81 FR 64977 - Notice of Availability of the Final Environmental Assessment (EA) and Finding of No Significant Impact/Record of Decision (FONSI/ROD) for the Runway 13/31 Shift/Extension and Associated Improvements Project for the Detroit Lakes-Becker County Airport (DTL) in Detroit Lakes, MN

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 183 (September 21, 2016)

The FAA is issuing this notice to advise the public that the FAA has prepared and approved (August 23, 2016) a FONSI/ROD based on the Final EA for the DTL Runway 13/31 Shift/Extension and Associated Improvements Project. The Final EA was prepared in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969, as amended, FAA Orders 1050.1F, ``Environmental Impacts: Policies and Procedures'' and 5050.4B, ``NEPA Implementing Instructions for Airport Actions''.

[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 183 (Wednesday, September 21, 2016)]
[Notices]
[Pages 64977-64978]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2016-22739]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration


Notice of Availability of the Final Environmental Assessment (EA) 
and Finding of No Significant Impact/Record of Decision (FONSI/ROD) for 
the Runway 13/31 Shift/Extension and Associated Improvements Project 
for the Detroit Lakes-Becker County Airport (DTL) in Detroit Lakes, MN

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is issuing this notice to advise the public that the 
FAA has prepared and approved (August 23, 2016) a FONSI/ROD based on 
the Final EA for the DTL Runway 13/31 Shift/Extension and Associated 
Improvements Project. The Final EA was prepared in accordance with the 
National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969, as amended, FAA 
Orders 1050.1F, ``Environmental Impacts: Policies and Procedures'' and 
5050.4B, ``NEPA Implementing Instructions for Airport Actions''.

DATES: This notice is effective September 21, 2016.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Josh Fitzpatrick, Environmental 
Protection Specialist, FAA Dakota-

[[Page 64978]]

Minnesota Airports District Office (ADO), 6020 28th Avenue South, Suite 
102, Minneapolis, Minnesota, 55450. Telephone number is (612) 253-4639. 
Copies of the FONSI/ROD and/or Final EA are available upon written 
request by contacting Mr. Josh Fitzpatrick through the contact 
information above.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Final EA evaluated the DTL Runway 13/31 
Shift/Extension and Associated Improvements Project. Due to airfield 
deficiencies identified by the FAA and Minnesota Department of 
Transportation (MnDOT) at DTL, the purpose of the proposed action is to 
provide a usable, reliable, and safe primary runway at an airport in or 
near the City of Detroit Lakes that is compliant with FAA and MnDOT 
design standards, guidance, and minimum system objectives for key 
airports.
    The FAA and the City of Detroit Lakes jointly prepared the Final 
Federal EA/State of Minnesota Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), 
pursuant to the requirements of the NEPA and the Minnesota 
Environmental Policy Act.
    The Final EA identified and evaluated all reasonable alternatives. 
Numerous alternatives were considered but eventually discarded for not 
meeting the purpose and need. Five alternatives (No Action, Alternative 
3, Alternative 4, Alternative 5, and Alternative 7) were examined in 
detail. After careful analysis and consultation with various resource 
agencies, the City of Detroit Lakes selected Alternative 3 as the 
preferred alternative. Alternative 3 satisfies the purpose and need 
while minimizing impacts.
    Alternative 3 includes a shift, widening, and extension to 5,200-
feet of DTL's primary runway and parallel taxiway to meet FAA and MnDOT 
design standards and operator runway length requirements. The primary 
runway would be reconstructed to replace aging and deteriorating 
pavement. Two taxiways would be removed and replaced that connect the 
primary runway and parallel taxiway. An instrument approach to the 
Airport's primary runway with CAT-I minimums (\1/2\ statute mile 
visibility and 200-foot cloud ceiling height) to meet MnDOT 
requirements would be implemented. The Airport's Automated Weather 
Observing System (AWOS) will be relocated due to the project and 
property will be acquired to accommodate the runway and approach 
improvements. A relocation of the runway edge lights, runway end 
identifier lights (REILS), vertical approach slope indicator (VASI) 
unit, and a Medium Intensity Approach Lighting System with Runway 
Alignment Indicator Lights (MALSR) will be required. An access road for 
the MALSR will be required for maintenance activities.
    Alternative 3 includes 15.5 acres of wetland impact. The loss of 
wetlands will be mitigated through the creation of 32.3 acres of 
wetlands onsite. An additional clearing of 17.6 acres of upland trees 
and 7.6 acres of wetland trees in the Runway 31 approach to provide 
adequate clearance of the applicable airspace will be required.
    Based on the analysis in the Final EA, the FAA has determined that 
Alternative 3 will not result in significant impacts to resources 
identified in accordance with FAA Orders 1050.1F and 5054.4B. 
Therefore, an environmental impact statement will not be prepared.

    Issued in Minneapolis, Minnesota on September 1, 2016.
Andy Peek,
Manager, Dakota-Minnesota Airports District Office, FAA, Great Lakes 
Region.
[FR Doc. 2016-22739 Filed 9-20-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P