[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 160 (Thursday, August 17, 2000)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 50133]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-20942]



[[Page 50133]]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

14 CFR Part 73

[Airspace Docket No. 00-AGL-20]
RIN 2120-AA66


Realignment to Restricted Area R-6901A Fort McCoy; WI

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This action realigns Restricted Area R-6901A Fort McCoy, WI. 
Specifically, this action realigns the southwestern boundary of R-
6901A. The boundaries of R-6901B remain unchanged. The FAA is taking 
this action at the request of the United States Army (USA).

EFFECTIVE DATE: 0901 UTC, October 5, 2000.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Bil Nelson, 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

    R-6901A was established to support training in the firing of long 
and short range weapons, and aircraft/helicopter training operations. 
Recently, the FAA conducted a review of non-precision standard 
instrument approach procedures (SIAP's) within the United States. This 
review revealed that a portion of the existing R-6901A infringes upon 
protected airspace for the SIAP serving the Sparta/Fort McCoy Airport, 
WI. Current air traffic control procedures require that non-
participating aircraft be separated from the boundary of an active 
restricted area containing aircraft operations by a minimum of three 
nautical miles. In addition, coordination with the using agency for R-
6901A found that the firing points formerly located in the southwest 
portion of R-6901A are closed permanently. Therefore, the using agency 
no longer has the requirement for restricted airspace in the southwest 
portion of R-6901A. As a result, it is necessary to realign the 
boundary of R-6901A to the northeast to release airspace no longer 
required for military purposes, and to more efficiency manage air 
traffic serving the Sparta/Fort McCoy Airport.

The Rule

    This amendment to 14 CFR part 73 realigns R-6901A Fort McCoy, WI. 
Specifically, this action realigns the southwestern boundary of R-
6901A. This action is being taken to limit the incursion of R-6901A on 
the protected airspace area of the published SIAP into Fort McCoy. The 
boundaries of R-6901B remain unchanged. A side benefit of this action 
returns airspace to the users of the navigable airspace in the vicinity 
northeast of Angelo, WI. The FAA is taking this action at the request 
of the USA. Because this action reduces restricted airspace, I find 
that notice and public procedure under 5 U.S.C. 553(b) are unnecessary.
    Section 73.69 of 14 CFR part 73 was republished in FAA Order 
7400.8G, dated September 1, 1999.
    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. 
It, therefore--(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 reduces restricted airspace. The rule contains no 
changes to air traffic control procedures or routes. Therefore, the FAA 
has determined that 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.

List of Subjects on 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. 73.69  [Amended]

    2. Sec. 73.69 is amended as follows:
* * * * *

R-6901A  Fort McCoy, WI [Amended]

    By removing the present boundaries and substituting the following: 
Boundaries: Beginning at lat. 44 deg.08'40"N., long. 90 deg.44'20"W.; 
to lat. 44 deg.08'40"N., long. 90 deg.40'22"W.; to lat. 
44 deg.09'36"N., long. 90 deg.40'22"W.; to lat. 44 deg.09'36"N., long. 
90 deg.36'50"W.; to lat. 44 deg.00'10"N., long. 90 deg.36'41"W., then 
West along Wisconsin State Highway 21; to lat. 44 deg.00'10"N., long. 
90 deg.37'32"W.; to lat. 44 deg.01'45"N., long. 90 deg.44'31"W.; to the 
point of the beginning.
* * * * *

    Issued in Washington, DC, on August 9, 2000.
Reginald C. Matthews,
Manager, Airspace and Rules Division.
[FR Doc. 00-20942 Filed 8-16-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P