Public comments are requested for a bridge replacement project in Schroon.

The New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) is undertaking a federally funded culvert repair and replacement project in the town of Schroon, Essex County. This project is being progressed as a Class II Categorical Exclusion in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) as defined in 23 CFR Part 771.117(c) and as a Non-Type II (DONSE) Action in accordance with the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQR) as defined in 17 NYCRR, Part 15. Section 4(f) of the United States Department of Transportation Act of 1966 protects publicly owned parks and recreation areas, wildlife and waterfowl refuges, and historic properties. Section 4(f) also requires transportation agencies such as the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to consid- er all measures to avoid the use of 4(f) resources. If there is no feasible and prudent alternative to the use of a 4(f) property, all possible planning to minimize the use must occur. In cases where the proposed impacts are not adverse and are determined to be minimal, the FHWA can make a de minimis use determination after the public is afforded an opportunity to comment on the use of the park and recreation resources. This proposed under taking will use a small portion of the Schroon Lake Town Park, in the Town of Schroon, Essex County, for access during construction, the staging of equipment relating to the removal of the bridge and construction of the new bridge. This proposed undertaking will also require the permanent incorporation of a small portion of the Schroon Lake Town Park into the transportation facility because part of the new bridge structure will be permanently located there. These impacts are considered minor and will not affect the use of the park resources. This bridge replacement project is located at 1061 Route 9. The NYSDOT has evaluated alternatives which would minimize the impacts and use of these Section 4(f) properties and finds that these impacts would result in a de minimis use of this Section 4(f) resource. As stipulated in 23 CFR Part 774.5(b)(2)(i), public notice and an opportunity for public comment must be provided prior to making a de minimis use determination for these resources. The public may submit their written comments to the attention of: Timothy Hughes, Project Manager, NYSDOT Region 1 50 Wolf Road Albany, NY 12232. Comments will be received until February 28, 2026