JUNEAU, Alaska – The Coast Guard is currently seeking input from the public on a request to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to construct, operate and maintain search and rescue communication facilities in the Middle Cape area of the Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge.
This input continues the process under the National Environmental Policy Act used to decide on issuance of a right of way permit and to authorize construction. Submitted comments will help the service decide whether to issue a permit or if an environmental impact statement is needed.
“By participating in the NEPA process, the public will be able to review the environmental analyses on the proposed facilities that, when built, will improve communications coverage in the Shelikof Strait off Kodiak Island,” said Lt. Cmdr. Craig F. Dykes, the Rescue 21 Project Resident Office Alaska executive officer. “This assessment began last fall with a request for comments concerning the proposed facilities. At that time, the public suggested issues or concerns they thought should be analyzed. We have considered those suggestions in this EA and would like to hear if they were adequately addressed.”
This effort is the first stage of a major project designed to improve maritime VHF communications coverage throughout Southcentral and Southeast Alaska. These facilities will provide coverage in areas where none currently exists.
The public comment period runs from March 1 to April 5. The public may submit their comments by mail, e-mail, or fax. To request a copy of the document or a CD, people may phone or e-mail William Freeland of the Rescue 21 Project. Copies may also be found on the USFWS website at http://alaska.fws.gov/nwr/planning/nepa.htm.
Comments may be sent to William Freeland, Environmental Protection Specialist with Rescue 21 PRO Alaska, 100 Savikko Rd., Douglas, AK 99824-5500. People interested in receiving further information on this and other projects may also request to be placed on a mailing list.
For more information contact William Freeland at 907-463-2955.
