The final scoping decision document for the proposed realignment of U.S. Highway 53 between Virginia and Eveleth will be available for public review beginning Monday.

The document provides a summary of the scoping process findings and documents the proposed scope and focus of the Environmental Impact Statement for the project. The document also includes copies of all comments received during the public comment period and responses to substantive comments.

In May 2010, the Minnesota Department of Transportation was notified by United Taconite that its easement rights for a portion of Highway 53 between Virginia and Eveleth would be terminated. Since this time, MnDOT has been preparing to relocate Highway 53.

 The final SDD and EIS preparation notice will be posted at www.dot.state.mn.us/d1/projects/hwy53relocation and will be available for public viewing at the following locations beginning Monday:

• Eveleth Public Library, 614 Pierce St., Eveleth, Minn.

• Gilbert Public Library, 17 N. Broadway, Gilbert, Minn.

• Mountain Iron Public Library, 5742 Mountain Ave., Mt. Iron, Minn.

• Virginia Public Library, 215 Fifth Ave. S., Virginia, Minn.

• Duluth Public Library, 520 W. Superior St., Duluth, Minn.

• Minnesota Department of Transportation, District 1 Duluth Office, 1123 Mesaba Ave., Duluth, Minn.

• Minnesota Department of Transportation – District 1 Virginia Office, 101 N. Hoover Road, Virginia, Minn.

For questions or comments about the project, contact: Roberta Dwyer, P. E. project manager, Minnesota Department of Transportation – District 1, 1123 Mesaba Ave., Duluth, MN  55811; 218-725-2781; roberta.dwyer@state.mn. us.

To request an ASL or foreign language interpreter, or other reasonable accommodation, call Janet Miller at 651-366-4720 or 1-800-657-3774 (Greater Minnesota); 711 or 1-800-627-3529 (Minnesota Relay). Alternatively, send an email to janet.rae.miller@ state.mn.us. Request at least one week in advance.