95-21085. Draft Environmental Impact Statement and General Management Plan for Independence National Historical Park, Pennsylvania

[Federal Register Volume 60, Number 164 (Thursday, August 24, 1995)]
[Notices]
[Page 44046]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 95-21085]



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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
National Park Service


Draft Environmental Impact Statement and General Management Plan 
for Independence National Historical Park, Pennsylvania

AGENCY: National Park Service, Interior.

ACTION: Notice of availability of draft environmental impact statement.

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SUMMARY: This notice announces the availability of a Draft 
Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) and General Management Plan for 
Independence National Historical Park, Pennsylvania.

DATES: Written comments on the DEIS should be received no later than 
October 20, 1995.

ADDRESSES: Written comments should be submitted to: Superintendent, 
Independence National Historical Park, 313 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, 
PA 19106.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
The DEIS describes and analyzes six alternatives for future management 
of Independence National Historical Park. Alternative A (the no-action 
alternative) would minimally meet the requirements of the park's 
enabling legislation. Some small scale physical actions would be 
undertaken, but no significant development would occur and no 
structures would be removed. Alternative B would fulfill the original 
mission of the park by concentrating on the park's historic sites while 
the focus would be on the 1775-1800 period of significance. The park 
landscape would be used as a commemorative setting for the park 
resources. Primary interpretation would occur at each site rather than 
at visitor centers. Alternative C would concentrate on the evolution of 
democracy. Cooperative ventures would expand the methods and scope of 
interpretation. A new information and orientation center would be 
constructed. Alternative D would build on the synergy of the park with 
historic neighborhoods and cooperating institutions. The National Park 
Service and the city would work cooperatively to strengthen the 
perception of the park as a focal point of the Old Philadelphia 
District. A jointly operated regional visitor center would be 
constructed. Alternative E (preferred action), similar to Alternative 
D, would provide space for the National Constitution Center on 
Independence Mall. Also, under this alternative, no underground parking 
would be developed. Alternative F is similar to both Alternatives D and 
E in its emphasis on historical and physical links with the city and 
region and the use of Independence Mall for arrival and orientation. It 
differs in the arrangement of development on Independence Mall, the 
location of the National Constitution Center, and the placement of the 
Liberty Bell.

    Dated: August 16, 1995.
Warren D. Beach,
Associate Field Director, NEFA.
[FR Doc. 95-21085 Filed 8-23-95; 8:45 am]
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