[Federal Register: April 24, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 78)]
[Notices]               
[Page 21004]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr24ap06-47]                         


[[Page 21004]]

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DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

Department of the Army

 
Notice of Availability of the Record of Decision for the Final 
Environmental Impact Statement for the Transformation of the 
Pennsylvania Army National Guard 56th Brigade Into a Stryker Brigade 
Combat Team at the National Guard Training Center-Fort Indiantown GAP, 
PA

AGENCY: Department of the Army DoD.

ACTION: Notice of availability.

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SUMMARY: The National Guard Bureau and the Department of the Army 
announce the availability of the Record of Decision (ROD), which 
explains the decision to proceed with the Transformation of the 
Pennsylvania Army National Guard (PAARNG) 56th Stryker Brigade Combat 
Team (SBCT). This action includes construction of new training and 
support facilities at the National Guard Training Center-Fort 
Indiantown Gap (NGTC-FTIG), Fort Pickett, VA, and local PAARNG 
facilities across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The action also 
includes Annual Training (AT) at Fort A.P. Hill, VA in order to 
accomplish requisite training. The Final Environmental Impact Statement 
(FEIS) complies with all applicable requirements, and adequately 
addresses the biological, physical, socioeconomic, and cultural impacts 
from implementing the proposed action.

ADDRESSES: Written comments or materials should be forwarded to LTC 
Christopher Cleaver, NGTC-FTIG Public Affairs Officer, PADMVA 
Headquarters, Building 0-47, Annville, PA 17003-5002, or Ms. Patricia 
Rickard, NGTC-FTIG EIS Project Officer, NGTC-FTIG Environmental 
Section, 1119 Utility Road, Annville, PA 17003-5002.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: LTC Christopher Cleaver at (717) 861-
8468 or Ms. Patricia Rickard at (717) 861-2580.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FEIS examined three alternatives: (1) 
Preferred Alternative--implement all construction actions identified in 
the FEIS; (2) Train Using Existing Facilities Alternative--using 
existing PAARNG training ranges and additional facilities at other 
regional Army installations (outside of Pennsylvania) to fulfill 
Inactive Duty Training and AT requirements on a temporary to permanent 
basis; (3) No-Action Alternative--do not implement the proposed action 
and continue current operations. Significant impacts are anticipated 
from both Action Alternatives, although the Preferred Alternative would 
result in greater impacts. The Train Using Existing Army Facilities 
Alternative would result in fewer impacts, but would not achieve the 
purpose of and need for the proposed action as effectively as the 
Preferred Alternative. The FEIS identifies mitigation measures to 
minimize impacts from the proposed action. Unmitigable impacts are 
expected to occur to land use associated with establishment of the 
proposed ``full'' Combined Arms Collective Training Facility (CACTF) at 
NGTC-FTIG. The proposed CACTF would require the acquisition of up to 
eight private properties that are in-holdings totaling 18.1 acres. 
There would be a loss of approximately 224 acres of prime farmland due 
to construction of statewide facilities, and the permanent removal of 
up to 745 acres of continuous forest habitat at NGTC-FTIG and 
approximately 15 acres at Fort Pickett that would not be replaced by 
similar forest habitat. No Federally designated threatened or 
endangered species would be significantly affected under the Preferred 
Alternative. No significant air quality, cultural and water resources, 
noise, infrastructure, or environmental justice impacts would occur 
under the Preferred Alternative. In consultation with Federally-
recognized Native American Tribes, no significant traditional cultural 
properties or Native American sacred sites have been identified within 
areas that would be impacted under the Preferred Alternatives. As such, 
no impacts to Federally-recognized Native American Tribes or their 
interests are anticipated. Beneficial socioeconomic impacts are 
expected as local construction will require local products and 
manpower.

    Dated: April 13, 2006.
Clyde A. Vaughn,
Lieutenant General, U.S. Army, Director, Army National Guard.
[FR Doc. 06-3843 Filed 4-21-06; 8:45 am]

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