[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 222 (Tuesday, November 18, 2003)]
[Notices]
[Pages 65044-65045]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-28724]


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DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

Department of the Army


Notice of Availability (NOA) of the Final Environmental Impact 
Statement (FEIS) 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 FEIS that 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 waiting period for the FEIS will end 30 days after 
publication of the NOA in the Federal Register by the U.S. 
Environmental Protection Agency.

[[Page 65045]]


ADDRESSES: To obtain copies of the FEIS or submit comments, contact 
Douglas R. Cubbison, Acting NEPA Coordinator, Directorate of Housing & 
Public Works, Engineering Plans & Services Division, 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 FEIS 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 FEIS, 
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.
    Comments on the FEIS received during the 30-day waiting period will 
be considered in preparation of the Record of Decision. Copies of the 
FEIS 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: November 6, 2003.
Raymond J. Fatz,
Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army, (Environment, Safety and 
Occupational Health) OASA(I&IE).
[FR Doc. 03-28724 Filed 11-17-03; 8:45 am]
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