[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 127 (Monday, July 2, 2001)]
[Notices]
[Page 34951]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-16498]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

National Park Service


Environmental Assessment for Proposal to Replace the Existing 
Deteriorated North Arcade Structure and Damaged Portions of the 
Adjacent Arcade Structure With a New North Arcade Structure in Glen 
Echo Park, MD

AGENCY: National Park Service, Interior.

ACTION: Availability of the Environmental Assessment (EA) for the 
proposal to replace the existing deteriorated North Arcade structure, 
and damaged portions of the adjacent arcade structure with a new North 
Arcade structure in Glen Echo Park (GLEC). Both structures are listed 
as contributing elements of the Glen Echo Park Historic District, 
Maryland.

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SUMMARY: Pursuant to Council on Environmental Quality regulations and 
National Park Service (NPS) policy, the NPS announces the availability 
of an EA for the proposed replacement of the existing deteriorated 
North Arcade structure and damaged portions of the adjacent arcade 
structure with a new North Arcade structure in GLEC, a unit of the 
George Washington Memorial Parkway (GWMP). The EA examines several 
alternatives aimed to correct the advanced deterioration and design 
deficiencies of the North Arcade structure. The building currently 
provides marginal space for park administrative offices, classrooms, a 
photography studio, and a police substation. The use of these spaces is 
severely impacted by this advanced deterioration.
    The NPS is soliciting comments on this EA. These comments will be 
considered in evaluating it and making decisions pursuant to the 
National Environmental Policy Act.

DATES: The EA will remain available for public comment until August 1, 
2001. Written comments should be received no later than this date.

ADDRESSES: Comments on this EA should be submitted in writing to: Ms. 
Audrey F. Calhoun, Superintendent, George Washington Memorial Parkway, 
Turkey Run Park, McLean, Virginia, 22101. The EA will be available for 
public inspection Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. through 4:00 p.m. at 
GWMP Headquarters, Turkey Run Park, McLean, Virginia; on the NPS 
Website, www.nps.gov/gwmp; at GLEC and at the following Montgomery 
County libraries: Bethesda Regional Library, Davis Library, and Little 
Falls.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The NPS proposes to replace the existing 
deteriorated North Arcade structure and damaged portions of the 
adjacent arcade structure with a new North Arcade structure in GLEC. 
The intent of the proposed action is to: provide an interpretive area 
and classroom space to conduct and possibly expand programs; provide 
alternative space for the Puppet Company or a similar theatre group so 
that the main entrance of the Spanish Ballroom can be restored and used 
again; maintain and upgrade the space currently occupied by Photoworks, 
a portion of the lower level within the North Arcade; provide useful, 
efficient office space in place of what currently occupies a portion of 
the upper level within the North Arcade; address and correct structural 
deficiencies of the current structure (note that 40% of the current 
structure is vacant because of deterioration) and make the building 
accessible; address and correct Life and Safety Code deficiencies, 
including exit and egress requirements; address and correct Americans 
with Disabilities Act accessibility deficiencies; replace deteriorating 
mechanical and electrical systems that have exceeded their expected 
life cycle; enhance protection of natural and cultural resources within 
the park, especially those of the Glen Echo Historic District; attract 
more programs and users to the park to possibly create self-
sufficiency; and respond to public requests for better facilities, 
maintenance and upkeep.
    The proposed action is based on the fact that the building and 
canopy of the North Arcade have not fared well over time. This action 
aims to address structural deterioration of the outdoor concrete deck 
which has advanced to a state that does not allow use of the lower 
level rooftop plaza or the spaces below. It will also address other 
deficiencies, such as multiple floor level changes and varied 
construction practices that make the building generally unsafe to use 
and difficult to rehabilitate. In addition, the mechanical and 
electrical systems, which have been compromised through alteration and 
have far exceeded their expected life cycles will be replaced.
    All interested individuals, agencies, and organizations are urged 
to provide comments on this EA. The NPS, in making a final decision 
regarding this matter, will consider all comments received by the 
closing date.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Dan Sealy (703) 289-2530 or via 
email at GWMP__IRRM__SECRETARY@NPS.GOV.

Dottie P. Marshall,
Acting Superintendent, George Washington Memorial Parkway.
[FR Doc. 01-16498 Filed 6-29-01; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-70-P