Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for the Disposal and Reuse of the Former Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Willow Grove, Horsham, PA and Notice of Public Scoping Meetings, 64110-64111 [2012-25686]

Download as PDF mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES 64110 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 202 / Thursday, October 18, 2012 / Notices 3. A written statement describing how the applicant’s participation as a Stakeholder Representative will fulfill the roles and responsibilities of MRRIC; 4. A written description of the applicant’s past experience(s) working collaboratively with a group of individuals representing varied interests towards achieving a mutual goal, and the outcome of the effort(s); 5. A written description of the communication network that the applicant plans to use to inform his or her constituents and to gather their feedback, and 6. A written endorsement letter from an organization, local government body, or formal constituency, which demonstrates that the applicant represents an interest group(s) in the Missouri River basin. To be considered, the application must be complete and received by the close of business on November 19, 2012, at the location indicated (see ADDRESSES). Applications must include an endorsement letter to be considered complete. Full consideration will be given to all complete applications received by the specified due date. Application Review Process. Committee stakeholder applications will be forwarded to the current members of the MRRIC. The MRRIC will provide membership recommendations to the Corps as described in Attachment A of the Process for Filling MRRIC Stakeholder Vacancies document (www.MRRIC.org). The Corps is responsible for appointing stakeholder members. The Corps will consider applications using the following criteria: • Ability to commit the time required. • Commitment to make a good faith (as defined in the Charter) effort to seek balanced solutions that address multiple interests and concerns. • Agreement to support and adhere to the approved MRRIC Charter and Operating Procedures. • Demonstration of a formal designation or endorsement by an organization, local government, or constituency as its preferred representative. • Demonstrations of an established communication network to keep constituents informed and efficiently seek their input when needed. • Agreement to participate in collaboration training as a condition of membership. All applicants will be notified in writing as to the final decision about their application. Certification. I hereby certify that the establishment of the MRRIC is necessary and in the public interest in connection with the performance of duties imposed VerDate Mar<15>2010 18:15 Oct 17, 2012 Jkt 229001 on the Corps by the Endangered Species Act and other statutes. Mary S. Roth, Project Manager for the Missouri River, Recovery Implementation Committee (MRRIC). [FR Doc. 2012–25619 Filed 10–17–12; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3720–58–P DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE Department of the Navy Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for the Disposal and Reuse of the Former Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Willow Grove, Horsham, PA and Notice of Public Scoping Meetings Department of the Navy, DoD. Notice. AGENCY: ACTION: Pursuant to Section 102(2)(c) of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969, as implemented by the Council on Environmental Quality regulations (40 CFR Parts 1500–1508), the Department of the Navy (DoN) announces its intent to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to evaluate the potential environmental consequences of the disposal and reuse of the former Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base (NAS JRB) Willow Grove, Horsham, Pennsylvania, per Public Law 101–510, the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Act of 1990, as amended in 2005 (BRAC Law). Potential impacts associated with reuse of NAS JRB Willow Grove, including the change in land use and traffic patterns, will be evaluated and will contribute to the alternatives considered. DATES: The DoN will conduct public scoping meetings in Horsham Township in Montgomery County, PA to receive comments on the environmental concerns that should be addressed in the EIS. Both public scoping open houses will be held at the Horsham Township Community Center located at 1025 Horsham Road, Horsham, PA. Schedule will be as follows: 1. Open House: Monday, October 29, 2012, 4:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m. 2. Open House: Tuesday, October 30, 2012, 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Director, BRAC Program Management Office Northeast, 4911 Broad Street, Building 679, Philadelphia, PA 19112– 1303, telephone 215–897–4900, fax 215–897–4902, email: david.drozd@navy.mil. SUMMARY: The Base Closure and Realignment (BRAC) SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Commission was established by Public Law 101–510, the BRAC Law, to recommend military installations for realignment and closure. Recommendations of the 2005 BRAC Commission were included in a report presented to the President on September 8, 2005. The President approved and forwarded this report to Congress on September 16, 2005, which became effective as public law on November 9, 2005, and must be implemented in accordance with the requirements of the BRAC Law. In 2005, NAS JRB Willow Grove, PA was designated for closure under the authority of the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Act of 1990, Public Law 101–510, as amended (the Act). Pursuant to this designation, on January 8, 2010, land and facilities at this installation were declared excess to the DoN and made available to other DoD components and other Federal agencies. The DoN has evaluated all timely Federal requests and made a decision to close the former NAS JRB Willow Grove on September 15, 2011. The proposed action for this EIS is to accommodate the BRAC 2005 law. The BRAC-directed action includes disposal and reuse of NAS JRB Willow Grove and its excess properties. Upon completion of the disposal, the property will be redeveloped in accordance with the Horsham Township Authority (HLRA) Redevelopment Plan. The EIS will consider the alternatives that are reasonable to accomplish the proposed action. Alternatives to be considered include: (1) Disposal of the property by the DoN and reuse in accordance with the HLRA’s Preferred Land Use Plan; (2) Disposal of the property by the DoN with a higherdensity reuse scenario; (3) Disposal of the property by the DoN and reuse as an airport; and (4) No Action in which the DoN would retain the property in a caretaker status and no reuse or development would occur. Alternative 1 would meet the requirements of the BRAC Law by allowing for the disposal and reuse of NAS JRB Willow Grove. Reuse would be conducted in accordance with the HLRA Plan. The Plan provides a mix of land uses based on existing conditions on the installation and in the community, guiding principles for development established by the HLRA, and public participation. It is anticipated that full build-out of the Plan would be implemented over a 20year period. The Reuse Plan calls for the development of approximately 444 acres (52%) of the total base property. In addition, approximately 418 acres (48%) would be dedicated to a variety of active and passive land uses, E:\FR\FM\18OCN1.SGM 18OCN1 mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 202 / Thursday, October 18, 2012 / Notices including recreation, open space, and natural areas. The Plan also incorporates elements based on smart-growth principles, including pedestrianfriendly transportation features (e.g., walkable neighborhoods, bike lanes, and compact development), open spaces, and a mix of land use types. Alternative 2 would also meet the requirements of the BRAC Law by allowing for disposal and reuse of NAS JRB Willow Grove. This alternative features a higher density of residential and community mixed-use development. Similar to Alternative 1, this alternative includes a mix of land use types, preserves open space and natural areas, and incorporates elements based on smart-growth principles, including pedestrian-friendly transportation and compact development. It is anticipated that full build-out of the higher-density scenario would be implemented over a 20-year period. The higher density alternative calls for the development of approximately 576 acres (67%) of the total base property. In addition, approximately 280 acres (32%) of the base would be dedicated to a variety of active and passive land uses, including recreation, open space, and natural areas. Alternative 3 would maintain and reuse the existing airfield for private aviation purposes. The Plan reuses the existing airfield and its supporting infrastructure (i.e., taxiways, parking aprons and hangar facilities). After accounting for the area being reused for aviation purposes, the remaining land available for development would be approximately 380 acres. This would be developed in a mix of land use types and densities, and preserves open space and natural areas. New development would be airport related industry and businesses. Alternative 4 is required by NEPA and is the No Action Alternative. Under this alternative, NAS JRB Willow Grove would be retained by the U.S. government in caretaker status. No reuse or redevelopment would occur at the facility. The EIS will address potential direct, indirect, short-term, long-term, and cumulative impacts on the human and natural environments, including potential impacts on topography, geology and soils, water resources, biological resources, air quality, noise, infrastructure and utilities, traffic, cultural resources, land use, socioeconomics, environmental justice, and waste management. Known areas of concern associated with the BRAC action include impacts on socioeconomics due to loss of the VerDate Mar<15>2010 18:15 Oct 17, 2012 Jkt 229001 military and civilian workforce, impacts on local traffic patterns resulting from reuse scenarios, and the clean-up of installation remediation sites. The DoN is initiating the scoping process to identify community concerns and issues that should be addressed in the EIS. Agencies and the public are encouraged to provide written comments at scheduled public scoping meetings. Comments should clearly describe specific issues or topics that the EIS should address. Written comments must be postmarked or emailed by midnight November 13, 2012, and should be sent to: Director, BRAC Program Management Office Northeast, 4911 Broad Street, Building 679, Philadelphia, PA 19112–1303, telephone 215–897–4900, fax 215–897– 4902, email: david.drozd@navy.mil. Requests for special assistance, sign language interpretation for the hearing impaired, language interpreters, or other auxiliary aids for scheduled public scoping meetings must be sent by mail or email by October 24, 2012, to Mr. Matt Butwin, Ecology and Environment, Inc., 348 Southport Circle, Suite 101, Virginia Beach, Virginia 23452, telephone 757–456–5356, ext. 2811, email: MButwin@ene.com. Dated: October 11, 2012. C. K. Chiappetta, Lieutenant Commander, Office of the Judge Advocate General, U.S. Navy, Federal Register Liaison Officer. [FR Doc. 2012–25686 Filed 10–17–12; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3810–FF–P DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION Notice of Proposed Information Collection Requests; Office of Postsecondary Education; Annual Performance Report for the Gaining Early Awareness for Undergraduate Programs The GEAR UP annual performance report asks for information specific to the budget year for which the report is being submitted. The final performance report asks for information specific to the last budget year of the grant, and also requires the grantee to update the enrollment and graduation data of all students who have participated in a GEAR UP program at any time during the project period. DATES: Interested persons are invited to submit comments on or before December 17, 2012. ADDRESSES: Comments submitted in response to this notice should be submitted electronically through the Federal eRulemaking Portal at https:// SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00017 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 64111 www.regulations.gov by selecting Docket ID number ED–2012–OPE–0036 or via postal mail, commercial delivery, or hand delivery. Please note that comments submitted by fax or email and those submitted after the comment period will not be accepted. Written requests for information or comments submitted by postal mail or delivery should be addressed to the Director of the Information Collection Clearance Division, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue SW., LBJ, Room 2E117, Washington, DC 20202–4537. Individuals who use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) may call the Federal Information Relay Service (FIRS) at 1–800–877– 8339. Section 3506 of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35) requires that Federal agencies provide interested parties an early opportunity to comment on information collection requests. The Director, Information Collection Clearance Division, Privacy, Information and Records Management Services, Office of Management, publishes this notice containing proposed information collection requests at the beginning of the Departmental review of the information collection. The Department of Education is especially interested in public comment addressing the following issues: (1) Is this collection necessary to the proper functions of the Department; (2) will this information be processed and used in a timely manner; (3) is the estimate of burden accurate; (4) how might the Department enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (5) how might the Department minimize the burden of this collection on the respondents, including through the use of information technology. Please note that written comments received in response to this notice will be considered public records. Title of Collection: Annual Performance Report for the Gaining Early Awareness for Undergraduate Programs. OMB Control Number: 1840–0777. Type of Review: Revision. Total Estimated Number of Annual Responses: 225. Total Estimated Number of Annual Burden Hours: 2,475. Abstract: The Annual Performance Report for Partnership and State Projects for Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) is a required report that grant recipients must submit annually. The purpose of this information collection is for accountability. The data SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: E:\FR\FM\18OCN1.SGM 18OCN1

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[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 202 (Thursday, October 18, 2012)]
[Notices]
[Pages 64110-64111]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-25686]


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DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

Department of the Navy


Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for 
the Disposal and Reuse of the Former Naval Air Station Joint Reserve 
Base Willow Grove, Horsham, PA and Notice of Public Scoping Meetings

AGENCY: Department of the Navy, DoD.

ACTION: Notice.

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

SUMMARY: Pursuant to Section 102(2)(c) of the National Environmental 
Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969, as implemented by the Council on 
Environmental Quality regulations (40 CFR Parts 1500-1508), the 
Department of the Navy (DoN) announces its intent to prepare an 
Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to evaluate the potential 
environmental consequences of the disposal and reuse of the former 
Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base (NAS JRB) Willow Grove, Horsham, 
Pennsylvania, per Public Law 101-510, the Defense Base Closure and 
Realignment Act of 1990, as amended in 2005 (BRAC Law). Potential 
impacts associated with reuse of NAS JRB Willow Grove, including the 
change in land use and traffic patterns, will be evaluated and will 
contribute to the alternatives considered.

DATES: The DoN will conduct public scoping meetings in Horsham Township 
in Montgomery County, PA to receive comments on the environmental 
concerns that should be addressed in the EIS. Both public scoping open 
houses will be held at the Horsham Township Community Center located at 
1025 Horsham Road, Horsham, PA. Schedule will be as follows:
    1. Open House: Monday, October 29, 2012, 4:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.
    2. Open House: Tuesday, October 30, 2012, 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Director, BRAC Program Management 
Office Northeast, 4911 Broad Street, Building 679, Philadelphia, PA 
19112-1303, telephone 215-897-4900, fax 215-897-4902, email: 
david.drozd@navy.mil.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Base Closure and Realignment (BRAC) 
Commission was established by Public Law 101-510, the BRAC Law, to 
recommend military installations for realignment and closure. 
Recommendations of the 2005 BRAC Commission were included in a report 
presented to the President on September 8, 2005. The President approved 
and forwarded this report to Congress on September 16, 2005, which 
became effective as public law on November 9, 2005, and must be 
implemented in accordance with the requirements of the BRAC Law. In 
2005, NAS JRB Willow Grove, PA was designated for closure under the 
authority of the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Act of 1990, 
Public Law 101-510, as amended (the Act). Pursuant to this designation, 
on January 8, 2010, land and facilities at this installation were 
declared excess to the DoN and made available to other DoD components 
and other Federal agencies. The DoN has evaluated all timely Federal 
requests and made a decision to close the former NAS JRB Willow Grove 
on September 15, 2011.
    The proposed action for this EIS is to accommodate the BRAC 2005 
law. The BRAC-directed action includes disposal and reuse of NAS JRB 
Willow Grove and its excess properties. Upon completion of the 
disposal, the property will be redeveloped in accordance with the 
Horsham Township Authority (HLRA) Redevelopment Plan.
    The EIS will consider the alternatives that are reasonable to 
accomplish the proposed action. Alternatives to be considered include: 
(1) Disposal of the property by the DoN and reuse in accordance with 
the HLRA's Preferred Land Use Plan; (2) Disposal of the property by the 
DoN with a higher-density reuse scenario; (3) Disposal of the property 
by the DoN and reuse as an airport; and (4) No Action in which the DoN 
would retain the property in a caretaker status and no reuse or 
development would occur.
    Alternative 1 would meet the requirements of the BRAC Law by 
allowing for the disposal and reuse of NAS JRB Willow Grove. Reuse 
would be conducted in accordance with the HLRA Plan. The Plan provides 
a mix of land uses based on existing conditions on the installation and 
in the community, guiding principles for development established by the 
HLRA, and public participation. It is anticipated that full build-out 
of the Plan would be implemented over a 20-year period. The Reuse Plan 
calls for the development of approximately 444 acres (52%) of the total 
base property. In addition, approximately 418 acres (48%) would be 
dedicated to a variety of active and passive land uses,

[[Page 64111]]

including recreation, open space, and natural areas. The Plan also 
incorporates elements based on smart-growth principles, including 
pedestrian-friendly transportation features (e.g., walkable 
neighborhoods, bike lanes, and compact development), open spaces, and a 
mix of land use types.
    Alternative 2 would also meet the requirements of the BRAC Law by 
allowing for disposal and reuse of NAS JRB Willow Grove. This 
alternative features a higher density of residential and community 
mixed-use development. Similar to Alternative 1, this alternative 
includes a mix of land use types, preserves open space and natural 
areas, and incorporates elements based on smart-growth principles, 
including pedestrian-friendly transportation and compact development. 
It is anticipated that full build-out of the higher-density scenario 
would be implemented over a 20-year period. The higher density 
alternative calls for the development of approximately 576 acres (67%) 
of the total base property. In addition, approximately 280 acres (32%) 
of the base would be dedicated to a variety of active and passive land 
uses, including recreation, open space, and natural areas.
    Alternative 3 would maintain and reuse the existing airfield for 
private aviation purposes. The Plan reuses the existing airfield and 
its supporting infrastructure (i.e., taxiways, parking aprons and 
hangar facilities). After accounting for the area being reused for 
aviation purposes, the remaining land available for development would 
be approximately 380 acres. This would be developed in a mix of land 
use types and densities, and preserves open space and natural areas. 
New development would be airport related industry and businesses.
    Alternative 4 is required by NEPA and is the No Action Alternative. 
Under this alternative, NAS JRB Willow Grove would be retained by the 
U.S. government in caretaker status. No reuse or redevelopment would 
occur at the facility.
    The EIS will address potential direct, indirect, short-term, long-
term, and cumulative impacts on the human and natural environments, 
including potential impacts on topography, geology and soils, water 
resources, biological resources, air quality, noise, infrastructure and 
utilities, traffic, cultural resources, land use, socioeconomics, 
environmental justice, and waste management. Known areas of concern 
associated with the BRAC action include impacts on socioeconomics due 
to loss of the military and civilian workforce, impacts on local 
traffic patterns resulting from reuse scenarios, and the clean-up of 
installation remediation sites.
    The DoN is initiating the scoping process to identify community 
concerns and issues that should be addressed in the EIS. Agencies and 
the public are encouraged to provide written comments at scheduled 
public scoping meetings. Comments should clearly describe specific 
issues or topics that the EIS should address. Written comments must be 
postmarked or emailed by midnight November 13, 2012, and should be sent 
to: Director, BRAC Program Management Office Northeast, 4911 Broad 
Street, Building 679, Philadelphia, PA 19112-1303, telephone 215-897-
4900, fax 215-897-4902, email: david.drozd@navy.mil.
    Requests for special assistance, sign language interpretation for 
the hearing impaired, language interpreters, or other auxiliary aids 
for scheduled public scoping meetings must be sent by mail or email by 
October 24, 2012, to Mr. Matt Butwin, Ecology and Environment, Inc., 
348 Southport Circle, Suite 101, Virginia Beach, Virginia 23452, 
telephone 757-456-5356, ext. 2811, email: MButwin@ene.com.

    Dated: October 11, 2012.
C. K. Chiappetta,
Lieutenant Commander, Office of the Judge Advocate General, U.S. Navy, 
Federal Register Liaison Officer.
[FR Doc. 2012-25686 Filed 10-17-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3810-FF-P
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