02-11699. Holly Beach to Constance Beach Segmented Breakwaters Enhancement and Sand Management Project, Cameron Parish, LA

AGENCY:

Natural Resources Conservation Service, USDA.

ACTION:

Notice of Finding of No Significant Impact.

SUMMARY:

Pursuant to section 102 (2) (c) of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969; the Council on Environmental Quality Regulations (40 CFR part 1500); and the Natural Resources Conservation Service Regulations (7 CFR part 650); the Natural Resources Conservation Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, gives notice that an environmental impact statement is not being prepared for Holly Beach to Constance Beach Segmented Breakwaters and Sand Management Project, Cameron Parish, Louisiana.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Donald W. Gohmert, State Conservationist, Natural Resources Conservation Service, 3737 Government Street, Alexandria, Louisiana 71302, telephone [phone].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

The environmental assessment of this federally assisted action indicates that the project will not cause significant local, regional, or national impacts on the environment. As a result of these findings, Donald W. Gohmert, State Conservationist, has determined that the preparation and review of an environmental impact statement are not needed for this project.

The purpose of the project is to protect existing coastal wetlands, local communities and reduce damages to Louisiana Highway 82 during storm events by restoring and maintaining the integrity and functionality of the remaining Cheniere/Beach ridge that runs from Holly Beach to Constance Beach. This will be accomplished by the creation of beach dune and marsh habitat and reducing local wave energies by increasing the effectiveness of the existing breakwater field.

The notice of a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) has been forwarded to the Environmental Protection Agency and to various federal, state, and local agencies and interested parties. A limited number of copies of the FONSI are available to fill single copy requests at the above address. Basic data developed during the environmental assessment are on file and may be reviewed by contacting Bruce Lehto, Assistant State Conservationist/Water Resources/Rural Development, Natural Resources Conservation Service, 3737 Government Street, Alexandria, Louisiana 71302, telephone [phone].

No administrative action on implementation of the proposal will be taken until 30 days after the date of this publication in the Federal Register.

(This activity is listed in the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance under No. 10.904, Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention, and is subject to the provisions of Executive Order 12372, which requires intergovernmental consultation with State and local officials.)

Dated: April 25, 2002.

Donald W. Gohmert,

State Conservationist.