[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 151 (Monday, August 8, 2005)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 45528]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-15556]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 73

[Docket No. FAA-2005-21958; Airspace Docket No. 05-ASO-5]
RIN 2120-AA66


Revocation of Restricted Area R-7104; Vieques Island, PR

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: This action revokes Restricted Area R-7104, Vieques Island, 
PR. The U.S. Navy weapons range on Vieques Island has been permanently 
closed; therefore, restricted airspace is no longer required at that 
location. The FAA is taking this action to return restricted airspace 
to the National Airspace System.

DATES: Effective 0901 UTC, October 27, 2005.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Paul Gallant, Airspace and Rules, 
Office of System Operations and Safety, Federal Aviation 
Administration, 800 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20591; 
telephone (202) 267-8783.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

Background

    Restricted Area R-7104, Vieques Island, PR, supports a weapons 
range assigned to the Atlantic Fleet Weapons Training Facility, and is 
used for a variety of hazardous activities including surface-to-surface 
and air-to-surface weapons delivery training. In May 2003, the Vieques 
Island range was permanently closed. Consequently, the U.S. Navy no 
longer has a need to maintain restricted airspace at that location.

The Rule

    This action amends Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) 
part 73 by revoking R-7104, Vieques Island, PR. The FAA is taking this 
action at the request of the U.S. Navy, which no longer has a 
requirement for the airspace.
    Since this action revokes restricted airspace, the solicitation of 
comments would only delay the return of airspace to public use without 
offering any meaningful right or benefit to any segment of the public; 
therefore, notice and public procedure under 5 U.S.C. 553(b) are 
unnecessary.
    This regulation is limited to an established body of technical 
regulations for which frequent and routine amendments are necessary to 
keep them operationally current. Therefore, this regulation: (1) Is not 
a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866; (2) is 
not a ``significant rule'' under Department of Transportation (DOT) 
Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034; February 26, 1979); 
and (3) does not warrant preparation of a regulatory evaluation as the 
anticipated impact is so minimal. Since this is a routine matter that 
will only affect air traffic procedures and air navigation, it is 
certified that this rule, when promulgated, will not have a significant 
economic impact on a substantial number of small entities under the 
criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.

Environmental Review

    The FAA has determined that this action qualifies for a categorical 
exclusion under the National Environmental Policy Act in accordance 
with 311c., FAA Order 1050.1E, ``Environmental Impacts: Policies and 
Procedures.'' There are no extraordinary circumstances that would 
require additional environmental analysis.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 73

    Airspace, Prohibited Areas, Restricted Areas.

Adoption of the Amendment

0
In consideration of the foregoing, the Federal Aviation Administration 
amends 14 CFR part 73, as follows:

PART 73--SPECIAL USE AIRSPACE

0
1. The authority citation for part 73 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40103, 40113, 40120; E.O. 10854, 24 
FR 9565, 3 CFR, 1959-1963 Comp., p. 389.


Sec.  73.71  [Amended]

0
2. Sec.  73.71 is amended as follows:
* * * * *

R-7104 Vieques Island, PR [Revoked]

* * * * *

    Issued in Washington, DC, on July 27, 2005.
Edith V. Parish,
Acting Manager, Airspace and Rules.
[FR Doc. 05-15556 Filed 8-5-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P