[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] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 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] BILLING CODE 4310-70-P