Department of the Interior August 1, 2005 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the availability of the draft economic analysis and draft environmental assessment for the proposal to designate critical habitat for the Arkansas River Basin population of the Arkansas River shiner (Notropis girardi) under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (Act), as amended. The draft economic analysis finds that, over the next 20 years, costs associated with Arkansas River shiner conservation activities are forecast to range from $9 to $11 million per year. In constant dollars, the draft economic analysis estimates there will be an economic impact of $198 million over the next 20 years. The greatest economic impacts are expected to occur to concentrated animal feeding operations, oil and gas production, and water management activities, in that order. Comments previously submitted on the October 6, 2004, proposed rule (69 FR 59859) during both the initial and extended comment periods (April 28, 2005, 70 FR 21987), need not be resubmitted as they have been incorporated into the public record and will be fully considered in preparation of the final rule. We will hold three public informational sessions and hearings (see DATES and ADDRESSES sections).