Availability of the Final Environmental Assessment (EA) and a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) of the J. Phil Campbell, Sr., National Resource Conservaton Center (JPC-NRCC), 65606-65607 [2013-26023]

Download as PDF 65606 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 212 / Friday, November 1, 2013 / Notices in interstate or foreign commerce. It protects growers, shippers and distributors by prohibiting unfair practices. PACA requires nearly all persons who operate as commission merchants, dealers and brokers buying or selling fruit and or vegetables in interstate or foreign commerce to be licensed. The license for retailers and grocery wholesalers is effective for three years and for all other licensees up to three years, unless withdrawn. Need and Use of the Information: Using various forms and business records, AMS will collect information from the applicant to administer licensing provisions under the Act, to adjudicate contract disputes, and for the purpose of enforcing the PACA and its regulations. If this information were unavailable, it would be impossible to identify and regulate the individuals or firms that are restricted due to sanctions imposed because of the reparation or administrative actions. Description of Respondents: Business or other for-profit; farms. Number of Respondents: 14,540. Frequency of Responses: Recordkeeping; Reporting: On occasion. Total Burden Hours: 87,455. Charlene Parker, Departmental Information Collection Clearance Officer. [FR Doc. 2013–26133 Filed 10–31–13; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–02–P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with NOTICES October 29, 2013. The Department of Agriculture has submitted the following information collection requirement(s) to OMB for review and clearance under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104–13. Comments regarding (a) whether the collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency’s estimate of burden including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility and clarity of the information to be collected; (d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology should be addressed to: Desk Officer for Agriculture, Office of VerDate Mar<15>2010 17:40 Oct 31, 2013 Jkt 232001 Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and Budget (OMB), OIRA_Submission@ OMB.EOP.GOV or fax (202) 395–5806 and to Departmental Clearance Office, USDA, OCIO, Mail Stop 7602, Washington, DC 20250–7602. Comments regarding these information collections are best assured of having their full effect if received within 30 days of this notification. Copies of the submission(s) may be obtained by calling (202) 720–8958. An agency may not conduct or sponsor a collection of information unless the collection of information displays a currently valid OMB control number and the agency informs potential persons who are to respond to the collection of information that such persons are not required to respond to the collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. Food and Nutrition Service Title: Impact of Implementation of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) on SNAP Operations and Participation. OMB Control Number: 0584—NEW. Summary of Collection: The Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) seeks approval to conduct a new information data collection to access the impact of implementation of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) operations and participation. This issue has major significance not only in its implications for Federal and state budgets, but also more generally for the economic wellbeing of American’s adult workers and their families. Section 17 [7 U.S.C. 2026] (a)(1) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 provides general legislative authority for the planned data collection. Need and Use of the Information: This study will assess the impact of ACA implementation on SNAP participation specifically among nonelderly nondisabled adults aged 19 to 64. ACA could potentially have a profound impact on SNAP participation among this group of people in many ways. The main research objectives for this study are grouped into the following three categories: (1) Describe the coordination of SNAP and Medicaid enrollment and renewal processes in the state and whether this changes due to ACA; (2) Describe the process of directing Medicaid applicants to SNAP; and (3) Determine the impact of ACA implementation on the number of SNAP applications. If the data collection in this study is not conducted, those responsible at the Federal, state and local levels for designing and PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 implementing SNAP and Medicaid policies and procedures will not have the value of this research in making their decisions on matters affecting potential cost-saving coordination and integration between the two programs. Description of Respondents: Individuals or households; Not-forprofit institutions; State, Local or Tribal Government. Number of Respondents: 121. Frequency of Responses: Reporting: Annually. Total Burden Hours: 915. Ruth Brown, Departmental Information Collection Clearance Officer. [FR Doc. 2013–26131 Filed 10–31–13; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–30–P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Agricultural Research Service Availability of the Final Environmental Assessment (EA) and a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) of the J. Phil Campbell, Sr., National Resource Conservaton Center (JPC–NRCC) Agricultural Research Service, USDA. ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: Notice is hereby given that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Research Service (ARS) has made a FONSI for transferring the land and real estate at the JPC– NRCC in Watkinsville, Georgia, to the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia for the benefit of the University of Georgia (UGA). The FONSI document is based on impact analysis documented in the EA that was issued for 30-day public comment beginning July 5, 2013 and finalized on August 29, 2013. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Cal Mather, Environmental Protection Specialist, USDA–ARS–SHEMB, NCAUR, 1815 N. University Street, Room 2060, Peoria, Illnois 61604, Telephone: 309–681–6608, or email: cal.mather@ars.usda.gov. You may contact Mr. Mather for a hard copy of the FONSI. Copies of the Final EA and FONSI for the JPC–NRCC Land Transfer are also available for public inspection during normal business hours at the following locations: • J. Phil Campbell, Sr., Research and Education Center Headquarters, 1420 Experiment Station Road, Watkinsville, Georgia 30677. • Oconee County Public Library, 1080 Experiment Station Road, Watkinsville, Georgia 30677. SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\01NON1.SGM 01NON1 emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with NOTICES Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 212 / Friday, November 1, 2013 / Notices • Athens-Clarke County Public Library, 2025 Baxter Street, Athens, Georgia 30606. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969, as amended, and the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (FLPMA), as amended, the USDA has prepared an EA for the proposed transfer of approximately 1,055 acres of land at the JPC–NRCC from the USDA ARS in Watkinsville, Georgia to the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia for the benefit of UGA. The USDA ARS signed a FONSI on August 30, 2013 based on the Final EA. The Final EA evaluated USDA’s proposal to transfer approximately 1,055 acres of land and facilities at the JPC– NRCC from USDA ARS in Watkinsville, GA to the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia for the benefit of UGA. As a condition of the transfer, UGA would commit to using the property for agricultural and natural resources research for a period of 25 years, supporting the strategic goals of USDA and establishing a Beginning Farmers and Ranchers Program at the Property. UGA would assume responsibility for management and maintenance of the constructed facilities and land to be conveyed from USDA. The JPC–NRCC has been in operation as a USDA ARS research station since 1937, with the mission, ‘‘to develop and transfer environmentally sustainable and profitable agricultural systems to landowners and managers in order to protect the natural resource base, build accord with non-agricultural sectors, and support healthy rural economies.’’ The facility was closed under Public Law (Pub. L.) 112–55, Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2012. In August 2012, a 5-year revocable permit was issued between USDA and the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia that allows the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) to utilize the Property as a Research and Education Center (REC) and conduct a wide range of research, teaching, extension and demonstration activities. Since August 2012, it has been operated by the CAES as the JPC–REC under this permit. A Memorandum of Understanding was executed on March 25, 2013 that would allow the formal transfer of the Property from USDA to the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia. The property transfer will be done with no monetary cost to UGA and a Quit Claim Deed will be prepared by the VerDate Mar<15>2010 17:40 Oct 31, 2013 Jkt 232001 USDA to convey the title/property rights to the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia. The Quit Claim Deed will incorporate any use restrictions identified by the NEPA process as well as the 25-year use restriction for agricultural and natural resources research as required by Section 732 of the Public Law. Two alternatives are analyzed in the Final EA, the No Action Alternative and the Proposed Action. The Final EA addresses potential impacts of these alternatives on the natural and human environment. • Alternative 1—No Action. The USDA would retain possession of the approximately 1,055 acres of land and facilities at the JPC–NRCC. USDA would no longer operate and/or maintain the property and current research at the property would cease. • Alternative 2—Proposed Action. The USDA would formally transfer approximately 1,055 acres of land at the JPC–NRCC to the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia. As a condition of the transfer, UGA would commit to using the Property for agricultural and natural resources research for a period of 25 years, supporting the strategic goals of USDA and establishing a Beginning Farmers and Ranchers Program at the Property. UGA would assume responsibility for management and maintenance of the constructed facilities and land to be conveyed from USDA. This land transfer alternative meets the purpose and need of the action. In addition, one alternative was considered in the Final EA but eliminated from detailed study. In this alternative, USDA would retain possession of the land and it would be transferred to the General Services Administration for disposal. Since it cannot reasonably be determined who would ultimately take possession of the property and how it would be utilized, it was not analyzed in detail in the EA. A Notice of Availability of the Draft EA was issued in the Federal Register on July 5, 2013. This notice announced the opening of a 30-day public comment period. The USDA used and coordinated the NEPA commenting process to satisfy the public involvement process for Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (16 U.S.C. 470(f) as provided for in 36 CFR 800.2(d)(3)). No comments were received during the public comment period. Based on its analysis of the Final EA for the property transfer, ARS has found that transferring the land and buildings to the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia for the benefit of UGA would have no PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 65607 significant impact on the quality of the human environment. Therefore, ARS will not prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for this proposed action. Dated: October 21, 2013. Caird E. Rexroad, Jr., Associate Administrator, Agricultural Research Service. [FR Doc. 2013–26023 Filed 10–31–13; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–03–P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Agricultural Research Service Availability of the Final Environmental Assessment (EA) and Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) of the Kika de la Garza Subtropical Research Center (KSARC) Agricultural Research Service, USDA. ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: Notice is hereby given that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Research Service (ARS) has made a FONSI for transferring the land and real estate at the KSARC in Weslaco, Texas to the Texas A&M University System (TAMUS). The FONSI document is based on impact analysis documented in the draft EA that was issued for a 30-day public comment period beginning on August 2, 2013 and that was finalized on September 4, 2013. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Phil Smith, Acting Property Team Lead, USDA–ARS–WBSC, 1001 Holleman Drive East, College Station, Texas 77840; Telephone: 979–260–9449; email: phil.smith@ars.usda.gov. You may contact Mr. Smith for a copy of the FONSI document. Copies of the Final EA and FONSI are available for public inspection during normal business hours at the following locations: • Weslaco Public Library, 525 South Kansas Avenue, Weslaco, Texas 78596. • Larry Ringer Library, 1818 Harvey Mitchell Parkway South, College Station, Texas 77845. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969, as amended, and the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (FLPMA), as amended, USDA ARS has prepared a Final EA for the proposed transfer of approximately 70-acres of land and associated buildings at the KSARC in Weslaco, Texas from the USDA ARS to TAMUS. The KSARC is divided into two separate properties, with the main research station located at SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\01NON1.SGM 01NON1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 212 (Friday, November 1, 2013)]
[Notices]
[Pages 65606-65607]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-26023]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Agricultural Research Service


Availability of the Final Environmental Assessment (EA) and a 
Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) of the J. Phil Campbell, Sr., 
National Resource Conservaton Center (JPC-NRCC)

AGENCY: Agricultural Research Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice.

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

SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that the U.S. Department of Agriculture 
(USDA) Agricultural Research Service (ARS) has made a FONSI for 
transferring the land and real estate at the JPC-NRCC in Watkinsville, 
Georgia, to the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia 
for the benefit of the University of Georgia (UGA). The FONSI document 
is based on impact analysis documented in the EA that was issued for 
30-day public comment beginning July 5, 2013 and finalized on August 
29, 2013.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Cal Mather, Environmental Protection 
Specialist, USDA-ARS-SHEMB, NCAUR, 1815 N. University Street, Room 
2060, Peoria, Illnois 61604, Telephone: 309-681-6608, or email: 
cal.mather@ars.usda.gov. You may contact Mr. Mather for a hard copy of 
the FONSI. Copies of the Final EA and FONSI for the JPC-NRCC Land 
Transfer are also available for public inspection during normal 
business hours at the following locations:
     J. Phil Campbell, Sr., Research and Education Center 
Headquarters, 1420 Experiment Station Road, Watkinsville, Georgia 
30677.
     Oconee County Public Library, 1080 Experiment Station 
Road, Watkinsville, Georgia 30677.

[[Page 65607]]

     Athens-Clarke County Public Library, 2025 Baxter Street, 
Athens, Georgia 30606.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In accordance with the National 
Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969, as amended, and the Federal 
Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (FLPMA), as amended, the USDA 
has prepared an EA for the proposed transfer of approximately 1,055 
acres of land at the JPC-NRCC from the USDA ARS in Watkinsville, 
Georgia to the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia for 
the benefit of UGA. The USDA ARS signed a FONSI on August 30, 2013 
based on the Final EA.
    The Final EA evaluated USDA's proposal to transfer approximately 
1,055 acres of land and facilities at the JPC-NRCC from USDA ARS in 
Watkinsville, GA to the Board of Regents of the University System of 
Georgia for the benefit of UGA. As a condition of the transfer, UGA 
would commit to using the property for agricultural and natural 
resources research for a period of 25 years, supporting the strategic 
goals of USDA and establishing a Beginning Farmers and Ranchers Program 
at the Property. UGA would assume responsibility for management and 
maintenance of the constructed facilities and land to be conveyed from 
USDA.
    The JPC-NRCC has been in operation as a USDA ARS research station 
since 1937, with the mission, ``to develop and transfer environmentally 
sustainable and profitable agricultural systems to landowners and 
managers in order to protect the natural resource base, build accord 
with non-agricultural sectors, and support healthy rural economies.'' 
The facility was closed under Public Law (Pub. L.) 112-55, Consolidated 
and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2012. In August 2012, a 5-
year revocable permit was issued between USDA and the Board of Regents 
of the University System of Georgia that allows the College of 
Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) to utilize the Property 
as a Research and Education Center (REC) and conduct a wide range of 
research, teaching, extension and demonstration activities. Since 
August 2012, it has been operated by the CAES as the JPC-REC under this 
permit. A Memorandum of Understanding was executed on March 25, 2013 
that would allow the formal transfer of the Property from USDA to the 
Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia.
    The property transfer will be done with no monetary cost to UGA and 
a Quit Claim Deed will be prepared by the USDA to convey the title/
property rights to the Board of Regents of the University System of 
Georgia. The Quit Claim Deed will incorporate any use restrictions 
identified by the NEPA process as well as the 25-year use restriction 
for agricultural and natural resources research as required by Section 
732 of the Public Law.
    Two alternatives are analyzed in the Final EA, the No Action 
Alternative and the Proposed Action. The Final EA addresses potential 
impacts of these alternatives on the natural and human environment.
     Alternative 1--No Action. The USDA would retain possession 
of the approximately 1,055 acres of land and facilities at the JPC-
NRCC. USDA would no longer operate and/or maintain the property and 
current research at the property would cease.
     Alternative 2--Proposed Action. The USDA would formally 
transfer approximately 1,055 acres of land at the JPC-NRCC to the Board 
of Regents of the University System of Georgia. As a condition of the 
transfer, UGA would commit to using the Property for agricultural and 
natural resources research for a period of 25 years, supporting the 
strategic goals of USDA and establishing a Beginning Farmers and 
Ranchers Program at the Property. UGA would assume responsibility for 
management and maintenance of the constructed facilities and land to be 
conveyed from USDA. This land transfer alternative meets the purpose 
and need of the action.
    In addition, one alternative was considered in the Final EA but 
eliminated from detailed study. In this alternative, USDA would retain 
possession of the land and it would be transferred to the General 
Services Administration for disposal. Since it cannot reasonably be 
determined who would ultimately take possession of the property and how 
it would be utilized, it was not analyzed in detail in the EA.
    A Notice of Availability of the Draft EA was issued in the Federal 
Register on July 5, 2013. This notice announced the opening of a 30-day 
public comment period. The USDA used and coordinated the NEPA 
commenting process to satisfy the public involvement process for 
Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (16 U.S.C. 470(f) 
as provided for in 36 CFR 800.2(d)(3)). No comments were received 
during the public comment period. Based on its analysis of the Final EA 
for the property transfer, ARS has found that transferring the land and 
buildings to the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia 
for the benefit of UGA would have no significant impact on the quality 
of the human environment. Therefore, ARS will not prepare an 
Environmental Impact Statement for this proposed action.

    Dated: October 21, 2013.
Caird E. Rexroad, Jr.,
Associate Administrator, Agricultural Research Service.
[FR Doc. 2013-26023 Filed 10-31-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-03-P

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