Re_ _EXTERNAL_ NCDOT STIP R-5927 Start of Study

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Rick,

This project area is within the known range of the federally endangered red-cockaded woodpecker (RCW). A survey for RCW cavity trees should be conducted in suitable habitat within 0.5
mile of the project footprint. If active RCW cavity trees are observed, the USFWS should be contacted with the results. The presence of active RCW cavity trees may require a Foraging
Habitat Analysis (FHA) to be conducted. The results of a FHA would determine whether formal Section 7 consultation is required.

Gary Jordan
Fish and Wildlife Biologist, Liaison to NCDOT
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Raleigh Ecological Services Field Office
551-F Pylon Drive, Raleigh, NC 27606
[e-mail]

________________________________

From: Rick DeCola <[e-mail]>
Sent: Thursday, August 24, 2023 9:47 AM
To: [e-mail] <[e-mail]>; [e-mail] <[e-mail]>; Jordan, Gary <[e-mail]>; [e-mail]
<[e-mail]>; [e-mail] <[e-mail]>; [e-mail] <[e-mail]>; [e-mail] <[e-mail]>;
[e-mail] <[e-mail]>; [e-mail] <[e-mail]>; [e-mail] <[e-mail]>
Cc: Davis, Gregory S <[e-mail]>; King, Art C <[e-mail]>; Badgett, Rex <[e-mail]>; Jennifer Satterthwaite <[e-mail]>; Veronica Miller
<[e-mail]>; Siobhan Gordon <[e-mail]>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] NCDOT STIP R-5927 Start of Study

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Good Morning,

The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) Division 8 has begun the project development, environmental and engineering studies for the proposed widening of US 15/US 501
from the NC 2/NC 211 traffic circle in Pinehurst to NC 73 (Moore County). Additionally, NC 73 and SR 1838 (McCaskill Road) will be realigned to form one single intersection. The project
is included in the NCDOT 2020-2029 State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) as project R-5927 and is scheduled for right-of-way in fiscal year 2026 and construction in fiscal
year 2029. It will be funded through the State Highway Trust Fund. A State Environmental Assessment/Finding of No Significant Impact is anticipated to be prepared in accordance with
the North Carolina Environmental Policy Act (SEPA).

Attached for your review are the project vicinity and study area maps. We would appreciate any information that you might have that would be helpful in evaluating potential environmental
impacts of the project, including recommendations of alternatives to be studied. If applicable, please identify any permits or approvals that may be required by your agency.

Please respond by September 25, 2023, so that your comments can be used in the scoping of this project. If you have any questions concerning this project, or would like any additional
information, please contact me at 919-714-8666 or [e-mail] <mailto:[e-mail]> and include the STIP R-5927 in all correspondence and comments.

Sincerely,

Rick DeCola

Rick DeCola, PE
Transportation Department Manager
Direct: 919-714-8666 | Cell: 919-395-3854 | Transfer Files <https://newforma.meadhunt.com/UserWeb/Transfers/PersonalTransfer.aspx?personal=[e-mail]>
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Planning and Environmental Studies

Project Delivery Unit

Division 5

[phone] (office)

[phone] (mobile)

NCDOT-Division 5

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Courier: 17-27-03

Durham, NC 27704

________________________________

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