Section C: Table of Contents

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Table of ContentsVOLUME 1

Chapters

S SUMMARY ..........................................................................................................................................S-1

S.1 U.S. 50 CORRIDOR CHARACTERISTICS ............................................................................S-2

S.2 PURPOSE AND NEED ..........................................................................................................S-4

S.2.1 Safety Issues .............................................................................................................S-4

S.2.2 Mobility Issues ...........................................................................................................S-5

S.2.3 Access Issues ............................................................................................................S-6

S.2.4 Flexibility to Accommodate Future Needs .................................................................S-6

S.3 PROJECT AREA ....................................................................................................................S-6

S.4 ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED............................................................................................S-7

S.4.1 No-Build Alternative ...................................................................................................S-8

S.4.2 Build Alternatives .......................................................................................................S-8

S.5 AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT, ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES, ANDMITIGATION .........................................................................................................................S-11

S.6 IDENTIFICATION OF PREFERRED ALTERNATIVE AND SUMMARY OF IMPACTS .......S-15

S.7 COMMUNITY OUTREACH AND AGENCY INVOLVEMENT ..............................................S-17

S.8 SECTION 4(F) EVALUATION ..............................................................................................S-17

S.9 MITIGATION STRATEGIES .................................................................................................S-18

S.10 ANTICIPATED OUTCOMES OF TIER 1 ..............................................................................S-19

1 INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................................. 1-1

1.1 PREVIOUS STUDIES ............................................................................................................ 1-2

1.2 TIERED NEPA PROCESS ..................................................................................................... 1-4

1.3 PROJECT AREA AND STUDY AREA LIMITS ....................................................................... 1-5

1.4 LOGICAL PROJECT TERMINI .............................................................................................. 1-6

1.4.1 Logical Western Terminus ......................................................................................... 1-6

1.4.2 Logical Eastern Terminus .......................................................................................... 1-6

1.5 U.S. 50 TIER 1 EIS CONTENTS ............................................................................................ 1-8

2 PURPOSE AND NEED ....................................................................................................................... 2-1

2.1 BACKGROUND INFORMATION............................................................................................ 2-1

2.1.1 Existing Roadway Conditions .................................................................................... 2-2

2.1.2 Types of Users on the U.S. 50 Corridor .................................................................... 2-2

2.2 PROJECT PURPOSE ............................................................................................................ 2-4

2.3 NEED FOR THE ACTION ...................................................................................................... 2-42.3.1 Safety Issues ............................................................................................................. 2-5

2.3.2 Mobility Issues ......................................................................................................... 2-10

2.3.3 Access ..................................................................................................................... 2-12

2.3.4 Flexibility to Accommodate Future Needs ............................................................... 2-13

2.4 SUMMARY ........................................................................................................................... 2-14


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3 ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED ........................................................................................................ 3-1

3.1 PROCESS OVERVIEW .......................................................................................................... 3-2

3.2 REGIONAL CORRIDOR LOCATION ..................................................................................... 3-2

3.2.1 Descriptions of Regional Corridor Locations ............................................................. 3-3

3.2.2 Screening of Regional Corridor Locations ................................................................. 3-4

3.2.3 Decision Regarding Regional Corridor Location ....................................................... 3-6

3.3 TRANSPORTATION MODE................................................................................................... 3-6

3.3.1 Descriptions of Transportation Modes ....................................................................... 3-7

3.3.2 Screening of Transportation Modes .......................................................................... 3-9

3.3.3 Decision Regarding Transportation Mode ............................................................... 3-11

3.4 FACILITY TYPE ................................................................................................................... 3-12

3.4.1 Description of Facility Types.................................................................................... 3-13

3.4.2 Screening of Facility Types ..................................................................................... 3-17

3.4.3 Decision Regarding Facility Type ............................................................................ 3-19

3.5 THROUGH TOWN OR AROUND TOWN (BYPASS) .......................................................... 3-20

3.5.1 Descriptions of Through-Town and Around-Town Corridors ................................... 3-21

3.5.2 Evaluation of Through-Town and Around-Town Corridors ...................................... 3-24

3.5.3 Decision Regarding Through-Town or Around-Town Corridors .............................. 3-263.6 ALTERNATIVES CARRIED FORWARD FOR FURTHER CONSIDERATION ................... 3-27

3.6.1 No-Build Alternative ................................................................................................. 3-27

3.6.2 Build Alternatives ..................................................................................................... 3-27

3.6.3 Identification of the Least Environmentally Damaging Practicable Alternative ....... 3-29

3.6.4 Evaluation of Alternatives ........................................................................................ 3-42

4 AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT, ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES, AND MITIGATION ............ 4-1

4.1 RURAL AND AGRICULTURAL ENVIRONMENT .................................................................. 4-5

4.1.1 Affected Environment ................................................................................................ 4-6

4.1.2 Environmental Consequences ................................................................................ 4-11

4.1.3 Mitigation ................................................................................................................. 4-244.2 NATURAL ENVIRONMENT ................................................................................................. 4-27

4.2.1 Wetland and Riparian Resources ............................................................................ 4-28

4.2.2 Wildlife and Wildlife Habitat ..................................................................................... 4-37

4.2.3 Water Resources ..................................................................................................... 4-61

4.2.4 Geologic and Paleontological Resources ................................................................ 4-79

4.3 COMMUNITY AND BUILT ENVIRONMENT ........................................................................ 4-91

4.3.1 Historic Resources .................................................................................................. 4-92

4.3.2 Archaeological Resources ..................................................................................... 4-108

4.3.3 Land USE .............................................................................................................. 4-113

4.3.4 Parklands and Recreational Resources ................................................................ 4-140

4.3.5 Social and Economic Conditions ........................................................................... 4-153

4.3.6 Environmental Justice ........................................................................................... 4-171

4.3.7 Aesthetics and Visual Resources .......................................................................... 4-189

4.3.8 Air Quality .............................................................................................................. 4-201

4.3.9 Traffic Noise .......................................................................................................... 4-208


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4.4 OTHER ............................................................................................................................... 4-217

4.4.1 Transportation ....................................................................................................... 4-217

4.4.2 Hazardous Materials .............................................................................................. 4-230

4.4.3 Section 6(f) Resources .......................................................................................... 4-239

4.4.4 Energy ................................................................................................................... 4-242

4.4.5 Global Climate Change ......................................................................................... 4-250

4.4.6 Cumulative Effects ................................................................................................. 4-256

4.4.7 Irreversible and Irretrievable Commitment of Resources ...................................... 4-278

4.4.8 Short-Term Uses versus Long-Term Productivity ................................................. 4-279

5 SECTION 4(F) EVALUATION ............................................................................................................. 5-1

5.1 METHODOLOGY FOR SECTION 4(F) RESOURCES .......................................................... 5-4

5.1.1 Methodology Used to Identify Resources that are or May Be Eligible for Listing onThe NRHP ................................................................................................................. 5-5

5.1.2 Degree of Confidence that a Resource Would be Affected by a Build Alternative ... 5-5

5.1.3 Uncertainty that Potentially Affected Land Within a Publicly Owned Multiple Use AreaWould be Used for Recreation .................................................................................. 5-5

5.2 PURPOSE AND NEED FOR THE PROJECT ........................................................................ 5-55.3 BUILD ALTERNATIVES ......................................................................................................... 5-6

5.4 SECTION 4(F) RESOURCES AND POTENTIAL USE .......................................................... 5-8

5.4.1 Parkland and Recreational Resources ...................................................................... 5-8

5.4.2 Historic and Archaeological Resources ................................................................... 5-15

5.4.3 Location Maps of Section 4(f) Resources ............................................................... 5-35

5.4.4 Summary of Section 4(f) Resources and Potential Use .......................................... 5-39

5.5 AVOIDANCE ALTERNATIVES ............................................................................................ 5-42

5.5.1 No-Build Alternative ................................................................................................. 5-42

5.5.2 Regional Corridor Locations .................................................................................... 5-42

5.6 MEASURES TO MINIMIZE HARM....................................................................................... 5-43

5.7 LEAST HARM ....................................................................................................................... 5-44

5.8 SUMMARY OF TIER 1 SECTION 4(F) EVALUATION ........................................................ 5-45

5.9 AGENCY COORDINATION ................................................................................................. 5-45

5.10 NEXT STEPS: TIER 2 PROCESSES .................................................................................. 5-47

6 IDENTIFICATION OF PREFERRED ALTERNATIVE AND SUMMARY OF IMPACTS .................... 6-1

6.1 PREFERRED ALTERNATIVE IDENTIFICATION .................................................................. 6-1

6.1.1 Evaluation of Build Alternatives (Around-Town Corridors) ........................................ 6-1

6.1.2 Screening of and Decisions Regarding Build Alternatives ........................................ 6-4

6.1.3 Results of Build Alternative Screening .................................................................... 6-22

6.2 PREFERRED ALTERNATIVE ANALYSIS ........................................................................... 6-23

7 COMMUNITY OUTREACH AND AGENCY INVOLVEMENT............................................................. 7-1

7.1 TIERING OF THE EIS, PRE-SCOPING PROCESS, AND RESULTS................................... 7-1

7.1.1 Tiering Meeting .......................................................................................................... 7-1

7.1.2 Community Pre-Scoping ............................................................................................ 7-2

7.1.3 Agency Pre-Scoping .................................................................................................. 7-3

7.1.4 Railroad Coordination ................................................................................................ 7-4

7.1.5 Formation of Project Working Groups ....................................................................... 7-4

7.2 SCOPING PROCESS AND RESULTS .................................................................................. 7-6

7.2.1 Agency Scoping Meeting ........................................................................................... 7-6


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7.2.2 Public Scoping Meeting ............................................................................................. 7-6

7.3 COMMUNITY OUTREACH EFFORTS .................................................................................. 7-7

7.3.1 Communication with the Public ................................................................................. 7-7

7.3.2 Public Meetings at Key Project Milestones ............................................................... 7-9

7.4 WORKING GROUP COORDINATION ................................................................................... 7-9

7.5 NEXT STEPS ....................................................................................................................... 7-10

8 MITIGATION STRATEGIES ............................................................................................................... 8-1

8.1 TIER 1 AVOIDANCE AND MINIMIZATION ACTIVITIES ....................................................... 8-1

8.2 MITIGATION STRATEGIES ................................................................................................... 8-2

8.2.1 Mitigation Strategies for Natural Environment Resources ........................................ 8-2

8.2.2 Mitigation Strategies for Built Environment Resources ............................................. 8-9

9 REFERENCES .................................................................................................................................... 9-1

10 LIST OF PREPARERS ..................................................................................................................... 10-1

11 RECIPIENTS ..................................................................................................................................... 11-1

VOLUME 2

Appendixes

A RESOURCE TECHNICAL MEMORANDA

Agricultural Resources

Air Quality

Biological ResourcesCumulative Effects

Economics

Hazardous Materials

Historic and Archaeological Resources

Land Use and Social Considerations

Minority and Low-Income Populations

Section 4(f) and Section 6(f) Resources

Traffic Noise

Wetland and Riparian Resources


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B RANGE OF ALTERNATIVES TECHNICAL MEMORANDUM

C PUBLIC AND AGENCY INVOLVEMENT

D FHWA INTERIM GUIDANCE ON MSAT ANALYSIS

E NATURAL RESOURCES MITIGATION STRATEGIES PLAN

F SUMMARY OF PRELIMINARILY IDENTIFIED PREFERRED ALTERNATIVE IMPACTS BYLOCATION


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List of FiguresS SUMMARY

Figure S-1. U.S. 50 Corridor through the Lower Arkansas Valley ............................................................ S-1

Figure S-2. U.S. 50 West of Hasty, Colorado ........................................................................................... S-2

Figure S-3. Four-Lane Section East of Rocky Ford .................................................................................. S-3Figure S-4. Downtown Manzanola ............................................................................................................ S-3

Figure S-5. Feedlot along U.S. 50 ............................................................................................................ S-4

Figure S-6. Example of Inadequate Clear Zone along U.S. 50 ................................................................ S-5

Figure S-7. Tractor on U.S. 50 in Rocky Ford ........................................................................................... S-5

Figure S-8. U.S. 50 Project Area .............................................................................................................. S-7

Figure S-9. Screening Approach Used to Develop the Range of Reasonable Alternatives ..................... S-8

Figure S-10. Location of the U.S. 50 Tier 1 EIS Build Alternatives ........................................................ S-10

Figure S-11. Overestimation of Effects to Resources by a Build Alternative .......................................... S-12

Figure S-12. Resources that Could and Cannot be Avoided by a Build Alternative ............................... S-12

1 INTRODUCTION

Figure 1-1. U.S. 50 through Lower Arkansas Valley .................................................................................. 1-1

Figure 1-2. U.S. 50 Project Area ................................................................................................................ 1-5

Figure 1-3. Logical Termini of U.S. 50 Corridor Improvements ................................................................. 1-7

2 PURPOSE AND NEED

Figure 2-1. Two-Lane versus Four-Lane Travel on U.S. 50 ...................................................................... 2-2

Figure 2-2. General Travel Needs of Various U.S. 50 Users ..................................................................... 2-4

Figure 2-3: Level of Service of Safety of U.S. 50, 2008-2012 ................................................................... 2-6

Figure 2-4. Examples of Inadequate Clear Zones on U.S. 50 ................................................................... 2-8

Figure 2-5. Agricultural Vehicles Driving on U.S. 50 in Downtown Rocky Ford (left) and Mixingwith Auto Traffic (right) ............................................................................................................................. 2-11

Figure 2-6. Posted Speed Limits (Primary) on U.S. 50 for Each Mile from I-25 in Pueblo (milepost 316) tothe Kansas State Line (milepost 467.5) ................................................................................................... 2-12

3 ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED

Figure 3-1. Screening Approach Used to Develop the Range of Reasonable Alternatives ...................... 3-2

Figure 3-2. Location of the Regional Corridors Considered ...................................................................... 3-3

Figure 3-3. Passenger Rail, Freight Rail, and Bus Services Available within the U.S. 50 Corridor .......... 3-8

Figure 3-4. Typical Two-Lane Highway with Passing Lanes (Partial Rebuild) Roadway Profile andCross-Section ........................................................................................................................................... 3-13

Figure 3-5. Typical Two-Lane Highway with Passing Lanes (Total Rebuild) Roadway Profile andCross-Section ........................................................................................................................................... 3-14

Figure 3-6. Typical Four-Lane Highway (Partial Rebuild) Roadway Profile and Cross-Section .............. 3-15

Figure 3-7. Typical Four-Lane Rural Expressway (Total Rebuild) Roadway Profile andCross-Section ........................................................................................................................................... 3-16

Figure 3-8. Typical Four-Lane Freeway (Total Rebuild) Roadway Profile and Cross-Section ................ 3-17

Figure 3-9. Ideal Through-Town Typical Section ..................................................................................... 3-21

Figure 3-10. Typical Right of Way and Access Effects for a Four-Lane Corridor through aCommunity ............................................................................................................................................... 3-22

Figure 3-11. Ideal Around-Town Typical Section ..................................................................................... 3-24

Figure 3-12. Build Alternatives Overview ................................................................................................. 3-30

Figure 3-13. Project Corridor Sections ..................................................................................................... 3-31


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Figure 3-14. Pueblo Build Alternatives ..................................................................................................... 3-32

Figure 3-15. Pueblo to Fowler Build Alternatives ..................................................................................... 3-33

Figure 3-16. Fowler Build Alternatives ..................................................................................................... 3-34

Figure 3-17. Fowler to Manzanola Build Alternative ................................................................................ 3-34

Figure 3-18. Manzanola Build Alternatives .............................................................................................. 3-35

Figure 3-19. Manzanola to Rocky Ford Build Alternative ........................................................................ 3-35

Figure 3-20. Rocky Ford Build Alternatives ............................................................................................. 3-36

Figure 3-21. Rocky Ford to Swink Build Alternative ................................................................................ 3-36

Figure 3-22. Swink Build Alternatives ...................................................................................................... 3-37

Figure 3-23. La Junta Build Alternatives .................................................................................................. 3-38

Figure 3-24. La Junta to Las Animas Build Alternative ............................................................................ 3-38

Figure 3-25. Las Animas Build Alternatives ............................................................................................. 3-39

Figure 3-26. Las Animas to Lamar Build Alternative ............................................................................... 3-39

Figure 3-27. Lamar to Granada Build Alternative .................................................................................... 3-40

Figure 3-28. Granada Build Alternatives .................................................................................................. 3-40

Figure 3-29. Granada to Holly Build Alternative....................................................................................... 3-41

Figure 3-30. Holly Build Alternatives ........................................................................................................ 3-41

Figure 3-31. Holly Transition Build Alternative ......................................................................................... 3-42

4 AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT, ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES, AND MITIGATION

Figure 4-1. Tier 1 Build Alternative vs. Tier 2 Roadway Footprint ............................................................. 4-1

Figure 4-2. Overestimation of Effects to Resources by the Build Alternative ............................................ 4-2

Figure 4-3. Resources that Could and Could Not be Avoided by a Build Alternative ................................ 4-3

Figure 4-4. U.S. 50 Tier 1 EIS Project Area ............................................................................................... 4-5

Figure 4-5. Farmland—Prowers County .................................................................................................... 4-8

Figure 4-6. Ranch Land—Bent County ...................................................................................................... 4-9

Figure 4-7. Winter Livestock, Inc.—La Junta ........................................................................................... 4-10

Figure 4-8. Examples of Effects to Agricultural Resources ..................................................................... 4-12

Figure 4-9. Agricultural Product Storage Facility—Rocky Ford ............................................................... 4-15Figure 4-10. Ranch Land—Bent County .................................................................................................. 4-16

Figure 4-11. Catlin Canal—Otero County ................................................................................................ 4-17

Figure 4-12. Mary’s Farm Market—Swink ............................................................................................... 4-18

Figure 4-13. Uneconomical Remainder Example .................................................................................... 4-25

Figure 4-14. U.S. 50 Tier 1 EIS Project Area ........................................................................................... 4-27

Figure 4-15. Example of Effects to Wetland/Riparian Resources ............................................................ 4-31

Figure 4-16. Wetland/Riparian Area—Las Animas .................................................................................. 4-32

Figure 4-17. Principal Routes of the Central Flyway ............................................................................... 4-40

Figure 4-18. Black-Tailed Prairie Dog (Colorado state species of concern) ............................................ 4-47

Figure 4-19. Example of Effects to Wildlife and Plants ............................................................................ 4-50

Figure 4-20. Example of Habitat Fragmentation ...................................................................................... 4-51

Figure 4-21. Burrowing Owl ..................................................................................................................... 4-54

Figure 4-22. Arkansas River Basin .......................................................................................................... 4-64

Figure 4-23. John Martin Reservoir and Dam .......................................................................................... 4-66

Figure 4-24. U.S. 50 Crossing of the Arkansas River at Las Animas ...................................................... 4-74

Figure 4-25. Irrigated Farmland—Otero County ...................................................................................... 4-74

Figure 4-26. U.S. 50 Tier 1 EIS Project Area ........................................................................................... 4-91

Figure 4-27. U.S. 50 Bridge over the Huerfano River (5PE.302)—Pueblo County ............................... 4-102

Figure 4-28. BNSF Railway Crossing of U.S. 50—La Junta .................................................................. 4-105

Figure 4-29. Arkansas River Levee—Las Animas ................................................................................. 4-106


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Figure 4-30. Avoided Historic Resource (I.O.O.F. Hall Lodge No. 11)—Las Animas ........................... 4-108

Figure 4-31. Downtown Area along U.S. 50—Fowler ............................................................................ 4-115

Figure 4-32. Sign Guiding Visitors to John Martin Reservoir State Park—Bent County ....................... 4-115

Figure 4-33. Future Development Areas—Las Animas ......................................................................... 4-116

Figure 4-34. John Martin Reservoir—Bent County ................................................................................ 4-118

Figure 4-35. Examples of Effects to State Wildlife Areas ...................................................................... 4-124

Figure 4-36. Planned (Future) Route for U.S. 50 as Envisioned in the 2040 Long-Range TransportationPlan for the Pueblo Region .................................................................................................................... 4-126

Figure 4-37. City-Planned (Future) Route for U.S. 50 in La Junta......................................................... 4-133

Figure 4-38. County-Planned (Future) Trails in Granada ...................................................................... 4-137

Figure 4-39. County-Planned (Future) Trails in Holly ............................................................................ 4-139

Figure 4-40. Bent County Fairgrounds—Las Animas ............................................................................ 4-143

Figure 4-41. High School Football Field—Las Animas .......................................................................... 4-144

Figure 4-42. Effects to the Cottonwood Links Golf Course (in Fowler) by the Build Alternative ........... 4-147

Figure 4-43. Effects to the Las Animas Municipal Golf Course by the Build Alternative ....................... 4-147

Figure 4-44. Effects to the Granada School District Property by the Build Alternative .......................... 4-148

Figure 4-45. Effects to Karney Ranch and John Martin Reservoir State Wildlife Areas by the Build

Alternative .............................................................................................................................................. 4-148Figure 4-46. Effects to the Mike Higbee State Wildlife Area by the Build Alternative ............................ 4-149

Figure 4-47. Effects to the Granada State Wildlife Area by the Build Alternative .................................. 4-149

Figure 4-48. Effects to the Holly State Wildlife Area by the Build Alternative ........................................ 4-150

Figure 4-49. Potter Park—La Junta ....................................................................................................... 4-153

Figure 4-50. City Hall, Fire Department and Library—Fowler ................................................................ 4-158

Figure 4-51. Arkansas Valley Regional Medical Center—La Junta ....................................................... 4-158

Figure 4-52. Jasper’s Restaurant—Manzanola ..................................................................................... 4-160

Figure 4-53. Obelisk—West Side of Rocky Ford ................................................................................... 4-164

Figure 4-54. Van Hook’s Produce Stand—La Junta .............................................................................. 4-166

Figure 4-55. Bay Valley Foods Plant—La Junta .................................................................................... 4-168

Figure 4-56. Farmland—Pueblo County ................................................................................................ 4-191

Figure 4-57. Ranch Land—Bent County ................................................................................................ 4-191

Figure 4-58. Rural Residence—Bent County......................................................................................... 4-191

Figure 4-59. Arkansas River and nearby Vegetation—Otero County .................................................... 4-191

Figure 4-60. Catlin Canal (View from U.S. 50)—Otero County ............................................................. 4-192

Figure 4-61. Urban Development—Rocky Ford (Downtown along U.S. 50) ......................................... 4-192

Figure 4-62. Urban Development—La Junta (Downtown along Colorado Avenue) .............................. 4-192

Figure 4-63. Railroad Track Adjacent to U.S. 50—Pueblo .................................................................... 4-193

Figure 4-64. Representative Views from U.S. 50 within Pueblo ............................................................ 4-194

Figure 4-65. Representative Views from U.S. 50 between Communities .............................................. 4-195

Figure 4-66. Representative Views from U.S. 50 within Other Communities ........................................ 4-195

Figure 4-67. Representative Views Around Communities ..................................................................... 4-196

Figure 4-68. Views of U.S. 50 ................................................................................................................ 4-197

Figure 4-69. Annual Average Daily Traffic on I-25 through Pueblo and on U.S. 50 in the Lower ArkansasValley (2011 and projected 2040) .......................................................................................................... 4-203

Figure 4-70. Traffic on U.S. 50–Fowler (Downtown) ............................................................................. 4-207

Figure 4-71. U.S. 50 Tier 1 EIS Project Area ......................................................................................... 4-217

Figure 4-72. Access Category by Location ............................................................................................ 4-219

Figure 4-73. Posted Speed Limits (Primary) on U.S. 50 for Each Mile from I-25 in Pueblo (milepost 316) tothe Kansas State Line (milepost 467.5) (CDOT 2012) ........................................................ 4-220

Figure 4-74. Number of Through-Lanes on U.S. 50, West to East ........................................................ 4-220


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Figure 4-75. Existing (2011) and Future (2040) Traffic Volumes ........................................................... 4-221

Figure 4-76. Agricultural Vehicles Driving on U.S. 50 in Downtown Rocky Ford (left) and Mixing with AutoTraffic (right) ........................................................................................................................................... 4-222

Figure 4-77. Location of U.S. 50 Crash Fatalities for Years 2008 to 2012 ............................................ 4-223

Figure 4-78. Percent of Rural vs. Urban Crashes on U.S. 50, 2008 to 2012 ........................................ 4-224

Figure 4-79. Average Annual Crashes on U.S. 50 by Location, 2008 to 2012 ...................................... 4-224

Figure 4-80. Types of Crashes on U.S. 50 between 2008 and 2012 .................................................... 4-225

Figure 4-81. Examples of Inadequate Clear Zones on U.S. 50 ............................................................. 4-225

Figure 4-82. Level of Service of Safety of U.S. 50, 2008–2012 ............................................................. 4-227

Figure 4-83. Storage Tank (Lusk Farms Market)—Otero County.......................................................... 4-232

Figure 4-84. Example of Effects to Hazardous Materials ...................................................................... 4-233

Figure 4-85. Examples of Section 6(f) Resources in the Project Area .................................................. 4-240

Figure 4-86. City Park—Las Animas ...................................................................................................... 4-241

Figure 4-87. Truck on U.S. 50—Pueblo County .................................................................................... 4-243

Figure 4-88. Cumulative Effects Study Area .......................................................................................... 4-260

5 SECTION 4(F) EVALUATION

Figure 5-1. Corridor Widths Used to Consider Potential Use of Section 4(f) Resources .......................... 5-4Figure 5-2. Build Alternatives Overview ..................................................................................................... 5-7

Figure 5-3. Cottonwood Links Golf Course Potential Use ....................................................................... 5-10

Figure 5-4. Las Animas Municipal Golf Course Potential Use ................................................................. 5-10

Figure 5-5. Karney Ranch and John Martin Reservoir State Wildlife Areas Potential Use ..................... 5-12

Figure 5-6. Mike Higbee State Wildlife Area Potential Use ..................................................................... 5-12

Figure 5-7. Granada State Wildlife Area Potential Use ........................................................................... 5-13

Figure 5-8. Holly State Wildlife Area Potential Use ................................................................................. 5-13

Figure 5-9. Granada School District Property Potential Use ................................................................... 5-15

Figure 5-10. Location Maps of Section 4(f) Resources ........................................................................... 5-35

Figure 5-11. Location Maps of Section 4(f) Resources ........................................................................... 5-36

Figure 5-12. Location Maps of Section 4(f) Resources ........................................................................... 5-37Figure 5-13. Location Maps of Section 4(f) Resources ........................................................................... 5-38

6 IDENTIFICATION OF PREFERRED ALTERNATIVE AND SUMMARY OF IMPACTS

Figure 6-1. Pueblo Build Alternatives ......................................................................................................... 6-5

Figure 6-2. Pueblo to Fowler Build Alternatives ......................................................................................... 6-7

Figure 6-3. Fowler Build Alternatives ......................................................................................................... 6-8

Figure 6-4. Manzanola Build Alternatives ................................................................................................ 6-10

Figure 6-5. Rocky Ford Build Alternatives ............................................................................................... 6-12

Figure 6-6. Swink Build Alternatives ........................................................................................................ 6-13

Figure 6-7. La Junta Build Alternatives .................................................................................................... 6-15

Figure 6-8. Las Animas Build Alternatives ............................................................................................... 6-18Figure 6-9. Granada Build Alternatives .................................................................................................... 6-19

Figure 6-10. Holly Build Alternatives ........................................................................................................ 6-21

Figure 6-11. Preferred Alternative ............................................................................................................ 6-24

7 COMMUNITY OUTREACH AND AGENCY INVOLVEMENT

No figures in this chapter.


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8 MITIGATION STRATEGIES

Figure 8-1. Tier 1 vs. Tier 2 Decision ......................................................................................................... 8-2

Figure 8-2. Hierarchy of U.S. 50 Tier 1 EIS Mitigation Strategies ............................................................. 8-4

9 REFERENCES


10 LIST OF PREPARERS


11 RECIPIENTS



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List of TablesS SUMMARY

Table S-1. Summary of Build Alternatives Effects ...................................................................................S-13

Table S-2. Summary of Preferred Alternative ..........................................................................................S-16

1 INTRODUCTION

Table 1-1. U.S. 50-Related Planning Efforts .............................................................................................. 1-3

2 PURPOSE AND NEED

No tables in this chapter.

3 ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED

Table 3-1. Regional Corridor Location Screening Results Summary ........................................................ 3-6

Table 3-2. Transportation Mode Screening Results Summary ................................................................ 3-11

Table 3-3. Summary of Facility Type Screening Results ......................................................................... 3-19

Table 3-4. Homes, Businesses, and Historic Resources Potentially Affected by Through-TownCorridors................................................................................................................................................... 3-23

Table 3-5. Homes, Businesses, and Historic Resources Potentially Affected by Around-TownCorridors................................................................................................................................................... 3-24

Table 3-6.Through-Town or Around-Town Screening Results Summary ................................................ 3-26

4 AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT, ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES, AND MITIGATION

Table 4-1. Prime Farmland and Farmland of Statewide Importance ......................................................... 4-8

Table 4-2. Summary of Potentially Affected Agricultural Lands and Productive Value by Section for theBuild Alternatives ..................................................................................................................................... 4-19

Table 4-3. Summary of Potentially Affected Agricultural Facilities by Section for the Build Alternatives 4-23

Table 4-4. Wetland/Riparian Resources in the Project Area by Functional Category ............................. 4-30

Table 4-5. Summary of Potentially Affected Wetland/Riparian Resources by Section and Functional Assessment Category for the Build Alternatives ...................................................................................... 4-34

Table 4-6. Noxious Weed Species in CDOT Right of Way within 5 Miles of the Project Area ................ 4-43

Table 4-7. Special-Status Species Present or Potentially Present in the Project Area ........................... 4-45

Table 4-8. Wildlife Crossings on U.S. 50 in the Project Area .................................................................. 4-49

Table 4-9. Summary by Location of Potential Effects to Habitat from the Build Alternatives .................. 4-55

Table 4-10. Summary by Location of Wildlife Crossings and Special-Status Species Present or PotentiallyPresent in the Project Area that Could be Affected by the Build Alternatives ......................................... 4-57

Table 4-11. Summary by Location of Noxious Weeds Present or Potentially Present in the Project Areathat Could be Affected by the Build Alternatives ...................................................................................... 4-59

Table 4-12. Major Trans-Basin Diversions Into and Out of the Arkansas River Basin ............................ 4-65

Table 4-13. Impaired Surface Water Resources in the Project Area ....................................................... 4-67

Table 4-14. Potential Roadway Pollutants ............................................................................................... 4-71

Table 4-15. Proposed New Surface Water Crossings by Location.......................................................... 4-77

Table 4-16. Soil Series Located in the Project Area ................................................................................ 4-81

Table 4-17. Known Paleontological Resources by County ...................................................................... 4-84

Table 4-18. Geologic Formations within the Project Area and their PFYC .............................................. 4-85

Table 4-19. Summary of Build Alternatives Potential Soil Impacts .......................................................... 4-87

Table 4-20. Geologic Formations with Location and PFYC ..................................................................... 4-89

Table 4-21. Summary of Potentially Affected Historic Resources by U.S. 50 Corridor Section .............. 4-98

Table 4-22. Public Land by Owner in the Project Area .......................................................................... 4-117


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Table 4-23. Comparison of Acres to be Converted to a Transportation Use in Section 1 ..................... 4-127





Table 4-28. Comparison of Acres to be Converted to a Transportation Use in Section 10 ................... 4-134




Table 4-32. Parkland and Recreational Resources Potentially Impacted by the Build Alternatives ...... 4-151

Table 4-33. Population Change ............................................................................................................. 4-156

Table 4-34. Jobs by Industry .................................................................................................................. 4-159

Table 4-35. Businesses by Size ............................................................................................................. 4-161

Table 4-36. Number of Traveler-Oriented Businesses by Location (2005) ........................................... 4-167

Table 4-37. Racial Composition for the Study Area, State, and Counties ............................................. 4-175

Table 4-38. Hispanic or Latino Population ............................................................................................. 4-177

Table 4-39. Median Household Income ................................................................................................. 4-178

Table 4-40. Hispanic or Latino Population ............................................................................................. 4-179Table 4-41. Minority Populations for the Study Area, State, and Counties ........................................... 4-180

Table 4-42. Low-Income Households by County and Study Area Block Groups within County ........... 4-182

Table 4 43. Limited English Proficiency of Project Area Census Block Groups .................................... 4-184

Table 4-44. CDOT Noise Abatement Criteria (NAC) ............................................................................. 4-211

Table 4-45. Potential Traffic Noise Effects on Identified Noise Receptors by the Build Alternatives .... 4-214

Table 4-46. Summary of Potentially Affected Noise Sensitive Receptors by Location ......................... 4-215

Table 4-47. Comparison of U.S. 50 Access Categories ........................................................................ 4-219

Table 4-48. Summary of Potentially Disturbed Hazardous Materials Sites by Location for the Build Alternatives ............................................................................................................................................ 4-236

Table 4-49. Average Fuel Economy by Vehicle Type (2007) ................................................................ 4-244

Table 4-50. Statewide and Project Emissions Potential, Relative to Global Totals ............................... 4-252Table 4-51. Resources Included in the Cumulative Effects Analysis .................................................... 4-259

Table 4-52. Past, Present, and Future Projects ..................................................................................... 4-262

5 SECTION 4(F) EVALUATION

Table 5-1. Parkland and Recreational Resources with a Potential Use by the Build Alternatives ............ 5-9

Table 5-2. Linear Resources that May be Historic and Could be Used by the Build Alternatives ........... 5-16

Table 5-3. Non-Linear Resources that May be Historic and Have the Potential to Affect Tier 1Decisions .................................................................................................................................................. 5-22

Table 5-4. Summary of Section 4(f) Resources Potentially Used by Build Alternative in EachCorridor Section ....................................................................................................................................... 5-40

6 PREFERRED ALTERNATIVE PRELIMINARY IDENTIFICATION AND SUMMARY OF IMPACTSTable 6-1. Rural and Agricultural Environment Screening Criteria ............................................................ 6-2

Table 6-2. Natural Environment Screening Criteria ................................................................................... 6-3

Table 6-3. Community and Built Environment Screening Criteria ............................................................. 6-3

Table 6-4. Pueblo Build Alternatives Comparison ..................................................................................... 6-6

Table 6-5. Pueblo to Fowler Build Alternatives Comparison ..................................................................... 6-8

Table 6-6. Fowler Build Alternatives Comparison .................................................................................... 6-10

Table 6-7. Manzanola Build Alternatives Comparison ............................................................................. 6-11

Table 6-8. Rocky Ford Build Alternatives Comparison ............................................................................ 6-13


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Table 6-9. Swink Build Alternatives Comparison ..................................................................................... 6-14

Table 6-10. La Junta Build Alternatives Comparison ............................................................................... 6-17

Table 6-11. Las Animas Build Alternatives Comparison .......................................................................... 6-19

Table 6-12. Granada Build Alternatives Comparison .............................................................................. 6-20

Table 6-13. Holly Build Alternatives Comparison .................................................................................... 6-22

Table 6-14. Summary of the Preferred Alternative .................................................................................. 6-23

Table 6-15. Summary of Preferred Alternative Effects ............................................................................ 6-25

7 COMMUNITY OUTREACH AND AGENCY INVOLVEMENT

Table 7-1. Agencies Involved in the Pre-Scoping Process ........................................................................ 7-3

8 MITIGATION STRATEGIES

Table 8-1. Mitigation Strategies for Built Environment Resources .......................................................... 8-10

9 REFERENCES


10 LIST OF PREPARERS


11 RECIPIENTS



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