[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 139 (Wednesday, July 21, 1999)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 39016-39017]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-18567]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 73

[Airspace Docket No. 98-ASO-11]
RIN 2120-AA66


Change Name of Using Agency for Restricted Areas R-2102A, R-
2102B, and R-2102C; AL

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This action changes the name of the using agency for 
Restricted Areas R-2102A, R-2102B, and R-2102C, Fort McClellan, AL, 
from ``Commanding Officer, Fort McClellan, AL,'' to ``Alabama Army 
National Guard.'' This change is required due to the closure of Fort 
McClellan as an active duty Army installation. As a result of this 
change, the Army National Guard assumes ``using agency'' 
responsibilities for the restricted areas.

EFFECTIVE DATE: 0901 UTC, September 9, 1999.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Paul Gallant, Airspace and Rules 
Division, ATA-400, Office of Air Traffic Airspace Management, Federal 
Aviation Administration, 800 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 
20591; telephone (202) 267-8783.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    Fort McClellan is being closed as an active duty Army installation 
as a result of the Defense Base Realignment and Closure process. As 
part of that effort, the Alabama Army National Guard will assume 
control of all of the existing restricted airspace associated with Fort 
McClellan and the Pelham Range (R-2102A, R-2102B, R-2102C). These 
restricted areas are used for training to maintain and increase the 
combat readiness of National Guard and Reserve forces. By this action, 
the Alabama Army National Guard is being designated as the using agency 
for the restricted areas.

The Rule

    This action amends 14 CFR part 73 by changing the name of the using 
agency

[[Page 39017]]

for Restricted Areas R-2102A, R-2102B, and R-2102C, from ``Commanding 
Officer, Fort McClellan, AL,'' to ``Alabama Army National Guard.'' 
Although Fort McClellan is closing as an active duty Army installation, 
there is a continuing requirement for the existing restricted airspace 
to accommodate ongoing National Guard and Reserve forces readiness 
training.
    Since this administrative change will not alter the boundaries, 
altitudes, time of designation for the restricted areas or the 
activities conducted therein; I find that notice and public procedure 
under 5 U.S.C 553(b) are unnecessary.
    Section 73.21 of part 73 was republished in FAA Order 7400.8F, 
dated October 27, 1998.
    The FAA has determined that this regulation only involves an 
established body of technical regulations for which frequent and 
routine amendments are necessary to keep them operationally current. 
Therefore, this regulation: (1) Is not a ``significant regulatory 
action'' under Executive Order 12866; (2) is not a ``significant rule'' 
under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034; February 26, 
1979); and (3) does not warrant preparation of a regulatory evaluation 
as the anticipated impact is so minimal. Since this is a routine matter 
that will only affect air traffic procedures and air navigation, it is 
certified that this rule will not have a significant economic impact on 
a substantial number of small entities under the criteria of the 
Regulatory Flexibility Act.

Environmental Review

    This action involves a minor administrative change to amend the 
name of the using agency of existing restricted areas. There are no 
changes to the dimensions of the restricted areas, or to air traffic 
control procedures or routes as a result of this action. Therefore, 
this action is not subject to environmental assessments and procedures 
in accordance with FAA Order 1050.1D, ``Policies and Procedures for 
Considering Environmental Impacts,'' and the National Environmental 
Policy Act of 1969.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 73

    Airspace, Navigation (air).

Adoption of the Amendment

    In consideration of the foregoing, the Federal Aviation 
Administration amends 14 CFR part 73, as follows:

PART 73--SPECIAL USE AIRSPACE

    1. The authority citation for part 73 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40103, 40113, 40120; E.O. 10854, 24 
FR 9565, 3 CFR, 1959-1963 Comp., p. 389.


Sec. 73.21  [Amended]

    2. Sec. 73.21 is amended as follows:
* * * * *

R-2102A, R-2102B, R-2102C Fort McClellan, AL [Amended]

    By removing ``Using agency. Commanding Officer, Fort McClellan, 
AL,'' and adding ``Using agency. Alabama Army National Guard.''
* * * * *

    Issued in Washington, DC, on July 14, 1999.
Reginald C. Matthews,
Manager, Airspace and Rules Division.
[FR Doc. 99-18567 Filed 7-20-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-M