U.S.

50 Tier 1 DEIS

Table of Contents
VOLUME 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, AND
MITIGATION .........................................................................................................................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

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

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 ...................................................................................................... 2-4
2.3.1 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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U.S. 50 Tier 1 DEIS

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 .............................. 3-26
3.6
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

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 ................................................................................................................. 4-24
4.2
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

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 on
The 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 Area
Would be Used for Recreation .................................................................................. 5-5
5.2
PURPOSE AND NEED FOR THE PROJECT........................................................................ 5-5
5.3
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

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

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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U.S. 50 Tier 1 DEIS

7.3

7.4
7.5

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

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
WORKING GROUP COORDINATION ................................................................................... 7-9
NEXT STEPS ....................................................................................................................... 7-10

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

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 Resources
Cumulative 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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RANGE OF ALTERNATIVES TECHNICAL MEMORANDUM

PUBLIC AND AGENCY INVOLVEMENT

FHWA INTERIM GUIDANCE ON MSAT ANALYSIS

NATURAL RESOURCES MITIGATION STRATEGIES PLAN

SUMMARY OF PRELIMINARILY IDENTIFIED PREFERRED ALTERNATIVE IMPACTS BY

LOCATION

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List of Figures
S 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-3
Figure 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 Mixing
with 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) to
the 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 and
Cross-Section ........................................................................................................................................... 3-13
Figure 3-5. Typical Two-Lane Highway with Passing Lanes (Total Rebuild) Roadway Profile and
Cross-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 and
Cross-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 a
Community ............................................................................................................................................... 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. FarmlandProwers County .................................................................................................... 4-8
Figure 4-6. Ranch LandBent 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 FacilityRocky Ford ............................................................... 4-15
Figure 4-10. Ranch LandBent County .................................................................................................. 4-16
Figure 4-11. Catlin CanalOtero County ................................................................................................ 4-17
Figure 4-12. Marys Farm MarketSwink ............................................................................................... 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 AreaLas 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 FarmlandOtero 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. 50La Junta.................................................................. 4-105
Figure 4-29. Arkansas River LeveeLas Animas ................................................................................. 4-106
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U.S. 50 Tier 1 DEIS

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. 50Fowler ............................................................................ 4-115
Figure 4-32. Sign Guiding Visitors to John Martin Reservoir State ParkBent County ....................... 4-115
Figure 4-33. Future Development AreasLas Animas ......................................................................... 4-116
Figure 4-34. John Martin ReservoirBent 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 Transportation
Plan 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 FairgroundsLas Animas ............................................................................ 4-143
Figure 4-41. High School Football FieldLas 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 .............................................................................................................................................. 4-148
Figure 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 ParkLa Junta ....................................................................................................... 4-153
Figure 4-50. City Hall, Fire Department and LibraryFowler ................................................................ 4-158
Figure 4-51. Arkansas Valley Regional Medical CenterLa Junta ....................................................... 4-158
Figure 4-52. Jaspers RestaurantManzanola ..................................................................................... 4-160
Figure 4-53. ObeliskWest Side of Rocky Ford ................................................................................... 4-164
Figure 4-54. Van Hooks Produce StandLa Junta .............................................................................. 4-166
Figure 4-55. Bay Valley Foods PlantLa Junta .................................................................................... 4-168
Figure 4-56. FarmlandPueblo County ................................................................................................ 4-191
Figure 4-57. Ranch LandBent County ................................................................................................ 4-191
Figure 4-58. Rural ResidenceBent County......................................................................................... 4-191
Figure 4-59. Arkansas River and nearby VegetationOtero County .................................................... 4-191
Figure 4-60. Catlin Canal (View from U.S. 50)Otero County ............................................................. 4-192
Figure 4-61. Urban DevelopmentRocky Ford (Downtown along U.S. 50) ......................................... 4-192
Figure 4-62. Urban DevelopmentLa Junta (Downtown along Colorado Avenue) .............................. 4-192
Figure 4-63. Railroad Track Adjacent to U.S. 50Pueblo .................................................................... 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 Arkansas
Valley (2011 and projected 2040) .......................................................................................................... 4-203
Figure 4-70. Traffic on U.S. 50Fowler (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) to
the 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 Auto
Traffic (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, 20082012............................................................. 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 ParkLas Animas ...................................................................................................... 4-241
Figure 4-87. Truck on U.S. 50Pueblo 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 .......................... 5-4
Figure 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 ........................................................................... 5-37
Figure 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 ............................................................................................... 6-18
Figure 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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U.S. 50 Tier 1 DEIS

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
No figures in this chapter.
10 LIST OF PREPARERS
No figures in this chapter.
11 RECIPIENTS
No figures in this chapter.

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List of Tables
S 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-Town
Corridors................................................................................................................................................... 3-23
Table 3-5. Homes, Businesses, and Historic Resources Potentially Affected by Around-Town
Corridors................................................................................................................................................... 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 the
Build 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 Potentially
Present 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 Area
that 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 4-24. Comparison of Acres to be Converted to a Transportation Use in Section 2 ..................... 4-128
Table 4-25. Comparison of Acres to be Converted to a Transportation Use in Section 3 ..................... 4-129
Table 4-26. Comparison of Acres to be Converted to a Transportation Use in Section 5 ..................... 4-131
Table 4-27. Comparison of Acres to be Converted to a Transportation Use in Section 9 ..................... 4-133
Table 4-28. Comparison of Acres to be Converted to a Transportation Use in Section 10 ................... 4-134
Table 4-29. Comparison of Acres to be Converted to a Transportation Use in Section 12 ................... 4-136
Table 4-30. Comparison of Acres to be Converted to a Transportation Use in Section 15 ................... 4-138
Table 4-31. Comparison of Acres to be Converted to a Transportation Use in Section 17 ................... 4-139
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 ............................................................................................. 4-179
Table 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 ............................... 4-252
Table 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 1
Decisions .................................................................................................................................................. 5-22
Table 5-4. Summary of Section 4(f) Resources Potentially Used by Build Alternative in Each
Corridor Section ....................................................................................................................................... 5-40
6 PREFERRED ALTERNATIVE PRELIMINARY IDENTIFICATION AND SUMMARY OF IMPACTS
Table 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
No tables in this chapter.
10 LIST OF PREPARERS
No tables in this chapter.
11 RECIPIENTS
No tables in this chapter.

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