Notice of Intent To Revise and Reissue the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) 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 Revise and Reissue the Draft Environmental

Impact Statement (EIS) 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 prepared a draft 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. In May 1997 the Air Force

began preparation of an Environmental Assessment (EA) 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 continued the analysis

of this proposal through the preparation of a draft EIS that was

released in July 1998. A public hearing was held in August 1998. Based

on comments received by the public, the Air Force will revise and

reissue the draft EIS. In addition to addressing issues raised by the

public, the Air Force will analyze additional siting alternatives

located on Horace Mesa and at a site referred to as the Bibo site. The

revised draft 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 or at the Bibo site and to

document the Air Force's decision in a Record of Decision.

The Air Force will accept public input regarding the Enchanted

Skies Park and Observatory throughout the preparation of the revised

draft EIS. Written and oral comments received from meetings and

correspondence during the preparation of the original draft EIS will be

considered in preparation of the revised draft EIS, as will comments

received by the Air Force throughout the process. To ensure the Air

Force has sufficient time to consider public input in the preparation

of the revised draft EIS, comments

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should be submitted to the address below: HQ AFCEE/EXX, ATTN: Ms Julia

Cantrell, 3207 North Road, Brooks AFB, TX 78235-5363.

Janet A. Long,

Air Force Federal Register Liaison Officer.

[FR Doc. 99-18945 Filed 7-23-99; 8:45 am]

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