Monday, Apr 21, 2008
Finding of No Significant Impact signed for construction of Phase V of the Grand Canyon Greenway at Grand Canyon National Park
Grand Canyon, Ariz. – A Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) has been signed by Michael D. Snyder, Regional Director for Intermountain Region of the National Park Service for the construction of phase V of the Grand Canyon Greenway (Greenway V trail) between Pipe Creek Vista and the South Kaibab Trailhead, located on the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park.
The purpose of the project is to continue implementation of a greenway trail system as envisioned in Grand Canyon National Park’s 1995 General Management Plan (GMP). The GMP outlined a system of multi-use, accessible trails throughout the park that, once constructed, would encourage non-motorized modes of travel and would provide a greater opportunity for visitors to experience the resources of the park. The construction of the Greenway V trail will allow for a continuous trail connection from other, already completed phases of the Grand Canyon Greenway to the South Kaibab Trailhead.
In January 2008 the National Park Service (NPS) prepared an Environmental Assessment (EA) for the construction of Greenway V. This EA, in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act, analyzed the impacts that will likely result from implementation of the project. Two alternatives for addressing the purpose and need for action were evaluated in the EA, as well as a no action alternative (Alternative A, No Action). The EA was available for a 30-day public comment period. Public comments that were received were used in preparation of the FONSI.
The Regional Director concluded that implementation of the preferred alternative does not constitute a major federal action that would significantly affect the quality of the human environment and is not an action that normally requires preparation of an environmental impact statement (EIS).
Actions under the preferred alternative include construction of a one-mile long accessible trail between Pipe Creek Vista and the South Kaibab Trailhead; reconfiguration of the Pipe Creek Vista overlook and parking area to provide for pedestrian and vehicular safety; improvements to the South Kaibab Trailhead area; and designation of a one-mile long connector trail, south of Desert View Drive, for multi-modal use that will be designated as part of the Arizona Trail. Construction is anticipated to begin in late spring or early summer 2008.
All those that commented on the January 2008 Environmental Assessment will be receiving a printed copy of the FONSI. Those interested in viewing the FONSI may do so on the National Park Service Planning, Environment and Public Comment website at (http://parkplanning.nps.gov/grca). For questions and additional information about this project please contact Rachel Stanton, Project Planning Lead at (928) 774-9612 or Michael Terzich, Project Manager at (928) 774-3402.
-NPS-
| 
