[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 142 (Monday, July 26, 1999)] [Notices] [Pages 40355-40356] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 99-18945] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE Department of the Air Force Notice of Intent To Revise and Reissue the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) on the Proposal To Release Federal Funds to the University of New Mexico To Construct Enchanted Skies Park and Observatory, Near Grants, NM The United States Air Force prepared a draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to assess the potential environmental impacts of the Air Force's decision to issue Department of Defense (DoD) grant funds to the University of New Mexico to construct an astronomical observatory on Horace Mesa, near Grants. In May 1997 the Air Force began preparation of an Environmental Assessment (EA) to analyze this proposal. Preliminary results from the EA indicated the potential for significant impacts to cultural resources. In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act, the Air Force continued the analysis of this proposal through the preparation of a draft EIS that was released in July 1998. A public hearing was held in August 1998. Based on comments received by the public, the Air Force will revise and reissue the draft EIS. In addition to addressing issues raised by the public, the Air Force will analyze additional siting alternatives located on Horace Mesa and at a site referred to as the Bibo site. The revised draft EIS will be used by the Air Force in considering whether, and under what conditions, to approve the release of federal funds to construct the observatory on Horace Mesa or at the Bibo site and to document the Air Force's decision in a Record of Decision. The Air Force will accept public input regarding the Enchanted Skies Park and Observatory throughout the preparation of the revised draft EIS. Written and oral comments received from meetings and correspondence during the preparation of the original draft EIS will be considered in preparation of the revised draft EIS, as will comments received by the Air Force throughout the process. To ensure the Air Force has sufficient time to consider public input in the preparation of the revised draft EIS, comments [[Page 40356]] should be submitted to the address below: HQ AFCEE/EXX, ATTN: Ms Julia Cantrell, 3207 North Road, Brooks AFB, TX 78235-5363. Janet A. Long, Air Force Federal Register Liaison Officer. [FR Doc. 99-18945 Filed 7-23-99; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 5001-05-P