[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 230 (Wednesday, December 1, 1999)]
[Notices]
[Pages 67300-67301]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-31176]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

National Park Service


Construction of Visitor and Education Center, Great Basin 
National Park, White Pine County, NV; Scoping Notice

SUMMARY: Pursuant to section 102(2)(c) of the National Environmental 
Policy Act of 1969 (Pub. L. 91-190) and Council on Environmental 
Quality regulations (40 CFR 1508.22), the National Park Service intends 
to prepare a supplemental environmental document for proposed 
construction of a facility serving visitor information, research, and 
education needs in Baker, Nevada. This new environmental compliance 
process could entail amending the General Management Plan (GMP) 
completed in 1993. During the ensuing environmental impact analysis 
process, suitable alternatives will be developed to address the design 
and construction of the proposed facility. The new conservation 
planning process will be conducted in consultation with affected 
federal agencies, State and local governments, Tribal groups, and 
interested organizations and individuals.

Background

    The National Park Service completed an EIS and GMP for Great Basin 
National Park in 1993, which set forth direction and priorities for 
developing visitor and administrative facilities six miles east of the 
park on a federally owned parcel in the town of Baker, and a site on 
the eastern border of the park. This new environmental impact analysis 
effort is intended to implement or refine that management direction, 
with the focused objective of preparing an environmental assessment or 
supplemental EIS regarding the administrative, information, research 
support, and education program envisioned in 1993 for Great Basin 
National Park.
    The forthcoming environmental compliance document will identify, 
analyze, and recommend management actions necessary to locate and 
construct a centralized facility designed to serve both the visiting 
public, as well as educational and research institutions throughout the 
Great Basin Region. It is envisioned that the proposed complex could 
include: Office space; one or more conference classrooms; library; 
laboratory facilities; museum and records storage; natural history 
association sales outlet and storage space; restrooms; exhibit space; 
auditorium and a lobby. In addition, the proposal could include 
construction of hiking trails and a picnic pavilion. Anticipated area 
of impact is approximately two acres, located primarily on a previously 
disturbed site.
    Depending on alternatives proposed and specific action selected, 
the proposal to construct this facility may differ from the GMP which 
envisioned information contact, administrative, visitor center, and 
other related functions on separate sites. It is now desired to co-
locate these functions at one site, thereby reducing overall 
environmental impact. This alteration could result in construction of 
only one complex, but one which may provide a somewhat larger, 
integrated facility that meets all the needs originally forecast for 
two sites.

Scoping

    The NPS is hereby initiating the scoping phase with a request for 
interested individuals, organizations, and agencies to provide 
information relevant to the design and construction of such a facility. 
Renewed collaboration with individuals and organizations familiar with 
Great Basin National Park is desired, but comments received on the 1993 
GMP will also be reviewed. At this time it is uncertain what level of 
environmental compliance will be undertaken, and public feedback on 
this proposal will aid in this determination. This scoping process will 
be undertaken in a manner sufficient to fulfill the requirements for an 
EIS should that option be subsequently chosen. If it is determined that 
an EIS will be prepared, this will be communicated via a Notice of 
Availability of a draft EIS published in the Federal Register, as well 
as via direct mailings to those who respond during this scoping phase. 
Written comments must be postmarked not later than January 30, 2000, 
and should be directed to the Superintendent, Great Basin National 
Park, Baker, NV 89311.

[[Page 67301]]

Review and Decision Process

    At this time an environmental document is anticipated to be 
available for public review and comment not sooner than spring, 2000. 
Availability of the document for review and written comment will be 
announced through local and regional news media, the internet, and 
direct mailing. At this time it is anticipated that a decision will be 
made not sooner than summer or fall, 2000. This will be recorded in 
either a Finding of No Significant Impact or a Record of Decision, and 
duly publicized. The official responsible for the decision is the 
Regional Director, Pacific West Region, National Park Service; the 
official responsible for implementation is the Superintendent, Great 
Basin National Park.

    Dated: November 22, 1999.
William C. Walters,
Deputy Regional Director, Pacific West Region.
[FR Doc. 99-31176 Filed 11-30-99; 8:45 am]
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