[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 88 (Friday, May 5, 2000)]
[Notices]
[Pages 26193-26194]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-11293]


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DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

Department of the Army; Corps of Engineers


Intent To Prepare a Supplement (SEIS) to the 1992 Final 
Environmental Impact Statement on Modified Water Deliveries to 
Everglades National Park (Mod Waters Project) to Address a Change in 
Design of U.S. Highway 41 (Tamiami Trail) Originally Proposed 
Modifications

AGENCY: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Department of Defense.

ACTION: Notice of intent.

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SUMMARY: The congressionally authorized Mod Waters project consists of 
structural modifications and additions to the existing C&SF Project 
required for improvement of water deliveries for ecosystem restoration 
in Everglades National Park. The authorized plan calls for only minor 
modification of Tamiami Trail by increasing the elevation of about 
3,000 linear feet of the roadbed. The existing culvert system was 
thought adequate to pass the maximum desired volume of water. 
Additional analysis indicates that the existing culverts are not 
adequate to do so. Therefore additional water conveyance methods will 
be analyzed.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, P.O. Box 
4970, Jacksonville, FL 32232; Attn: Mr. Elmar Kurzbach, 904-232-2325.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

[[Page 26194]]

    1. Alternatives that will be evaluated include: addition of 4 new 
bridges, relocating the road (either to the north or south) with 
sufficient culverts and bridges, installation of an underground piping 
system, and installation of a new pump and ``getaway'' channel. The 
bridge and underground piping system alternatives would include 
alternative upgrades of the existing roadbed ranging from no upgrades, 
to raising approximately 10 miles of roadbed up to about 2 feet in 
elevation, or to an elevation of 12 feet NGVD.
    2. A scoping letter and public Scoping Meeting will be used to 
invite comments on alternatives and issues from Federal, State, and 
local agencies, affected Indian tribes, and other interested private 
organizations and individuals.
    3. The Draft EIS will analyze potential impacts to local businesses 
and residents, Everglades National Park, endangered species, wetlands, 
biological resources, water quality, and recreational fishing. Impact 
analysis will be limited to issues associated with the construction of 
the improvements, only. All general Mod Waters issues were addressed in 
the original Environmental Impact Statement.
    4. The alternative plans will be reviewed under provisions of 
appropriate laws and regulations, including the Endangered Species Act, 
Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act, and Clean Water Act.
    5. The Draft SEIS is expected to be available for public review 
during the 4th quarter of calendar year 2000.

John A. Hall,
Alternate Army Federal Register Liaison Officer.
[FR Doc. 00-11293 Filed 5-4-00; 8:45 am]
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