[Federal Register: November 6, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 214)]
[Notices]
[Page 64977]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr06no06-41]
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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY
Coast Guard
[USCG-2005-22837]
Nationwide Automatic Identification System, Final Programmatic
Environmental Impact Statement Record of Decision
AGENCY: U.S. Coast Guard, Department of Homeland Security.
ACTION: Notice of availability.
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SUMMARY: The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) announces the availability of the
Record of Decision (ROD) for the Nationwide Automatic Identification
System (NAIS) final Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (PEIS).
The NAIS is being implemented pursuant to the Maritime Transportation
Security Act of 2002, and will include installation of Automatic
Identification System (AIS) equipment and related support systems on
and around communications towers or other structures along 95,000 miles
of coastline and inland rivers. The project will enable detection and
identification of vessels carrying (AIS) equipment to enhance maritime
domain awareness.
ADDRESSES: The ROD and final PEIS are available for viewing online at
the DOT's docket management Web site: http://dms.dot.gov under docket
number 22837. A copy of the ROD and final PEIS can also be obtained on
the NAIS project Web site: http://www.uscg.mil/hq/g-a/AIS/ or by
contacting Anita Allen, PhD, NAIS Environmental Manager, at 202-474-
3292 or Anita.A.Allen@uscg.mil.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If you have questions on this notice,
please call or e-mail Anita Allen, PhD, NAIS Environmental Manager, at
202-475-3292 or Anita.A.Allen@uscg.mil. If you have questions on
viewing the docket, call Ms. Andrea M. Jenkins, Program Manager, Docket
Operations at 202-366-0271.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background and Purpose
The Environmental Protection Agency issued a Notice of Availability
of the final PEIS in the Federal Register on October 6, 2006 (71 FR
59105). As supported by the analysis in the PEIS, the USCG has decided
to implement the proposed NAIS project consistent with the Preferred
Alternative of using AIS based technology and a combination of the
following coverage mechanisms: Establishing a combination of collocated
and newly built shore-based RF sites for short-range AIS coverage;
leasing commercial satellite services for long-range AIS coverage; and
installing AIS equipment on existing offshore oil and gas platforms and
data buoys for supplemental long-range coverage. Implementation of the
proposed NAIS project through the Preferred Alternative would ensure
that the USCG satisfies the purpose and need for NAIS. The Preferred
Alternative implementation approach will offer siting flexibility that
will help mitigate or minimize the potential for environmental impacts,
and allow the USCG to maximize the use of existing infrastructure to
meet coverage requirements.
Dated: October 30, 2006.
J.P. Currier,
Rear Admiral, United Stated Coast Guard, Assistant Commandant for
Acquisition.
[FR Doc. E6-18653 Filed 11-3-06; 8:45 am]
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