98-3906. 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

[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 31 (Tuesday, February 17, 1998)]
[Notices]
[Page 7764]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-3906]


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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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