[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 127 (Tuesday, July 2, 2002)]
[Notices]
[Page 44421]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-16577]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Natural Resources Conservation Service


South Logan/Scott Counties Water Supply Project; Logan and Scott 
Counties, AR

AGENCY: Natural Resources Conservation Service.

ACTION: Notice of intent to prepare an environmental impact statement.

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SUMMARY: Pursuant to section 102(2)(C) of the National Environmental 
Policy Act of 1969; the Council on Environmental Quality Guidelines (40 
CFR Part 1500); the Natural Resources Conservation Service, U.S. 
Department of Agriculture, gives notice that an environmental impact 
statement is being prepared for the creation of a municipal and 
industrial water supply for the cities of Booneville and Waldron, 
Arkansas in Logan and Scott Counties, Arkansas.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kalven L. Trice, State 
Conservationist, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Room 3416 
Federal Building, 700 West Capitol Avenue, Little Rock, Arkansas 72201, 
Telephone (501) 301-3100.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The cities of Booneville and Waldron, 
Arkansas are in need of additional water to ensure an adequate supply 
of municipal and industrial water due to current and expected growth in 
the future. Since federal funds will be expened in this study and due 
to potential public concern, Kalven L. Trice, State Conservationist, 
has determined that the preparation and review of an environmental 
impact statement is needed for this project.
    Alternatives currently being considered for inclusion in the EIS 
include the ``No Action'' alternative; the construction of a flood 
control/water supply lake located oin the Upper Petit Jean River near 
Elm Springs, Arkansas; expansion of the existing Boonville and Waldron 
water supply reservoirs; and pumping water from Blue Mountain Lake, a 
Corps of Engineers flood control and water supply lake.
    A draft environmental impact statement (DEIS) will be prepared and 
circulated for review by agencies and the public. The Natural Resources 
Conservation Service invites participation and consultation of agencies 
and individuals that have special expertise, legal jurisdiction, or 
interest in the preparation of the draft environmental impact 
statement. A public scoping meeting will be held to solicit input from 
the public and to determine the scope of the environmental impact 
statement on August 13, 2002 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Scott County 
Courthouse in Waldron, Arkansas.
    Submit written comments and suggestions on the proposal, or 
requests to be placed on the EIS mailing list, to Jim Ellis, Biologist, 
Natural Resources Conservation Service, Natural Resources Planning 
Staff, Room 3416, Federal Building, 700 West Capitol Avenue, Little 
Rock, Arkansas 72201, or email to [email protected].

(This activity is listed in the Catalog of Federal Domestic 
Assistance under No. 10.904--Watershed Protection and Flood 
Prevention--and is subject to the provisions of Executive Order 
12372, which requires intergovernmental consultation with State and 
local officials.)

    Dated: June 25, 2002.
David A. Weeks,
Assistant State Conservationist, Natural Resources Planning.
[FR Doc. 02-16577 Filed 7-1-02; 8:45 am]
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