Draft CP 1 Form (002).docx

Section 404/NEPA Interagency Agreement
Concurrence Point 1
Project Purpose and Need and Study Area

Project Title: US 421/US 321 from US 321 Junction to SR 1107 (NC 105 Bypass), Watauga Co.
STIP No.: R-2615
WBS No.: 44385.1.3

Purpose and Need of the Proposed Action:
Congestion: The primary purpose of the proposed action is to reduce congestion on US 421/US 321 to
achieve a LOS D or better in 2045, the project design year, during the highest average weekday traffic
conditions.
Bicycle Accommodation: Another desirable outcome of the proposed action is facilitate travel by bicycle
along the US 421/US 321 project corridor.
Study Area Boundary:
The proposed study area boundary illustrated on the project’s Environmental Features Maps (Figures 1a
and 1b; attached) includes logical termini and is of sufficient size to allow the development of one or
more alternatives that meet the Purpose and Need for the proposed project. The study area extends
along US 421/US 321 from the US 321 Junction to SR 1107 (NC 1065 Bypass), generally encompassing an
area 250 feet on each side of the existing road centerline. The study area includes what is needed along
y-lines on the proposed project.

The Merger Team has concurred on this date May 16, 2019 on the above mentioned project purpose
and need and the study area for STIP Project R-2615.

Name Agency Date

_______________________________________FHWA_________________________________________

_______________________________________USEPA_________________________________________

_______________________________________USACE_________________________________________

_______________________________________USFWS________________________________________

_______________________________________NCDOT________________________________________

_______________________________________NCWRC________________________________________

R-2615 US421/US 321 Improvements
Concurrence Point 1

_______________________________________NCDWR______________________________________

_______________________________________NCSHPO_______________________________________

_______________________________________HCRPO________________________________________
R-2615 US421/US 321 Improvements
Concurrence Point 1