SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

The Amundsen-Scott South Pole station is one of three year-round stations operated by the National Science Foundation (NSF) as outlined in Presidential Memorandum 6646. The South Pole is a unique research site that supports projects ranging from cosmic observations to seismic and atmospheric studies. The South Pole Station begins austral summer operations in October of each year. The station typically remains in summer operating mode until early February, at which point the eight-month long winter season begins.

Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station sits at the Earth's axis on a shifting continental ice sheet several miles thick. At an elevation of 2,835 meters (9,300 feet), the South Pole has an average monthly temperature in the austral summer of −28°C (−18 °F); in the austral winter, the average monthly temperature is -60°C (−76 °F).

The NSF Office of Polar Programs has identified the need for a South Pole Station Master Plan. Master Plans are a common tool used across research campuses and universities to ensure infrastructure projects are guided by a clear and consistent vision of the future. The South Pole Station Master Plan will inform investments planned under the Antarctic Infrastructure Recapitalization program and ensure that the future state will achieve the mission and priorities of the U.S. Antarctic Program and the NSF.

The Rules of Conduct for panelists will be reviewed and posted during the meeting, they will include:

• Be respectful and kind, treat everyone on the call with respect, even if you disagree with their viewpoint or ideas.
• Address the problem, not the speaker.
• Verbal attacks, lectures, and curse language will not be tolerated.

General public attendees will be able to post questions in the Q&A window only.

Public Meeting: A public planning charrette meeting to address the South Pole Station Master Plan will take place virtually via ZOOM. Individuals may register to attend at this link: South Pole Maser Plan Charrette—Registration. The meetings will be held over four days: August 22, 24, 29, & 31 between 12-6 p.m. ET each day.

Notification of the time and location will be published in a newspaper, as follows:

• Public Meeting: A public planning charrette meeting to address the South Pole Station Master Plan will take place virtually via ZOOM over four days: August 22, 24, 29, & 31 between 12—6 p.m. ET each day. Individuals may register to attend at this link: https://nsf.zoomgov.com/​webinar/​register/​WN_​ZxoAb4MbSrG7rE4LZVRulA.

Please contact NSF at least one week in advance of the meeting if you would like to request special accommodations ( i.e., sign language interpretation, etc.).

88 FR 44414