Department of the Interior
Fish and Wildlife Service
- [FWS-R1-ES-2019-N031; FXES11140100000-190-FF01E00000]
AGENCY:
Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.
ACTION:
Notice of availability; reopening of the public comment period.
SUMMARY:
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), are announcing a new deadline for submittal of public comments on draft documents prepared in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The Service received an application from the City of Tumwater Public Works Department for an incidental take permit pursuant to the ESA. The applicant has requested a permit that would authorize “take” of the threatened Olympia pocket gopher incidental to construction of safety and infrastructure improvements in Thurston County, Washington. The application includes a HCP that describes the actions the applicant will take to minimize and mitigate the impacts of the taking on the covered species. A Federal Register notice of availability for the HCP and the draft environmental assessment (EA) addressing the HCP was published on December 26, 2018. As a result of the U.S. government partial lapse in appropriations, the website cited in the notice was not updated during the ( printed page 20160) entire comment period. In response, we are allowing additional time for public input on these draft documents. If you submitted a comment already, you need not resubmit it.
DATES:
To ensure consideration, please submit written comments by May 23, 2019.
ADDRESSES:
To request further information or submit written comments, please use one of the following methods:
- Internet: You may view or download copies of the HCP and draft EA and obtain additional information on the internet at http://www.fws.gov/wafwo/.
- Email: wfwocomments@fws.gov. Include “Tumwater Capitol Boulevard Safety and Infrastructure Improvements HCP/EA” in the subject line of the message.
- U.S. Mail: Public Comments Processing, Attn: FWS-R1-ES-2019-N031; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; Washington Fish and Wildlife Office; 510 Desmond Drive SE, Suite 102; Lacey, WA 98503.
- In-Person Drop-off, Viewing, or Pickup: Call 360-753-5823 to make an appointment (necessary for viewing or picking up documents only) during regular business hours at the above address.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Tim Romanski, Conservation Planning and Hydropower Branch Manager, Washington Fish and Wildlife Office (see ADDRESSES ); 360-753-5823 (telephone). If you use a telecommunications device for the deaf, please call the Federal Relay Service at 800-877-8339.