[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 145 (Thursday, July 29, 2004)]
[Notices]
[Pages 45308-45309]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-17212]


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DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

Department of the Army


Notice of Availability (NOA) of the Record of Decision (ROD) for 
the Transformation of the 172nd Infantry Brigade (Separate), U.S. Army 
Alaska (USARAK)

AGENCY: Department of the Army, DoD.

[[Page 45309]]


ACTION: Notice of availability.

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SUMMARY: This announces the availability of the ROD for the 
transformation of the 172nd Infantry Brigade, USARAK. The ROD documents 
and explains the Army's decision to proceed with full transformation of 
USARAK forces at Fort Wainwright (FWA), Fort Richardson (FRA), and 
outlying training areas (e.g., Gerstle River Training Area and Black 
Rapids Training Site). This decision was based on the analysis 
described in the Final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), supporting 
studies, and comments provided during formal comment and review 
periods.

ADDRESSES: If you have questions regarding the ROD, or would like a 
copy, please contact Mr. Kevin Gardner, Directorate of Public Works, 
730 Quartermaster Road, Attention: APVR-RPW-GS (Gardner), Fort 
Richardson, AK 99505-6500; or Mr. Calvin Bagley, Center for 
Environmental Management of Military Lands (CEMML), Colorado State 
University, Fort Collins, CO 80523-1490.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Kevin Gardner by phone at (907) 
384-3331; by facsimile at (907) 384-3028; or by email at 
[email protected]; or Mr. Calvin Bagley by phone at 
(970) 491-3324; by facsimile at (970) 491-2713; or by email at 
[email protected]. Information is also contained at http://www.cemml.colostate.edu/alaskaeis.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Department of the Army has decided to 
proceed with the full transformation of USARAK forces at Fort 
Wainwright (FWA), Fort Richardson (FRA), and outlying training areas 
(e.g., Gerstle River Training Area and Black Rapids Training Site). The 
decision includes: (1) Transformation of the 172nd Infantry Brigade 
(Separate) to a Stryker Brigade Combat Team (SBCT); (2) assignment of 
the 1-501st Parachute Infantry Regiment to USARAK and a subsequent 
expansion into an airborne-capable Brigade Combat Team (Unit of 
Action); (3) assignment of additional personnel to the newly created 
SBCT and the airborne-capable Brigade Combat Team (Unit of Action); (4) 
a significant increase in personnel and equipment in USARAK; (5) 
construction of four new SBCT-related facilities at USARAK; (6) 
increased use of existing USARAK ranges, facilities, and 
infrastructure; (7) implementation and budgeting of environmental and 
cultural management, monitoring and mitigation programs identified in 
the EIS.
    Changes to force structure and stationing, and increased use of 
ranges, facilities, and infrastructure will occur. In addition, new 
systems will be acquired. The Stryker, an eight-wheeled light armored 
vehicle designed to increase ground mobility and firepower, will be 
used on USARAK lands. In addition, the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) 
will be utilized for reconnaissance or surveillance training missions. 
Training will be designed to support the missions of transformed USARAK 
organizations, and increased use of land and impact areas for live-fire 
and maneuver training is expected.
    A copy of the ROD is available at http://www.cemml.colostate.edu/alaskaeis.

    Dated: July 21, 2004.
Raymond J. Fatz,
Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army (Environment, Safety and 
Occupational Health) OASA (I&E).
[FR Doc. 04-17212 Filed 7-28-04; 8:45 am]
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