[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 180 (Wednesday, September 17, 2003)]
[Notices]
[Page 54431]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-23732]


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DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

Department of the Army

Corps of Engineers


Intent To Modify a Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the 
Lake Okeechobee Watershed Project

AGENCY: Department of the Army, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, DoD.

ACTION: Notice of intent; modification.

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SUMMARY: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps), Jacksonville 
District, previously published a Notice of Intent (NOI) to prepare an 
integrated project Implementation Report/Draft Environmental Impact 
Statement (PIR/DEIS) for the Lake Okeechobee Watershed Project on 
August 5, 2002 (67 FR 50657). Following publication of the NOI, a fifth 
separable element, modification of the Lake Istokpoga Regulation 
Schedule, was added to the Lake Okeechobee Watershed Project. The four 
initially described elements, as well as the project's collaborator, 
intent, authorization, plan formulation process, issues, and PIR/EIS 
publication date remain as described in the original NOI.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Ernest Clarke, U.S. Army Corps of 
Engineers, Planning Division, Environmental Branch, P.O. Box 4970, 
Jacksonville, FL 32232-0019, by e-mail 
[email protected], or by telephone at 904-232-1199.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: a. Study Area: The study area remains as 
originally described, except that it will be expanded to include 
portions of Highlands County. Lake Istokpoga is located within 
Highlands County, and drains into the Kissimmee River and Lake 
Okeechobee. Lake Istokpoga levels are regulated through water control 
devices, and in turn affect the water and nutrient budget of Lake 
Okeechobee.
    b. Project Scope: In addition to four elements described in the 
original NOI, the Lake Okeechobee Watershed Project will now include a 
study of potential structural and operational changes to the water 
management system for the purpose of improving ecologic conditions in 
Lake Istokpoga. This element involves the development of a plan to 
address water resource problems in the Lake Istokpoga Basin, balancing 
environmental needs, flood control and water supply.
    c. Scoping: Public workshops will continue to be used to invite 
comments on alternatives and issues from Federal, State, and local 
agencies, affected Indian tribes, and other interested private 
organizations and individuals. While no public workshop is currently 
scheduled, the exact location, dates, and times of future meetings will 
be announced in public notices and local newspapers and on the 
Everglades Restoration Web site at www.evergladesplan.org.

    Dated: September 3, 2003.
James C. Duck,
Chief, Planning Division.
[FR Doc. 03-23732 Filed 9-16-03; 8:45 am]
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