[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 75 (Friday, April 18, 1997)]
[Notices]
[Page 19130]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-10098]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

National Park Service


New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park, Bristol County, MA; 
Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement and 
Notice of Public Meetings

    In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 
(Pub. L. 91-109 section 102(c)), the National Park Service (NPS) is 
preparing an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the New Bedford 
Whaling National Historical Park (NHP), located in New Bedford, Bristol 
County, Massachusetts. The purpose of the EIS is to assess the impacts 
of alternative management strategies which will be described in the 
general management plan for New Bedford Whaling NHP. A range of 
alternatives will be formulated for natural and cultural resource 
protection, visitor use and interpretation, facilities development, and 
operations.
    The NPS will hold a series of four (4) public meetings between May 
3 and May 21, 1997 which will provide an opportunity for public input 
into the scoping for the GMP/EIS. The date, time, and location of these 
meetings will be announced through local media as they will be held at 
various places in the New Bedford area. The purpose of these meetings 
is to obtain both written and verbal comments concerning the future 
development of New Bedford Whaling NHP. Those persons who wish to 
comment verbally or in writing should contact Ellen Levin Carlson, 
Planning Project Manager, New England Support Office, National Park 
Service, 15 State Street, Boston, MA 02109-3572, (617) 223-5048.
    The draft GMP/EIS is expected to be completed and available for 
public review in late 1998. After public and interagency review of the 
draft document comments will be considered, and a final EIS followed by 
a Record of Decision will be prepared.
    The responsible official is Richard Rambur, Acting Superintendent, 
New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park, 33 William Street, New 
Bedford, MA 02740.
Terry W. Savage,
Superintendent, New England System Support Office.
[FR Doc. 97-10098 Filed 4-17-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-70-M