[Federal Register: May 25, 1999 (Volume 64, Number 100)]
[Notices]               
[Page 28163-28164]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr25my99-59]

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DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

Department of the Army

 
Preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for 
Enhanced Training and Operations at the National Guard Training Center 
(NGTC)--Fort Indiantown Gap (FTIG), Pennsylvania

AGENCY: National Guard Bureau (NGB), Department of the Army (DA), DoD.

ACTION: Notice of intent.

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SUMMARY: This Notice of Intent is for the preparation of a Draft EIS 
for proposed actions at the NGTC-FTIG. The proposal includes 11 
actions, consisting of 42 component projects, identified in the 
Pennsylvania Army National Guard's (PAARNG's) Range and Training Land 
Program Plan (RTLPP) and in the Pennsylvania Air National Guard's 
(PAANG's) Master Plan (MP) for NGTC-FTIG. The proposed actions include: 
Tracked Vehicle Training Complex (TVTC) Projects (8 projects); 
Ammunition Supply Point (ASP) Projects (2 projects); Artillery Training 
Support Projects (2 projects); Multi-Purpose Range Complex (MPRC) 
Development Project (1 project); Garrison Improvement Projects (5 
projects); Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) and Collection System 
Project (1 project); Muir Army Airfield (MAAF) Complex Project (8 
projects); Air-to-Ground range Projects (4 projects); Regional 
Equipment Operators Training School (REOTS) Projects (3 projects); 
Integrated Natural Resources Management Plan (INRMP) Implementation 
Project (1 project); and Air-Guard Station Projects (7 projects).
    The proposed actions are necessary to maintain NGTC-FTIG as an 
important training asset within the Total Force structure, which 
includes active and reserve component forces. By implementing the 
proposed actions, NGTC-FTIG will be better able to meet the specific 
missions of current military organization users and non-military 
tenants. Through these actions, the Pennsylvania National Guard (PANG) 
which includes both the PAARNG and the PAANG, will ensure that NGTC-
FTIG will continue to provide the training and support facilities 
necessary to ensure the installation's long-term viability, 
sustainability, and value as a major NGB installation. A summary of 
impact analysis of previously completed EAs will be incorporated into 
the DEIS.

ADDRESSES: Interested parties can furnish written comments or materials 
to Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) Richard Shertzer, NGTC-FTIG EIS Project 
Officer, Environmental Section, 1119 Utility Road, Annville, 
Pennsylvania 17003-5002. Commercial telephone number is (717) 861-2548; 
or to LTC Christopher Cleaver, NGTC-FTIG Public Affairs Officer, PADMVA 
Headquarters, Building 0-47, Annville, Pennsylvania 17003-5002. 
Commercial telephone number is (717) 861-8468.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Alternatives to the proposed actions to be 
analyzed are: Alternative 1, Preferred Project Alternative--under this 
alternative, the 11 proposed projects identified would be implemented, 
including a restricted maneuver TVTC, an east-to-west oriented MPRC, 
and a 6,000-foot military runway. On-going operations would continue, 
as modified by the proposed action. Alternative 2, Competing Build 
Alternative--under this alternative, the proposed actions are scaled 
down or modified versions of some or all of the proposed projects. 
Alternative 3, No Action Alternative--under this alternative, none of 
the proposed upgrade or facility construction actions called for in the 
PAARNG Range and Training Land Program Plan (RTLPP) and the PAANG 
Master Plan (MP) would be

[[Page 28164]]

implemented. On-going actions will be continued.
    Scoping: The PAANG and NGB will conduct public scoping meetings to 
discuss public concerns and identify issues relating to the proposed 
actions. Resource categories that will be analyzed include: physical 
environment, water quality , groundwater, air quality, biological 
resources (protected species, habitat, plant communities, wetlands, 
other), land use, socioeconomic, noise, health and safety, airspace, 
and cultural resources. Public participation in the EIS process is 
essential to assist the decisionmakers in defining the scope of the 
analysis considered in the EIS. Participation by Native Americans, 
concerned interest groups, individuals, and Federal, State, and local 
resource agencies is sought and encouraged in the public scoping 
process.
    Public scoping meetings will be held at two locations, one in 
Dauphin County and one in Lebanon County in the vicinity of NGTC-FTIG. 
Dates, times, and exact locations for these meetings will be announced 
through letters, public notices, display advertisements, and legal 
advertisements and will be released to newspapers of general 
circulation a minimum of 15 days prior to the meeting. Those wishing to 
provide information or data relevant to the environmental analysis of 
the proposed actions or alternatives are encouraged to do so at the 
public scoping meetings.

    Dated: May 19, 1999.
Richard E. Newsome,
Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army (Environment, Safety and 
Occupational Health) OASA (I&E).
[FR Doc. 99-13215 Filed 5-24-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3710-08-M