[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 111 (Friday, June 9, 2006)]
[Notices]
[Page 33437]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-9002]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Natural Resources Conservation Service


Matanuska River Terrace Erosion Area Acquisition Pilot Project

AGENCY: Natural Resources Conservation Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice of a Finding of No Significant Impact.

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SUMMARY: Pursuant to Section 102(2)(C) of the National Environmental 
Policy Act of 1969; the Council on Environmental Quality Guidelines (40 
CFR part 1500); and the Natural Resources Conservation Service 
(formerly the Soil Conservation Service) Guidelines (7 CFR part 650); 
the Natural Resources Conservation Service, U.S. Department of 
Agriculture, Robert Jones, State Conservationist, finds that neither 
the proposed action nor any of the alternatives is a major Federal 
action significantly affecting the quality of the human environment, 
and determine that an environmental impact statement is not needed for 
the Matanuska River Terrace Erosion Area Acquisition Pilot Project.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Robert Jones, State 
Conservationist, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Alaska State 
Office, 800 West Evergreen Avenue, Suite 100, Palmer, AK 99645-6539; 
Phone: 907-761-7760; Fax: 907-761-7790.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The environmental assessment of this 
federally assisted action indicates that the project will not cause 
significant local, regional, or national impacts on the environment. As 
a result of these findings, the preparation and review of an 
environmental impact statement are not needed for this project.
    The proposed action is for the Matanuska-Susitna Borough (MSB) to 
acquire fee simple title to eligible selected properties (~3-4) within 
the project areas described located near the communities of Sutton and 
Palmer, AK. Participation by the landowner is strictly voluntary. All 
real property acquisition will be made at appraised fair market value 
in accordance with the Federal Acquisition Regulations. Applications 
for assistance will be ranked in accordance with the criteria agreed 
upon by the MSB and the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). 
The highest ranked property, as determined by NRCS, will be acquired 
first according to criteria parameters. Acquisitions will be limited to 
available Federal funding ($594,000). All property acquired under this 
project will have the structures demolished and/or removed; wells, 
septic systems, and underground storage tanks decommissioned or removed 
as required by State law; and the site restored to support natural 
terrace and riparian values and functions, in perpetuity. A Cooperative 
Agreement between MSB and NRCS will be reached that defines the roles 
and responsibilities of each organization for pre- and post 
implementation. Covenant Stipulations will be placed on each acquired 
property designating allowable land use and management.
    The Notice of a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) has been 
forwarded to the Environmental Protection Agency and other interested 
parties. A limited number of copies of the Environmental Assessment and 
the FONSI are available to fill single copy requests at the above 
address. Basic data developed during the environmental assessment are 
on file and may be reviewed by contacting Robert Jones.
    No administrative action on implementation of the proposal will be 
taken until 30 days after the date of this publication in the Federal 
Register.

    Dated: June 1, 2006.
Robert Jones,
State Conservationist.
[FR Doc. E6-9002 Filed 6-8-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-16-P