[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 108 (Friday, June 5, 1998)] [Notices] [Page 30803] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 98-15036] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Coast Guard [USCG-1998-3584] Proposed Modernization of the Coast Guard National Distress System AGENCY: Coast Guard, DOT. ACTION: Notice of the availability of the USCG draft Programmatic Environmental Assessment and request for public comment. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act, the Coast Guard requests comment on its draft of the Programmatic Environmental Assessment (PEA) for the National Distress System Modernization Project (NDSMP). The PEA is posted on the Internet for review. This environmental assessment examines in detail: (1) The reasonable alternatives available to the USCG to fulfill current mission needs for an efficient, cost-effective, and technologically improved NDS; and (2) the potential for significant environmental impacts from each alternative. The precise solution to the Coast Guard's NDS modernization needs will ultimately be selected through a fully competitive process with industry offering a variety of potential solutions. At this time, and in compliance with NEPA, the PEA identifies the replacement system as using dual mode (digital and analog) transceivers. In the digital mode these transceivers would be programmable and adaptable to digital signal processing technologies and narrow band channel spacing. In the analog mode, the transceivers would be compatible with VHF marine radios in use by the maritime public. This alternative integrates radio position localization, Digital Select Calling (DSC), encryption capability, digital recording equipment, and data transmission capability. This option also incorporates more radio spectrum, and increases communication coverage for the modernized NDS. It is expected that additional antenna sites will be added in coastal locations. The PEA is available at the Internet web site: http://comms.rdc.uscg.mil/NDSmod/NDS.html or http://dms.dot.gov/ Please review the PEA located at the Internet web site and send any comments in writing to the address provided below. Early comments are encouraged. If you would like to review a copy of the PEA and are unable to access our web site, please contact Mr. Dan Muslin at (619) 532-3403, or at the address listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION. DATES: Comments must be received by July 6, 1998. ADDRESSES: You may mail comments to the Docket Management Facility, [USCG-1998-3584], U.S. Department of Transportation, Room PL-401, 400 Seventh Street SW., Washington, DC 20590-0001, or deliver them to room PL-401, located on the Plaza Level of the Nassif Building at the same address between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The telephone number to the Docket Management Facility is (202) 366-9329. The Docket Management Facility maintains the public docket for this notice. Comments, and documents as indicated in this notice, will become part of this docket and will be available for inspection or copying at room PL-401, located on the Plaza Level of the Nassif Building at the above address between 9:30 a.m. and 2 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Dan Muslin, telephone: (619) 532-3403, Naval Facilities Engineering Command, 1220 Pacific Highway, San Diego, CA 92132-5190, for questions concerning this notice, the proposed modernization project, or the associated EA. For questions concerning the Docket Management Facility contact Paulette Twine, Chief, Documentary Services, Division, U.S. Department of Transportation, telephone (202) 366-9329. Dated: May 28, 1998. Fred N. Squires, Acting Assistant Commandant for Acquisition. [FR Doc. 98-15036 Filed 6-4-98; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-15-M