99-18945. 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

[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 142 (Monday, July 26, 1999)]
[Notices]
[Pages 40355-40356]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-18945]


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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

[[Page 40356]]

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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