PUBLIC NOTICE: VIRTUAL PUBLIC MEETING WITH IN-PERSON OPTION LOOP 9, SEGMENT A: UNITED STATES HIGHWAY (US) 67 TO INTERSTATE HIGHWAY (IH) 35E CSJ: 2964-10-006 DALLAS AND ELLIS COUNTIES, TEXAS

Publish one time in The Ellis County Press on Thursday, Feb. 3, 2022.

Notice

Virtual Public Meeting with In-Person Option

Loop 9, Segment A: United States Highway (US) 67 to Interstate Highway (IH) 35E

CSJ: 2964-10-006

Dallas and Ellis Counties, Texas

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is preparing an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the proposed Loop 9, Segment A project to construct a six-lane new location frontage road system between United States Highway 67 (US 67) and Interstate Highway 35E (IH 35E) through Dallas and Ellis counties, Texas. The proposed project passes through the cities of Cedar Hill, Glenn Heights, Ovilla, and Red Oak. This notice advises the public that TxDOT will be conducting an online virtual public meeting on the proposed project with two in-person options. The meeting dates, times, and locations are listed below.

In-Person Meeting

Wednesday, Mar. 2, 2022

5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

DeSoto High School Academy Cafeteria

600 Eagle Dr., DeSoto, TX 75115

In-Person Meeting

Thursday, Mar. 3, 2022

5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Midlothian Conference Center Ballroom

1 Community Circle Dr., Midlothian, TX 76065

Virtual Meeting*

Wednesday, Mar. 2, 2022 at 5:30 p.m. through Fri., Mar. 18, 2022 at 11:59 p.m.

www.keepitmovingdallas.com/Lp9SegmentA

*This is not a live event

The virtual meeting will consist of a pre-recorded video presentation and will include both audio and visual components. The presentation will be posted online Wednesday, March 2, 2022, at 5:30 p.m. The virtual public meeting is not a live event, and the materials can be viewed at your convenience. To log onto the virtual public meeting, go to the following web address at the date and time indicated above:

www.keepitmovingdallas.com/LP9SegmentA.

Following the virtual public meeting, the presentation will remain available for viewing at the web address indicated above until Friday, March 18, 2022, at 11:59 p.m. If you do not have internet access, you may call (214) 320-6625 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, to ask questions and access project materials during the project development process.

Additionally, TxDOT is providing two in-person options for individuals who would like to participate in person instead of online. Both will have the same information and will be conducted in an open house format where the public may come and go at their convenience.

In-person attendees will be able to view the same presentation delivered in the online public meeting which will be playing on a screen, review hard copies of project materials, ask questions of TxDOT staff and/or consultants from a socially distanced approach, and leave written comments.

The purpose of the public meeting is to present the project studies completed to date and identify relevant issues related to the proposed Loop 9 project as part of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process. The public meeting will provide an opportunity for the public to review and comment on the range of alternatives, environmental constraints, and project plans developed to date to be considered and evaluated in the EIS.

The proposed Loop 9, Segment A project is an approximately 9.4-mile proposed new location six-lane roadway within an approximate 600-foot right-of-way. The proposed project right-of-way would include a median that would accommodate the future construction of an ultimate access-controlled mainlane facility. A No-Build Alternative, four Build Alternatives, and four modifications to these alternatives resulting from prior public involvement will be presented at the public meeting.

The proposed project would, subject to selection of a preferred alternative and final design considerations, require additional right of way and potentially displace between 30 and 70 residences and between 57 and 72 non-residential structures. Relocation assistance is available for displaced persons and businesses. Information about the TxDOT Relocation Assistance Program, services and benefits for those displaced and other affected property owners, and information about the tentative schedule for right-of-way acquisition and construction can be obtained from the TxDOT Dallas District Office by calling (214) 320-4480 and the project website.

The proposed project would involve construction in wetlands and an action in a floodplain.

Any environmental documentation or studies, any maps and drawings showing the project location and design, tentative construction schedules, and other information regarding the proposed project are on file and available for inspection Monday through Friday, between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., at TxDOT Dallas District Office, 4777 East US Highway 80, Mesquite, Texas 75150-6643.

The public meeting notice, venue map, and additional project information are also available online at www.keepitmovingdallas.com/Lp9SegmentA.

The virtual public meeting and in-person option will be conducted in English. If you need an interpreter or document translator because English is not your primary language or you have difficulty communicating effectively in English, one will be provided to you. If you have a disability and need assistance, special arrangements can be made to accommodate most needs.

If you need interpretation or translation services or you are a person with a disability who requires an accommodation to attend and participate in the virtual public meeting or in-person option, please contact the TxDOT Dallas District Public Information Office, at (214) 320-4480 no later than 4 p.m. on Friday, February 25, 2022. Please be aware that advance notice is required as some services and accommodations may require time for TxDOT to arrange.

Written comments from the public regarding the proposed project are requested and may be submitted by mail to Liang Ding, P.E., TxDOT Project Manager, TxDOT Dallas District Office, 4777 East US Highway 80, Mesquite, Texas 75150-6643 or by email to Liang.Ding@txdot.gov. All comments must be received on or before Friday, March 18, 2022, at 11:59 p.m.  If you have any general questions or concerns regarding the proposed project or virtual meeting or in-person option, please contact Liang Ding, P.E., TxDOT Project Manager, at (214) 320-6625 or Liang.Ding@txdot.gov.

The environmental review, consultation, and other actions required by applicable Federal environmental laws for this project are being, or have been, carried-out by TxDOT pursuant to 23 U.S.C. 327 and a Memorandum of Understanding dated December 9, 2019, and executed by FHWA and TxDOT.