[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 214 (Monday, November 6, 2006)]
[Notices]
[Page 64977]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-18653]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

[USCG-2005-22837]


Nationwide Automatic Identification System, Final Programmatic 
Environmental Impact Statement Record of Decision

AGENCY: U.S. Coast Guard, Department of Homeland Security.

ACTION: Notice of availability.

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SUMMARY: The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) announces the availability of the 
Record of Decision (ROD) for the Nationwide Automatic Identification 
System (NAIS) final Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (PEIS). 
The NAIS is being implemented pursuant to the Maritime Transportation 
Security Act of 2002, and will include installation of Automatic 
Identification System (AIS) equipment and related support systems on 
and around communications towers or other structures along 95,000 miles 
of coastline and inland rivers. The project will enable detection and 
identification of vessels carrying (AIS) equipment to enhance maritime 
domain awareness.

ADDRESSES: The ROD and final PEIS are available for viewing online at 
the DOT's docket management Web site: http://dms.dot.gov under docket 
number 22837. A copy of the ROD and final PEIS can also be obtained on 
the NAIS project Web site: http://www.uscg.mil/hq/g-a/AIS/ or by 
contacting Anita Allen, PhD, NAIS Environmental Manager, at 202-474-
3292 or [email protected].

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If you have questions on this notice, 
please call or e-mail Anita Allen, PhD, NAIS Environmental Manager, at 
202-475-3292 or [email protected]. If you have questions on 
viewing the docket, call Ms. Andrea M. Jenkins, Program Manager, Docket 
Operations at 202-366-0271.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Background and Purpose

    The Environmental Protection Agency issued a Notice of Availability 
of the final PEIS in the Federal Register on October 6, 2006 (71 FR 
59105). As supported by the analysis in the PEIS, the USCG has decided 
to implement the proposed NAIS project consistent with the Preferred 
Alternative of using AIS based technology and a combination of the 
following coverage mechanisms: Establishing a combination of collocated 
and newly built shore-based RF sites for short-range AIS coverage; 
leasing commercial satellite services for long-range AIS coverage; and 
installing AIS equipment on existing offshore oil and gas platforms and 
data buoys for supplemental long-range coverage. Implementation of the 
proposed NAIS project through the Preferred Alternative would ensure 
that the USCG satisfies the purpose and need for NAIS. The Preferred 
Alternative implementation approach will offer siting flexibility that 
will help mitigate or minimize the potential for environmental impacts, 
and allow the USCG to maximize the use of existing infrastructure to 
meet coverage requirements.

    Dated: October 30, 2006.
J.P. Currier,
Rear Admiral, United Stated Coast Guard, Assistant Commandant for 
Acquisition.
[FR Doc. E6-18653 Filed 11-3-06; 8:45 am]
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