Draft Long Range Transportation Plan for U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Lands in the Southeast Region, 76298-76299 [2015-30815]

Download as PDF Lhorne on DSK9F6TC42PROD with NOTICES 76298 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 235 / Tuesday, December 8, 2015 / Notices year, inspectors performed 350 factory visits, 218 dealer visits, and 10 boat show visits resulting in 2,800 boats being inspected. Funding was also provided for testing of certain associated equipment and in-water testing of atypical and used recreational boats for compliance with capacity and flotation standards. ($1,587,370). Additional expenditures regarding this topic that are accounted for in the topics below are Contract Personnel Support ($103,253), Reimbursable Salaries ($143,222) and New Recreational Boating Safety Associated Travel ($5,526). Collectively, these expenditures, along with other potential projects, are considered to be applicable to the legal requirement that ‘‘not less than’’ $2 million be available to ensure compliance with Chapter 43 of Title 46, U.S. Code. Boating Accident Report Database (BARD) Web System: Funding was allocated to continue providing the BARD Web System, which enables reporting authorities in the 50 States, five U.S. Territories, and the District of Columbia to submit their accident reports electronically over a secure Internet connection. The system also enables the user community to generate statistical reports that show the frequency, nature, and severity of boating accidents. Funds supported system maintenance, development, and technical (hotline) support. ($367,332). Contract Personnel Support: Funding was provided for contract personnel to support the appropriate cost/benefit analyses for potential new regulations and to conduct general boating safetyrelated research and analysis and to assist the manufacturer compliance program. ($660,562). Boating Accident News Clipping Services: Funding was provided to continue to gather daily news stories of recreational boating accidents nationally for more real time accident information and to identify accidents that may involve regulatory non-compliances or safety defects. ($25,000). New Recreational Boating Safety Associated Travel: Funding was provided to facilitate travel by employees of the Boating Safety Division to carry out additional recreational boating safety actions and to gather background and planning information for new recreational boating safety initiatives. ($17,564). Recreational Boating Safety Outreach Initiatives: Funding was provided to produce signage promoting recreational boating safety at the U.S. Coast Guard’s Douglas A. Munro Headquarters Building, and to provide appropriate recognition to select individuals for VerDate Sep<11>2014 14:17 Dec 07, 2015 Jkt 238001 outstanding achievements in promoting boating safety. ($2,487). Reimbursable Salaries: Funding was provided to carry out the work as prescribed in 46 U.S.C. 13107(c) and as described herein. The first position was that of a professional mathematician/ statistician to conduct necessary national surveys and studies on recreational boating activities as well as to serve as a liaison to other Federal agencies that are conducting boating surveys so that we can pool our resources and reduce costs. The second position was that of a Recreational Boating Safety Specialist/Marine Investigator with responsibilities that include overseeing and managing RBS projects related to carbon monoxide poisoning, propeller injury mitigation, and manufacturer compliance initiatives. The third position was that of a Legislative and Strategic Planning Manager, with responsibilities that include analyzing proposed and enacted legislation for RBS impacts, and managing the development and implementation of the National Recreational Boating Safety Program’s strategic plan. The fourth position was that of a Division Administrative Assistant, with responsibilities that include providing administrative support for the Boating Safety Division. ($513,045). Technical Support and Analysis for the Recreational Boating Safety Program: The purpose of this contract is to obtain Contractor professional, technical, and management support for services relating to the national survey development, nonprofit grants grading assessments, and other analysis as needed for the enhancement of the administration of the National Recreational Boating Safety Program. Projects covered by the contract include statistical analyses of data collected in the 2012 National Recreational Boating Survey and research on the implications of the findings relative to boating safety and the National Recreational Boating Safety Program; a review of scientific literature covering various measures of risk exposure in other transportation related fields; support in designing the next National Recreational Boating Survey; and development of a webbased system for review of national nonprofit organization grant submissions. ($130,847). Of the $5.5 million made available to the Coast Guard in fiscal year 2015, $2,120,466 has been committed, obligated, or expended and an additional $1,183,741 of prior fiscal year funds have been committed, obligated, or expended, as of September 30, 2015. The remainder of the FY14 and FY15 PO 00000 Frm 00039 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 funds made available to the Coast Guard (approximately $5,132,275) may be retained for the allowable period for the National Recreational Boating Survey or transferred into the pool of money available for allocation through the state grant program. Authority This notice is issued pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 552 and 46 U.S.C. 13107(c)(4). Dated: December 2, 2015. V.B. Gifford, Captain, U.S. Coast Guard, Director of Inspections & Compliance. [FR Doc. 2015–30884 Filed 12–7–15; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 9110–04–P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service [FWS–R4–R–2015–N106; FXRS85510445RG0–XXX–FF04R04000] Draft Long Range Transportation Plan for U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Lands in the Southeast Region Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior. ACTION: Notice of availability; request for comments. AGENCY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the availability of a draft long range transportation plan for public review and comment. The Draft Long Range Transportation Plan outlines a strategy for improving and maintaining transportation assets that provide access to Service-managed lands in the Southeast Region (Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands) over the next 20 years. SUMMARY: We must receive written comments on or before January 7, 2016. ADDRESSES: Document Review: If you wish to review the draft plan, you may obtain a copy by visiting our Web site at https://www.fws.gov/southeast/ refuges/roads/pdf/southeast-regionlong-range-transportation-plan.pdf. Alternatively, you may contact Jo Ann Clark, Regional Transportation Program Manager, Southeast Region, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 1875 Century Blvd., Atlanta, GA 30345 (404–679– 4114). Submitting Comments: If you wish to comment on the plan, you may submit your comments in writing by any one of the following methods: DATES: E:\FR\FM\08DEN1.SGM 08DEN1 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 235 / Tuesday, December 8, 2015 / Notices • U.S. mail: Regional Transportation Program Manager, at the above address. • Hand-delivery: Regional Transportation Program Manager, at the above address. • Email: JoAnn_Clark@fws.gov. For additional information about submitting comments, see the ‘‘Public Availability of Comments’’ section below. Jo Ann Clark, at the above address, phone number, or email. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Introduction With this notice, we make the Draft LRTP for the Southeast Region of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service available for public review and comment. When finalized, the LRTP will apply to Service-managed lands in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. Lhorne on DSK9F6TC42PROD with NOTICES Background The Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP–21) requires all Federal land management agencies to conduct long-range transportation planning in a manner that is consistent with metropolitan planning organization and State departments of transportation planning. This LRTP was initiated within the Service to achieve the following: • Establish a defensible structure for sound transportation planning and decision-making. • Establish a vision, mission, goals, and objectives for transportation planning in the Service’s Southeast Region. • Implement coordinated and cooperative transportation partnerships in an effort to improve the Service’s transportation infrastructure. • Integrate transportation planning and funding for wildlife refuges and fish hatcheries into existing and future Service management plans and strategies—e.g., comprehensive conservation plans (CCPs) and comprehensive hatchery management plans (CHMPs). • Increase awareness of Alternative Transportation Systems (ATS) and associated benefits. • Develop best management practices (BMP) for transportation improvements on Service lands. • Serve as a pilot project for the implementation of a region-level transportation planning process within the Service. VerDate Sep<11>2014 14:17 Dec 07, 2015 Jkt 238001 LRTP Mission, Goals, and Objectives Through a collaborative effort, the National Wildlife Refuge System and Fisheries Programs, in cooperation with the Divisions of Planning and Visitor Services within the Service’s Southeast Region, have contributed to defining the mission, goals, and objectives presented in this document. The resulting mission, goals, and objectives are intended to provide a systematic approach to guide the process for evaluating and selecting transportation improvement for the Service lands in the Southeast Region. These guiding principles have shaped the development, conclusions, and recommendations of this LRTP. Mission To support the Service’s mission by connecting people to fish, wildlife, and their habitats through strategic implementation of transportation programs. Goals and Objectives This long-range transportation plan has six categories of goals: Resource protection, safety and condition, welcome and orientation, planning, partnerships, and sustainability. Under each goal, we present distinct objectives that move us to the goal. • Natural Resource Protection: Ensure that the transportation program helps to conserve and enhance fish, wildlife, and plant resources and their habitats. Objective 1: Identify, research, and adopt BMPs for planning, design, construction, and maintenance that mitigate impacts of transportation. Objective 2: Reduce transportationrelated conflicts with fish and wildlife corridors on or adjacent to Service lands. • Safety and Conditions: Provide a safe and reliable transportation network to and within Service lands. Objective 1: Identify and reduce safety problems and modal conflicts to and within Service lands. Objective 2: Ensure that missioncritical transportation assets are maintained in ‘‘good’’ condition. • Welcome and Orientation: Develop and maintain a transportation network that enhances the welcoming and orienting experience of visitors. Objective 1: Provide public information to enable visitors to easily get to refuges and hatcheries and to use their sites. Objective 2: Engage the visitors with compelling information so they have a better understanding of the purpose of wildlife conservation and enjoyment of natural resources. Objective 3: Create a consistent and recognizable identity throughout all PO 00000 Frm 00040 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 9990 76299 Service units by using standard materials for readily observed physical elements associated with the transportation system. • Planning: Integrate appropriate transportation planning into Service plans and processes. Objective 1: Ensure consistency and coordination between the project, unit, regional, and national levels of planning. Objective 2: Define need for infrastructure improvements, and prioritize projects using a scientific and objective process. • Partnerships: Develop partnerships to leverage resources and develop integrated transportation solutions. Objective 1: Maximize leveraging opportunities for both funding and resources. Objective 2: Work with partners to address shared transportation issues that impact Service goals. • Sustainability: Adopt and promote sustainable transportation practices. Objective 1: Address climate change and other environmental factors at all levels of transportation planning, design, project delivery, and maintenance. Objective 2: Improve access to and within Service lands by transit or nonmotorized transportation and information systems. Objective 3: Reduce fossil fuel energy consumption. Next Steps After this comment period ends, we will analyze the comments and address them in the form of a final LRTP. Public Availability of Comments Before including your address, phone number, email 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: September 2, 2015. Mike Oetker, Acting Regional Director. Note: The Federal Register received this document on December 2, 2015. [FR Doc. 2015–30815 Filed 12–7–15; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4333–55–P E:\FR\FM\08DEN1.SGM 08DEN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 235 (Tuesday, December 8, 2015)]
[Notices]
[Pages 76298-76299]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-30815]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

[FWS-R4-R-2015-N106; FXRS85510445RG0-XXX-FF04R04000]


Draft Long Range Transportation Plan for U.S. Fish and Wildlife 
Service Lands in the Southeast Region

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Notice of availability; request for comments.

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

SUMMARY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the 
availability of a draft long range transportation plan for public 
review and comment. The Draft Long Range Transportation Plan outlines a 
strategy for improving and maintaining transportation assets that 
provide access to Service-managed lands in the Southeast Region 
(Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, 
North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin 
Islands) over the next 20 years.

DATES: We must receive written comments on or before January 7, 2016.

ADDRESSES: Document Review: If you wish to review the draft plan, you 
may obtain a copy by visiting our Web site at https://www.fws.gov/southeast/refuges/roads/pdf/southeast-region-long-range-transportation-plan.pdf.
    Alternatively, you may contact Jo Ann Clark, Regional 
Transportation Program Manager, Southeast Region, U.S. Fish and 
Wildlife Service, 1875 Century Blvd., Atlanta, GA 30345 (404-679-4114).
    Submitting Comments: If you wish to comment on the plan, you may 
submit your comments in writing by any one of the following methods:

[[Page 76299]]

     U.S. mail: Regional Transportation Program Manager, at the 
above address.
     Hand-delivery: Regional Transportation Program Manager, at 
the above address.
     Email: JoAnn_Clark@fws.gov.
    For additional information about submitting comments, see the 
``Public Availability of Comments'' section below.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jo Ann Clark, at the above address, 
phone number, or email.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Introduction

    With this notice, we make the Draft LRTP for the Southeast Region 
of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service available for public review and 
comment. When finalized, the LRTP will apply to Service-managed lands 
in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, 
Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Puerto Rico, 
and the Virgin Islands.

Background

    The Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21) 
requires all Federal land management agencies to conduct long-range 
transportation planning in a manner that is consistent with 
metropolitan planning organization and State departments of 
transportation planning. This LRTP was initiated within the Service to 
achieve the following:
     Establish a defensible structure for sound transportation 
planning and decision-making.
     Establish a vision, mission, goals, and objectives for 
transportation planning in the Service's Southeast Region.
     Implement coordinated and cooperative transportation 
partnerships in an effort to improve the Service's transportation 
infrastructure.
     Integrate transportation planning and funding for wildlife 
refuges and fish hatcheries into existing and future Service management 
plans and strategies--e.g., comprehensive conservation plans (CCPs) and 
comprehensive hatchery management plans (CHMPs).
     Increase awareness of Alternative Transportation Systems 
(ATS) and associated benefits.
     Develop best management practices (BMP) for transportation 
improvements on Service lands.
     Serve as a pilot project for the implementation of a 
region-level transportation planning process within the Service.

LRTP Mission, Goals, and Objectives

    Through a collaborative effort, the National Wildlife Refuge System 
and Fisheries Programs, in cooperation with the Divisions of Planning 
and Visitor Services within the Service's Southeast Region, have 
contributed to defining the mission, goals, and objectives presented in 
this document. The resulting mission, goals, and objectives are 
intended to provide a systematic approach to guide the process for 
evaluating and selecting transportation improvement for the Service 
lands in the Southeast Region. These guiding principles have shaped the 
development, conclusions, and recommendations of this LRTP.

Mission

    To support the Service's mission by connecting people to fish, 
wildlife, and their habitats through strategic implementation of 
transportation programs.

Goals and Objectives

    This long-range transportation plan has six categories of goals: 
Resource protection, safety and condition, welcome and orientation, 
planning, partnerships, and sustainability. Under each goal, we present 
distinct objectives that move us to the goal.
     Natural Resource Protection: Ensure that the 
transportation program helps to conserve and enhance fish, wildlife, 
and plant resources and their habitats.
    Objective 1: Identify, research, and adopt BMPs for planning, 
design, construction, and maintenance that mitigate impacts of 
transportation.
    Objective 2: Reduce transportation-related conflicts with fish and 
wildlife corridors on or adjacent to Service lands.
     Safety and Conditions: Provide a safe and reliable 
transportation network to and within Service lands.
    Objective 1: Identify and reduce safety problems and modal 
conflicts to and within Service lands.
    Objective 2: Ensure that mission-critical transportation assets are 
maintained in ``good'' condition.
     Welcome and Orientation: Develop and maintain a 
transportation network that enhances the welcoming and orienting 
experience of visitors.
    Objective 1: Provide public information to enable visitors to 
easily get to refuges and hatcheries and to use their sites.
    Objective 2: Engage the visitors with compelling information so 
they have a better understanding of the purpose of wildlife 
conservation and enjoyment of natural resources.
    Objective 3: Create a consistent and recognizable identity 
throughout all Service units by using standard materials for readily 
observed physical elements associated with the transportation system.
     Planning: Integrate appropriate transportation planning 
into Service plans and processes.
    Objective 1: Ensure consistency and coordination between the 
project, unit, regional, and national levels of planning.
    Objective 2: Define need for infrastructure improvements, and 
prioritize projects using a scientific and objective process.
     Partnerships: Develop partnerships to leverage resources 
and develop integrated transportation solutions.
    Objective 1: Maximize leveraging opportunities for both funding and 
resources.
    Objective 2: Work with partners to address shared transportation 
issues that impact Service goals.
     Sustainability: Adopt and promote sustainable 
transportation practices.
    Objective 1: Address climate change and other environmental factors 
at all levels of transportation planning, design, project delivery, and 
maintenance.
    Objective 2: Improve access to and within Service lands by transit 
or non-motorized transportation and information systems.
    Objective 3: Reduce fossil fuel energy consumption.

Next Steps

    After this comment period ends, we will analyze the comments and 
address them in the form of a final LRTP.

Public Availability of Comments

    Before including your address, phone number, email 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: September 2, 2015.
 Mike Oetker,
Acting Regional Director.
    Note: The Federal Register received this document on December 2, 
2015.

[FR Doc. 2015-30815 Filed 12-7-15; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4333-55-P
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