Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for T-7a Recapitalization at Columbus Air Force Base, Mississippi, 18000-18001 [2022-06575]

Download as PDF 18000 Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 60 / Tuesday, March 29, 2022 / Notices comments or statements to the BoV about its mission and/or the topics to be addressed in the open sessions of this public meeting. Written comments or statements should be submitted to the BoV Executive Secretary, Lt Col Robert Schabron, via electronic mail, at the email address listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section in the following formats: Adobe Acrobat or Microsoft Word. The comment or statement must include the author’s name, title affiliation, address, and daytime telephone number. Written comments or statements being submitted in response to the agenda set forth in this notice must be received by the BoV Executive Secretary at least five (5) business days (April 6, 2022) prior to the meeting so they may be made available to the BoV Chairman for consideration prior to the meeting. Written comments or statements received after this date (April 6, 202) may not be provided to the BoV until its next meeting. Please note that because the BoV operates under the provisions of the FACA, as amended, all written comments will be treated as public documents and will be made available for public inspection. Adriane Paris, Air Force Federal Register Liaison Officer. [FR Doc. 2022–06568 Filed 3–28–22; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 5001–10–P DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE Department of the Air Force Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for T– 7a Recapitalization at Columbus Air Force Base, Mississippi Department of the Air Force, Department of Defense. AGENCY: ACTION: Notice of intent. The Department of the Air Force (DAF) is issuing this Notice of Intent (NOI) to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to assess the potential social, economic, and environmental impacts associated with T–7A Recapitalization at Columbus Air Force Base (AFB), Mississippi. The EIS will analyze the potential impacts from introduction of T–7A aircraft and flight operations at Columbus AFB and associated airspace; introduction of nighttime (between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m.) T–7A flight operations; changes to the number of personnel and dependents in the Columbus AFB region; and construction and upgrade of support and maintenance facilities. lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with NOTICES1 SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:01 Mar 28, 2022 Jkt 256001 A public scoping period of 30 days will take place starting from the date of this NOI publication in the Federal Register. Comments will be accepted at any time during the environmental impact analysis process; however, to ensure DAF has sufficient time to consider public scoping comments during preparation of the Draft EIS, please submit comments within the 30-day scoping period. The Draft EIS is anticipated in late 2022. The Final EIS and a decision on which alternative to implement is expected in mid-2023. ADDRESSES: For EIS inquiries or requests for printed or digital copies of scoping materials please contact Mr. Nolan Swick by phone: (210) 925–3392. The project website (https://columbus.t7anepadocuments.com/) provides additional information on the EIS and can be used to submit scoping comments. Scoping comments may also be submitted via email to nolan.swick@ us.af.mil or via postal mail to Mr. Nolan Swick, AFCEC/CZN; Attn: Columbus AFB T–7A Recapitalization EIS; Headquarters AETC Public Affairs; 100 H East Street, Suite 4; Randolph AFB, TX 78150. Please submit inquiries or requests for printed or digital copies of the scoping materials via the email or postal address above. For printed material requests, the standard U.S. Postal Service shipping timeline will apply. Please consider the environment before requesting printed material. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The DAF intends to prepare an EIS that will evaluate the potential impacts from its proposal to recapitalize the T–38C Talon flight training program at Columbus AFB with T–7A Red Hawk aircraft. The proposal supports the Secretary of the Air Force’s strategic basing decisions to recapitalize existing T–38C pilot training installations, and Columbus AFB would be the second installation to be environmentally analyzed for possible recapitalization. The purpose of this proposal is to continue the T–7A recapitalization program by recapitalizing Columbus AFB to prepare pilots to operate the more technologically advanced T–7A aircraft. Recapitalization is needed because the current training practices with the older T–38C aircraft fail to prepare pilots for the technological advancements of fourth and fifth generation aircraft. Recapitalization entails introduction of T–7A aircraft and flight operations at Columbus AFB to replace all T–38C aircraft assigned to the installation; introduction of nighttime (between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m.) flight operations; DATES: PO 00000 Frm 00027 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 changes to the number of personnel and dependents in the Columbus AFB region; and construction and upgrade of support and maintenance facilities. DAF is considering the Proposed Action, Alternative 1, Alternative 2, and the No Action Alternative. For the Proposed Action, Columbus AFB would receive 61 T–7A aircraft and perform sufficient operations for sustaining pilot training while simultaneously phasing out the T–38C aircraft and phasing in the T–7A aircraft. Alternative 1 also would result in 61 T–7A aircraft being delivered to Columbus AFB; however, T–7A operations would be performed at an intensity approximately 25 percent greater than the Proposed Action to cover a potential scenario in which DAF requires a surge or increase in pilot training operations above current plan. For Alternative 2, Columbus AFB would receive 77 T–7A aircraft to cover a potential scenario in which another military installation is unable to accept delivery of all their T–7A aircraft and some of those aircraft need to be reassigned to Columbus AFB. T–7A operations for Alternative 2 would be performed at an intensity identical to Alternative 1. The No Action Alternative would not implement T–7A recapitalization at Columbus AFB. DAF anticipates potential for the following notable environmental impacts from the Proposed Action and action alternatives: 1. Increased air emissions, particularly nitrogen oxides. 2. Increased noise from aircraft operations because the T–7A is inherently louder than the T–38C and the addition of nighttime operations may be bothersome to some residents. Increased noise could have a disproportionate impact on certain populations and impact off-installation land use compatibility. 3. Increased potential for bird/wildlife aircraft strike hazards. 4. Construction may have a minor impact on downstream water quality. The EIS will model air emissions, noise levels, and the number of sleep and school disturbance events and compare to current conditions. DAF will also consult with appropriate resource agencies and Native American tribes to determine the potential for significant impacts. Consultation will be incorporated into the preparation of the EIS and will include, but not be limited to, consultation under Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act and consultation under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act. Additional analysis will be provided in the Draft EIS. Scoping and Agency Coordination: To effectively define the full range of issues to be evaluated in the EIS, DAF is E:\FR\FM\29MRN1.SGM 29MRN1 Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 60 / Tuesday, March 29, 2022 / Notices soliciting comments from interested local, state, and federal elected officials and agencies, Tribes, as well as interested members of the public and others. Comments are requested on potential alternatives and impacts, and identification of any relevant information, studies, or analyses of any kind concerning impacts affecting the quality of the human environment. Concurrent with the publication of this NOI, public scoping notices will be announced locally. In accordance with DAF guidance, in-person public scoping meetings will not be held. Public scoping is being accomplished remotely, in accordance with the 2020 version of 40 Code of Federal Regulations part 1506.6, via the project website at https://columbus.t7anepadocuments.com/. The website provides posters, a presentation, an informational brochure, other meeting materials, and the capability for the public to provide public scoping comments. Scoping materials are also available in print at the ColumbusLowndes Public Library (314 7th Street North, Columbus, Mississippi). Adriane Paris, Air Force Federal Register Liaison Officer. [FR Doc. 2022–06575 Filed 3–28–22; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 5001–10–P DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE Defense Acquisition Regulations System [Docket No. DARS–2022–0008] Acquisition of Items for Which Federal Prison Industries Has a Significant Market Share AGENCY: DARS, Department of Defense (DoD). ACTION: Notice. DoD is publishing the updated annual list of product categories for which the Federal Prison Industries’ share of the DoD market is greater than five percent. DATES: April 15, 2022. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mario Thompson, 808–590–0652. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On November 19, 2009, a final rule was published in the Federal Register at 74 FR 59914, which amended the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) subpart 208.6 to implement section 827 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008 (Pub. L. 110–181). Section 827 changed DoD competition requirements for purchases from Federal lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with NOTICES1 SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:01 Mar 28, 2022 Jkt 256001 Prison Industries, Inc. (FPI) by requiring DoD to publish an annual list of product categories for which FPI’s share of the DoD market was greater than five percent, based on the most recent fiscal year data available. Product categories on the current list, and the products within each identified product category, must be procured using competitive or fair opportunity procedures in accordance with DFARS 208.602–70. The Principal Director, Defense Pricing and Contracting (DPC), issued a memorandum dated March 16, 2022, that provided the current list of product categories for which FPI’s share of the DoD market is greater than five percent based on fiscal year 2021 data from the Federal Procurement Data System. The product categories to be competed effective April 15, 2022, are the following: • 7125 (Cabinets, Lockers, Bins, and Shelving) • 8105 (Bags and Sacks) • 8405 (Outerwear, Men’s) • 8415 (Clothing, Special Purpose) • 8420 (Underwear and Nightwear, Men’s) The DPC memorandum with the current list of product categories for which FPI has a significant market share is posted at https://www.acq.osd.mil/ asda/dpc/cp/policy/other-policyareas.html#fpi. The statute, as implemented, also requires DoD to— (1) Include FPI in the solicitation process for these items. A timely offer from FPI must be considered and award procedures must be followed in accordance with existing policy at Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 8.602(a)(4)(ii) through (v); (2) Continue to conduct acquisitions, in accordance with FAR subpart 8.6, for items from product categories for which FPI does not have a significant market share. FAR 8.602 requires agencies to conduct market research and make a written comparability determination, at the discretion of the contracting officer. Competitive (or fair opportunity) procedures are appropriate if the FPI product is not comparable in terms of price, quality, or time of delivery; and (3) Modify the published list if DoD subsequently determines that new data requires adding or omitting a product category from the list. Jennifer D. Johnson, Editor/Publisher, Defense Acquisition Regulations System. [FR Doc. 2022–06199 Filed 3–28–22; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 5001–06–P PO 00000 Frm 00028 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 18001 DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE Office of the Secretary Publication of Housing Price Inflation Adjustment The Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness (USD(P&R)), Department of Defense (DoD). ACTION: Notice of housing price inflation adjustment. AGENCY: The DoD is announcing the 2021 rent threshold under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act. Applying the inflation adjustment for 2021, the maximum monthly rental amount as of January 1, 2022, will be $4,214.28. SUMMARY: These housing price inflation adjustments are effective January 1, 2022. DATES: Lt Col Patrick Schwomeyer, Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness, (703) 692– 8170. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, as codified at 50 U.S.C. App. 3951, prohibits a landlord from evicting a Service member (or the Service member’s family) from a residence during a period of military service, except by court order. The law as originally passed by Congress applied to dwellings with monthly rents of $2,400 or less. The law requires the DoD to adjust this amount annually to reflect inflation and to publish the new amount in the Federal Register. Applying the inflation adjustment for 2021, the maximum monthly rental amount for 50 U.S.C. App. 3951(a)(1)(A)(ii) as of January 1, 2022, will be $4,214.28. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Dated: March 22, 2022. Aaron T. Siegel, Alternate OSD Federal Register Liaison Officer Department of Defense. [FR Doc. 2022–06578 Filed 3–28–22; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 5001–06–P DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION Applications for New Awards; Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian-Serving Institutions Program, Part A Office of Postsecondary Education, Department of Education. ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: The Department of Education (Department) is issuing a notice inviting applications for new awards for fiscal SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\29MRN1.SGM 29MRN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 60 (Tuesday, March 29, 2022)]
[Notices]
[Pages 18000-18001]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-06575]


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

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

Department of the Air Force


Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for 
T-7a Recapitalization at Columbus Air Force Base, Mississippi

AGENCY: Department of the Air Force, Department of Defense.

ACTION: Notice of intent.

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

SUMMARY: The Department of the Air Force (DAF) is issuing this Notice 
of Intent (NOI) to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to 
assess the potential social, economic, and environmental impacts 
associated with T-7A Recapitalization at Columbus Air Force Base (AFB), 
Mississippi. The EIS will analyze the potential impacts from 
introduction of T-7A aircraft and flight operations at Columbus AFB and 
associated airspace; introduction of nighttime (between 10 p.m. and 7 
a.m.) T-7A flight operations; changes to the number of personnel and 
dependents in the Columbus AFB region; and construction and upgrade of 
support and maintenance facilities.

DATES: A public scoping period of 30 days will take place starting from 
the date of this NOI publication in the Federal Register. Comments will 
be accepted at any time during the environmental impact analysis 
process; however, to ensure DAF has sufficient time to consider public 
scoping comments during preparation of the Draft EIS, please submit 
comments within the 30-day scoping period. The Draft EIS is anticipated 
in late 2022. The Final EIS and a decision on which alternative to 
implement is expected in mid-2023.

ADDRESSES: For EIS inquiries or requests for printed or digital copies 
of scoping materials please contact Mr. Nolan Swick by phone: (210) 
925-3392. The project website (https://columbus.t-7anepadocuments.com/) 
provides additional information on the EIS and can be used to submit 
scoping comments. Scoping comments may also be submitted via email to 
[email protected] or via postal mail to Mr. Nolan Swick, AFCEC/CZN; 
Attn: Columbus AFB T-7A Recapitalization EIS; Headquarters AETC Public 
Affairs; 100 H East Street, Suite 4; Randolph AFB, TX 78150. Please 
submit inquiries or requests for printed or digital copies of the 
scoping materials via the email or postal address above. For printed 
material requests, the standard U.S. Postal Service shipping timeline 
will apply. Please consider the environment before requesting printed 
material.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The DAF intends to prepare an EIS that will 
evaluate the potential impacts from its proposal to recapitalize the T-
38C Talon flight training program at Columbus AFB with T-7A Red Hawk 
aircraft. The proposal supports the Secretary of the Air Force's 
strategic basing decisions to recapitalize existing T-38C pilot 
training installations, and Columbus AFB would be the second 
installation to be environmentally analyzed for possible 
recapitalization. The purpose of this proposal is to continue the T-7A 
recapitalization program by recapitalizing Columbus AFB to prepare 
pilots to operate the more technologically advanced T-7A aircraft. 
Recapitalization is needed because the current training practices with 
the older T-38C aircraft fail to prepare pilots for the technological 
advancements of fourth and fifth generation aircraft.
    Recapitalization entails introduction of T-7A aircraft and flight 
operations at Columbus AFB to replace all T-38C aircraft assigned to 
the installation; introduction of nighttime (between 10 p.m. and 7 
a.m.) flight operations; changes to the number of personnel and 
dependents in the Columbus AFB region; and construction and upgrade of 
support and maintenance facilities. DAF is considering the Proposed 
Action, Alternative 1, Alternative 2, and the No Action Alternative. 
For the Proposed Action, Columbus AFB would receive 61 T-7A aircraft 
and perform sufficient operations for sustaining pilot training while 
simultaneously phasing out the T-38C aircraft and phasing in the T-7A 
aircraft. Alternative 1 also would result in 61 T-7A aircraft being 
delivered to Columbus AFB; however, T-7A operations would be performed 
at an intensity approximately 25 percent greater than the Proposed 
Action to cover a potential scenario in which DAF requires a surge or 
increase in pilot training operations above current plan. For 
Alternative 2, Columbus AFB would receive 77 T-7A aircraft to cover a 
potential scenario in which another military installation is unable to 
accept delivery of all their T-7A aircraft and some of those aircraft 
need to be reassigned to Columbus AFB. T-7A operations for Alternative 
2 would be performed at an intensity identical to Alternative 1. The No 
Action Alternative would not implement T-7A recapitalization at 
Columbus AFB.
    DAF anticipates potential for the following notable environmental 
impacts from the Proposed Action and action alternatives: 1. Increased 
air emissions, particularly nitrogen oxides. 2. Increased noise from 
aircraft operations because the T-7A is inherently louder than the T-
38C and the addition of nighttime operations may be bothersome to some 
residents. Increased noise could have a disproportionate impact on 
certain populations and impact off-installation land use compatibility. 
3. Increased potential for bird/wildlife aircraft strike hazards. 4. 
Construction may have a minor impact on downstream water quality. The 
EIS will model air emissions, noise levels, and the number of sleep and 
school disturbance events and compare to current conditions. DAF will 
also consult with appropriate resource agencies and Native American 
tribes to determine the potential for significant impacts. Consultation 
will be incorporated into the preparation of the EIS and will include, 
but not be limited to, consultation under Section 7 of the Endangered 
Species Act and consultation under Section 106 of the National Historic 
Preservation Act. Additional analysis will be provided in the Draft 
EIS.
    Scoping and Agency Coordination: To effectively define the full 
range of issues to be evaluated in the EIS, DAF is

[[Page 18001]]

soliciting comments from interested local, state, and federal elected 
officials and agencies, Tribes, as well as interested members of the 
public and others. Comments are requested on potential alternatives and 
impacts, and identification of any relevant information, studies, or 
analyses of any kind concerning impacts affecting the quality of the 
human environment. Concurrent with the publication of this NOI, public 
scoping notices will be announced locally. In accordance with DAF 
guidance, in-person public scoping meetings will not be held. Public 
scoping is being accomplished remotely, in accordance with the 2020 
version of 40 Code of Federal Regulations part 1506.6, via the project 
website at https://columbus.t-7anepadocuments.com/. The website 
provides posters, a presentation, an informational brochure, other 
meeting materials, and the capability for the public to provide public 
scoping comments. Scoping materials are also available in print at the 
Columbus-Lowndes Public Library (314 7th Street North, Columbus, 
Mississippi).

Adriane Paris,
Air Force Federal Register Liaison Officer.
[FR Doc. 2022-06575 Filed 3-28-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 5001-10-P

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