[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 214 (Monday, November 4, 1996)]
[Notices]
[Pages 56704-56705]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-28229]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Bureau of Reclamation
[INT-DES-96-46]


Draft Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement; Availability 
and Notice of Public Hearings

AGENCY: Bureau of Reclamation, Interior.

ACTION: Notice of availability and notice of public hearings on the 
draft programmatic environmental impact statement; INT-DES-96-46.

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SUMMARY: The Gila River Indian Community (Community) and the Bureau of 
Reclamation (Reclamation) have prepared a Draft Programmatic 
Environmental Impact Statement (PEIS) on the Pima-Maricopa Irrigation 
Project (Project) in compliance with the National Environmental Policy 
Act (NEPA) of 1969, as amended, and other applicable environmental 
laws. The purpose of the draft PEIS is to assist in decisionmaking by 
the Commissioner of Reclamation regarding the approval of construction-
related expenditures of funds authorized for the Central Arizona 
Project (CAP) to implement portions of the Project within the 
constraints of law. Any project that involves a major Federal action, 
such as Federal funding, permitting or approval, must comply with NEPA.
    This draft PEIS describes four alternatives for rehabilitation of 
66,000 acres and new development of 80,330 acres of irrigated 
agricultural lands. The proposed action is to rehabilitate San Carlos 
Indian Irrigation Project (SCIIP) facilities and build new facilities 
both on and off the Reservation. Ultimate project size would be 146,330 
acres which will enable the Gila River Indian Community to better 
utilize water supplies and provide additional economic employment 
opportunities. A No Federal Action alternative is also described.
    The Community is the Project proponent and is responsible for the 
preparation of this draft PEIS through a Self-Governance Agreement with 
Reclamation. Reclamation is responsible for disbursing CAP-related 
Federal funds and functions as the lead Federal agency for the Project. 
The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) is a cooperating agency in this 
process because of its trust responsibility and administration of 
SCIIP.

DATES: A 60-day public review period begins with the publication of 
this notice. Written comments on the draft PEIS should be submitted to 
the Bureau of Reclamation.
    Public hearings on the draft PEIS will be held on the following 
dates at the locations indicated.
     December 3, 1996, Sacaton, Arizona: Tribal Council 
Chambers, Corner of Pima and Main Street, Sacaton, AZ 85247, 7:00-9:00 
p.m.
     December 4, 1996, Laveen, Arizona: District 6 Service 
Center, Corner of St. Johns Road and 51st Avenue, Laveen, AZ 85339, 
7:00-9:00 p.m.
     December 5, 1996, Coolidge, Arizona: Coolidge Adult 
Center, 250 South 3rd Street, Coolidge, AZ 85228, 7:00-9:00 p.m.
     December 5, 1996, Phoenix, Arizona: Quality Inn--South 
Mountain, 5121 East La Puente Street, Phoenix AZ 85044, 1:00-3:00 p.m.

ADDRESSES: Written comments on the draft PEIS and requests for copies 
should be addressed to: Mr. Bruce D. Ellis (PXAO-1500), Bureau of 
Reclamation, PO Box 9980, Phoenix, AZ 85068. Copies may also be 
requested by telephone at (602) 870-6760.
    Copies of the draft PEIS are available for inspection at the 
address above and also at the following locations:
     Office of the Commissioner, Bureau of Reclamation, Room 
7612, 1849 C Street, NW., Washington DC 20240
     Reclamation Service Center, Bureau of Reclamation, 
Library, Room 167, Building 67, Denver Federal Center, Denver CO 80225
     Lower Colorado Regional Office, Bureau of Reclamation, 
Library, Room M117, Nevada Highway and Park Street, Boulder City NV 
89005

Libraries

Arizona Department of Library Archives and Public Records, Phoenix AZ
Phoenix Public Library, Phoenix AZ
Chandler Public Library, Chandler AZ
Florence Public Library, Florence AZ
Coolidge Public Library, Coolidge AZ
Arizona Collection, Hayden Library, Arizona State University, Tempe AZ
University of Arizona, Main Library, Tucson AZ
Ms. Rebecca Burke, Government Document Service, Arizona State 
University, Tempe AZ
Ms. Holly Amegen, Tucson AZ

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Bruce D. Ellis (PXAO-1500), Bureau 
of Reclamation, PO Box 9980, Phoenix, AZ 85068; telephone: (602) 870-
6760.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Gila River Indian Community (Community) 
proposes to construct a common-use irrigation system to deliver water 
to 146,330 acres within the Gila River Indian Reservation (Reservation) 
and to rehabilitate SCIIP Joint Works facilities. The Proposed Action, 
known as the Project, represents a component of the Community's Master 
Plan for Land and Water Use (Franzoy Corey, 1985). The Master Plan 
identifies the Community's major goals and preferences for improving 
and developing Reservation land and water resources.
    The Project would support the continued role of agriculture as a 
primary element of the Community's traditional economy and way of life. 
The Project would enhance economic growth, development and self-
sufficiency of the Community. The Project has the potential to 
significantly improve the standard of living for Community members.
    The Community is the Project proponent and is responsible for the 
preparation of this draft PEIS through a Self-Governance Agreement with 
Reclamation. Reclamation is responsible for disbursing CAP-related 
Federal funds and functions as the lead Federal agency for the Project. 
The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) is a cooperating agency in this 
process because of its trust responsibility and administration of 
SCIIP.

Hearing Process Information

    The purpose of the hearings is to allow the public an opportunity 
to present their views and comments on the environmental impacts of the 
proposed project.

[[Page 56705]]

    Those wishing to request time to make comments prior to the hearing 
dates should write or call the Bureau of Reclamation, Phoenix Area 
Office. The address and telephone number are listed on the previous 
page. Requests should be received on or before November 26, 1996, and 
should indicate at which session the speaker wishes to appear. Speakers 
will be called upon to present their comments in the order in which 
their requests were received by the Bureau of Reclamation. Requests to 
speak may also be made at each session, and speakers will be called 
after the advance requests. Oral comments will be limited to 5 minutes 
per individual.
    Written comments, for inclusion in the hearing record, from those 
unable to attend the hearing or wanting to supplement their oral 
presentation should be received at the Bureau of Reclamation Phoenix 
Area Office by December 15, 1996.

    Dated: October 23, 1996.
V. LeGrand Neilson,
Assistant Regional Director.
[FR Doc. 96-28229 Filed 11-1-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-94-P