80 FR 43051 - Availability of the Final Environmental Assessment and a Finding of No Significant Impact for the U.S. Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service Brooksville, Florida Land Transfer to Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University

DEPARTMENT OF AGRIGULTURE
Agricultural Research Service

Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 139 (July 21, 2015)

Page Range		43051-43052
FR Document		2015-17912

Notice is hereby given that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Research Service (ARS) made a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for the transfer of land and facilities from USDA-ARS Subtropical Agricultural Research Station (STARS) in Brooksville, Florida, to the Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) for the purpose of agricultural research. The FONSI document is based on impact analysis documented in the Environmental Assessment (EA) that was available for public comment beginning February 25 through April 1, 2015, and finalized on June 30, 2015.

Federal Register, Volume 80 Issue 139 (Tuesday, July 21, 2015)

[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 139 (Tuesday, July 21, 2015)]
[Notices]
[Pages 43051-43052]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2015-17912]


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Notices
                                                Federal Register
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This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains documents other than rules 
or proposed rules that are applicable to the public. Notices of hearings 
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Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 139 / Tuesday, July 21, 2015 / 
Notices

[[Page 43051]]



DEPARTMENT OF AGRIGULTURE

Agricultural Research Service


Availability of the Final Environmental Assessment and a Finding 
of No Significant Impact for the U.S. Department of Agriculture--
Agricultural Research Service Brooksville, Florida Land Transfer to 
Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University

AGENCY: Agricultural Research Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice.

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

SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that the U.S. Department of Agriculture 
(USDA) Agricultural Research Service (ARS) made a Finding of No 
Significant Impact (FONSI) for the transfer of land and facilities from 
USDA-ARS Subtropical Agricultural Research Station (STARS) in 
Brooksville, Florida, to the Florida Agricultural and Mechanical 
University (FAMU) for the purpose of agricultural research. The FONSI 
document is based on impact analysis documented in the Environmental 
Assessment (EA) that was available for public comment beginning 
February 25 through April 1, 2015, and finalized on June 30, 2015.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Cal Mather, Environmental Protection 
Specialist, USDA-ARS-SHEMB, NCAUR, 1815 North University Street, Room 
2060, Peoria, Illinois 61604, telephone: 309-681-6608, or email: 
[email protected]. Copies of the Final EA may also be available 
for public viewing during normal business hours at the following 
locations:

 Samuel H. Coleman Memorial Library (FAMU), 525 Orr Drive, 
Tallahassee, Florida 32307
 Istachatta Library Station, 16246 Lingle Road, Brooksville, 
Florida 34601
 East Hernando Branch Library, 6457 Windmere Road, Brooksville, 
Florida 34602
 Spring Hill Branch Library, 9220 Spring Hill Drive, Spring 
Hill, Florida 34608
 West Hernando Branch Library, 6335 Blackbird Avenue, 
Brooksville, Florida 34613
 Main Library/Brooksville, 238 Howell Avenue, Brooksville, 
Florida 34601

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In accordance with the National 
Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969, as amended, an EA was prepared 
to evaluate the proposed transfer of approximately 3,800 acres of land 
and facilities at the USDA-ARS STARS in Brooksville, Florida, to FAMU. 
The USDA-ARS signed a FONSI on June 30, 2015, based on the Final EA.
    The Final EA evaluated the proposed approximately 3,800 acres of 
land and facilities located on four separate properties at the USDA-ARS 
STARS in Brooksville, Florida to FAMU. The Final EA also evaluated 
future proposed uses of land and facilities to be transferred, 
according to FAMU's proposed Plan of Work. In accordance with the March 
1, 2014, Memorandum of Understanding executed between the United States 
Government, represented by the Secretary, and the University Board of 
Trustees, upon transfer to FAMU, the land will be used for agricultural 
and natural resources research for a period of no less than 25 years, 
supporting the 1890 land grant university mission, promoting education 
and community collaboration, and establishing a Beginning Farmers and 
Ranchers Program at the Property. FAMU would assume responsibility for 
management and maintenance of the constructed facilities and land to be 
conveyed from USDA-ARS.
    The USDA-ARS STARS was one of 10 units designated for closure in 
the fiscal year 2012 Presidential budget. The proposed transfer of land 
and facilities from USDA-ARS to FAMU would be in accordance with 
Section 732 of Public Law (P.L.) 112-55, as extended under P.L. 113-76, 
2014 Consolidated Appropriations Act, which authorizes the Secretary to 
convey, with or without consideration, certain USDA-ARS facilities to 
entities that are eligible to receive real property, including: Land-
grant colleges and universities (as defined in Section 1404(13) of the 
National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 
1977); 1994 Institutions (as defined in Section 532 of the Equity in 
Educational Land-Grant Status Act of 1994); and Hispanic-serving 
agricultural colleges and universities (as defined in Section 1404(10) 
of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy 
Act of 1977). Under P.L. 113-76, the conveyance authority expires on 
September 30, 2015, and all conveyances must be completed by that date.
    Two alternatives are analyzed in the Final EA, the Proposed Action 
Alternative and the No Action Alternative. The Final EA addresses 
potential impacts of these alternatives on the natural and human 
environment.
     Proposed Action Alternative--Under the proposed action 
alternative, the Secretary would transfer the USDA-ARS land and 
facilities to FAMU, and FAMU, its tenant(s), and/or its partner(s) 
would implement the Reasonably Foreseeable Future Actions described in 
the Final EA upon transfer of the land and facilities. The land would 
be used for agricultural and natural resources research for a period of 
no less than 25 years.
     No Action Alternative--Under the no action alternative, 
the USDA-ARS land and facilities would not be transferred to FAMU. It 
is assumed that under the no action alternative, USDA-ARS would have no 
resources to operate and/or maintain the properties and that the 
properties would fall into a state of disrepair.
    On February 25, 2015, USDA-ARS published a notice of availability 
(NOA) of the Draft EA and notified the public of a 30-day public review 
and comment period, scheduled to close on March 26, 2015. The February 
25, 2015, NOA was published in the two major newspapers serving the 
Brooksville/Hernando County, Florida area: The Tampa Bay Times and The 
Tampa Tribune. The Tampa Tribune NOA was published in both English and 
Spanish. On March 2, 2015, USDA-ARS published a NOA of the Draft EA in 
the Federal Register (FR) (80 FR 11155, March 2, 2015). To make the FR 
NOA public comment period concurrent with the local newspapers, the 
comment period was extended an additional 6 days in notices published 
in the same newspapers and

[[Page 43052]]

closed on April 1, 2015, instead of the originally scheduled March 26, 
2015.
    The USDA-ARS used and coordinated the NEPA commenting process to 
satisfy the public involvement process for Section 106 of the National 
Historic Preservation Act (16 U.S.C. 470(f) as provided for in 36 CFR 
800.2(d)(3)). During the public comment period, USDA-ARS received two 
public comments regarding the transfer of lands and facilities from 
USDA-ARS to FAMU. None of the public comments received identified any 
substantial evidence regarding significant environmental impacts 
resulting from the proposed land transfer.
    Based on its analysis of the Final EA for the property transfer, 
USDA-ARS has found that the transfer of properties could have adverse 
effects on previously identified historic properties. USDA-ARS, Florida 
Division of Historical Resources (FLDHR) and FAMU have signed a 
Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to address the adverse effects from the 
proposed transfer and to avoid, minimize, or mitigate the adverse 
effects to any previously identified historic properties. The MOA also 
stipulates a Programmatic Agreement (PA) between FAMU and FLDHR for the 
long-term management of historic properties on the conveyed parcels; 
the PA will establish a consultation process that mirrors Section 106 
and continue consultations with the FLDHR and the Seminole Tribe of 
Florida on Native American sites located on the properties. With the 
implementation of the MOA to address adverse effects on historic 
properties, there would be no significant impact to the environment 
from transferring approximately 3,800 acres of land and facilities at 
the USDA-ARS STARS in Brooksville, Florida, to the Board of Trustees of 
the Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, for use by FAMU. 
Therefore, USDA-ARS will not prepare an Environmental Impact Statement 
for this proposed action.

    Dated: July 13, 2015.
Chavonda Jacobs-Young,
Administrator, Agricultural Research Service.
[FR Doc. 2015-17912 Filed 7-20-15; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 3410-03-P

43052 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 139 / Tuesday, July 21, 2015 / Notices

closed on April 1, 2015, instead of the review and clearance under the Need and Use of the Information: The
originally scheduled March 26, 2015. Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, request for administrative review is a
The USDA–ARS used and Public Law 104–13. Comments formal letter, provided by the requester,
coordinated the NEPA commenting regarding (a) whether the collection of with an original signature. FNS receives
process to satisfy the public information is necessary for the proper the letter requesting an administrative
involvement process for Section 106 of performance of the functions of the review and maintains it as part of the
the National Historic Preservation Act agency, including whether the official review record. The designated
(16 U.S.C. 470(f) as provided for in 36 information will have practical utility; reviewer will adjudicate the appeals
CFR 800.2(d)(3)). During the public (b) the accuracy of the agency’s estimate process and make a final determination
comment period, USDA–ARS received of burden including the validity of the regarding the aggrieved action.
two public comments regarding the methodology and assumptions used; (c) Description of Respondents: Business
transfer of lands and facilities from ways to enhance the quality, utility and or other for profit; Farms.
USDA–ARS to FAMU. None of the clarity of the information to be Number of Respondents: 1,459.
public comments received identified collected; (d) ways to minimize the Frequency of Responses: Reporting:
any substantial evidence regarding burden of the collection of information On occasion.
significant environmental impacts on those who are to respond, including Total Burden Hours: 298.
resulting from the proposed land through the use of appropriate
Ruth Brown,
transfer. automated, electronic, mechanical, or
Based on its analysis of the Final EA Departmental Information Collection
other technological collection
for the property transfer, USDA–ARS Clearance Officer.
techniques or other forms of information
has found that the transfer of properties [FR Doc. 2015–17796 Filed 7–20–15; 8:45 am]
technology should be addressed to: Desk
could have adverse effects on previously Officer for Agriculture, Office of BILLING CODE 3410–30–P
identified historic properties. USDA– Information and Regulatory Affairs,
ARS, Florida Division of Historical Office of Management and Budget
Resources (FLDHR) and FAMU have (OMB), OIRA_Submission@omb.eop.gov DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
signed a Memorandum of Agreement or fax (202) 395–5806 and to Animal and Plant Health Inspection
(MOA) to address the adverse effects Departmental Clearance Office, USDA, Service
from the proposed transfer and to avoid, OCIO, Mail Stop 7602, Washington, DC
minimize, or mitigate the adverse effects 20250–7602. Comments regarding these [Docket No. APHIS–2013–0009]
to any previously identified historic information collections are best assured
properties. The MOA also stipulates a of having their full effect if they are Notice of Affirmation; New and
Programmatic Agreement (PA) between received within 30 days of this Revised Treatments for Various Plant
FAMU and FLDHR for the long-term notification. Copies of the submission(s) Commodities
management of historic properties on may be obtained by calling (202) 720– AGENCY: Animal and Plant Health
the conveyed parcels; the PA will 8958. Inspection Service, USDA.
establish a consultation process that An agency may not conduct or
ACTION: Notice.
mirrors Section 106 and continue sponsor a collection of information
consultations with the FLDHR and the unless the collection of information SUMMARY: We are affirming our earlier
Seminole Tribe of Florida on Native displays a currently valid OMB control determination that it was necessary to
American sites located on the number and the agency informs immediately add to the Plant Protection
properties. With the implementation of potential persons who are to respond to and Quarantine Treatment Manual
the MOA to address adverse effects on the collection of information that such treatment schedules for various plant
historic properties, there would be no persons are not required to respond to commodities. In a previous notice, we
significant impact to the environment the collection of information unless it made available to the public for review
from transferring approximately 3,800 displays a currently valid OMB control and comment treatment evaluation
acres of land and facilities at the USDA– number. documents that described the new
ARS STARS in Brooksville, Florida, to treatment and revised schedules and
the Board of Trustees of the Florida Food and Nutrition Service
explained why we have determined that
Agricultural and Mechanical University, Title: Request for Administrative they are effective at neutralizing certain
for use by FAMU. Therefore, USDA– Review. target pests.
ARS will not prepare an Environmental OMB Control Number: 0584–0520.
Summary of Collection: The Food and DATES: Effective [Insert date of
Impact Statement for this proposed
Nutrition Service (FNS) of the U.S. publication in the Federal Register], we
action.
Department of Agriculture is the Federal are affirming the addition to the Plant
Dated: July 13, 2015. Protection and Quarantine Treatment
agency responsible for the
Chavonda Jacobs-Young, Manual of the treatments described in
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance
Administrator, Agricultural Research Service. Program (SNAP). The Food and the notice published at 79 FR 17496–
[FR Doc. 2015–17912 Filed 7–20–15; 8:45 am] Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2011– 17497 on March 28, 2014.
BILLING CODE 3410–03–P 2036), as codified under 7 CFR parts 278 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr.
and 279, requires that the FNS Inder P.S. Gadh, Senior Risk Manager—
determine the eligibility of retail food Treatments, PPQ, APHIS, 4700 River
asabaliauskas on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE stores and certain food service Road Unit 133, Riverdale, MD 20737–
organizations to participate in the 1231; (301) 851–2018.
Submission for OMB Review;
Comment Request SNAP. If a retail or wholesale firm is SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The
found to be ineligible by FNS, or is regulations in 7 CFR chapter III are
July 15, 2015. otherwise aggrieved by certain FNS intended, among other things, to
The Department of Agriculture has actions(s), that firm has the right to file prevent the introduction or
submitted the following information a written request for review of the dissemination of plant pests and
collection requirement(s) to OMB for administrative action with FNS. noxious weeds into or within the United

VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:58 Jul 20, 2015 Jkt 235001 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\21JYN1.SGM 21JYN1

Document Created: 2018-02-23 09:22:51
Document Modified: 2018-02-23 09:22:51

Category		Regulatory Information
Collection		Federal Register
sudoc Class		AE 2.7: GS 4.107: AE 2.106:
Publisher		Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
Section		Notices
Action		Notice.
Contact		Cal Mather, Environmental Protection Specialist, USDA-ARS-SHEMB, NCAUR, 1815 North University Street, Room 2060, Peoria, Illinois 61604, telephone: 309-681-6608, or email: [email protected] Copies of the Final EA may also be available for public viewing during normal business hours at the following locations:
FR Citation		80 FR 43051

80 FR 43051 - Availability of the Final Environmental Assessment and a Finding of No Significant Impact for the U.S. Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service Brooksville, Florida Land Transfer to Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University

DEPARTMENT OF AGRIGULTUREAgricultural Research Service

Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 139 (July 21, 2015)

DEPARTMENT OF AGRIGULTURE
Agricultural Research Service