
[Federal Register: November 28, 2007 (Volume 72, Number 228)]
[Notices]               
[Page 67337]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr28no07-81]                         

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

 
Environmental Impact Statement: Sitka Rocky Gutierrez Airport, 
Sitka, AK

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Supplemental Notice of intent.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The Federal Aviation Administration announces that it will be 
including the assessment of the transfer of lands from federal to state 
ownership for aviation uses within the Environmental Impact Statement 
(EIS) currently being prepared by the Federal Aviation Administration. 
Public and Agency Scoping comments are being sought by the Federal 
Aviation Administration to receive input regarding the assessment of 
this additional proposed project within the EIS.
    Responsible Official: Patricia A. Sullivan, Environmental 
Protection Specialist, Federal Aviation Administration, Alaskan Region, 
Airports Division, 222 W. 7th Avenue, 14, Anchorage, AK 99513-
7587, Telephone (907) 271-5454.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Patricia A. Sullivan, Environmental 
Protection Specialist, Federal Aviation Administration, Alaskan Region, 
Airports Division, 222 W. 7th Avenue, 14, Anchorage, AK 99513-
7587, Telephone (907) 271-5454.
    Submit Written Comments, Send to: Patricia A. Sullivan, 
Environmental Protection Specialist, Federal Aviation Administration, 
Alaskan Region, Airports Division, 222 W. 7th Avenue, 14, 
Anchorage, AK 99513-7587, Telephone (907) 271-5454.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:  The FAA is currently preparing an EIS for 
the implementation of proposed projects at the Sitka Rocky Gutierrez 
Airport. Major projects already included in the EIS include 
improvements to the runway safety area; installation of an approach 
light system; construction of a parallel taxiway; construction of a 
seaplane pullout; and repairs and improvements to the airport seawall. 
These projects, along with other projects proposed to improve safety 
and efficiency and accommodate growing aviation demand, were identified 
in the Sitka Airport Master Plan.
    It has been determined that portions of property believed to be 
existing airport lands are not currently state owned, but instead are 
federally owned, and managed by the Bureau of Land Management. If the 
proposed airport improvements are approved through the EIS process, 
portions of the federal lands, including those commonly referred to as 
the Makhnati lands, would need to be transferred from federal to state 
ownership before implementation of proposed airport improvements. As 
such, the FAA is adding the transfer of the lands necessary for 
implementation of the projects being assessed in the EIS as well as 
lands necessary for other existing and future aviation uses, as a 
proposed action that will be examined in the EIS. The federally owned 
lands needed for aviation uses include segments of filled land on 
Japonski Island, Charcoal Island, and portions of submerged land 
surrounding the airport.
    To ensure that the full range of issues related to the proposed 
actions are addressed and that all significant issues are identified, 
the FAA intends to coordinate and consult with the public; tribal 
governments; and Federal, State, and local agencies that have 
jurisdiction by law or have special expertise with respect to any 
environmental impacts associated with the proposed projects.
    Agencies and the public may submit written comments via the address 
under, ``To Submit Written Comments, Send to.'' Comments must be 
submitted by December 31, 2007.

    Issued in Anchorage, Alaska, on November 19, 2007.
Byron K. Huffman,
Manager, Airports Division, AAL-600.
[FR Doc. 07-5850 Filed 11-27-07; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 4910-13-M
