Notice of Intent To Prepare Environmental Impact Statement on the Proposal to Release Federal Funds to the University of New Mexico to Construct Enchanted Skies Park and Observatory, Near Grants, NM

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

Department of the Air Force

Notice of Intent To Prepare Environmental Impact Statement on the

Proposal to Release Federal Funds to the University of New Mexico to

Construct Enchanted Skies Park and Observatory, Near Grants, NM

The United States Air Force (Air Force) will prepare an

Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to assess the potential

environmental impacts of the Air Force's decision to issue Department

of Defense (DoD) grant funds to the University of New Mexico to

construct an astronomical observatory on Horace Mesa, near Grants. The

Air Force initiated an Environmental Assessment (EA) in May 1997 to

analyze this proposal. Preliminary results from the EA indicated the

potential for significant impacts to cultural resources. In accordance

with the National Environmental Policy Act, the Air Force will continue

the analysis of this proposal through the preparation of an EIS. The

EIS will be used by the Air Force in considering whether, and under

what conditions, to approve the release of federal funds to construct

the observatory on Horace Mesa and to document the Air Force's decision

in a Record of Decision.

The University of New Mexico has proposed to use the grant funds to

build the Enchanted Skies Park and Observatory near Grants, NM. This

proposal involves the construction and operation of an astronomical

research site with a publicly accessible park that includes educational

opportunities and amateur viewing facilities. The project would consist

of a Visitor's Center, Technical Center and amateur viewing area. The

building and structures would occupy approximately 250 acres of land on

Horace Mesa with interconnected transportation corridors for hiking,

walking, delivery/maintenance, and tram/trolley traffic. Improvements

to state owned access roads would also be required.

The scoping period for the Enchanted Skies Park and Observatory

will extend through March 20, 1998. Written and oral comments received

from meetings and correspondence during the preparation of the EA will

be considered in preparation of the EIS, as will comments received by

the Air Force during this scoping period. To ensure the Air Force has

sufficient time to consider public input in the preparation of the

Draft EIS, comments should be submitted to the address below by March

20, 1998:

HQ AFCEE/ECR

ATTN: Ms. Julia Cantrell, 3207 North Road, Brooks Air Force Base, TX

78235-5363

Barbara A. Carmichael,

Alternate Air Force Federal Register Liaison Officer.

[FR Doc. 98-3906 Filed 2-13-98; 8:45 am]

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