[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 117 (Monday, June 17, 1996)] [Notices] [Pages 30636-30637] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 96-15337] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR National Park Service Proposal To Award Concession Permits; Public Notice AGENCY: National Park Service, Interior. ACTION: Notice. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: Public notice is hereby given that the National Park Service proposes to award twenty-one (21) concession permtis authorizing continued operation of canoe rental, shuttle and related services for the public at Buffalo National River for a period of five (5) years from November 1, 1996, through October 31, 2001. EFFECTIVE DATE: August 16, 1996. ADDRESS: Interested parties should contact the Superintendent, Buffalo National River, P.O. Box 1173, Harrison, Arkansas 72602-1173, to obtain a copy of the prospectus describing the requirements of the proposed permits. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This permit renewal has been determined to be categorically excluded from the procedural provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act and no environmental document will be prepared. The existing concessionaires have performed their obligations to the satisfaction of the Secretary under existing permits which expire by limitation of time on October 31, 1996, and therefore pursuant to the provisions of Section 5 of the Act of October 9, 1965 (79 Stat. 969; 16 U.S.C. 20), each existing concessioner is entitled to be given preference in the renewal of the permit and in the negotiation of a new permit, providing that the existing concessioner submits a responsive offer (a timely offer which meets the terms and conditions of the Prospectus). This means that the permit will be awarded to the party submitting the best offer, [[Page 30637]] provided that if the best offer was not submitted by the existing concessioner, then the existing concessioner will be afforded the opportunity to match the best offer. If the existing concessioner agrees to match the best offer, then the permit will be awarded to the existing concessioner. If any of the existing concessionaires does not submit a responsive offer, the right of preference in renewal shall be considered to have been waived, and the permit will then be awarded to the party that has submitted the best responsive offer. The Secretary will consider and evaluate all proposals received as a result of this notice. Any proposal, including that of the existing concessioner, must be received by the Superintendent, not later than the sixtieth (60th) day following publication of this notice to be considered and evaluated. Dated: May 14, 1996. David N. Given, Acting Field Director, Midwest Field Area. [FR Doc. 96-15337 Filed 6-14-96; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310-70-M