[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 144 (Friday, July 25, 2008)]
[Notices]
[Page 43434]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-17073]


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DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

Department of the Army

Department of the Army; Corps of Engineers


 Availability of Information Bulletin, for a Replacement Lock, 
Sault Locks Complex, Sault Sainte Marie, MI

AGENCY: Department of the Army, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, DoD.

ACTION: Notice of availability.

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SUMMARY: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Detroit District, is 
issuing this notice to announce the availability of an Information 
Bulletin for a proposed Replacement Lock, Sault Locks Complex, Sault 
Sainte Marie, MI. This bulletin provides information on the National 
Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) review of the project that was 
presented in the Great Lakes Connecting Channels and Harbors Final 
Interim Feasibility Report and Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), 
1986 and a Record of Environmental Consideration, 2000. Based upon the 
review of current site conditions and project plans, it appears that no 
new environmental impacts or issues have been identified since the 1986 
FEIS and the 2000 Record of Environmental Consideration for the 
project. The planned construction of a second large lock at Sault 
Sainte Marie, MI, has been adequately assessed in accordance with NEPA 
and a Record of Decision (ROD) should be signed to allow construction 
to begin. The Bulletin is being provided for information and to solicit 
comments on any changed conditions or anticipated impacts that may 
effect the decision to sign the ROD.

DATES: The Information Bulletin will be available for public review 
from July 25, 2008 through August 25, 2008. Written comments must be 
received by September 2, 2008.

ADDRESSES: You may request a copy of the Information Bulletin from Ms. 
Florence Bissell, Environmental Analysis Branch, U.S. Army Corps of 
Engineers, Detroit District, 477 Michigan Avenue, P.O. Box 1027, 
Detroit, MI 48231-1027.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Florence Bissell at (313) 226-3510 
or at [email protected]. Written comments are to be 
provided to Ms. Bissell.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Construction of a replacement lock at the 
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Sault Locks Complex on the St. Mary's 
River, Michigan was proposed following a 1976 resolution of the Senate 
Public Works Committee to determine the advisability of providing 
additional lockage facilities. It was recommended that a lock of 
greater dimensions replace two smaller locks, the Davis and Sabin 
Locks, which were constructed during World War I. The proposed lock 
would be capable of handling the Great Lakes System's largest vessels 
(Class C) which account for more than half of the potential carrying 
capacity of the Great Lakes fleet and currently are limited to lockage 
through the Poe Lock. A disruption of the Poe Lock would result in 
significant national economic consequences therefore a second lock of 
the Poe Lock dimensions is needed. Congress has provided, in the Water 
Resources Development Act of 2007 that such a lock be constructed at 
Federal expense and funding has been appropriated to initiate 
construction.

    Dated: July 18, 2008.
Les E. Weigum,
Chief, Environmental Analysis Branch.
[FR Doc. E8-17073 Filed 7-24-08; 8:45 am]
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