Brazos Electric Power Cooperative Inc.: Notice of Intent To Hold a Public Scoping Meeting and Prepare an Environmental Assessment, 3692-3693 [E8-957]

Download as PDF 3692 Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 14 / Tuesday, January 22, 2008 / Notices DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Rural Utilities Service East Texas Electric Cooperative: Notice of Availability of an Environmental Assessment Rural Utilities Service, USDA. Notice of availability of an Environmental Assessment for public review. AGENCY: sroberts on PROD1PC70 with NOTICES ACTION: SUMMARY: The Rural Utilities Service (RUS), an agency delivering the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Utilities Programs, hereinafter referred to as Rural Development, is issuing an Environmental Assessment (EA) related to possible financial assistance to East Texas Electric Cooperative (ETEC) of Nacogdoches, Texas, for the proposed construction of approximately 168 MW simple cycle combustion turbine generation station in San Jacinto County, Texas. ETEC is requesting USDA Rural Development to provide financial assistance for the proposed project. DATES: Written comments on this Notice must be received on or before February 16, 2008. ADDRESSES: To send questions and comments or for further information, contact: Dennis Rankin, Environmental Protection Specialist, USDA, Rural Development Utilities Programs, Engineering and Environmental Staff, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Stop 1571, Washington, DC 20250–1571, telephone (202) 720–1953, or e-mail: dennis.rankin@wdc.usda.gov. The EA will be available for public review at the USDA Rural Development, Utilities Programs, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20250–1571: at the USDA Rural Development’s Web site—https://www.usda.gov/rus/water/ ees/ea.htm; at ETEC’s Web site—https:// www.etec.coop/projects.html; and the Shepherd Public Library, 30 North Liberty Street, Shepherd, TX 77371. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The ETEC proposes to construct the San Jacinto County Peaking Facility (SJCPF), a 168 MW simple cycle combustion turbine generation station, in San Jacinto County, Texas. The proposal is located approximately 5 miles south of Shepherd and 2 miles east of U.S. Highway 59. Construction on the proposal is expected to commence in June 2008 with an expected completion date of May 2009. The generation facility will be constructed, owned, operated, and maintained by ETEC. The generation units at the SJCPF will consist of two (2) natural gas fired VerDate Aug<31>2005 20:38 Jan 18, 2008 Jkt 214001 combustion turbines that have a net output of 84 MW each. The proposal will require the construction of less than 500 feet of transmission line to interconnect with Entergy’s existing 138 kV Jacinto-Poco transmission line that crosses the property where the SJCPF will be located. The output of the SJCPF will be used to meet ETEC’s power and energy requirements in east Texas, along with providing added reliability and stability to the region’s power and transmission system. Alternatives considered by USDA Rural Development and ETEC included: (a) No action; (b) alternate generation alternatives, and (c) other electrical alternatives. An Environmental Report (ER) that describes the proposal in detail and discusses its anticipated environmental impacts has been prepared by ETEC. The USDA Rural Development has accepted the ER as its EA for the proposal. The EA is available for public review at the addresses provided above in this Notice. Written comments received by the due date will be considered in the environmental impact determination. Should USDA Rural Development determine, based on the EA of the proposal, that the impacts of the construction and operation of the project would not have a significant environmental impact, it will prepare a Finding of No Significant Impact. Public notification of a Finding of No Significant Impact will be published in the Federal Register and in newspapers with circulation in the project area. Any final action by USDA Rural Development related to the proposal will be subject to, and contingent upon, compliance with all relevant federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations and completion of the environmental review procedures as prescribed by USDA Rural Development Environmental Policies and Procedures (7 CFR part 1794). Dated: January 14, 2008. Mark S. Plank, Director, Engineering and Environmental Staff, USDA/Rural Development/Utilities Programs. [FR Doc. E8–958 Filed 1–18–08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–15–P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Rural Utilities Service Brazos Electric Power Cooperative Inc.: Notice of Intent To Hold a Public Scoping Meeting and Prepare an Environmental Assessment AGENCY: PO 00000 Rural Utilities Service, USDA. Frm 00033 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Notice of intent to hold a public scoping meeting and prepare an Environmental Assessment. ACTION: SUMMARY: The Rural Utilities Service (RUS), an Agency delivering the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Utilities Programs, hereinafter referred to as Rural Development, intends to hold a public scoping meeting and prepare an Environmental Assessment (EA) related to possible financial assistance to Brazos Electric Power Cooperative, Inc. (Brazos) of Waco, Texas, for the proposed construction of approximately 600 MW gas-fired unit at the existing Jack County Generating Facility. Brazos is requesting USDA Rural Development to provide financial assistance for the proposal. DATES: USDA Rural Development will hold a scoping meeting in an open house format in order to provide information and solicit comments for the preparation of an EA. The meeting will be held on January 31, 2008, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Twin Lakes Community Center, 420 Highway 59, Jacksboro, Texas. All written questions and comments must be received by March 3, 2008. ADDRESSES: To send comments or for further information, contact: Dennis Rankin, Environmental Protection Specialist, USDA, Rural Development Utilities Programs, Engineering and Environmental Staff, 1571, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Stop 1571, Washington, DC 20250–1571, or e-mail: dennis.rankin@wdc.usda.gov. An Alternative Evaluation/Site Selection Study is available for public review at USDA Rural Development offices at 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20250–1571 and at the following Web site https:// www.usda.gov/rus/water/ees/ea.htm. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Brazos is proposing to construct an additional 500 MW gas-fired combustion turbine at its Jack County Generation Station. The site is located northeast of State Highway 199 and FM 1156 in Jack County and southeast of the intersection of Shepard Road/Henderson Ranch Rd. and FM 1156. Government agencies, private organizations, and the public are invited to participate in the planning and analysis of the proposal. Representatives from USDA Rural Development and Brazos will be available at the scoping meeting to discuss USDA Rural Development’s environmental review process, describe the project, the purpose and need for the proposal, discuss the scope of environmental E:\FR\FM\22JAN1.SGM 22JAN1 Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 14 / Tuesday, January 22, 2008 / Notices issues to be considered, answer questions, and accept oral and written comments. Written comments received by the due date will be incorporated into the EA Brazos and will be submitted to USDA Rural Development for review. USDA Rural Development will use the EA to determine the significance of the impacts of the project and may adopt it as its environmental assessment of the project. USDA Rural Development’s environmental assessment of the proposal would be available for review and comment for 30 days. Should USDA Rural Development determine that the preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement is not necessary, it will prepare a Finding of No Significant Impact. Public notification of a Finding of No Significant Impact would be published in the Federal Register and in newspapers with circulation in the project area. Any final action by USDA Rural Development related to the proposed proposal will be subject to, and contingent upon, compliance with all relevant federal, state, and local environmental laws and regulations and completion of the environmental review procedures as prescribed by USDA Rural Development Environmental Policies and Procedures (7 CFR part 1794). Dated: January 14, 2008. Mark S. Plank, Director, Engineering and Environmental Staff, USDA/Rural Development/Utilities Programs. [FR Doc. E8–957 Filed 1–18–08; 8:45 am] and locate ships, aircraft, or individuals in distress if they are equipped with an emergency radio beacon. The persons purchasing such a beacon must register it with NOAA. The data provided in the registration can assist in identifying who is in trouble and suppressing the consequences of false alarms. Affected Public: Individuals or households, not-for-profit institutions; business or other for-profit organizations; State, Local or Tribal Government. Frequency: On occasion and biannually. Respondent’s Obligation: Required to obtain or retain benefits. OMB Desk Officer: David Rostker, (202) 395–3897. Copies of the above information collection proposal can be obtained by calling or writing Diana Hynek, Departmental Paperwork Clearance Officer, (202) 482–0266, Department of Commerce, Room 6625, 14th and Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20230 (or via the Internet at dHynek@doc.gov). Written comments and recommendations for the proposed information collection should be sent within 30 days of publication of this notice to David Rostker, OMB Desk Officer, Fax number (202) 395–7285, or DavidlRostker@omb.eop.gov. Dated: January 15, 2008. Gwellnar Banks, Management Analyst, Office of the Chief Information Officer. [FR Doc. E8–921 Filed 1–18–08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–P BILLING CODE 3410–15–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE Office of the Secretary Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request sroberts on PROD1PC70 with NOTICES DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Faith-Based and Community Initiatives Toolkit Website Survey The Department of Commerce will submit to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for clearance the following proposal for collection of information under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35). Agency: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Title: Emergency Beacon Registrations. Form Number(s): None. OMB Approval Number: 0648–0295. Type of Request: Regular submission. Burden Hours: 7,500. Number of Respondents: 30,000. Average Hours per Response: 15 minutes. Needs and Uses: An international system exists to use satellites to detect VerDate Aug<31>2005 20:38 Jan 18, 2008 Jkt 214001 Office of the Secretary, Commerce. ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: The Department of Commerce, as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, invites the general public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on proposed and/or continuing information collections, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. DATES: Written comments must be submitted on or before March 24, 2008. ADDRESSES: Direct all written comments to Diana Hynek, Departmental SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00034 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 3693 Paperwork Clearance Officer, Department of Commerce, Room 6625, 14th and Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20230 (or via the Internet at dHynek@doc.gov). FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information or copies of the information collection instrument(s) and instructions should be directed to Jennifer Sullivan, phone: 202–482–6808, jsullivan1@doc.gov, fax: 202–482–4636. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. Abstract The U.S. Department of Commerce is conducting a study to evaluate the effectiveness of the Faith-Based and Community Initiatives toolkit Web site (https://www.commerce.gov/OS/CFBCI) and, specifically the ‘‘Additional Resources’’ link. The toolkit assists users with finding U.S. Census Bureau data for grant writing and community needs assessment. The U.S. Census Bureau is the leading source of quality data about our nation’s people and economy. The findings from the study will be used to assist in making informed decisions about users’ expectations and needed improvements to the site. II. Method of Collection Electronically—the survey will be available after viewing: https:// www.commerce.gov/OS/CFBCI, clicking the ‘‘Additional Resources’’ link, and using the toolkit. III. Data OMB Control Number: None. Form Number(s): None. Type of Review: Regular submission. Affected Public: Individuals or households; not-for-profit institutions. Estimated Number of Respondents: 400. Estimated Time per Response: 5 minutes. Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 33. Estimated Total Annual Cost to Public: $0. IV. Request for Comments Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information shall have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency’s estimate of the burden (including hours and cost) of the proposed collection of information; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information E:\FR\FM\22JAN1.SGM 22JAN1

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[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 14 (Tuesday, January 22, 2008)]
[Notices]
[Pages 3692-3693]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-957]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Rural Utilities Service


Brazos Electric Power Cooperative Inc.: Notice of Intent To Hold 
a Public Scoping Meeting and Prepare an Environmental Assessment

AGENCY: Rural Utilities Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice of intent to hold a public scoping meeting and prepare 
an Environmental Assessment.

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

SUMMARY: The Rural Utilities Service (RUS), an Agency delivering the 
United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development 
Utilities Programs, hereinafter referred to as Rural Development, 
intends to hold a public scoping meeting and prepare an Environmental 
Assessment (EA) related to possible financial assistance to Brazos 
Electric Power Cooperative, Inc. (Brazos) of Waco, Texas, for the 
proposed construction of approximately 600 MW gas-fired unit at the 
existing Jack County Generating Facility. Brazos is requesting USDA 
Rural Development to provide financial assistance for the proposal.

DATES: USDA Rural Development will hold a scoping meeting in an open 
house format in order to provide information and solicit comments for 
the preparation of an EA. The meeting will be held on January 31, 2008, 
from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Twin Lakes Community Center, 420 Highway 59, 
Jacksboro, Texas. All written questions and comments must be received 
by March 3, 2008.

ADDRESSES: To send comments or for further information, contact: Dennis 
Rankin, Environmental Protection Specialist, USDA, Rural Development 
Utilities Programs, Engineering and Environmental Staff, 1571, 1400 
Independence Avenue, SW., Stop 1571, Washington, DC 20250-1571, or e-
mail: dennis.rankin@wdc.usda.gov. An Alternative Evaluation/Site 
Selection Study is available for public review at USDA Rural 
Development offices at 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 
20250-1571 and at the following Web site https://www.usda.gov/rus/water/
ees/ea.htm.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Brazos is proposing to construct an 
additional 500 MW gas-fired combustion turbine at its Jack County 
Generation Station. The site is located northeast of State Highway 199 
and FM 1156 in Jack County and southeast of the intersection of Shepard 
Road/Henderson Ranch Rd. and FM 1156.
    Government agencies, private organizations, and the public are 
invited to participate in the planning and analysis of the proposal. 
Representatives from USDA Rural Development and Brazos will be 
available at the scoping meeting to discuss USDA Rural Development's 
environmental review process, describe the project, the purpose and 
need for the proposal, discuss the scope of environmental

[[Page 3693]]

issues to be considered, answer questions, and accept oral and written 
comments.
    Written comments received by the due date will be incorporated into 
the EA Brazos and will be submitted to USDA Rural Development for 
review. USDA Rural Development will use the EA to determine the 
significance of the impacts of the project and may adopt it as its 
environmental assessment of the project. USDA Rural Development's 
environmental assessment of the proposal would be available for review 
and comment for 30 days.
    Should USDA Rural Development determine that the preparation of an 
Environmental Impact Statement is not necessary, it will prepare a 
Finding of No Significant Impact. Public notification of a Finding of 
No Significant Impact would be published in the Federal Register and in 
newspapers with circulation in the project area.
    Any final action by USDA Rural Development related to the proposed 
proposal will be subject to, and contingent upon, compliance with all 
relevant federal, state, and local environmental laws and regulations 
and completion of the environmental review procedures as prescribed by 
USDA Rural Development Environmental Policies and Procedures (7 CFR 
part 1794).

    Dated: January 14, 2008.
Mark S. Plank,
Director, Engineering and Environmental Staff, USDA/Rural Development/
Utilities Programs.
[FR Doc. E8-957 Filed 1-18-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-15-P
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