-01 will be impacted: ,.
Stream (Index)
Boone Creek (10-1-4-4)
Water Ouality Classification
C trout +
The "+" symbol identifies waters that are subject to a special management strategy specified in 15A NCAC 2B
.0225, the Outstanding Resources Waters (ORW) rule, in order to protect downstream waters designated as ORW.
NC Division of Water Quality has the following comments:
Environmental Documentation
The environmental document should provide a detailed and itemized presentation of the proposed impacts to
wetlands and streams with corresponding mapping. If mitigation is required, it is preferable to present a
conceptual (if not finalized) mitigation plan with the environmental documentation. Appropriate mitigation plans
will be required prior to issuance of a 401 Water Quality Certification.
Deshew & Construction
The New River Basinwide Water Quality Plan (DWQ, 2000) notes that in Sub-basin 05-07-01, most of the High
Quality and Outstanding Resource Waters in the New River basin are found in the South Fork New River
watershed, despite the fact that 63 percent of the basin population lives in the drainage. These waters provide
habitat for 24 rare, threatened or endangered species including three fish species that are found only in the New
River basin.
Furthermore, urbanization often has greater hydrologic effects than any other land use, as native watershed
vegetation is replaced with impervious surfaces in the form of paved roads, buildings, parking lots, and residential
homes and yards. Urbanization results in increased surface runoff and correspondingly earlier and higher peak
flows after storms. Flooding frequency is also increased. These effects are compounded when small streams are
channelized (straightened) or piped and storm sewer systems are installed to increase transport of drainage waters
downstream. Bank scour from these frequent high flow events tends to enlarge urban streams and increase
suspended sediment. Scouring also destroys the variety of habitat in streams leading to degradation of benthic
macroin vertebrate populations and loss of fisheries (EPA, 1999).
N. C. Division of Water Quality, 401 Wetlands Certification Unit,
1650 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1650 (Mailing Address)
2321 Crabtree Blvd., Raleigh, NC 27604-2260 (Location)
[phone] (phone), 919-733-6893 (fax), (http:/fh2o.enr.State.nc.us/ncwetlands)
Customer Service #: 1-877-623-6748
i DEM
?r'EIV D
County of Watauga JAN 0 3 2005
Courthouse, Suite 1 • 842 West King Street • Boone, North Carolina 2asw'i. i.?i= RANSpORTAI-ION
^FFir.F i5 THE SECRETARY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Jim Deal, Chairman
William R. Winkler, III, Vice-Chairman
David Blust
Keith Honeycutt
Winston Kinsey
Telephone [phone]
TDD 1-800-735-2962
Voice 1-800-735-8262 JAN 3 _ ?xb
COUNTY MANAGER
Robert E. Nelson, Jr.
COUNTY ATTORNEY
Anthony di Santi
December 22, 2004
Mr. Lyndo Tippett
Secretary of Transportation
1501 Mail Service Center
Raleigh NC 27699-1501
Dear Mr. Tippett:
The Watauga County Board of Commissioners instructed me to forward a copy of the enclosed
Resolution adopted at their December 21, 2004, regular meeting supporting enhancements for
the NCDOT project to widen US 421 (King Street) TIP Project # U-4020.
Sincerely,
_,
Anita J. Fogle
Clerk -to the Board
Watauga County Commissioners
Enclosure
Town of Boone
APR 21 2W
MAY 08 21*fW
Resolution In Support of Acceleration of the
NCDOT Project to Widen US 421 (King Street) 'v!e ,
TIP Project # U-4020
WHEREAS, the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) in conjunction with the Federal
Highway Administration (FHWA) is proposing to widen approximately one mile of US Hwy 421 (King Street)
to a multi-lane facility from Hardin Street (US Hwy 321) to Jefferson Road (NC Hwy 194); and
WHEREAS NCDOT has announced a tentative project schedule of construction beginning in April, 2010; and
WHEREAS, Watauga County is constructing the new Watauga High School on a site accessed by US Hwy 421
east of the TIP Project #U-4020; and
WHEREAS. the new Watauga High School is scheduled to open in August, 2010; and
WHEREAS, US Hwy 421 (King Street) is the primary travel route to the high school site for residents of
Boone, Blowing Rock, and the western half of Watauga County; and
WHEREAS, Average Daily Traffic on King Street ranges from 19,600 to 39,700 vehicles (already above the
design capacity), and is projected to increase to 28,900 to 67,800 vehicles per day by 2030; and
WHEREAS, the accident rate for 2002-2005 within the project area of U-4020 was two- times the statewide
rate for similar highway facilities; and
WHEREAS, adding significant new traffic from the new Watauga High School to an already dangerous, traffic-
choked road that would be impeded by the U-4020 construction in August, 2010 would create an even more
congested and hazardous situation.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Boone Town Council requests the NCDOT to accelerate
TIP Project U-4020 so that it can be complete before or shortly after the scheduled opening of the new Watauga
High School in August, 2010.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Boone Town Council alternatively requests the NCDOT to divide
U-4020 into two phases, with phase 1 consisting of the section from NC Hwy 105 to NC Hwy 194 and being
complete before August, 2010.
AS ADOPTED by the Boone Town Council on this the 19`h day of April, 2007.
Mayor
ATTEST:
r ?
?. 1
Towii Clerk
P.O. DPAWER 192 • BOONE, NORTH CAROLINA 28607
e.w STA1[ o?
a ar+sNorth Carolina
Department of Administration
Michael F. Easley, Governor Britt Cobb, Secretary
January 22, 2007
Mr. Gregory Thorpe
N.C. Dept. of Transportation
Program Development
1548 Mail Service Center
Raleigh„ NC 27699-1534
Dear Mr. Thorpe:

Re: SCH File # 07-E-4220-0212; EA; Widening of US 421 (King Street) to a multi-lane from NC
194 (Jefferson Ave.) to US 321 (Hardin Street); approx. 1.155 miles in length in Watauga
County. - TIP No. U-4020
The above referenced environmental impact information has been submitted to the State Clearinghouse
under the provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act. According to G.S. 113A-10, when a
state agency is required to prepare an environmental document under the provisions of federal law, the
environmental document meets the provisions of the State Environmental Policy Act. Attached to this
letter for your consideration are the comments made by agencies in the course of this review.
If any further environmental review documents are prepared for this project, they should be forwarded to
this office for intergovernmental review.
Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call.
Sincerely,
Ms. Chrys Baggett
Environmental Policy Act Coordinator
Attachments
cc: Region D
Region K
Mailing Address: Telephone: [phone] Location Address:
1301 Mail Service Center Fax [phone] West Jones Street
Raleigh, NC 27699-1301 State Courier #51-01-00 Raleigh, North Carolina
[e-mail]
An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer
M M_ WA
j
HCDENR
North Carolina Departrnent of Environment and Natural Resources
M cbae.1 F. Easley; Govemor
MFMORAINDUM
Chrv' B•agget v
?tzt?* ?'leaYiauhoj_:
PROM P%te lba 1+§?Gc e
,EzT; ironmen-'ate ra:vre:; L.Ocrdiflato2
i,' iRiam G.: Ross jr::,'Secretary.
SLT$JE`i.'°t.': 07-10212 n:^t UlS 42:1 1^ &`.^.:te.,. Watauga cvwnt":,r
I3e' : E s j azit ar = 19, s: 0 v
Th:e. D'e'Dartmeerzt of Ehv ros_ment .and rJat.+u.ra'l Res"r-cces has re'k<=:e we'd the
proposed r7fornat'on. aile att_ac Wd _,omme.xys az. fog- the apF-If
i if6rma:t on;

Xtt.achmer.t.s
1601 h? M Service Center, Raley h, NMh: Lsr >tina 2x 699-1601 ne..
9 41fl
Phone-, 91-9-73a49&4 FAX: [phone] ? Int?ernei: %v+v,.v.enr.state.r§c:usf_?JR/
?;n ?aua? O?or,e?, .?(fmnatr?e ???ro ?-?R??rec - ?; 'b ?e??;e,i = ?t ? rte: Ca:?surrwr"?a?+?r
z North. Carblina. Wildlife Resources Commission If 7=
Ri.cliard B. Hmaij.hou, E e'cut v4 Director.
TO: Nfelca McOe,e.,1` Environmental Cbilrdinator
.Office of Legislative and. Intergovernmental 1.ffairs, DENR
1«R()M: 1?ia?la: C.'lvttt?rt?Lls, 1?' st rtl. ?:?:I?U°l l'erra?iT C<L?d?rdinatc?r
Habitat: Conservation Program., NCNVRC
DATE- January 17.2 007
SUBJECT- Re.N ee V' of the... Envirdm ental Assd sament or the proposed. widening of US 421.
(K.iatg Street) to a mutd-lane facility front NC 1.94 (Jeflenwn.A.ve'nu) to US s21
(Hardin Street:) in Boone, Watauga County. TIP No. U-4020. OLIA NIO, 07-
0x1?. ma'ise(f due date 1:17/ 00'01"
'-L *rtb Carolina Department of 'T 'arrsportation.(i\?CDt)T) has submitted ter nevi
Environmental Assesstnent (EA) document for the su ject project.. Staff biologists with the
`urth. Carolina \ ilddlifG Resources Commission (NL .C.WRC) have review-ed the, inforrtlatiorl
provided. 'Fliese. d oruinents are provided in accc,rdance with he provisions of the N iona.l
Ertviro.... ental :l'alt?v .:pct (42 U.S.C. .S..C..4)3027L 27)(c)) and the Fish and Wildlife. Coordination Act
(48 Stat., 401,.as amended; 1.6 iJ661-?75.7d).
NCDO. T:proposes :to 'widen tI 421 (Kind, Street) tee a multi-lane, divided,, curie-and-gutter
f tdl3.ty from: C 194 0efferson Avenue) to US 321 (1 la.rd:i.n Sireet) in Boone, NC for a project
leng.th.of4pproxirnatelyw 1,1-5 mi.les. l.eNC='DC)T's.pref'erreti a.l:teniative is a conibined 4 tc) 6-
lane, roadway witb vv,=idet outside lanes to accom.modate bicycles and sidewalk provided on both.
sidzt Of the rc)aci. Impacts, for this alternative appear the satn:e as the. 4-lane alternative.
Approximately 1.00-feet . (if stream.:i.tnlvcts: are anticiipat.ed .to extend and join the. culverts carrying
1°lardia Gr:.eck. and one if': its unnamed tributaries, treat the US 421'. and NC 194 jwlctlon. ffiardin
Creek is classiti?d as C4 r v,:-e unde v tend the to indicate, speckilly deli -mit d vv^atera such as
Uuts'mnding Resource. Waters, owe-ur do-v,Nnstream, Boone Creek., Class C -Trout -, is also in the
projiect area, but. is not dxp"ted To be impacted. Trout are kno-,.•,n from the Boone vicinin',
including.ih:e. Saut71:. Fork. New River that 1-lardin Creek f14-,vv?s to about cute mill: dry Nmstream.
Nluil ng:.,kdclrEss. Division L?flnIf-m-i Fisheries - t'21 Mail Service Cen.tcr R Ra.icieh. ti:C 2"699-1711
Telephone [phone] • Fas: (919) 70',-0028

f.ia i.fst Ot&, NVarak; r f'(, j arttaarrn, t =t;Ci
Hardin. C'ret k rnav -support trout, as trout have been rioted fx )others-null urbanized Streams iri
the 1 cdlait<.. and a: nzorato. -i:um n ay be recommended.
Downstream of the project the Saudi F rk New River is also inhabited. by the Kanavdia inii now
{.Plyenac.« bius* tere td 1 l=ederal SpCe ics of Concern'7) and state Special Concern (S(.)-
:anawha. darter (Ethecjsronra kancna=iiz"io state Significantly Rare. sharpnose: darter ( er-4i:na
tr: yt•ttynchiq).: state, SC, catlips. rnin_nov?, fExoglassarrrr nlavtingwi , state. Endangered (E), seep,
mudalia (Lc xio is dflt7ltva). state. Threatened- ggreen floater (La rnj?Vo c'r stahtlr.dirs); FSC and
state l ; and spike (Elliptic ciilatatd)state SC. Sediment. and. erosion control and. starUl ater
treatment: wi.1.1 be important for this. protect. Sediment. and &Osion control measures -hould.
adhere to the deli n:i 87 tandards for :sensitrv-e ?,,wersheds. °T`h etirb-arid-fitter facil.it?} will carry
polluumt-lades rtn oix om this highly urbantzed area to neafb.y sere as, storm«9ter treatment
front the ro.adi?-ay project must .be ma irnized and. is strongly encouraged for area development..
Nurnemus studies h'avv shown. that when 10-.15% of a ?N•axxsh.ed i:s waver€ed to ianpertrit?us
surfaces; there is. a serious. decline in the health of rexiviat :,?°aters (Sc:hueler P9_94) ;wd the
qutclity-of fish. habitat and wetlands are negatiye]y impacted (Booth iggi, 'r yior im). wc
re crrr Mend di et t ae foe-at officials req e stron storaiix°ater cant ols for
development : the.
-icinityJ arid use to m{?act dee eloprrterii techniques (see ?,??w,loa irr etdeyck inert t rya t'car. . ix
i:nforrn on) to manage stonnwater qu ntityr and qualityy. We encoura+,:e NICDOT and }oval
Officials use, tiun imp<rrvious materials to construct sidewalks., parking, Iots, € rid other facilities,
parztc ularly in deveetoping- Nvatersheds and those Nvit 3 a.high percentage o irnpfrvioits surfaces.
jtileasures to mitigate seconda and cumulative impacts can be. four d in the Guidance
Mernorandurn to Address . and "Mhityate Secondary and Cumulative Impacts to Aquatic and
Tcrrestria.l %`ildl:ife' Resources. and Water Quality- (NCNXIM, 2002y:
'Thank You. for tb opportunity to re<<ii?s and cumt37isnt tin this pmj-ect. If you Have any questions
regzgc in.g these wn cents, please contact. in at. 704.)..545.._384.1.
iterature Cited:
Btac?th,. D. 1991. Urbanization and the natural dratm ige systertt4n.,i.pac°ts, sol.ut yn., and
pri??ncises. ??o?ib,,c-est...)?n?lrorfirn:ntal Joumaf. r(l,t ?.?-l l:S.
NCW]tC (l\toi-tli: Carbl.ina. Wild.lifc. Resources C:oniinissi6b). 2002. Ciuidan.ce 1\ errioraridunY to
Address and -Mitigate Secondary and C uin dativ Iriapacis to Aquatic and Terrestrial
Wildlife Resources anal: Water Quality. NCWTtc, ItaleiO• :available:
.
}af + s knrixr,nc c?ildli.i i,r `p t?? Vk7ild ifeSpec'ie4ConY i, ;
impaets pd:i; (February
20033).
Sehu le , "Cond.: 199..._ 114 In Ortan.O. O trnpen ousnw, -. Watemsbed. P oweti.. T eltti.iq,ule$,
:3 (pp 1.00- I 11).
Toior,, B.L.:1993: The influences of z,-etland and x,? laiershed nioi.pho.l.ogical characteristics and
telationships to ,vclland vegetation communities. Masters thesis. Dept.. of Civil
l a. 3:nceriia lJ:niversity of Nash, glop. Seattle, A"A.
l_4020', US 4>1 (Kill V, SUvct)
Radio C:reiA, N' alwgm. Co. - 3 January 17., 2.(iO
`. : Marella BunciU USFWS
Sue.Hornewood. NC'DWQ
Angle Rodgers. ' C HP
AT 0. NU c aeY. Easke,r, Governor
VVWa^: G Ross J? . Sec etar=
NorM Departm-rer «af Ejv,,tro, aer, &._i Natu ad-Resources
Aiar.. W. KNmek, P.E. Director
v mivon of `J'dater Quad
Jan,aaiy 2. 2607
MENIO12A D NI
Tip: INTelba :McC ee
From: $ e Homewood. Di;isian o Wa;er Quality Wiston-Sa.lcr? .Regional G#fi_,:.e:
Serb eet: C;t>rt.mc*r€ on the.l:_n, iron menial A&sess-rtlei'a re fined to proposed Leta 421 from existing.
NNC 194 tip e>% stst??. L 32Z1, Wa ajga. County=, edger-al Aid Project :Nki. \IIF-42.1(31):,
State Prq om \•o. t`_ 176.160 1, TIP LIF 4, G2dt. DENM P-°gjoct -Ar' 0 02212 Nee date 1='l 107).
Aa off ice has. rev'iewed.the referenced document dated 'Nov riiber 16, 2006. The Di Vision of Nvater
Quality (DW,q) s runs ble.for the ltisuance. of the Se.ction. 401 Water Qualii.y C eartifi:cation for
34trv itZC . thst €rip2v t Waters of the ? .5,.. incltidiit? w c ftrids. It 3s ottr rtridtrstax tlittg that ibe prnject. as
presented wiffi result In impacts to juris-d:ict onal «etlacids,, strcan s, and other surface waters. The NVQ
offers the followin- corrrn::ents based can rev-ievr of the aforerneir loved drcu rent:.
Future env ironniental documeritst; rcludirig the, 401 Water Quality Cem.fllcatiort App.li:cations should.
pio%ide a deiailed and hr_miz d presentation of the proposed impacts to wetlan& and streams vvith
cc $pocidrng•-n'sA' ngo if 3iiiti for is necesswy,as. required by 15A NN lC 2H tl 06?h}? it is
pi's ferible to present a conceptual (if not, tli aii d) atxoim,plan v< ttli. the envicn-nmenra.l,
do'eurnentation. Appropriate ming-at.ior± plans will be required prior to issiian.ce of a 401 IT°a.Ce.r
QU;c3.ll ` Ci>rT tt atlCt s..
After the selec;ticr of.the preferred altemative and :prior to ar, iss:t ance. of the 401 Water Quality
Certification.,1he NC DOT is mspeci%all n? reminded that ihe?y, will tied` to demons. to the c .v'i')id_anc
and miriirvaatit n of irnpa&s to sve lands {anti: strcains).u the maximum ester pr'ac-4c-aL b
accwdaree with the 'nvironnientsl Management: Commission. s Rules . f 1.5 A NC':AC; 2H. OS. ttti(ir) :,
mitigation will :berewired for impacts of greater than 1 ;use ta-wet°lands. In the even.. that
M likatiors. i required, the Tr itiga:ti€vn pl.aiz sbx)uld be designed. to replace approp,riaxt lost fi nctions
andvalues. The NC Ewsy-stem fthancelnenfi Progg -am may be a.Vai.lable for tu:;e as weilarid
nrti?alir
In.aocordazmer. ith the Env iron x*_tal, Gana :ernent C.otrr iaVon's;tiles ?1 ? A r;C AC"
2F .O.5Crf(h); . mitigation. will. be required for impacis of greater than"., 150 linear feet to any sirigle
perennial stream, III tl:e event: that mitigation is required, the m tiption plain should be &-signed to
replace appropriate, 195t functlo and Valut.s. 'Fb e NC: Ec osystzm Enhancer.. ent Frog- a;ri may be
available. for use- as streams mit=.gat on..
4. \C DOT :is reVetf jy reminded that all irimp. nclvdingy but not lirimite-d to, br idg? fill.,
e;±ccati trori and eteai<trf , toprrsdictionat v e- lannds, :stre-a:ris, and npar).arrbutxer°s -need tug be ncluded
in the 17ita:1 it??pa; t calcu.IaTrcrns<. T h ese ;nnpacta; in additon to any construction impacts. rerr>porar
or othervv :se .alsd. treed: to be included as part ofthe 401 .Mater Quality Certification Application.
Newth,
i$-50?Agri S Mx Cenhsr.:3Migh. N?r ; t Car 27a w"65-3
232 = C?aflaee ale+?rd. 5 fife ? i . ? 5 . Yer?: Cer4iino.. Z 6^;
i hwz: e«9,e33A 86IFA (519=F13>8"c:s.r niEiaet:.t? ;t;2o.err,staFe::G? s'ncxa ands.
a:.
Ar- E a.f yr>t n WAffitttttia + ,.CZEta _ 'ii?v? - afl' 33P; J fi° = szs Gr p riEr
. Sediment.zrd erc,.Sjo? con of II. ir surer should-tiro? be lilaced In wetla sds ol- streams.
6.. Borrovv,,")Naste areas should avoid we.!] ands to the maxims nntxt)mt pract c tl, impacts to wetlands ill
borrow/w.a.*c: areas will need. to he presented in th.e'401 '%Va aer Qual t;, E:err_tic.'&tlo n and could
pre;:ipitate earnpensa.ton., zritigation.
7. The 40.1. Water Quality Cerr facation app ieation trill need to spezi.iically address tht. proposed
,methods for. stonnwater managrmen , More specifically, stonrw-titer will not be permitted to
discharge dveci.ly into streams or surf; rCe ,eaters.
S. Based on::the.irtfo ma-tion presented in. the. dorurnenzt the-magnitude. of impacts to uvtl ands and
streams may. require an Natiom-ide: application tro.the Cozps of Engineers and cDrresp?nding.
401 Walt& Quality Cer tifization, Please be advised tbat a,4-0 1 Water Quality Certification requires
sat sfac;o ry protection of waiter quality to ensure that Nvater quality standards are itaet and no wet .and
ar stream uS'ts are lost.. Final pe..rmmit.authorization vv°il:l. require the submittal. of a formal application
by the: 'tiCDOT and v-,7•it.ten concurrence from the iCb'iN Q. Please be aware. that any approval will
be:contingent 6n. appropriate avoidance and minimization of wetland and s-tre :. impacts to #.he
maximum extent practical, the devvloprrient of:an acctlpmble -,tcrm,,v°ater..management plan. and the
inclusion of at) .rupr ate mitigation plate where apprmprtate.
9. If con.cTete' is used dunnconstruction.. a dry. vorl: area should be rnmaintained. to pr ctTent direct
.Contact between curing concrete and stream water. eater that inadvertently contacts uncured
concrete. shr tat.d ne t be disc lxar4rd to.svrtace. waters clue to the potential. for elevated pH and
possible aquatic life and #%sh kills..
ads, nr. detours are constructed: the site shall be graded to its prccon:structiorl
1.0: If".teznl?nrarv access ro
cbntours. and elevations. Disturbed areas should be seeded or mnulc:hed. to at2bilize tare soil and
apprppri to natriye' iwy-ody specte5 should be planted.. ' )Wbieni using temporary= structures the area
should be cleared but not grubbed. Clearing the. area. vvith-chair, saws. mowers, bush-hogs, or other
mechanized equipment and l vLng the s- amps androot milt: intact alil.ows: the area to re-ve&Ttate
na.tura 1 . and rt?in mizes soil disturlanst..
l: Placement of culverts and other structures ins. waters, Streams, and wetlands silrall be plaee.d. below
the elevation of the streambed by one. foot. for all culverts with a diameter greater t han a inches,
and 20percent of the vulv- diameter for culverts hay-ing a diameter less than 48 incises, to al.l.ovv
low.#lowpassage of dater and aquatic Iife, Desip and-placement of culverts and other structures
including temporany crusion.control measures shall: t c?t he conducted in a manner that. may result in
dis egtiilibrtum of wetlands; or streambeds or ban.l:s . adj:+ cent. to. or upstream and dovsm stream of the
-above strucluz cs. The appltialit: is required to provide eidd.ence that the .eiluilibriuni:. s being
.maintained: if regtae- ted in writing by DN Q. If`this conditi€rr. is unable to.be met: due to bedrock or.
other lirriting features'encounmi-ed`during construction.. Please contact the'NC T3WQ for guidance,
oil hov., to: proceed and to deterMire whether os .riot a perm t oditscati.on will be required.
1 . if ritaltiple pipes or barrels are required, tbey should :be des.ig ed. to mimic natural stream crass.
section as closely as.possible including pipes car barrels .:t flood. plain elevation an&or sills where
appropi aw.. Widening the :s.treatr ebartn.el sboald tie avoided, Stream channel vWM ng at the inlet.
or outlet end of structures typicall y decrcases water vc;_la ztti eausng sedi anent deposition that
requires. ircreaseci -nnaintenanc;e and disrupts aquatic lice passage.
1 Sediment and. erosion control. measures yuii dent to prole t water resources must be implemented
and rna.infarred in accardance with. the mast recent version of North. Carolina Sediment and Erosion
Cont'Tol Planning at-id-Design Manual acid the'most. rLeent version. of NCSOOOZ50. .
14. All. woirk in or a4f acent to stream tvFaters should he conducted in a dny work area. Approved :BUMP
measure;. froin the most current version of\CDOT Consimetion and. NI-aintenance Aeliv'ities
manual such as sandbags: rock berms: c:offerrlarns anal. other diversion structures should be asked to
previcent excavation in flowing Nva4.er.
T. While the use.. of :\'ationa.1 «Fetland.Inven:torti' {'V??'1;} i2talss, lC Cirastal Regton l?'valuwtion. t?f
? `et3and }a i;iYCarrce t'JC'-C;Rl1AV ;1 maps and soil survey maps- are useful tools;: their inherent
it aeo , 'cies require that. qualified personnel perform onsite wetland delineations prior to permit
approval.:
16. .Heayy equip-ment should. be operated fro n the bank rather than in stream channels in order to
minimize sed=nlentation and reduce the likel..ih.ood of introducing other pollutants into streams. This
egyiprnent shor!ld be inspected dark: ar...d rrtaintai.netl to prey ent contamina3 on of surface waters
f 6zn leaking fuels, lubricants., Hydraulic fluids. or other toxic materials.
17. Riprap. should r..ot.be placed. in the active tha.h eg channel or placed in the strearnbed ir., a. manner
that preclude. aquatic life passage: ioengi.neering boulders or structures should be properly
designed... sized. and.
°iriataJ:l. ed.
18.. Riparian vegetation (native trees anal shru.bs.) should be pteservcd to the maxirimunn extent possible.
Riparian vegetation rtnusx b€.rees:tablisbed -wit:hin the construction limits of the projeci b the en.d. of
t4e.16nar ing seasc n.follu ing completion of constniction.
The NCDI? Q. appreciates the oPporturi'Y to pr6Vide cornznen;s or. ycrur project- Should. you. have any
questions or ref uire..ahy additional information, please contact. Sue flomewood at j: 6-7'7 l -4964.
cc: John. Thom-as, US. Array Corps of Engineers. Raleigh Field Office
Fedend H ghway.A.dminisirat on
Curia.lw?ilcsth?r;.E,n?°rorimental l'ro#+rctcin ,AgeneLMarla Charnbers, .1 C:, Wildl fe R&-sources Commission
Marel.la ;Sunc .k, TITS Fish and N ildlife $ervic?e
I7WQ.Winsten; Salem Regional Office
DWQ 401 Transportatio.'n- Permittingt unit
NORTH CAROLINA STATE CLEARINGHOUSE
DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION
INTERGOVERNMENTAL REVIEW
STATE NUMBER: 07-E-4220-0212
DATE. RECEIVED: 12/13/2006
AGENCY RESPONSE: 01/08/2007
REVIEW CLOSED: 01/13/2007
CLEARINGHOUSE COORD REGION D
REGION D COG
P.O. BOX 1820 .
BOONE NC
REVIEW DISTRIBUTION t-
NFIP `? r A
CC&PS - DEM.
DENR LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS .4
DEPT OF AGRICULTURE
DEPT OF CUL RESOURCES
A41V J ?r
DEPT OF TRANSPORTATION
REGION D COG
,

PROJECT INFORMATION
APPLICANT: N.C. Dept. of Transportation
TYPE: National Environmental Policy Act
ERD: Environmental Assessment
F02
DESC: Widening of US 421 (King Street) to a multi-lane from NC 194 (Jefferson Ave.) to
US 321 (Hardin Street); approx. 1.155 miles in length in Watauga County. TIP No.
U-4020
The attached project has been submitted to the N. C. State Clearinghouse for
intergovernmental review. Please review and submit your response by the above
indicated date to 1301 Mail Service Center, Raleigh NC 27699-1301.
If additional review time is needed, please contact this office at [phone]
AS A RESULT OF THIS REVIEW THE FOLLOWING IS SUBMITTED:
F] NO COMMENT
3 COMMENTS ATTACHED
SIGNED BY:
DATE: t ^6 I
KINVULJl rVKREVIEW
Please review the attached notification and indicate your response. If your agency requires additional information, contact the
applicant directly or call High Country Council of Governments' Clearinghouse. Please submit your response to the address below by
the due date indicated.
Phone: [phone]
SCH Number 07-E-4220-0212 Date 12-18-06 Response Date_01-03-07
Please Sign and Return
This Page Only To:
High Country Council of Governments
Clearinghouse Coordinator
P.O. Box 1820
Boone, NC 28607'
Reviewers:
Greg Young, Manager, Town of Boone

'i6

Response: This agency has reviewed the notification and offers the following recommendation: (Check appropriate
response/more than one can be checked)
No Comment
Z Favorable. The project is in agreement with the goals and objectives of this agency's programs.
Unfavorable. The project is not in agreement with the goals and objectives of this agency's programs.
Potential Problem (s). Identify:
Comments:
Reviewed by
Name: Agency: Date:
NORTH CAROLINA STATE CLEARINGHOUSE
DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION
INTERGOVERNMENTAL, REVIEW -
STATE NL7MBER;.:.I77E_-4.?20-0212 F02
DATE RECEIVED. 12/13/2006?
AGENCY RESPONSE: 01/08/2007
REVIEW CLOSED: 01/13/2007
MS RENEE GLEDHILL-EARLEY
CLEARINGHOUSE COORD
DEPT OF CUL RESOURCES
ARCHIVES-HISTORY BLDG - MSC 4617
RALEIGH NC
REVIEW DISTRIBUTION
CC&PS - DEM, NFIP
DENR LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS
DEPT OF AGRICULTURE
DEPT OF CUL RESOURCES
DEPT OF TRANSPORTATION
REGION D COG

r.
A.
<.

:
PROJECT INFORMATION
APPLICANT: N.C. Dept. of Transportation
TYPE: National Environmental Policy Act
ERD:, Environmental Assessment
?e-? CCZ v 3 - ?.l 3
S - ?xy)
6 c)
i 1S107-
DESC: Widening of US 421 (King Street) to a multi-lane from NC 194 (Jefferson Ave.) to
US 321 (Hardin Street); approx. 1.155 miles in length in Watauga County. TIP No.
U-4020
The attached project has been submitted to the N. C. State Clearinghouse for
intergovernmental review. Please review and submit your response by the above
indicated date to 1301 Mail Service Center, Raleigh NC 27699-1301.
If additional review time is needed, please contact this office at [phone].
AS A RESULT OF THIS REVIEW THE FOLLOWING IS SUBMITTED:
NO COMMENT
COM TS ATTACHED
I' lJr,
SIGNED BY: _
DATE : A • ( k • O ?-
nr
i i w
TEC 4 inn r
EPA Review Comments on the Federal EA for U-4020, US 421 Improvements,
Boone, Watauga County.
This is a non-Merger project. The Federal EA was issued on 12/8/06 and comments were
requested by 3/1/07. NCDOT. proposes to widen US 421 to a multi-lane divided facility
from NC 194 to US 321 for approximately 1.2 miles.
Two alternatives were study in detail, Alternative 1 (4-lane divided) and Alternative 2 (4
to 6 lane divided). NCDOT prefers Alternative 2. Estimated impacts for the proposed
widening alternatives are as follows (Alternatives 1 & 2, respectively):
Residential & Business relocations: 1R/9B & 1R/9B
Church/Schools: 0/0 & 0/0
Wetlands: 0 & 0 acres
Streams: 100 & 100 linear feet
Riparian buffers: 0 & 0
Sections 4(f)/106 properties: 0/0 & 0/0
Archaeological sites: 0 & 0
Noise Receptors: 20 & 20
ESAs: 0
EJ communities: 0
Natural Heritage Program areas: 0 & 0
Air quality: No (NAAQS Attainment)
Terrestrial forests: 0& 0
Prime Farmlands: 0 & 0
Hazardous Material Sites: 6 & 6
Critical Water Supplies: No
EPA lacks objections to the proposed project and NCDOT's preferred alternative. The
Federal EA was .comprehensive and the Summary table of impacts (iii) was very useful in
comparing the two alternatives. A Nationwide permit No: 14 will be needed by the
USACE.
EPA notes the extensive information contained in the EA regarding MSATs (Pages 30-
36). The proposed project should help to relieve congestion and improve LOS within the
project study area and should have a net positive impact on air quality, including MSAT
emissions. EPA also notes the project commitments for outside increased lane widths for
bicycle traffic as well as the adding sidewalks on both sides of the widened roadway.
Town of Boone
BO NE
North Carolina
May 25, 2007
Mr. Ryan L. White, Project Planning Engineer
NC Department of Transportation
Project Development and Environmental Analysis
1548 Mail Service Center
Raleigh NC 27699-1548
RE: Project U-4020 (King Street Widening)
Dear Mr. White:
At their May 17, 2007, meeting the Boone Town Council met and discussed the Department
of Transportation's policy regarding sidewalk installation. The Town of Boone is formally
requesting that sidewalks be included on both sides of the road for the entire project area (including
Highway 194 to project end.) The Town of Boone will participate in the Department of
Transportation's cost share program for the installation of the sidewalks, where they currently do no
exist withing the project limits.
Please forward the necessary agreements at the appropriate time. If any additional
information is needed please contact me at [phone].
Sincerely,
G g Young
Town Manager
/fva
P.O. DRAWER 192 • BOONE, NORTH CAROLINA 28607
NORTH CAROLINA STATE CLEARINGHOUSE
DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION
INTERGOVERNMENTAL REVIEW
STATE NUMBER:.W; -E..-4?20-,0212 F02
DATE RECEIVED: 12/13/2006 '-
AGENCY RESPONSE: 01/08/2007
REVIEW CLOSED: 01/13/2007
MS RENEE GLEDHILL-EARLEY
CLEARINGHOUSE COORD
DEPT OF CUL RESOURCES
ARCHIVES-HISTORY BLDG - MSC 4617
RALEIGH NC •1: i,'g is :, /.
REVIEW DISTRIBUTION
CC&PS - DEM, NFIP
DENR LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS
DEPT OF AGRICULTURE
DEPT OF CUL RESOURCES
DEPT OF TRANSPORTATION
REGION D COG

PROJECT INFORMATION
APPLICANT: N.C. Dept. of Transportation
TYPE: National Environmental Policy Act
ERD: Environmental Assessment
C C%
i1S107-
DESC: Widening of US 421 (King Street) to a multi-lane from NC 194 (Jefferson Ave.) to
US 321 (Hardin Street); approx.. 1.155 miles in length in Watauga County. TIP No.
U-4020
The attached project has been submitted to the N. C. State Clearinghouse for
intergovernmental review. Please review and submit your response by the above
indicated date to 1301 Mail Service Center, Raleigh NC 27699-1301.
If additional review time is needed, please contact this office at [phone].
AS A RESULT OF THIS REVIEW THE FOLLOWING IS SUBMITTED:
IN NO COMMENT
F COM TS ATTACHED
SIGNED BY:
DATE : -A • ( k • d
,;:?
`SEC
EPA Review Comments on the Federal EA for U-4020, US 421 Improvements,
Boone, Watauga County.
This is a non-Merger project. The Federal EA was issued on 12/8/06.and comments were
requested by 3/1/07. NCDOT proposes to widen US 421 to a multi-lane divided facility
from NC 194 to US 321 for approximately 1.2 miles.
Two alternatives were study in detail, Alternative 1 (4-lane divided) and Alternative 2 (4
to 6 lane divided). NCDOT prefers Alternative 2. Estimated impacts for the proposed
widening alternatives are as follows (Alternatives 1 & 2, respectively):
Residential & Business relocations: 1R/9B & 1R/9B
Church/Schools: 0/0 & 0/0
Wetlands: 0 & 0 acres
Streams: 100 & 100 linear feet
Riparian buffers: 0 & 0
Sections 4(f)/106 properties: 0/0 & 0/0
Archaeological sites: 0 & 0
Noise Receptors: 20 & 20
ESAs: 0
EJ communities: 0
Natural Heritage Program areas: 0 & 0
Air quality: No (NAAQS Attainment)
Terrestrial forests: 0& 0
Prime Farmlands: 0 & 0
Hazardous Material Sites: 6 & 6
Critical Water Supplies: No
EPA lacks objections to the proposed project and NCDOT's preferred alternative. The
Federal EA was comprehensive and the Summary table of impacts (iii) was very useful in
comparing the two alternatives. A Nationwide permit No. 14 will be needed by the
USACE.
EPA notes the extensive information contained in the EA regarding MSATs (Pages 30-
36). The proposed project should help to relieve congestion and improve LOS within the
project study area and should have a net positive impact on air quality, including MSAT
emissions. EPA also notes the project commitments for outside increased lane widths for
bicycle traffic as well as the adding sidewalks on both sides of the widened roadway.

EIS RELOCATION REPORT
E.I.S. ? CORRIDOR ? DESIGN
North Carolina Department of Transportation
RELOCATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
WBS: 35015.1.1 COUNTY Watauga Alternate 1 of 1 Alternate
I.D. NO.: U-4020 F.A. PROJECT NHF421 31
DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT: Proposed widening of US-421 Kin St.), NC-194 to US-321 Hardin St.
ESTIMATED DISPLACEES INCOME LEVEL
Type of
Displacees
Owners
Tenants
Total
Minorities
0-15M **
15-25M
25-35M
35-50M
50 UP
Residential 1 65 66 20 50+ 16
Businesses 9 21 31 2 VALUE OF DWELLING DSS DWELLING AVAILABLE
Farms Owners Tenants For S ale For R ent
Non-Profit 0-20M $ 0-150 0-20M $ 0-150
ANSWE R ALL QUEST IONS 20-40M 150-250 2040m 160-250
Yes No Explain all "YESN answers. 4070M 250.400 7 40-70M 250-400
X 1. Will special relocation services be necessary? 70-100M 40000 12 70-100M 400600 30+
X 2. Will schools or churches be affected by 100 up 1 B00 uP 46 100 up 100+ 600 up 100+
displacement? TOTAL 1 65 100+ 130+
X 3. Will business services still be available REMARK S (Resp ond b N umber
after project? 3. Will not be disrupted due to project.
X 4. Will any business be displaced? If so, 4. A. Clyde Jones Auto Parts, 8700 sf, 6 emp., 1 minority
indicate size, type, estimated number of
employees, minorities, etc. B. Antique Store, 3000 sf, 2 employees, 0 minorities
C. Hardees, 2975 sf, 24 employees, 8 minorities
x 5. Will. relocation cause a housing shortage? D. Ives Auto Sales, 845 sf, 2 employees, 0 minorities
E. Tom Ives Home Inspection, 845 sf, 1 employee, 0 min.
6. Source for available housing (list). F. Polaris, 6000 sf, 4 employees, 0 minorities
x 7. Will additional housing programs be
needed? G. Colvard Oil Co., 1625 sf, 9 emp., 2 minorities
$ Extra Mile Food Market, 2400 sf, 3 employees, 0 min.
X 8. Should Last Resort Housing be
considered? 1. Blue Ridge Beds, 3150 sf, 9 employees, 1 minority
J. High Country Cleaners, 2400 sf, 7 employees, 2 min.
x 9. Are there large, disabled, elderly, etc. K. Boone Gospel Tabernacle, 4900 sf, 2 employees, 0 min.
families? L. Black Bear Apts. Office, 3200 sf, 3 employees, 0 min.
x 10. Will public housing be needed for project? M. Massage Therapy, 1925 sf, 3 employees, 0 minorities
x 11. Is public housing available? N. Mexican Grocery Store, 1925 sf, 3 emp., 3 minorities
x 12. Is it felt there will be adequate DSS housing O. Trailway Cleaners, 7900 sf, 8 employees, 2 minorities
housing available during relocation period? P. Ski Rental Shop, 3325 sf, 3 employees, 0 minorities
x 13. Will there be a problem of housing within Q. Dental Office, 9100 sf, 7 employees, 1 minority
financial means? R. Skin Studio, 9100 sf, 2 employees, 0 minority
x 14. Are suitable business sites available (list S. Appalachian Family Practice, 9100 sf, 6 emp., 0 minority
source).
15. Number months estimated to complete
RELOCATION? 24 to 36 months T. Survey Company, 9100 sf, 7 employees, 1 minority
U. Optometrist Office, 3850 sf, 5 employees, 1 minority
V. State Farm Ins. Office, 3000 sf, 5 employees, 0 min.
Continued on Attached Sheet

06/05/2007
41)20_ L .,-e
Date
Right of Way Agent Relocation Coordi for Date
FRM15-E Revised W-02 Original & 1 Copy: Relocation Coordinator
2 Copy Division Relocation File
EIS Relocation Report Continued On U-4020 Watauga Count
W. Pottery Store, 1995 sf, 3 employees, 0 minorities
X. PC Medics Store, 1995 sf, 3 employees, 0 minorities
Y. Florist, 1995 sf, 5 employees, 0 minorities
Z. Winkler Plumbing Co.., 1995 sf, 6 employees, 1 minority
AA. Beauty Salon, 1995 sf, 3 employees, 0 minorities
BB. Appalachian.net Online Service, 900 sf, 4 employees, 0
minorities
CC. Pantry Inc., 4441 sf, 4 employees, 0 minorities
DD. Country Inn & Suites, 15400 sf, 25 employees, 12 minorities
EE. Auto Repair, 7694 sf, 4 employees, 0 minorities
FF. Business Storage Building, 950 sf, 1 employee, 0 minority
6. Watauga County Board of Realtors MLS, Newspapers, etc.
8. As necessary in accordance with state law.
11. Housing Authority, City of Boone
12. Given the last resort housing programs and proper lead-time it is felt
that DSS housing could be made available to those persons being
displaced.
14. Suitable business sites will be available during relocation period.
Source same as for available housing (no. 6)
++ Anticipated that the majority of tenant displacees are Appalachian State
students.

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
MICHAEL F. EASLEY
GOVERNOR
May 3, 2007
Mr. John F. Sullivan, P.E.
Division Administrator
Federal Highway Administration
310 New Bern Avenue, Suite 410
Raleigh, NC 27601
Dear Mr. Sullivan,
LYNDO TIPPETT
SECRETARY
SUBJECT: Proposed widening of US 421 (King Street) from US 321 (Hardin Street) to NC 194,
Boone, Watauga County, Federal Aid Project No. NHF-421(31), WBS Element 35015.1.1,
TIP No. U-4020
CERTIFICATION OF PUBLIC HEARING AND ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
This is to certify that a combined public hearing was held for the subject project on March 13,
2007. A copy of the public hearing transcript is attached for your records.
This is also to certify that the North Carolina Department of Transportation, Division of
Highways, has considered the impact of the project on the environment, its economic and social effects,
and the consistency of the project with the goals and objectives of the region.
Sincerely,
i
Gregory J. Thorpe, PhD, Director
Project Development and Environmental Analysis Branch
MAILING ADDRESS:
NC DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
PROJECT DEVELOPMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS
1548 MAIL SERVICE CENTER
RALEIGH NC 27699-1548
TELEPHONE: [phone]
FAX: [phone]
WEBSITE. WWW.DOH.DOT.STATE.NC.US
LOCATION:
TRANSPORTATION BUILDING
1 SOUTH WILMINGTON STREET
RALEIGH NC
526 with the school, there's going to be certain times of the year and times of the day when
527 the traffic is going to be pretty heavy. Anything that's not on that map, any suggestions
528 about changing traffic patterns, that would not have been addressed under this project.
529 That is something that can be addressed at the systems level with the RPO and with the
530 town of Boone. We will note those comments and make sure they get to the right person.
531 Under this project we would not be able to address that specific issue. It's outside the
532 scope of this project. We will pass that along to the appropriate person in Raleigh. Come
533 ahead, ma'am.
534
535 Beth Carroll: My name is Beth Carroll. My partner is a business owner. He'll
536 be affected by this.
537
538 I have a couple of easy questions. It's noted a proposed project. This is
539 definitely happening. Is there any chance that it won't happen? She'll need to move.
540 I'm not sure from this schedule if the right-of-way acquisition would be an appropriate
541 time frame for the business to move or if moving would have to happen prior to that
542 point. How far ahead of time might that be? When will she need to be out and when will
543 we know for sure what the time line is? Thanks.
544
545 Moderator: I would suggest that you do talk with Mr. Caudle. Jim, will you
546 raise your hand? That's one of those property specific questions that he can best handle.
547 As far as the schedule, yes, we may move that schedule up. It looks like we've got about
548 18 months between the right-of-way and construction. We're going to try to speed that
549 up. We want to go.ahead and have all the right-of-way bought before we start
550 construction. We want to have that out of the way. The Relocation Assistance Program,
551 the work that our Right-of-Way Agents do, we're going to work as hard as we can to
552 have everyone moved and situated before we start the project. Each scenario with each
553 property owner is different. I highly recommend, now's the time to be asking those
554 questions. Let me know what those questions are, and I'll get those to Mr. Caudle so he
555 can start to address those. Jim doesn't have all the information in front of him right now
556 but he can start looking into it.
557
558 Anyone else? We're going to be here for the next few minutes. The
559 comment sheet carries the same weight. I appreciate everyone coming out tonight. With
560 that, Iformally close the hearing. Thank you.
561
562
563 Hearing Adjourned.
564
565 Ed Lewis, Moderator
566 Public Involvement Unit
567
568
569 Typed by Cyndy D. Hummel
570 March 21, 2007
571
U-4020 US 421 - King Street page 12
478 decision as far as the relocation of your home or your business. It's a good program that
479 we have in place, Greg.
480
481 Greg Brew: (Inaudible)
482
483 Moderator: Sorry about that. I wasn't doing the math. Greg corrected me.
484 Greg Brew, our Roadway Design Engineer pointed out we may get out there six months
485 sooner than that right-of-way date. Thank you, Greg. Yes, sir, if you'll come up so I can
486 get it on the tape, I'd appreciate it. Greg did go to Virginia Tech. I went to State. That's
487 why he does the roadway design plans.
488
489 Edward Stamey: My name is Edward Stamey. I've lived here in Boone all
490 my life. They're taking some property that belongs to my Mom.
491
492 My question is a lot of these properties on the south side are going to be
493 chopped up, smaller areas to develop or build on. I'm concerned about what the town of
494 Boone, as easy as they are to work with you, what's going to happen in that regard.
495 Some of these places like on my Mom's property, it narrows down. Unless someone on
496 either side buys our property, we haven't even got a big enough place to build a parking
497 lot with set backs for parking cars or something. I'm concerned what may occur there
498 with the reduced amount of property that might be able to be developed unless people go
499 together and market their property. There's going to be even more loss to some people
500 than others.
501
502 Moderator: Thank you for those comments. Those are some of the discussions
503 as far as how much of the property is the Department going to buy, that's something
504 that's part of our negotiation with our. Right-of-Way Officer. You'll be able to have
505 those questions answered. As far as what any other property owners could do with the
506 city of Boone, that's a local issue. Our Right-of-Way Agents are going to talk about your
507 specific property, what the impacts are going to be and what exactly we would have to
508 purchase from you. Any other questions that you have, they would be able to answer
509 them or direct you to the correct person to talk to. With Boone involved with some of
510. those local issues, we tend to stay out of. Come ahead, sir.
511
512 Wiley Martin: I'm Wiley Martin. I did own the State Farm Insurance on East
513 King Street.
514
515 I'm asking you, is the problem getting traffic out on football games on
516 weekend traffic? Have they considered going down 105 and cut straight across Horn in
517 the west and tie it right into Appalachian State University? That way you can get
518 football crowds out. You can get people into Appalachian. It would be a lot less
519 expensive than taking this whole corner. I wondered if they considered that? If you've
520 got the new high school, you can come up 105 or come from Cold Creek. It would be a
521 lot less expense and a lot less people being relocated. That's all I wanted to ask.
522
523 Moderator: I appreciate those comments, sir. You're talking about a system
524 level subject. It's not just King Street but the entire traffic network. What we're talking
525 about tonight is just those improvements along King Street. With the football games,
U-4020 US 421 - King Street page 1 l
431 This may be a silly question with regard to the schedule. Although it's
432 indeterminate what time you begin, do we have any idea how long a project like this will
433 take?
434
435 Moderator: The question would be the construction time. It's always difficult
436 to put these improvements out there under traffic conditions. Trent, Frank what do you
437 think about, two years, two and a half years?
438
439 Unidentified DOT: (Inaudible)
440
441 Moderator: Two and a half to three years. It's quite a challenge constructing
442 these projects and still maintain traffic. We will have a traffic-phasing plan. The idea is
443 to keep the workers safe and the people in the cars safe while we're constructing this
444 project. Watch your step. State your name and address.
445
446 Jerry Idol: How are y'all doing? My name is Jerry Idol. I own Idol's Tire in
447 Boone. There's a man sitting right here that's been in business 54 years. I'm right
448 beside him. I've only owned my own place about 4 years. There's only going to be
449 about four businesses left on the left side. I've got seven employees to employ, not
450 counting all the jobs that's going to be took. We need to know as fast as we can what's
451 going to happen so we can plan. That's the only thing I'm wondering is how long is all
452 this going to take?
453
454 Moderator: If you'll turn to your handout where we've got the general project
455 information. We're looking at a right-of-way acquisition schedule of August 2008.
456 We've heard tonight that we want to speed that up. It's not going to keep you from
457 talking to one of our Right-of-Way Agents tonight. Tell them what your concerns are
458 and what your issues are. We do have processes in place that will assist in relocating the
459 business. With these type of widening projects, the down side is, we are buying people's
460 homes, buying businesses out that have been there forever. That's one of those things
461 that are hard, but it's necessary in order to get the cars out there a safe place to go. We
462 looked at trying to widen to the north side. The impacts would have been even greater.
463 The construction would have been more difficult. We also looked at trying to widen
464 equally on both sides. All that would have done would have taken out both sides. We
465 did take a hard look at this. The south side was the best side to widen to. There are
466 impacts associated with this project. It's those property owners and those homes and
467 businesses that are affected. Now is the time to start talking to our Right-of-Way Agents.
468 Go ahead and let them know what your concerns are. That way they'll have plenty of
469 time to address any concerns that you have. If we're able to speed the schedule up, that
470 right-of-way date could happen a year earlier. We'll stake that alignment on your
471 property. Our Right-of-Way Agent will come out and meet with you and talk about
472 options - how you're going to move, how you're going to value my property. Each
473 individual property that we deal with is different. It has it's own little things associated
474 with it. That's why our Right-of-Way Agents go out and discuss that with you. No
475 acquisition is the same. There's always something different that comes up. This process,
476 there's no black box associated with it. We're going to come out and speak with each
477 and every one of you, answer all your questions, so that you'll be able to make a good
U-4020 US 421 - King Street page 10
383 to please consider the design, since most of the construction is going to occur on the
384 south side. I'm not saying push it off on the south side totally. If there's any way to save
385 this tree, I think it would be a benefit, not only to my family but the community in
386 general. I think it's the only yard in this corridor because everything has gone business.
387 I bet the tree is over 100 years. Having grown up there, I've flown that tree all over the
388 world. It's been to the moon. That tree has had a swing in it at one time. I've written
389 songs about growing up there. Please reconsider, because even though it's a temporary
390 taking, it's a permanent taking of that tree. There's a maple tree, also I beg for, but if we
391 can't have the maple tree, please save the oak tree.
392
393. Moderator: We have spoken to a few other folks that have flown that jet and
394 space ship. The situation is the tree is in the temporary construction easement. That
395 temporary construction easement is what we use to work on the backside of the road.
396 We've heard that tonight. It is on the record. That will be something we will be
397 discussing with our design staff and our local DOT staff. We'll see what we can do in
398 that situation. We have noted the location of that tree. Come ahead, sir.
399
40o Lynn Hagaman: My name is Lynn Hagaman. I'm the Sheriff of Watauga
401 County. I'm going to ask a question in a second. You go back and tell your daddy that
402 your brother and I climbed that tree.
403'
404 I do have a question in regards to public safety. With the medians in the
405 roadway, if there's an emergency for either police, fire or EMS, can there be a crossing
406 that would be safe so they can cross over the medians?.
407
408 Moderator: Is there afire station or police station out there now? There's not a
409 fire station on the project.
410
411 Lynn Hagaman: No.
412
413 Moderator: The only situation where we would entertain the idea of a median
414 crossing would be immediately in front of a fire station. I think with the extra lanes, we
415 don't anticipate that there would be any sort of additional delay in response time. In fact,
416 with the extra amount of lanes, the response time should improve. We have had
417 questions along those lines before. If you and the fire chief can write us, and let us know
418 what your concerns are, we'll certainly address those.
419 .
420 Lynn Hagaman: I can't speak for the fire department. If there was a
421 structure fire across, depending on where the hydrant was, they may have to lay hose
422 across both lanes. Just wanted you to address that.
423
424 Moderator: Thank you for those comments, Sheriff. Anyone else tonight?
425 We'll be around a little bit if you want to talk to us one on one. If there's not any other
426 questions, I'll go ahead-come ahead, sir.
427
428 Bob Ducamera: Thank you, Mr. Lewis. My name is Bob Ducamera with
429 Prudential Mountain Properties.
430
U-4020 US 421 - King Street page 9
335
336 Jerry Idol: (Inaudible)
337
338 Moderator: Please note that Mr. Idol's questions have been addressed. If
339 there's anyone in the audience that would like to come up and make any comment, please
340 raise your hand, I'll call on you. Come on up and make your comment or question.
341 Again, let me stress that the comment sheet is good for 30 days. Take it home tonight. If
342 you have any questions, send that in to me. Yes, sir. Come ahead, please.
343
344 John Grasinger: Hello, my name is John Grasinger.
345
346 I'm just interested in the height of the wall that's going to go in front our
347 two new hotels across from New Market. Even more importantly, what the wall is going
348 to be made of and how it's going to look, since it's going to be a primary introduction of
349 people into our town?
350
351 Moderator: Thank you, sir. We've had several comments like that. We're
352 really not prepared to give you height and elevation. If you want that information, we
353 can certainly get that to you. The look of the wall, we can take a look at that and address
354 that at our meeting that's coming up in about 45 days. If you have any suggestions,
355 please send those in to us. If you have a question about how high a wall is or how high
356 the road is in front of your property, ask us that question and we'll get that to you pretty
357 quickly. I've heard similar questions tonight about that wall and that's something that we
358 can discuss and investigate. Anyone else tonight? Yes, ma'am, please come up. Yes,
359 sir, sorry.
360
361 Unidentified Male: (Inaudible)
362
363 Moderator: Let me just make sure that I get this on tape. The question from
364 the gentleman in back, do the comments that you send in on the comment sheet carry the
365 same weight as the comments tonight? Yes, they do. If you talked to one of us tonight,
366 and you didn't write anything down,. we're going to forget that. One of my guys forgot to
367 pick me up today. I was here about 30 minutes late. So we're a forgetful bunch. Please,
368 don't think that if you talked with us, that we've heard you. We've heard you right then.
369 What we want you to do is fill out these comment sheets. That way we can make sure
370 they fully get addressed and they will. So any comments, any questions, you can take
371 them home tonight and think about it. Just get them in before the 1 P. That way we can
372 fully give them their due diligence when we're trying to address them. Any other person
373 want to come up? Any other questions? Some people write better than they speak. They
374 don't feel comfortable speaking in front of a crowd. That's perfectly okay. You want to
375 come up ma'am?
376
377 Rebecca Eggers Grotter: I'm Rebecca Edwards Grotter. I'm an attorney here
378 in town.
379
380 I grew up in one of the properties that's listed on the map. I guess it's a
381 temporary taking in the Green Hatched. However, there is one of the few large trees in
382 the downtown area and on the corridor that's probably going to be lost. I would ask you
U-4020 US 421 - King Street page 8
287 through movement to make this road last as long as possible and get the road to move the
288 traffic like it needs to move. A lot of you may say, if somebody wants to turn into my
289 business are they going to? If you're a business that they want to get to, they will. This
290 type of median, we've done studies, the affect is negligible on the properties. What we're
291 looking at is controlling the access, making sure that the number of cars that we carry
292 lasts for a long time into the future and we have a safe design to limit those rear-end
293 collisions.
294
295 We'll go ahead and open up the floor for anyone that would like to speak. I've got three
296 folks on the list. Once they've gone through, we'll give everyone else an opportunity to
297 speak. When I call your name, what I would like for you to do is to come up, state your.
298 name and address and let us know what your comment or questions are. We may be able
299 to answer them tonight, we may not. Let's be respectful of everybody's questions and
300 comments. If there's any other questions, anyone else that wants to speak and you
301 haven't signed up, you'll get a chance. So with that, Mr. Jim Deal
302
303 Jim Deal: Thank you, Mr. Lewis. Mr. Lakey.
304
305 My comments are primarily directed toward the timing of the project. As
306 Mr. Lakey is aware and certain others are aware, we are in the process of building a new
307 high school just to the east of this property which will be serviced primarily by this road.
308 That high school is scheduled to be completed and opening, and we're crossing our
309 fingers, in August of 2010. That's going to put more traffic on this road than what's
310 there now. We would hope that increased traffic would not have to be working through a
311 construction zone, trying to get to a new high school. We certainly hope that you will do
312 everything that you can to advance the project and move it along to where it is completed
313 by August 2010 as well. If not, the difficulties that you are going to experience with
314 construction are going be even worse. So we hope that you will certainly take that into
315 consideration. Thank you.
316
317. Moderator: Thank you, Mr. Deal. We will be addressing that issue. Mr. Ron
318 Henries.
319
320 Ron Henries: My name is Ron Henries. I'm currently on the Watauga County
321 Board of Education.
322
323 I want to echo some of the things that Mr. Deal said about this project. I
324 look around this room and I see so many people that are going to loose property because
325 of this. My Heart goes out to every one of you. I was looking at the map trying to figure
326 out how many of these kids are going to be affected, trying to get to that new high school.
327 Six out of the eight school districts will be funneled through this channel to get to the.
328 new high school. Only Parkway and Green Valley will be coming in from the other
329 direction. It's instrumental that we be able to do something to facilitate traffic flow
330 through the Perkinsville area. I'm certainly not smart enough to know if this is the best
331 plan or not. It's up to these folks to decide that. We appreciate everybody's support in
332 trying to 'get these kids to the high school as quickly as possible. Thanks.
333
334 Moderator: Thank you, Mr. Henries. Jerry Idol.
U-4020 US 421 - King Street page 7
239 and sidewalks. There may be some culverts that we'll add on to the existing pipes. The
240 Candy Cane colored structures are existing structures that will stay in place. These
241 drainage structures here. The Blue stands for water. Pink or a Purple color will stand for
242 utility easement or a cemetery, things like that. We do have a historic property here.
243 That is a Dashed Line, but that's off the project. The project will have no effect on it.
244 That's the map.
245
246 The project starts here at Hardin Street. There's an existing signal that will remain there.
247 We are widening all the way to the south side. You may want to, in your handout, turn to
248 those overhead views of the intersections. You can see the number of lanes that we're
249 putting in to handle the turning movements. If you look at the typical section, we've got
250 a four-lane section, then a six-lane section. The six-lane section at 105, we've got six
251 lanes here, from here back, we've got four lanes. We've also got some additional turn
252 lanes. With the amount of traffic that's going to be turning, we wanted to separate that
253 turning traffic from the through traffic. That's going to help the cars and the trucks get
254 through there without having to wait for someone to make that left turn across traffic.
255 They're not going to be able to. Now you can do that with that two-lane you have out
256 there. We've got a concrete median barrier or a grassed median all the way through the
257 entire project. The only places you will be able to turn left will be at these signalized
258 intersections. What does that mean? That means that if you've brought a delivery into
259 Mountain Oil, you've come up from Greensboro, you'll turn in, drop your load, pick up a
260 load and then you'll come here. You're not going to be able to turn left because we've
261 got that median in there. We're going to ask you to come out, make a right turn, get in
262 this left turn lane, do a U-turn and get back to Greensboro where you're wanting to go. Is
263 that the only way to get .around? I think a lot of folks know that there's some back roads.
264 If you didn't want to do a left turn, if you knew another way, you can certainly do that.
265 From a safety standpoint and a capacity standpoint, when I talk about capacity, it's the
266 number of cars we move through here. We are prohibiting left-hand turns out of any of
267 the businesses and side roads. What we're asking you to do is come down here and do a
268 U-turn where it's safer to do that. Some of you have been out there today and have been
269 at some of these places. You haven't been able to turn left because of the amount of
270 traffic. You say, I'm going to go right and do a U-turn. We're starting to do this on all or
271 projects across the state because we want to keep traffic moving. We want this road to
272 last as long as it can. We're separating that turning traffic from that through traffic and
273 we're keeping everybody moving. You can do a safe U-turn at a signal because all the
274 right turns are separated from the through movements as are the left turns.
275
276 We've got existing signals at the major intersections Grove Street, East King Street,
277 Delmar Street. We've also got a signal at Jefferson Road/NC 194. We've got a signal
278 here now that's going to remain at Forest Hill Drive: We've got a signal at NC
279 105/1941US 221. We've got a signal here at Hardin Street. Some of these roads on the
280 uphill side of the road, there's not too much work we have to do to make them smoothly
281 tie-in to the new road. On the downhill side, the lower part of the road, you can see
282 where we're having to do some additional work on these side roads to make sure we've
283 got a good, safe design for folks turning out of and turning into that road. A lot of this
284 has to do with bringing the road up a little bit so you do have a smooth transition in your
285 car or truck getting up to the road. What we've tried to put in is a good, safe design.
286 We've put some extra lanes in there. We've separated the turn movements from the
U-4020 US 421 King Street page 6
191 be provided with assistance on locations of comparable housing and/or commercial
192 establishments, moving procedures, and moving aid. Moving expenses may be paid for
193 you. Additional monetary compensation is available to help homeowners cope with
194 mortgage increases, increased value of comparable homes, closing costs, etc. A similar
195, program is available to assist business owners. The Right-of-Way Agent can explain this
196 assistance in greater detail. We have representatives from our Right-of-Way Branch here
197 tonight. They've had an opportunity to speak with a lot of you. There's two pamphlets
198 that the Right-of-Way Office has put out. This one is "Frequently Asked Questions about
199 Right-of-Way Acquisition", and this one is "The Relocation Assistance Program". If
200 you're one of those property owners that are going to have right-of-way bought from you,
201 then this is the only one that you need. If you're one of those property owners that we're
202 going to purchase your entire property, then you want to go ahead and get both of these.
203 And tonight before you leave, touch base with our Right-of-Way Agents and get their
204 contact information, if you have any questions later on. You can send those questions to
205 me and I'll make sure that those right-of-way questions will get to those folks.
206
207 The last page, a lot of folks have already used it, it's the Comment Sheet. My contact
208 information is in the bottom right hand corner. You can use this form. You can mail it to
209 me. You can fax it to me. You can send something on your, letterhead. My US mail
21o address is down here. You can also email me. We are going to have available in PDF
211 format, this map. So if you do have a good computer system at home, email me and we
212 can get a copy of this map to you. If you do not have email capabilities and there's a
213 certain section of the map that you want to get a copy of, let me know and we'll get that
214 out to you.
215
216 We're going to go ahead and go through the map briefly. Then we'll open it up to our
217 speakers and anyone else. This is a public hearing map. What you see here is reflected
218 in the Environmental Assessment document. As all good maps, it has a north arrow, up
219 this way. It's got a legend, with all the different colors on it. We'll talk about what that
220 means. We also have these typical sections. This is what we gave you copies of in your
22,1 handout. There's different colors on here. The legend talks about what the different
222 colors are. The Brown color is structures. That could be anything from a home to a
223 businesses, to a garage, anything like that. The next color is the Dark Green color. That
224 Dark Green color that you see in certain places, that is right-of-way that is owned by the
225 Department of Transportation now. The next color is the Light Green color. The Light
226 Green color, without the hash marks is permanent right-of-way that the Department is
227 going to have to purchase. You can see with all the widening to the south side, there's a
228 lot of Light Green in there. There's also Light Green color with the hash marks through
229 it that's a construction easement. Most of the time we need that to work and get the
230 equipment in there. In most cases that will revert back to the property owner. Sometimes
231 we may have to keep it if it's a drainage easement of some sort so we can make sure the
232 roadway has a place for the storm water to drain. The next color is the Gray color. The
233 Gray is existing road that's out there now. The next color is the Orange color. Orange is
234 existing road that is out there now that's going to be resurfaced. We'll resurface all of
235 King Street under this project because we are making it a smoother road from a design
236 standpoint. The next color that we want to talk about is the Yellow color. That's new
237 roadway. That's new pavement. You can see all the new paving is pretty much on the
238 south side. The Red color stands for concrete structures like the median, curb and gutter
U-4020 US 421 - King Street page 5
143 If you turn to the next page, we've got some proposed project information. We've
144 discussed that. The typical section, those are in the back. You can take a look at those
145 that shows typically what we're going to put out there. The right-of-way varies from 100
146 feet to 140 feet. There is no access control. So each property would have access to the
147 roadway. Since we are widening to the south side, we have 63 residences that are
148 anticipated to be moved. We have 25 businesses that would be impacted by the project
149 and would have to be moved. Then there below, you see our estimated cost of the
150 project. Our right-of-way cost is just over $ 21,000,000, utilities cost around $ 700,000,
151 construction cost a little over $ 11,000,000, for a total cost of a little over
152 $33,000,000. The tentative schedule and I underscore tentative, is shown below. A
153 number of factors can affect a project schedule, so project schedules are subject to
154 change. The right-of-way acquisition is scheduled for August 2008, construction for
155 April 2010. I was informed today that the Department is making an effort to speed that
156 schedule up.
157
158 The next page is the Summary of Environmental Impacts. I won't go through those.
159 There's a list on the left and then on the right is the number associated with it. As far as
160 noise receptors, there's 20. The residential relocations, we show those. Critical water
161 supply total cost, that's just some information that's been included in the Environmental
162 Assessment that we used in planning the project.
163
164 The next page is the Typical Section. If you cut the road and laid it on end like you
165 would a loaf of bread, that's kind of what we've shown here. You can see the number of
166 lanes, four and six lanes. On the next page is some intersection diagrams showing the
167 lane configurations. Those speak for themselves. You can see the turning lanes.
168
169 The next page is just a vicinity map showing the project in relation to Watauga county.
170
171 The next page is our Right-of-Way page. We do have some right-of-way issues that we
172 do need to address. We do have some relocations that we're going to take care of as well.
173 After decisions have been made regarding the final design, the proposed right-of-way
174 limits will be staked out on the properties that are out there. The property owners can see
175 exactly how far into their property that the right-of-way is coming. At that point in time,
176 our local Right-of-Way Agent will call you and set up an appointment with you to come
177 out and talk about what that line means. He'll inform you of your rights as a property
178 owner. He'll fully explain the whole right-of-way acquisition process. If permanent
179 right-of-way is required, these professionals who are familiar with real estate values will
180 evaluate and appraise your property. The evaluations and appraisals will be reviewed for
181 completeness and accuracy and then the Right-of-Way Agent will make a written offer to
182 you. The current market value of the property at its highest and best use when appraised,
183 will be offered as compensation. There's four rules that the Department must follow.
184 Number one, we treat all owners and tenants equally. Number two, we must fully explain
185 the owner's rights. Number three, we must pay just compensation in exchange for
186 property rights. And number four, we must furnish relocation advisory assistance.
187
188 Relocation Advisory Assistance is the next heading. If you are a relocatee, in other
189 words, if your residence or business is to be acquired, purchased as part of this project,
190 additional assistance in the form of advice and compensation is available. You will also
U-4020 US 421 - King Street page 4
97 spoken and written issues will be discussed at that meeting. We'll have minutes from that
98 meeting available to anyone that wants them. We'll also have a typed transcript of
99 tonight's hearing available for anyone who wants to see those as well. In order to get
100 those, contact me in and let me know that.
101
102 The State/Federal Relationship, we're talking about the funding of the project. It's 80%
103 Federal dollars, 20% State dollars. The Board of Transportation is responsible for the
104 selection and scheduling of the projects on the Federal Aid System, their location, design
105 and maintenance cost after construction. FHWA, or Federal Highways is responsible for
106 the review and approval of the previously mentioned activities to ensure that each Federal
107 Aid Project is designed, constructed and maintained to Federal Aid Standards.
108
109 Need for the Project. King Street is classified in the Federal Highway Functional
110 Classification System as a "principal arterial". Arterials are meant to provide a higher
ill level of mobility. However, the development along the project prevents it from
112 adequately providing long, uninterrupted travel that a "US" route is intended to provide.
113 Because of its location in the Town of Boone, US 421 serves the local traffic needs by
114 providing access to adjacent businesses. Due to the numerous through routes (US 321,
115 US 221, NC 194 and NC 105) that go through there, that intersect with King Street, the
116 project corridor acts as a funnel for traffic to and from Boone, the Tri-Cities in
.117 Tennessee, as well as the Triad and Metrolina areas of North Carolina. The current
118 Average Daily Traffic (ADT) on US 421 in Boone ranges from 19,000 to 39,000 vehicles
119 per day and is expected to increase to almost 29,000 and close to 68,000 vehicles per day
120 by the year 2030. You all know what it looks like out there now, imagine what it would
121 look like if we did not do any improvements. Based on traffic projections and without
122 the proposed project, King Street would operate very poorly with considerable traffic
123 delays in the future. Also, tum.to the next page, during a recent three-year period, there
124 were 268 accidents that occurred on this section of King Street in town. The most
125 frequent type of accident was the rear-end collisions. The resulting accident rate is two
126 times higher than the statewide rate for similar highway facilities. With the amount of
127 congestion, people stopping and starting, trying to turn left, that's why you have those
128 type of collisions.
129
130 The Project Description. The Department proposes to widen King Street from an existing
131 two-lane roadway to a multi-lane roadway from NC 194/Jefferson Avenue to US 321/
132 Hardin Street. Widening is proposed to take place on the south side of the existing
133 alignment for two reasons. One, that it is more economic alternative and secondly, it is
134 the most practical from a design perspective. In addition, the intersections with Grove
135 Street, Hardin Street, New Market Street, Forest Hills Drive and Jefferson Avenue will be
136 improved. The project length is about 1.2 miles long. What we are talking about as far
137 as the standard number of lanes, King Street will be widened to a four-lane, divided, curb
138 and gutter roadway with a 17.5-foot raised median and five-foot sidewalks on both sides
139 from Hardin Street to US 221/NC 105. We will add additional turn lanes as needed.
140 From that point, US 4211US 221/NC 105 to just past NC 194, the project will widen to a
141 basic six-lane, divided, curb and gutter roadway with sidewalks on both sides.
142
U-4020 US 421 - King Street page 3
49 how congested that road is at different times of the day. Traffic is going to increase by
50 the year 2030 to an extra 10,000 cars. What we wanted to do was go in and provide some
51 extra lanes so we can handle the extra traffic that's going to be out there. One of the
52 other things we do, with the intersections out there is to also provide separate turning
53 lanes. So the folks that are wanting to go straight on through won't have to wait for a
54 person to turn in front of them. Basically we're adding more lanes out there to handle the
55 cars and the many turns that will be taking place out there.
56
57 What is the Purpose of the Public Hearing? It's an on going process. We've been out
58 here before and talked with many of you about this project at a Citizen's Informational
59 Workshop. It's an opportunity for you to give us some more information about this
60 project, how it affects you, and what your comments are. Planning and environmental
61 studies have been on going. We've completed the first step with the Environmental
62 Assessment. Once we finish the public involvement process, over the next 30 days, we'll
63 complete the next phase document. It's called a Finding Of No Significant Impact.
64 We've had copies of the EA and the map available for the last 30 days at the Town of
65 Boone, Town Hall on West King Street. We've also had it available at the District
66 Engineer's Office on Jefferson Highway in Boone. They'll continue to be there.
67
68 The next place, Your Participation. That's very important. I had an opportunity to talk to
69 a few of you tonight, prior to the meeting. You were able to tell me certain issues
70 associated with your property. You were able to ask me questions. That is why we were
71 here. We wanted to make sure we had an opportunity to speak with you one on one.
72 We're going to be recording the hearing tonight. That way we'll capture all your
73 comments and questions that you have. We may not be able to answer them all tonight,
74 but we will eventually address them at a meeting that's going to take place in about 45
75 days in Raleigh. There's a lot of different ways you can give us your comments. One is
76 to come up tonight and speak into the microphone. On the last page of the handout,
77 there's a comment sheet. In the bottom left hand corner is my contact information. If
78 you have any question at all about this project, how the project affects you or your
79 community, anything like that, send that in to me within the next 30 days. What I will
80 do, if it's a design question, I'll make sure Mr. Brew gets it. If it's a planing question,
81 Mr. White will get that. If it's a right-of-way question, I'll share that with our local right-
82 of-way office here. Right now, I'm the point of contact. Everybody will see these
83 comments. I'll go ahead and send those comments out.
84
85 There's a lot of different people here tonight. Everybody's going to have their own
86 opinion. We're not here to argue. I'm not here to convince you that this is the best
87 project. What we're about tonight is to hear your comments. They're going to be
88 different. Let's respect each other's comments. Let's give everybody an opportunity to
89 speak tonight and let us know what their comments are. We'll all get along just fine.
90
91 Let's turn to the next page. What is Done with the Input? We read every one of them. I
92 had a project three months ago; I had about 1,400 comments that came in. I read every
93 one of them. It took a while. We made sure we addressed every one of them. We want
94 to address your comments. Get those in and I'll be sending those out as they come in. In
95 about 30 or 40 days we'll have a meeting in Raleigh and we'll discuss everything that
96 we've heard tonight and everything that we're going to hear in the next 30 days. All
U-4020 US 421 - King Street page 2
I OFFICIAL PUBLIC HEARING TRANSCRIPT
2 Combined Public Hearing for US 421 (King Street) Improvements
3 From NC 194 (Jefferson Avenue) to US 321 (Hardin Street)
4 Broyhill Inn & Conference Center
5 March 13, 2007
6 TIP #U-4020
7
8
9 Good evening. My name is Ed Lewis. I'm a Public Hearing Officer for the North
10 Carolina Department of Transportation. I'll be conducting the hearing tonight. I'd like to
11 welcome you all to the public hearing to talk about the proposed transportation
12 improvements to Ding Street in Boone. We refer to that project number as TIP Project
13 U-4020. So any time you talk to one of us, with the Department of Transportation, please
14 use that number.
15
16 Before we get into it, I want to introduce some folks that we have here tonight. We have
17 with us for the North Carolina Department of Transportation, Board of Transportation
18 Representative for this area, Mr. Arnold Lakey. We also have Mr. Michael Pettyjohn,
19 who is the Division Engineer. We have Mr. Trent Beaver, who is the Division
20 Construction Engineer. From our Right of Way Branch, we have Jimmy Caudle and we
21 also have Daniel Miles. We have Ivan Dishman, Assistant District Engineer, Mr. Frank
22 Gioscio, who is the Resident Engineer. I think a lot of y' all know Frank. All these folks
23 are from this area here, so these are your Department of Transportation representatives.
24 They work in this area. It will be these folks that will be working on this project. From
25 our Raleigh offices, with the Department of Transportation, we have Mr. Greg Brew,
26 who is our Roadway Design Engineer. Greg's team is responsible for -the maps that you
27 see here tonight. Along with Greg, we have Mr. Imad Younis. From our planning
28 branch, the folks that are responsible for the planning of the project and producing the
29 Environmental Assessment, we have Mr. John Conforti; we have Mr. Ryan White, and
30 Zahid Baloch. We have Mr. Greg Smith, who is our Noise and Air person. Assisting me
31 .tonight, out of my shop is Mr. Jamille Robbins. I think we've covered everybody. We
32 also have Mr. Craig Hughes, who is one of the members of the High Country RPO.
33 That's the Rural Planning Organization. They take care of the local planning issues.
34
35 We'll go ahead and get into the hearing. First, I want to make sure that everybody signed
36 in and picked, up the literature for tonight's public hearing. If you did not get one, raise
37 your hand and we'll get you one to you..Jamille will bring those to you, and Mr: White.
38
39 The way we're going to do this, we're going to go through the literature real quickly and
40 then we're going to go through the map, explain the map. Then we're going to open it up
41 for you to ask any questions or make any comments. We did have a sign-up sheet
42 available out front. So we'll go through those folks. Then once those folks that have
43 signed up have spoken then we'll give everyone an opportunity to speak also.
44
45 Let's go ahead and turn to the first page of the handout. What is the Purpose of the
46 Project? The project proposes to widen King Street to a multi-lane roadway from NC
47 194, Jefferson Avenue to US 321, Hardin Street. The purpose of the project is to
48 improve mobility and route connectivity through the project study area. You all know
U-4020 US 421 - King Street page 1