Pine Barren Creek Watershed, Escambia County, AL, 12946-12947 [08-993]
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12946
Notices
Federal Register
Vol. 73, No. 48
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER
contains documents other than rules or
proposed rules that are applicable to the
public. Notices of hearings and investigations,
committee meetings, agency decisions and
rulings, delegations of authority, filing of
petitions and applications and agency
statements of organization and functions are
examples of documents appearing in this
section.
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Natural Resources Conservation
Service
Pine Barren Creek Watershed,
Escambia County, AL
Natural Resources
Conservation Service (NRCS) in
Alabama, U.S. Department of
Agriculture.
AGENCY:
Notice of a Finding of No
Significant Impact.
ACTION:
SUMMARY: The Pine Barren Creek
Watershed is a federally assisted action
authorized for planning under Public
Law 83–566, the Watershed Protection
and Flood Prevention Act. An
environmental assessment was
undertaken in conjunction with the
development of a watershed plan that
outlines alternatives for flood reduction
within the City of Atmore, Alabama.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Shannon Weaver, Assistant State
Conservationist for Natural Resources.
(334) 887–4533 or e-mail:
shannon.weaver@al.usda.gov.
The
Supplemental Watershed Plan describes
a plan for reduction of flooding at
Atmore, Alabama. The plan will be
implemented by providing financial and
technical assistance through a local
sponsor. The project measures described
within the plan will reduce the
potential for flooding within the
watershed and will also reduce the
potential risk to human health and
safety. The Environmental Assessment
indicates that this Federal action will
not cause significant adverse local,
regional, or national impacts on the
environment.
yshivers on PROD1PC62 with NOTICES
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
VerDate Aug<31>2005
15:44 Mar 10, 2008
Jkt 214001
Dated: February 19, 2008.
Gary Kobylski,
State Conservationist.
Finding of No Significant Impact for
Pine Barren Creek Watershed,
Escambia County, Alabama, January
2008
Introduction
The Pine Barren Creek Watershed is a
federally assisted action authorized for
planning under Public Law 83–566, the
Watershed Protection and Flood
Prevention Act. An environmental
assessment was undertaken in
conjunction with the development of
the supplemental watershed plan. This
assessment was conducted in
consultation with local, State, and
Federal agencies as well as with
interested organizations and
individuals. The Supplemental
Watershed Plan and Environmental
Assessment are available for public
review at the following locations:
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation
Service, 175 Ag
Science Drive, Suite
A, Brewton, Alabama.
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation
Service, 3381 Skyway
Drive, Auburn, Alabama.
Brewton Public Library,
206 West Jackson
Street, Brewton, Alabama.
Altmore Public Library,
700 E. Church Street,
Atmore, Alabama
City Hall, City of
Atmore, 201 East
Louisville Ave.,
Atmore, Alabama.
Recommended Action
The Supplemental Watershed Plan
describes a plan for reduction of
flooding in Atmore, Alabama. The plan
will be implemented by providing
financial and technical assistance
through a local sponsor.
The principal project measures are to:
1. Deepen an existing channel located
in the headwaters of Pine Barren Creek.
2. Install a grade stabilization
structure.
3. Modify an existing weir structure.
4. Install reinforced concrete pipe
laterals within the residential area of
Atmore.
Effects of Recommended Action
The project measures will reduce the
potential for flooding within the
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Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
watershed and will also reduce the
potential risk to human health and
safety. The modified weir structure will
be designed to release no more water
than that which was released prior to
project implementation. Thus, the
creation of additional flow downstream
during storm events will be avoided.
Wildlife habitat will not be disturbed
during installation of the structural
work of this project. No wetlands,
wildlife habitat, fisheries, prime
farmland, or cultural resources will be
destroyed or threatened by this project.
The value of woodland habitat will not
decline. Fishery habitats will also be
maintained.
No endangered or threatened plant or
animal species will be adversely
affected by the project.
There are no wilderness areas in the
watershed.
Alternatives
Five alternative plans were
considered in project planning. No
significant adverse environmental
impacts are anticipated from installation
of the selected alternative. Also, the
planned action is the most practical and
cost effective means of reducing
flooding in the watershed.
Consultation—Public Participation
Flooding and water quality concerns
in the Pine Barren Creek Watershed
were expressed by local citizens, City of
Atmore officials, Escambia County Soil
and Water Conservation District, and
other regional residents. NRCS
personnel in partnership with the City
of Atmore, explored alternatives to
relieve flooding problems, while
maintaining water quality in Pine
Barren Creek. Two interagency meetings
were held to gather input from local,
state, and federal government agencies.
In addition, two public meetings were
held in Atmore to gather public input
and concerns.
At the initiation of the planning
process, meetings were held between
NRCS and the City of Atmore to discuss
problem identification and PL–566
requirements. A public meeting was
held in June 26, 2003 to scope the
problems and concerns and to explain
impacts of the PL–566
programinitiatives relative to a
watershed project and discuss possible
solutions.
In order to further publicize this
planning effort, a public announcement
E:\FR\FM\11MRN1.SGM
11MRN1
Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 48 / Tuesday, March 11, 2008 / Notices
was made to State and Federal agencies
by letter and to local landowners
through local newspapers to announce
the change in project purpose.
Evaluations and alternative solutions
were developed with the Sponsor and
other officials. The Recommended Plan
was agreed upon.
Another public meeting was on May
31, 2007. The results of surveys, studies,
field investigations and the Alternatives
Plans were presented to the public. The
Selected Plan was shared with those in
attendance.
Based on Field Inspections to
determine the quality and quantity of
resources that would be impacted by
selected practices and to consider
possible mitigation measures, it has
been determined that an Environmental
Impact Statement (EIS) is not needed for
this project. Based on the type of
practices and systems that are planned,
installation on previously disturbed
land, an Environmental Assessment
(EA) was prepared.
Upon review of the Pine Barren Creek
Watershed Plan–EA, this Finding of No
Significant Impact (FONSI) was
prepared. These documents are being
distributed to all concerned agencies,
groups, and interested individuals. A
Notice of Availability of the FONSI is
being published in the Federal Register.
Agency consolations and public
participation to date has shown no
conflicts with the implementation of the
selected plan.
Conclusion
The Environmental Assessment
summarized above indicates that this
Federal action will not cause significant
adverse local, regional, or national
impacts on the environment. Therefore,
based on the above findings, I have
determined that an environmental
impact statement for the recommended
Pine Barren Creek Supplemental
Watershed Plan is not required.
Dated: February 19, 2008.
Gary Kobylski,
State Conservationist.
[FR Doc. 08–993 Filed 3–10–08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410–16–M
yshivers on PROD1PC62 with NOTICES
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
International Trade Administration
Mission Statement
AGENCY:
ACTION:
Department of Commerce.
Notice.
VerDate Aug<31>2005
15:44 Mar 10, 2008
Jkt 214001
Mission Statement; Assistant
Secretarial Trade Mission to Vietnam;
June 16–20, 2008
I. Mission Description
The United States Department of
Commerce, International Trade
Administration, U.S. Commercial
Service is organizing a Trade Mission to
Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam,
June 16–20, 2008, to be led by Assistant
Secretary for Trade Promotion and
Director General of the U.S. and Foreign
Commercial Service Israel Hernandez.
The mission will focus on helping
U.S. companies launch or increase their
export business in the Vietnamese
market. The mission will help
participating firms gain market
information, make business and
government contacts, solidify business
strategies, and advance specific projects,
towards the goal of increasing U.S.
exports to Vietnam. The mission will
include business-to-business
matchmaking appointments with local
companies, as well as meetings with key
government officials, and American and
local chambers of commerce. The
delegation will be comprised of U.S.
firms representing a cross section of
U.S. industries with commercial
interests in Vietnam.
II. Commercial Setting
With a GDP of $61 billion and a
young population of 84 million,
Vietnam is one of the fastest growing
economies in Asia (8.4% growth in
2006) and a new member of the World
Trade Organization (WTO) (January 11,
2007). Since the signing of the U.S.Vietnam Bilateral Trade Agreement in
2001, two-way trade has increased from
about $1.5 billion (2001) to $9.7 billion
(2006). Total U.S. merchandise exports
to Vietnam in 2006 reached $1.1 billion,
and in 2007, U.S. exports grew by an
estimated 65.1% over the previous year.
Industrial production continues to
grow at 14–15% per annum, as the
country follows an increasingly
sophisticated foreign investment- and
export-led growth strategy in such
industries as agriculture and
aquaculture, furniture, textiles and now
consumer electronics. Over the past five
years, multilateral development banks
have expanded loan portfolios to fund
aggressive infrastructure (transportation,
energy, telecommunications) growth
and will continue to do so into the
foreseeable future. New WTO marketopening commitments will continue to
be phased in through 2015, making it
easier for U.S. companies to open
businesses and sell and distribute
products in most major sectors. The
telecommunications, power production,
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12947
and oil and gas equipment markets are
well above $2.0 billion each and
growing significantly each year. IT
infrastructure, financial services,
environmental products, aviation and
airport equipment, security, mining,
medical devices and franchising present
further lucrative selling opportunities
for U.S. exporters. Also, industrial
inputs ranging from raw materials to
sophisticated manufacturing technology
are needed to fuel the Vietnam
government’s export-led growth
strategy. Rising incomes in Ho Chi Minh
City and Hanoi, which tend to be four
times the national average, are opening
visible new selling opportunities for
consumer goods producers and servicesector providers.
Vietnam’s government has
successfully privatized a few small
State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs), and
will continue to do so. However, in
major economic sectors such as energy,
banking, telecommunications, oil and
gas, and shipping, the government will
‘‘equitize’’ (offer shares of large state
corporations to investors while
maintaining a majority stake) SOEs over
the next five to ten years. While
challenges remain for U.S. companies
doing business in Vietnam, evolving
and improving regulatory and
commercial law regimes are beginning
to address business corruption, weak
intellectual property rights enforcement
and a lack of transparency and
consistency. The mission is designed to
assist U.S. companies to identify and
capture these opportunities.
III. Mission Goals
The Business Development Mission to
Vietnam will help U.S. firms initiate or
expand their exports to Vietnam’s
leading industry sectors by providing
business-to-business introductions,
market access information, and
information on U.S. Government trade
financing programs.
IV. Mission Scenario
The Business Development Mission to
Vietnam will include stops in Hanoi
and Ho Chi Minh City. In each city,
participants will:
• Meet with government officials.
• Meet with potential buyers, agents/
distributors and partners.
• Attend briefings by Embassy
officials on the economic and
commercial climates.
Receptions and other business events
will be organized to provide mission
participants with further opportunities
to speak with local business and
government representatives, as well as
U.S. business executives living and
working in the region.
E:\FR\FM\11MRN1.SGM
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 48 (Tuesday, March 11, 2008)]
[Notices]
[Pages 12946-12947]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 08-993]
========================================================================
Notices
Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains documents other than rules
or proposed rules that are applicable to the public. Notices of hearings
and investigations, committee meetings, agency decisions and rulings,
delegations of authority, filing of petitions and applications and agency
statements of organization and functions are examples of documents
appearing in this section.
========================================================================
Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 48 / Tuesday, March 11, 2008 /
Notices
[[Page 12946]]
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Natural Resources Conservation Service
Pine Barren Creek Watershed, Escambia County, AL
AGENCY: Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Alabama, U.S.
Department of Agriculture.
ACTION: Notice of a Finding of No Significant Impact.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The Pine Barren Creek Watershed is a federally assisted action
authorized for planning under Public Law 83-566, the Watershed
Protection and Flood Prevention Act. An environmental assessment was
undertaken in conjunction with the development of a watershed plan that
outlines alternatives for flood reduction within the City of Atmore,
Alabama.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Shannon Weaver, Assistant State
Conservationist for Natural Resources. (334) 887-4533 or e-mail:
shannon.weaver@al.usda.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Supplemental Watershed Plan describes a
plan for reduction of flooding at Atmore, Alabama. The plan will be
implemented by providing financial and technical assistance through a
local sponsor. The project measures described within the plan will
reduce the potential for flooding within the watershed and will also
reduce the potential risk to human health and safety. The Environmental
Assessment indicates that this Federal action will not cause
significant adverse local, regional, or national impacts on the
environment.
Dated: February 19, 2008.
Gary Kobylski,
State Conservationist.
Finding of No Significant Impact for Pine Barren Creek Watershed,
Escambia County, Alabama, January 2008
Introduction
The Pine Barren Creek Watershed is a federally assisted action
authorized for planning under Public Law 83-566, the Watershed
Protection and Flood Prevention Act. An environmental assessment was
undertaken in conjunction with the development of the supplemental
watershed plan. This assessment was conducted in consultation with
local, State, and Federal agencies as well as with interested
organizations and individuals. The Supplemental Watershed Plan and
Environmental Assessment are available for public review at the
following locations:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Altmore Public Library, 700
Resources Conservation Service, 175 Ag E. Church Street, Atmore,
Science Drive, Suite A, Brewton, Alabama. Alabama
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural City Hall, City of Atmore,
Resources Conservation Service, 3381 201 East Louisville Ave.,
Skyway Drive, Auburn, Alabama. Atmore, Alabama.
Brewton Public Library, 206 West Jackson
Street, Brewton, Alabama.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Recommended Action
The Supplemental Watershed Plan describes a plan for reduction of
flooding in Atmore, Alabama. The plan will be implemented by providing
financial and technical assistance through a local sponsor.
The principal project measures are to:
1. Deepen an existing channel located in the headwaters of Pine
Barren Creek.
2. Install a grade stabilization structure.
3. Modify an existing weir structure.
4. Install reinforced concrete pipe laterals within the residential
area of Atmore.
Effects of Recommended Action
The project measures will reduce the potential for flooding within
the watershed and will also reduce the potential risk to human health
and safety. The modified weir structure will be designed to release no
more water than that which was released prior to project
implementation. Thus, the creation of additional flow downstream during
storm events will be avoided.
Wildlife habitat will not be disturbed during installation of the
structural work of this project. No wetlands, wildlife habitat,
fisheries, prime farmland, or cultural resources will be destroyed or
threatened by this project. The value of woodland habitat will not
decline. Fishery habitats will also be maintained.
No endangered or threatened plant or animal species will be
adversely affected by the project.
There are no wilderness areas in the watershed.
Alternatives
Five alternative plans were considered in project planning. No
significant adverse environmental impacts are anticipated from
installation of the selected alternative. Also, the planned action is
the most practical and cost effective means of reducing flooding in the
watershed.
Consultation--Public Participation
Flooding and water quality concerns in the Pine Barren Creek
Watershed were expressed by local citizens, City of Atmore officials,
Escambia County Soil and Water Conservation District, and other
regional residents. NRCS personnel in partnership with the City of
Atmore, explored alternatives to relieve flooding problems, while
maintaining water quality in Pine Barren Creek. Two interagency
meetings were held to gather input from local, state, and federal
government agencies. In addition, two public meetings were held in
Atmore to gather public input and concerns.
At the initiation of the planning process, meetings were held
between NRCS and the City of Atmore to discuss problem identification
and PL-566 requirements. A public meeting was held in June 26, 2003 to
scope the problems and concerns and to explain impacts of the PL-566
programinitiatives relative to a watershed project and discuss possible
solutions.
In order to further publicize this planning effort, a public
announcement
[[Page 12947]]
was made to State and Federal agencies by letter and to local
landowners through local newspapers to announce the change in project
purpose.
Evaluations and alternative solutions were developed with the
Sponsor and other officials. The Recommended Plan was agreed upon.
Another public meeting was on May 31, 2007. The results of surveys,
studies, field investigations and the Alternatives Plans were presented
to the public. The Selected Plan was shared with those in attendance.
Based on Field Inspections to determine the quality and quantity of
resources that would be impacted by selected practices and to consider
possible mitigation measures, it has been determined that an
Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is not needed for this project.
Based on the type of practices and systems that are planned,
installation on previously disturbed land, an Environmental Assessment
(EA) was prepared.
Upon review of the Pine Barren Creek Watershed Plan-EA, this
Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) was prepared. These documents
are being distributed to all concerned agencies, groups, and interested
individuals. A Notice of Availability of the FONSI is being published
in the Federal Register. Agency consolations and public participation
to date has shown no conflicts with the implementation of the selected
plan.
Conclusion
The Environmental Assessment summarized above indicates that this
Federal action will not cause significant adverse local, regional, or
national impacts on the environment. Therefore, based on the above
findings, I have determined that an environmental impact statement for
the recommended Pine Barren Creek Supplemental Watershed Plan is not
required.
Dated: February 19, 2008.
Gary Kobylski,
State Conservationist.
[FR Doc. 08-993 Filed 3-10-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-16-M
