[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 219 (Thursday, November 12, 2020)]
[Notices]
[Pages 71888-71889]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-24969]


=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

Department of the Army, Corps of Engineers


Notice of Extension of Public Comment Period for the Interim 
Report for the Buffalo Bayou and Tributaries, Texas Resiliency Study

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

ACTION: Notice of extension.

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

SUMMARY: A notice of availability was published in the Federal Register 
by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) on October 2, 2020 for the 
Buffalo Bayou and Tributaries, Texas Resiliency Study (BBTRS) notifying 
the public an Interim Report was available for review and comment. The 
notice indicated the review period was to conclude on November 2, 2020. 
Four virtual public meetings were held in October 2020 in an effort to 
provide the public with an overview of Interim Report and answer 
questions about the study and alternatives considered. In response to 
several requests for extension, this notice announces an extension of 
the public comment period to November 20, 2020. No additional public 
meetings have been scheduled during the extension period.

DATES: This notice announces an 18-day extension of the public comment 
period. Written comments on the Interim Report must be received by 
email or post-marked by November 20, 2020.

ADDRESSES: The Interim Report and additional pertinent information 
about the study can be found at: https://www.swg.usace.army.mil/Missions/Projects/BBTRS/. Written comments may be mailed to USACE, 
Galveston District, ATTN: BBTRS, P.O. Box 1229, Galveston, TX, 77553-
1229 or submitted electronically by email to [email protected].

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Shelby Scego, USACE, Regional 
Planning and Environmental Center, at 918-669-7423 or 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 
    1. Background. USACE, in partnership with the Harris County Flood 
Control District (HCFCD), as the non-Federal sponsor, began a 
feasibility study in 2018 to identify, evaluate, and recommend actions 
to reduce flood risks along Buffalo Bayou and its tributaries, both 
upstream and downstream of Addicks and Barker dams. The study will also 
complete a Dam Safety Modification Evaluation on Addicks and Barker 
dams. The BBTRS is authorized under Section 216 of the Flood Control 
Act of 1970 (Pub. L. 91-611) and existing project authority. Section 
216 authorizes USACE to review a completed navigation, flood risk 
reduction, water supply, or related project due to significantly 
changed physical or economic conditions, and to report to Congress with 
recommendations regarding modification of the project's structures or 
operation, and for improving the quality of the environment in the 
overall public interest.
    2. Interim Report. On October 2, 2020, the USACE released an 
Interim Report for the study. The Interim Report presents alternatives 
that could reduce the risk of flooding in the Buffalo Bayou, Addicks 
Reservoir, Barker Reservoir, and upper Cypress Creek watersheds in 
Harris, Fort Bend, and Waller counties, Texas. The report also 
evaluates alternatives for dam safety modifications to the Addicks and 
Barker dams. The report does not identify a preferred alternative nor 
does it make any recommendations or decisions.
    The Interim Report is an added step to the feasibility study 
process and is intended to explain updated

[[Page 71889]]

information, present the focused array of alternatives, and seek public 
feedback that will inform the next level of evaluation to identify a 
Tentatively Selected Plan (TSP). The TSP may be a single alternative or 
comprised of several alternatives from the focused array under 
consideration.
    Note: This is not a Notice of Extension associated with the release 
of a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) in accordance with the 
National Environmental Policy Act. This is an interim step intended to 
gather public feedback before a Draft EIS is released.
    3. Solicitation of Comments: The USACE is soliciting comments on 
the Interim Report from the public, Federal, State, and local agencies, 
elected officials, Tribal Nations, and other interested parties. The 
public comment period initially began on October 2, 2020, but has been 
extended to November 20, 2020. Public comments may be submitted by 
email or through postal mail at the addresses provided above.
    4. Public Participation and Meetings: Four virtual public meetings 
were held in October 2020. Over 450 people participated in the virtual 
meetings, which included an overview of the alternatives being 
considered and a question and answer session. No additional public 
meetings are scheduled during the extension period.
    5. Identification of Tentatively Selected Plan and Availability of 
Draft EIS. Depending on input received on the Interim Report, USACE 
estimates issuing a Draft Feasibility Report and Draft Environmental 
Impact Statement for public review and comment in early 2021. At that 
time, USACE will provide a 45-day public review period, in accordance 
with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). USACE will notify 
all interested agencies, organizations, and individuals of the 
availability of the draft document at that time.

Pete G. Perez,
Director, Programs Directorate.
[FR Doc. 2020-24969 Filed 11-10-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3720-58-P