00-9364. New Porter Bayou, Mississippi

AGENCY:

Natural Resources Conservation Service, USDA.

ACTION:

Notice of intent to prepare an environmental impact statement.

SUMMARY:

Pursuant to section 102(2)(C) of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969; the Council on Environmental Quality Guidelines (40 CFR part 1500); and the Natural Resources Conservation Service Guidelines (7 CFR part 650); the Natural Resources Conservation Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, gives notice that an environmental impact statement is being prepared for the New Porter Bayou Watershed, Bolivar and Sunflower Counties, Mississippi.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Homer L. Wilkes, State Conservationist, Natural Resources Conservation Service, 1321 Federal Building, 100 West Capitol Street, Jackson, Mississippi 39269, telephone [phone].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

The environmental assessment of this federally assisted action indicates that the project may cause significant local, regional, or national impacts on the environment. As a result of these findings, Homer L. Wilkes, State Conservationist, has determined that the preparation and review of an environmental impact statement are needed for this project.

The project concerns a plan for flood prevention and drainage. Alternatives under consideration to reach these objectives include systems for channel improvement.

A draft environmental impact statement will be prepared and circulated for review by agencies and the public. The Natural Resources Conservation Service invites participation and consultation of agencies and individuals that have special expertise, legal jurisdiction, or interest in the preparation of the draft environmental impact statement. Further information on the proposed action may be obtained from Homer L. Wilkes, State Conservationist, at the above address.

Dated: March 24, 2000.

Homer L. Wilkes,

State Conservationist, USDA-NRCS, Jackson, MS.