[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 42 (Monday, March 4, 2002)]
[Notices]
[Pages 9717-9718]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-5084]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

Department of the Army


Preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for Force 
Transformation of the 2nd Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (Light) 
Hawaii

AGENCY: Department of the Army, DoD.

ACTION: Notice of intent.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The Army proposes to implement a range of activities related 
to force transformation in Hawaii. The primary proposed activities are 
associated with conversion of the 2nd Brigade, 25th Infantry Division 
(Light) to an Interim Brigade Combat Team (IBCT), a rapidly deployable, 
early entry, medium weight force with a decreased logistical footprint. 
Impacts to the human environment, to include surrounding communities, 
from restructuring and from enhancing associated ranges, facilities, 
and infrastructure to meet Army Transformation objectives will be 
analyzed.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Transformation Information: Mr. Ronald 
Borne, (808) 656-2878, extension 1122; by fax (808) 656-8200; by mail 
at Commander, U.S. Army Garrison, Hawaii, ATTN: APVG-GCT (Borne), Stop 
518, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii 96797; or by e-mail: 
[email protected].
    EIS Information: Mr. Earl Nagasawa, (808) 438-0772; by fax (808) 
438-7801; by mail at U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Honolulu Engineer 
District, Program and Project Management Division, Attn: CEPOH-PP-E 
(Nagasawa), Building 252, Fort Shafter, Hawaii 96858-5440; or by e-mail 
at [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The proposed action would result in changes 
to various military lands in Hawaii. Categories of proposed activities 
include: (1) Fielding of new or modified weapon systems, armored 
vehicles and equipment; (2) Construction activities including erection 
of buildings, training facilities and infrastructure, and renovation or 
demolition of buildings and facilities at military installations 
located on the islands of Oahu and Hawaii; (3) Land transactions 
(acquisition, asset management and disposal); (4) Deployment of forces 
and specific training for deployment; (5) Training to achieve and 
maintain readiness to perform assigned missions; (6) Other actions 
necessary to support a net increase in troops and vehicles to be 
assigned to the 2nd Brigade, 25th Infantry Division.
    Proposed Action: The Proposed Action specifically entails 
transformation of the 2nd Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (Light) to an 
IBCT with proposed changes to ranges, facilities, and infrastructure at 
military installations in Hawaii to support the IBCT operation and 
training. Proposed activities include land transactions and 
construction and use of vehicle wash facilities, training and 
qualification ranges, installation information infrastructure and 
facilities enhancements, virtual and live training facilities upgrades, 
motor pool and range control/maintenance facilities, Army airfield 
upgrades, an anti-armor course, and an ammunition storage area. The 
remaining non-IBCT units will also use these new facilities as well as 
existing infrastructure.
    Alternatives: (1) Transformation of the 2nd Brigade, 25th Infantry 
Division (Light) to an IBCT with a range of supporting activities 
including new, additional, or modified ranges, facilities and 
infrastructure; (2) Transformation of the 2nd Brigade, 25th Infantry 
Division (Light) to an IBCT using existing facilities and 
infrastructure in Hawaii as they are now configured; (3) No Action (No. 
transformation to an IBCT in the near term).
    Other alternatives that may be raised during the scoping process 
will be considered.

[[Page 9718]]

    Publication of this NOI does not foreclose consideration of any 
courses of actions or possible decisions addressed by the Department of 
Army in its Draft Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (PEIS) 
for Army Transformation, dated June 2001. No final decisions will be 
made regarding transformation in Alaska prior to completion and 
signature of the Record of Decision for the PEIS for Army 
Transformation.
    Scoping Process: Federal, state, and local agencies and the public 
are invited to participate in the scoping process for the completion of 
this EIS. The scoping process will help the Army in identifying 
potential impacts to the quality of the human environment. Scoping 
meetings will be held at various locations on the islands of Oahu and 
Hawaii. Notification of the times and locations for the scoping 
meetings will be published in local newspapers. Written comments 
identifying potential impacts to be analyzed in the EIS will be 
accepted within 30 days of the scoping meetings. Written comments may 
be fowarded to Mr. Earl Nagasawa at the above address.

    Dated: February 25, 2002.
Raymond J. Fatz,
Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army (Environment, Safety and 
Occupation Health), OASA (I&E).
[FR Doc. 02-5084 Filed 3-1-02; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3710-08-M