Proposed State Implementation Plan; Transportation Conformity [28 Pa.B. 2183] Notice is hereby given by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation of three public hearings for the purpose of accepting comments on the proposed Transportation Conformity State Implementation Plan.
The Department of Transportation proposes to implement Section 176(c)(4) of the Clean Air Act as amended in 1990, which requires the Commonwealth to submit to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) and the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT), a revision to the implementation plan which contains procedures for USDOT, Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) and other State or local agencies to assess the conformity of transportation plans, programs, and projects. This conformity determination must be consistent with USEPA's Final Rule, published November 24, 1993, and amended on August 15, 1997, which establishes ''Criteria and Procedures for Determining Conformity to State or Federal Implementation Plans of Transportation Plans, Programs, and Projects Funded or Approved Under Title 23 U.S.C. or the Federal Transit Act'' (Final Rule). The proposed State Implementation Plan addresses all requirements of the Final Rule and contains the necessary conformity criteria and procedures. If adopted, the State Implementation Plan will be submitted to the Environmental Quality Board at its July meeting, after which it is anticipated the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection will submit it to the USEPA and USDOT for approval.
The first public hearing will be held on Tuesday, June 9, 1998, 10 a.m., at the: Upper Merion Township Building, Freedom Hall, 175 West Valley Forge Road, King of Prussia, PA 19406.
The second public hearing will be held on Wednesday, June 10, 1998, 10 a.m. at the: United Way of America, R. L. Simmons Boardroom, One Smithfield Street and Fort Pitt Boulevard, Pittsburgh, PA 15222.
The third public hearing will be held on Thursday, June 11, 1998, 10 a.m., at the: Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, Forum Place--Room 9B, 555 Walnut Street, Harrisburg, PA 17101.
The public hearing locations are accessible to persons having disabilities. Any person with special needs or requiring special aids is requested to contact the Department prior to the hearings so that special needs may be accommodated.
This publication serves as notice of the public comment period required under Section 7.5 of the Air Pollution Control Act, as amended. The revision will be available on May 9, 1998. Copies of the proposed State Implementation Plan are available by contacting Ms. Linda Knowlton at (717) 787-9626 or by writing to the address below.
Persons wishing to present testimony at the hearings or requiring special accommodations should contact Ms. Knowlton at least one (1) week prior to the hearings. Two (2) written copies of oral testimony are to be submitted at the hearings. To be considered, all comments must be in writing and received by the Department no later than July 9, 1998. Please address written comments to: Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, Mr. Michael W. Baker, Chief, Air Quality Section, Forum Place--6th Floor, 555 Walnut Street, Harrisburg, PA 17101-1900.
BRADLEY L. MALLORY,
Secretary[Pa.B. Doc. No. 98-738. Filed for public inspection May 8, 1998, 9:00 a.m.]
