[Federal Register: May 28, 2003 (Volume 68, Number 102)]
[Notices]
[Page 31691-31692]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr28my03-45]
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DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
Department of the Army
Notice of Availability (NOA) of the Draft Environmental Impact
Statement (DEIS) for the Construction of the Thomas Jefferson Hall
(Cadet Library-Learning Center) and Other Cadet Zone Activities Within
the United States Military Academy (USMA), West Point, NY
AGENCY: U.S. Military Academy, Department of the Army, DoD.
ACTION: Notice of availability.
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SUMMARY: This announces the availability of the DEIS which assesses the
potential environmental impacts of the design, construction and
operation of the new Cadet Library-Learning Center, identified as
Thomas Jefferson Hall, and other Cadet Zone Activities at USMA.
DATES: The comment period for the DEIS will end 45 days after
publication of the NOA in the Federal Register by the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency.
ADDRESSES: To obtain copies of the DEIS or submit comments, contact
Douglas R. Cubbison, Acting NEPA Coordinator, Directorate of Housing &
Public Works, Engineering Plans & Services Division,
[[Page 31692]]
Building 667 Ruger Road, West Point, New York 10996.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Douglas R. Cubbison at (845) 938-3522,
by fax at (845) 938-2529, by e-mail at yd5777@exmail.usma.army.mil, or
by mail at the above address.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The purpose of this DEIS is to analyze
significant issues and information relevant to environmental concerns
regarding the proposed and alternative actions related to academic
modernization activities within the Cadet Zone at the USMA.
Modernization activities include the construction of a new library and
learning center, potential demolition of structures that no longer
contribute to the USMA mission, and construction of new facilities to
support the USMA mission and modernize the Cadet Zone. These actions
are needed to fulfill current and future needs for library and learning
space necessary to maintain university accreditation and academic
excellence, and to update existing cadet facilities.
Potential consequences of the proposed project identified during
interagency and public scoping meetings and addressed in this DEIS
include impacts to cultural and visual resources. In particular, these
concerns involve the existing significant viewsheds of the Cadet Zone
and the configuration and orientation of the new library on the
preferred site. The Army anticipates that cultural and visual resources
will be affected by the implementation of the proposed action. The Army
has responded to these concerns by modifying elements of the proposed
action, including the massing of the proposed building and
architectural features of its facades.
Secondary and cumulative impacts also were evaluated for the
proposed and alternative actions, as well as ongoing and recently
completed projects and recently foreseeable future actions. The
analyses indicate that adverse environmental consequences, such as the
alteration of existing significant viewsheds, would be balanced by
beneficial effects, such as the modernization of the Cadet Zone, the
continuation of USMA accreditation and an enhanced academic
environment.
The Army has considered agency concerns and responded by
incorporating recommended changes in the design of the proposed action.
Potential adverse environmental impacts to cultural and visual
resources will be properly mitigated through a Programmatic Agreement
with the New York Office of Parks Recreation and Historic Preservation,
the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation and the National Park
Service.
A public meeting will be held at the Highland Falls Library in the
spring 2003 to solicit both oral and written comments from interested
parties. The DEIS will be made available at least two weeks in advance
of the scheduled public meeting. The public meeting date and time will
be advertised in advance in local newspapers and meeting announcement
letters will be sent to potentially interested parties.
Comments on the DEIS received during the 45-day public comment
period will be considered in the preparation of the Army's Final EIS
and Record of Decision. Copies of the DEIS are available for review at
the following libraries: USMA Post Library (Building 622), USMA Cadet
Library (Building 757), Cold Spring Public Library, Highland Falls
Public Library, Cornwall Public Library and Garrison Public Library.
Dated: May 20, 2003.
Raymond J. Fatz,
Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army, (Environment, Safety and
Occupational Health) OASA(I&E).
[FR Doc. 03-13219 Filed 5-27-03; 8:45 am]
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