[Federal Register: January 9, 2004 (Volume 69, Number 6)]
[Notices]
[Page 1602-1603]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr09ja04-96]
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
National Park Service
Going-to-the-Sun Road Rehabilitation Plan/Final Environmental
Impact Statement, Glacier National Park, a Unit of Waterton-Glacier
International Peace Park, Montana
AGENCY: National Park Service, Department of the Interior.
ACTION: Notice of availability of a record of decision on the final
environmental impact statement for the Going-to-the-Sun Road
Rehabilitation Plan, Glacier National Park.
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SUMMARY: Pursuant to Sec. 102(2) (C) of the National Environmental
Policy Act of 1969, Pub. L. 91-190, 83 Stat. 852, 853, codified as
amended at 42 U.S.C. 4332 (2) (C), the National Park Service announces
the availability of the Record of Decision for the Going-to-the-Sun
Road Rehabilitation Plan, Glacier National Park, Montana. On September
15, 2003, the Acting Director, Intermountain Region approved the Record
of Decision for the project. As soon as practicable, the National Park
Service will begin to implement the Preferred Alternative contained in
the FEIS issued on June 6, 2003, and modified as described in the
Record of Decision. The following course of action will occur under the
preferred alternative. Rehabilitation of the Road will be completed
over 7 to 8 years, if required funding is made available and unforeseen
delays do not occur. The cost to implement proposed Road rehabilitation
and visitor use improvements and mitigation is estimated to range from
$140 million to $170 million. This alternative accomplishes road
repairs while maintaining visitor use and access to the GTSR similar to
current conditions.
Rehabilitation will include improvements and upgrades to visitor
use facilities located adjacent to the Road. Visitor use improvements
include: improved vehicle parking and pedestrian circulation at
existing pullouts; rehabilitation of existing toilets and the addition
of new toilets; construction of five new short turnouts for slow-moving
vehicles; construction of a few new short roadside trails and
rehabilitation of social trails; designation of transit stops at
popular locations along the Road; and improved information, orientation
and interpretive information for visitors. Selective vegetation
trimming and clearing to restore scenic vistas at specific locations
along the road will occur in accordance with an approved Vista
Management Plan that is currently being developed.
To ensure that the Road remains in excellent condition following
this rehabilitation effort, the Park is seeking increased funding for
operations and maintenance of the Road. In the past, the annual
operating budget for Road maintenance has not been adequate to keep up
with necessary Road repairs. Sufficient annual funding is required to
protect the investment in Road rehabilitation and visitor use
improvements.
Mitigation as described in the Final EIS and summarized under
Measures to Minimize Environmental Harm is also incorporated into the
preferred alternative and NPS decision. NPS biologists and other park
staff will work with FHWA during project development to incorporate the
mitigation into the construction contract documents.
One concern raised by several members of the public on the Final
EIS was the planned restrictions in traffic during the shoulder seasons
prior to July 4 and after mid-September. The concern expressed was that
delaying the opening of the road across Logan Pass until July 4th would
be perceived as a Road closure and could result in more adverse affects
on tourist visits and local businesses.
In response to these comments, the NPS has decided that shoulder
season work will occur prior to mid-June and after mid-September. This
is a change from the Final EIS. The specific date in June for opening
the road across Logan Pass will be determined by the Superintendent. It
will be dependent on the construction underway, road conditions,
safety, and the weather. Prior to mid-June and after mid-September,
when visitation is typically lower, traffic will be suspended within
discrete work zones, while Logan Pass and the remainder of the Road
remain open, dependent on weather conditions, (at least 40 miles; 65
kilometers). Between mid-June and mid-September, a maximum cumulative
traffic delay of 30 minutes over the length of the Road will occur
during peak visitor hours. Longer delays will be used during the early
morning, evening, and at night. Glacier National Park will remain open
throughout the year regardless of the various travel restrictions
required during rehabilitation. This course of action and three other
alternatives were analyzed in the Draft and Final Environmental Impact
Statements. The full range of foreseeable environmental consequences
was assessed, and appropriate mitigating measures were identified.
The Record of Decision includes a statement of the decision made,
synopses of other alternatives considered, the basis for the decision,
a description of the environmentally preferred alternative, a finding
on impairment of park resources and values, a listing of measures to
minimize environmental harm, and an overview of public involvement in
the decision-making process.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mary Riddle, Glacier National Park,
West Glacier, MT 59936, 406-888-7898, mary_riddle@nps.gov
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Copies of the Record of Decision may be
obtained from the contact listed above or online at http://www.nps.gov/glac/plans.htm
[[Page 1603]]
Dated: September 23, 2003.
Michael D. Snyder,
Acting Regional Director, Intermountain Region, National Park Service.
[FR Doc. 04-412 Filed 1-8-04; 8:45 am]