Notice of Availability of Final Environmental Impact Statement for the North Shore Road in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, 56093-56094 [E7-19429]

Download as PDF rmajette on PROD1PC64 with NOTICES Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 190 / Tuesday, October 2, 2007 / Notices minimize the burden on the respondents, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. The PRA also requires agencies to estimate the total annual reporting ‘‘non-hour cost’’ burden to respondents or recordkeepers resulting from the collection of information. If you have costs to generate, maintain, and disclose this information, you should comment and provide your total capital and startup cost components or annual operation, maintenance, and purchase of service components. You should describe the methods you use to estimate major cost factors, including system and technology acquisition, expected useful life of capital equipment, discount rate(s), and the period over which you incur costs. Capital and startup costs include, among other items, computers and software you purchase to prepare for collecting information; monitoring, sampling, and testing equipment; and record storage facilities. Generally, your estimates should not include equipment or services purchased: (i) Before October 1, 1995; (ii) to comply with requirements not associated with the information collection; (iii) for reasons other than to provide information or keep records for the Government; or (iv) as part of customary and usual business or private practices. We will summarize written responses to this notice and address them in our ICR submission for OMB approval, including appropriate adjustments to the estimated burden. We will provide a copy of the ICR to you without charge upon request. The ICR also will be posted on our Web site at https:// www.mrm.mms.gov/Laws_R_D/ FRNotices/FRInfColl.htm. Public Comment Policy: We will post all comments in response to this notice on our Web site at https:// www.mrm.mms.gov/Laws_R_D/ FRNotices/FRInfColl.htm. We will also make copies of the comments available for public review, including names and addresses of respondents, during regular business hours at our offices in Lakewood, Colorado. Before including your address, phone number, e-mail address, or other personal identifying information in your comment, you should be aware that your entire comment—including your personal identifying information—may be made publicly available at any time. While you can ask us in your comment to withhold your personal identifying information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so. VerDate Aug<31>2005 15:35 Oct 01, 2007 Jkt 214001 MMS Information Collection Clearance Officer: Arlene Bajusz (202) 208–7744. Dated: September 21, 2007. Lucy Querques Denett, Associate Director for Minerals Revenue Management. [FR Doc. E7–19379 Filed 10–1–07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310–MR–P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR National Park Service Notice of Availability of Final Environmental Impact Statement for the North Shore Road in Great Smoky Mountains National Park SUMMARY: The National Park Service (NPS) in cooperation with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) announces the availability of the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) for the North Shore Road in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, North Carolina. This document will be available for public review pursuant to Section 102(2)(C) of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 and NPS policy in Director’s Order Number 12 (Conservation Planning, Environmental Impact Analysis, and Decision Making). The primary purpose of this FEIS is to finalize the documentation of the environmental analysis of the five alternatives studied in the document; to address substantive comments made on the Draft EIS; and to disclose the Agency’s Preferred Alternative. The purpose of the proposed action is to discharge and satisfy any obligations on the part of the United States that presently exist as the result of the July 30, 1943, Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) among the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI), Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), Swain County, North Carolina, and the State of North Carolina. The need for the project is to determine whether or not it is feasible to complete the road and to evaluate other alternatives that would satisfy the obligation. The FEIS analyzed five alternatives for meeting the purpose and need of the project. The no-action alternative would continue current management practices and policies into the future. The monetary settlement (the preferred alternative) would provide Swain County, North Carolina, with a monetary settlement to satisfy and discharge the obligations of the MOA. Each of the other three action alternatives would allow various levels of development and/or road PO 00000 Frm 00053 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 56093 construction within the project study area of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Under the Laurel Branch Picnic Area alternative, a day-use area on the north side of existing Lake View Road would be constructed. Outdoor facilities would include a multi-use picnic shelter, picnic tables, several loop trails, drinking fountains, and restrooms. Under the Partial-Build Alternative to Bushnell, up to 8 miles (12.9 km) of new roadway from the existing tunnel west to the vicinity of the former Bushnell settlement would be constructed. This alternative would provide a boat-launching ramp and restricted boat dock. Located near the terminus of the new roadway would be a multi-use picnic shelter and picnic tables, a backcountry permit station, an information kiosk, restrooms, and a parking area. Exhibit/museum space would be designed to highlight local heritage of the area and could include concession opportunities. Under the Northern Shore Corridor Alternative, 29 to 34.3 miles of new roadway to the vicinity of Fontana Dam would be constructed. It would connect Lake View Road to NC Hwy. 28. This alternative would include provisions for the development of an auto-tour guide describing the historic and natural points of interest along the route. Also, restrooms would be built at appropriate locations. The NPS Preferred Alternative is the Monetary Settlement Alternative. The Monetary Settlement would ensure that resources of Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Appalachian National Scenic Trail would be unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations. It would fulfill project goals and objectives including the protection of natural, cultural, and recreational resources. The NPS will execute a Record of Decision (ROD) no sooner than 30 days following the publication of the Environmental Protection Agency’s Notice of Availability in the Federal Register. DATES: The complete FEIS is available for review or download on the internet at https:// www.northshoreroad.info. ADDRESSES: Copies of the FEIS will also be available for review at the following locations: Pack Memorial Library, 67 Haywood Street, Asheville, North Carolina 28801; Marianna Black Library, 33 Fryemont Road, Bryson City, North Carolina 28713; Charlotte and Mecklenburg County E:\FR\FM\02OCN1.SGM 02OCN1 rmajette on PROD1PC64 with NOTICES 56094 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 190 / Tuesday, October 2, 2007 / Notices Main Library, 310 North Tryon Street, Charlotte, North Carolina 28202; Qualla Boundary Public Library, 810 Acquoni Road, Cherokee, NC 28719; Anna Porter Public Library, 207 Cherokee Orchard Road, Gatlinburg, Tennessee 37738; GSMNP Headquarters, 107 Park Headquarters Road, Gatlinburg, Tennessee 37738; Lawson-McGee Library, 500 West Church Avenue, Knoxville, Tennessee 37915; Cameron Village Regional Library, 410–200 Oberlin Road, Raleigh, North Carolina 27605; Graham County Public Library, 80 Knight Street, Robbinsville, North Carolina 28771. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: North Shore Road EIS, Attention: Superintendent, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, 107 Park Headquarters Road, Gatlinburg, Tennessee 37738, Telephone: 865/436– 1207 or Fax: 865/436–1220. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In July 1943, the DOI, TVA, Swain County, North Carolina, and the State of North Carolina entered into a MOA that dealt with the creation of Fontana Dam and Reservoir and the flooding of lands and roads within Swain County. As part of that agreement, 44,170 acres of land were ultimately transferred to the DOI and made part of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The MOA also contained a provision by which the DOI was to construct a road through the Park, along the north shore of the newly formed Fontana Reservoir, to replace the flooded NC Hwy. 288, contingent upon funds being appropriated by Congress. The FEIS evaluates potential environmental consequences of implementing the action alternatives on the Great Smoky Mountains and the Appalachian National Scenic Trail. Impact topics include the human environment, physical environment, natural and cultural resources, aesthetics and visual resources, visitor use and experience, and Park operations. Direct, indirect, and cumulative impacts along with options to address potential impacts were evaluated and are described for each resource area. The FEIS is being mailed to appropriate Federal, State and local agencies and organizations which have been involved with the project, have expressed, or are known to have an interest or legal role in this proposal. After public review of the FEIS, a ROD will be prepared. The ROD is VerDate Aug<31>2005 15:35 Oct 01, 2007 Jkt 214001 scheduled for completion by the end of 2007. The authority for publishing this notice is 42 U.S.C. 4332(2)(C). The responsible official for this EIS is Art Frederick, Acting Regional Director, Southeast Region, National Park Service, 100 Alabama Street, SW., 1924 Building, Atlanta, Georgia 30303. Dated: September 19, 2007. Art Frederick, Acting Regional Director, Southeast Region. [FR Doc. E7–19429 Filed 10–1–07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310–8A–P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Bureau of Reclamation Colorado River Basin Salinity Control Advisory Council Bureau of Reclamation, Interior. ACTION: Notice of public meeting. AGENCY: SUMMARY: The Colorado River Basin Salinity Control Advisory Council (Council) was established by the Colorado River Basin Salinity Control Act of 1974 (Pub. L. 93–320) (Act) to receive reports and advise Federal agencies on implementing the Act. In accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act, the Bureau of Reclamation announces that the Council will meet as detailed below. Dates and Location: The Council will conduct its annual meeting at the following time and location: Tuesday, October 30, 2007—Santa Fe, New Mexico—The meeting will be held at the Hotel Santa Fe, 1501 Paseo de Peralta. The meeting will begin at 8 a.m., recess at approximately 1 p.m., and reconvene briefly the following day at 1 p.m. ADDRESSES: The meeting of the Council is open to the public. Any member of the public may file written statements with the Council before, during, or up to 30 days after the meeting, in person or by mail. To the extent that time permits, the Council chairman will allow public presentation of oral comments at the meeting. To allow full consideration of information by Council members, written notice must be provided to Kib Jacobson, Bureau of Reclamation, Upper Colorado Regional Office, 125 South State Street, Room 6107, Salt Lake City, Utah 84138–1147; telephone (801) 524–3753; facsimile (801) 524–3826; e-mail at: kjacobson@uc.usbr.gov at least FIVE (5) days prior to the meeting. Any written comments received prior to the meeting PO 00000 Frm 00054 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 will be provided to Council members at the meeting. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kib Jacobson, telephone (801) 524–3753; facsimile (801) 524–3826; e-mail at: kjacobson@uc.usbr.gov. The purpose of the meeting will be to discuss the accomplishments of federal agencies and make recommendations on future activities to control salinity. Council members will be briefed on the status of salinity control activities and receive input for drafting the Council’s annual report. The Bureau of Reclamation, Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and United States Geological Survey of the Department of the Interior; the Natural Resources Conservation Service of the Department of Agriculture; and the Environmental Protection Agency will each present a progress report and a schedule of activities on salinity control in the Colorado River Basin. The Council will discuss salinity control activities and the contents of the reports. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Public Disclosure Before including your name, address, telephone number, e-mail address, or other personal identifying information in your comment, you should be aware that your entire comment—including your personal identifying information— may be made publicly available at any time. While you can ask us in your comment to withhold your personal identifying information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so. Dated: August 22, 2007. Shelly Wiser, Acting Regional Director—UC Region, Bureau of Reclamation. [FR Doc. E7–18751 Filed 10–1–07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310–MN–P DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE [OMB Number 1121–0313] Office of the Associate Attorney General; Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comments Requested 30-Day Notice of Information Collection Under Review: Mandatory Case Reporting Form for the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Forces. ACTION: The Department of Justice (DOJ), Office of Justice Programs (OJP) will be submitting the following information collection request to the Office of E:\FR\FM\02OCN1.SGM 02OCN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 190 (Tuesday, October 2, 2007)]
[Notices]
[Pages 56093-56094]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-19429]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

National Park Service


Notice of Availability of Final Environmental Impact Statement 
for the North Shore Road in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

SUMMARY: The National Park Service (NPS) in cooperation with the 
Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) announces the availability of the 
Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) for the North Shore Road in 
the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, North Carolina. This document 
will be available for public review pursuant to Section 102(2)(C) of 
the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 and NPS policy in 
Director's Order Number 12 (Conservation Planning, Environmental Impact 
Analysis, and Decision Making). The primary purpose of this FEIS is to 
finalize the documentation of the environmental analysis of the five 
alternatives studied in the document; to address substantive comments 
made on the Draft EIS; and to disclose the Agency's Preferred 
Alternative.
    The purpose of the proposed action is to discharge and satisfy any 
obligations on the part of the United States that presently exist as 
the result of the July 30, 1943, Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) among 
the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI), Tennessee Valley Authority 
(TVA), Swain County, North Carolina, and the State of North Carolina. 
The need for the project is to determine whether or not it is feasible 
to complete the road and to evaluate other alternatives that would 
satisfy the obligation.
    The FEIS analyzed five alternatives for meeting the purpose and 
need of the project. The no-action alternative would continue current 
management practices and policies into the future. The monetary 
settlement (the preferred alternative) would provide Swain County, 
North Carolina, with a monetary settlement to satisfy and discharge the 
obligations of the MOA. Each of the other three action alternatives 
would allow various levels of development and/or road construction 
within the project study area of the Great Smoky Mountains National 
Park. Under the Laurel Branch Picnic Area alternative, a day-use area 
on the north side of existing Lake View Road would be constructed. 
Outdoor facilities would include a multi-use picnic shelter, picnic 
tables, several loop trails, drinking fountains, and restrooms. Under 
the Partial-Build Alternative to Bushnell, up to 8 miles (12.9 km) of 
new roadway from the existing tunnel west to the vicinity of the former 
Bushnell settlement would be constructed. This alternative would 
provide a boat-launching ramp and restricted boat dock. Located near 
the terminus of the new roadway would be a multi-use picnic shelter and 
picnic tables, a backcountry permit station, an information kiosk, 
restrooms, and a parking area. Exhibit/museum space would be designed 
to highlight local heritage of the area and could include concession 
opportunities. Under the Northern Shore Corridor Alternative, 29 to 
34.3 miles of new roadway to the vicinity of Fontana Dam would be 
constructed. It would connect Lake View Road to NC Hwy. 28. This 
alternative would include provisions for the development of an auto-
tour guide describing the historic and natural points of interest along 
the route. Also, restrooms would be built at appropriate locations.
    The NPS Preferred Alternative is the Monetary Settlement 
Alternative. The Monetary Settlement would ensure that resources of 
Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Appalachian National Scenic 
Trail would be unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations. It 
would fulfill project goals and objectives including the protection of 
natural, cultural, and recreational resources.

DATES: The NPS will execute a Record of Decision (ROD) no sooner than 
30 days following the publication of the Environmental Protection 
Agency's Notice of Availability in the Federal Register.

ADDRESSES: The complete FEIS is available for review or download on the 
internet at https://www.northshoreroad.info.

    Copies of the FEIS will also be available for review at the 
following locations:

    Pack Memorial Library, 67 Haywood Street, Asheville, North Carolina 
28801;
    Marianna Black Library, 33 Fryemont Road, Bryson City, North 
Carolina 28713;
    Charlotte and Mecklenburg County

[[Page 56094]]

Main Library, 310 North Tryon Street, Charlotte, North Carolina 28202;
    Qualla Boundary Public Library, 810 Acquoni Road, Cherokee, NC 
28719;
    Anna Porter Public Library, 207 Cherokee Orchard Road, Gatlinburg, 
Tennessee 37738;
    GSMNP Headquarters, 107 Park Headquarters Road, Gatlinburg, 
Tennessee 37738;
    Lawson-McGee Library, 500 West Church Avenue, Knoxville, Tennessee 
37915;
    Cameron Village Regional Library, 410-200 Oberlin Road, Raleigh, 
North Carolina 27605;
    Graham County Public Library, 80 Knight Street, Robbinsville, North 
Carolina 28771.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: North Shore Road EIS, Attention: 
Superintendent, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, 107 Park 
Headquarters Road, Gatlinburg, Tennessee 37738, Telephone: 865/436-1207 
or Fax: 865/436-1220.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In July 1943, the DOI, TVA, Swain County, 
North Carolina, and the State of North Carolina entered into a MOA that 
dealt with the creation of Fontana Dam and Reservoir and the flooding 
of lands and roads within Swain County. As part of that agreement, 
44,170 acres of land were ultimately transferred to the DOI and made 
part of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The MOA also contained 
a provision by which the DOI was to construct a road through the Park, 
along the north shore of the newly formed Fontana Reservoir, to replace 
the flooded NC Hwy. 288, contingent upon funds being appropriated by 
Congress.
    The FEIS evaluates potential environmental consequences of 
implementing the action alternatives on the Great Smoky Mountains and 
the Appalachian National Scenic Trail. Impact topics include the human 
environment, physical environment, natural and cultural resources, 
aesthetics and visual resources, visitor use and experience, and Park 
operations. Direct, indirect, and cumulative impacts along with options 
to address potential impacts were evaluated and are described for each 
resource area.
    The FEIS is being mailed to appropriate Federal, State and local 
agencies and organizations which have been involved with the project, 
have expressed, or are known to have an interest or legal role in this 
proposal.
    After public review of the FEIS, a ROD will be prepared. The ROD is 
scheduled for completion by the end of 2007.
    The authority for publishing this notice is 42 U.S.C. 4332(2)(C).
    The responsible official for this EIS is Art Frederick, Acting 
Regional Director, Southeast Region, National Park Service, 100 Alabama 
Street, SW., 1924 Building, Atlanta, Georgia 30303.

    Dated: September 19, 2007.
Art Frederick,
Acting Regional Director, Southeast Region.
 [FR Doc. E7-19429 Filed 10-1-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-8A-P
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