[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 102 (Wednesday, May 28, 2003)]
[Notices]
[Pages 31691-31692]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-13219]


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DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

Department of the Army


Notice of Availability (NOA) of the Draft Environmental Impact 
Statement (DEIS) for the Construction of the Thomas Jefferson Hall 
(Cadet Library-Learning Center) and Other Cadet Zone Activities Within 
the United States Military Academy (USMA), West Point, NY

AGENCY: U.S. Military Academy, Department of the Army, DoD.

ACTION: Notice of availability.

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SUMMARY: This announces the availability of the DEIS which assesses the 
potential environmental impacts of the design, construction and 
operation of the new Cadet Library-Learning Center, identified as 
Thomas Jefferson Hall, and other Cadet Zone Activities at USMA.

DATES: The comment period for the DEIS will end 45 days after 
publication of the NOA in the Federal Register by the U.S. 
Environmental Protection Agency.

ADDRESSES: To obtain copies of the DEIS or submit comments, contact 
Douglas R. Cubbison, Acting NEPA Coordinator, Directorate of Housing & 
Public Works, Engineering Plans & Services Division,

[[Page 31692]]

Building 667 Ruger Road, West Point, New York 10996.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Douglas R. Cubbison at (845) 938-3522, 
by fax at (845) 938-2529, by e-mail at [email protected], or 
by mail at the above address.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The purpose of this DEIS is to analyze 
significant issues and information relevant to environmental concerns 
regarding the proposed and alternative actions related to academic 
modernization activities within the Cadet Zone at the USMA. 
Modernization activities include the construction of a new library and 
learning center, potential demolition of structures that no longer 
contribute to the USMA mission, and construction of new facilities to 
support the USMA mission and modernize the Cadet Zone. These actions 
are needed to fulfill current and future needs for library and learning 
space necessary to maintain university accreditation and academic 
excellence, and to update existing cadet facilities.
    Potential consequences of the proposed project identified during 
interagency and public scoping meetings and addressed in this DEIS 
include impacts to cultural and visual resources. In particular, these 
concerns involve the existing significant viewsheds of the Cadet Zone 
and the configuration and orientation of the new library on the 
preferred site. The Army anticipates that cultural and visual resources 
will be affected by the implementation of the proposed action. The Army 
has responded to these concerns by modifying elements of the proposed 
action, including the massing of the proposed building and 
architectural features of its facades.
    Secondary and cumulative impacts also were evaluated for the 
proposed and alternative actions, as well as ongoing and recently 
completed projects and recently foreseeable future actions. The 
analyses indicate that adverse environmental consequences, such as the 
alteration of existing significant viewsheds, would be balanced by 
beneficial effects, such as the modernization of the Cadet Zone, the 
continuation of USMA accreditation and an enhanced academic 
environment.
    The Army has considered agency concerns and responded by 
incorporating recommended changes in the design of the proposed action. 
Potential adverse environmental impacts to cultural and visual 
resources will be properly mitigated through a Programmatic Agreement 
with the New York Office of Parks Recreation and Historic Preservation, 
the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation and the National Park 
Service.
    A public meeting will be held at the Highland Falls Library in the 
spring 2003 to solicit both oral and written comments from interested 
parties. The DEIS will be made available at least two weeks in advance 
of the scheduled public meeting. The public meeting date and time will 
be advertised in advance in local newspapers and meeting announcement 
letters will be sent to potentially interested parties.
    Comments on the DEIS received during the 45-day public comment 
period will be considered in the preparation of the Army's Final EIS 
and Record of Decision. Copies of the DEIS are available for review at 
the following libraries: USMA Post Library (Building 622), USMA Cadet 
Library (Building 757), Cold Spring Public Library, Highland Falls 
Public Library, Cornwall Public Library and Garrison Public Library.

    Dated: May 20, 2003.
Raymond J. Fatz,
Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army, (Environment, Safety and 
Occupational Health) OASA(I&E).
[FR Doc. 03-13219 Filed 5-27-03; 8:45 am]
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