98-1794. Notice of Intent To Prepare a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the Privatized Corrections Contracting Mandate

[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 16 (Monday, January 26, 1998)]
[Notices]
[Pages 3766-3767]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-1794]


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DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

Federal Bureau of Prisons


Notice of Intent To Prepare a Draft Environmental Impact 
Statement (DEIS) for the Privatized Corrections Contracting Mandate

AGENCY: Federal Bureau of Prisons, Department of Justice.

ACTION: Notice of Intent to Prepare a Draft Environmental Impact 
Statement (DEIS).

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SUMMARY:
    Proposed Action: The U.S. Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of 
Prisons (Bureau) has been given the responsibility for accommodating 
within the Federal Prison system inmates currently housed by the 
District of Columbia's Department of Corrections (DCDC). In doing so, 
the Bureau has been mandated by Congress in the D.C. Revitalization Act 
to seek private contractors to accommodate a portion of the DCDC's 
inmate population. Over the next several months, the Bureau will 
prepare Request for Proposals to be sent to prospective contractors 
requesting proposals to house in private contract facilities 
approximately 2,200 DCDC sentenced felons by December 31, 1999 and at 
least 50 percent of all DCDC sentenced felons by September 30, 2003.
    To ensure compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act 
(NEPA) of 1969, as amended, the Bureau is undertaking preparation of a 
Program Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS). Topics to be 
studied as part of the DEIS include, but are not limited to: services, 
cultural resources, land uses, social and economic factors, hazardous 
materials, air and noise quality, among others. In furtherance of NEPA, 
the Bureau will host a Scoping Meeting which all interested persons are 
invited to attend. The purpose of this Scoping Meeting is to afford the 
public, regulatory agency representatives, and elected officials an 
opportunity to learn about and voice their interests and environmental 
concerns regarding the Bureau's implementation of the required 
privatization action.
    The Scoping Meeting is being held to provide for timely public 
comments and understanding of Federal plans and programs with possible 
environmental consequences required by NEPA. The Scoping Meeting will 
be held 7:00 P.M., Wednesday, January 28, 1998 at St. Luke's Church 
(church hall meeting room), 4925 East Capitol Street, SE., Washington, 
DC.
    Alteratives: In developing the DEIS, the options of ``no action'' 
and

[[Page 3767]]

``alternative sites'' for the proposed facility will be fully and 
thoroughly examined.
    Scoping Process: During the preparation of the DEIS, there will be 
numerous other opportunities for public involvement.
    DEIS Preparation: Public notice will be given concerning the 
availability of the DEIS for public review and comment.
    Address: Questions concerning the proposed action and the DEIS can 
be answered by: David J. Dorworth, Chief, Site Selection & 
Environmental Review Branch, Federal Bureau of Prisons, 320 First 
Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20534, Telephone: [phone], 
Telefacsimile: [phone], [email protected]

    Dated: January 21, 1998.
Jeff B. Ratliff,
Acting Chief, Site Selection and Environmental Review Branch.
[FR Doc. 98-1794 Filed 1-23-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4410-05-M