TUPELO-The National Park Service (NPS) is seeking public comment on a draft Environmental Assessment (EA) and wetland and floodplain Statement of Findings (SOF) that analyze the impacts of construction of an access road (milepost 262, Lee County, Mississippi). The purpose of the project is to construct a vehicular access across the Natchez Trace Parkway (Parkway) to a planned road that access the Chickasaw Heritage Center (Center), which will be located on private land adjacent to the NPS. A direct access to the Center is needed to realize the goals of Parkway management plans, to foster a partnership with local and tribal governments, and to provide visitors with enhanced interpretive opportunity.
The EA has been prepared in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act to provide a decision-making framework that analyzes alternatives to meet the project’s purpose and need. In addition, the EA evaluates impacts to NPS natural and cultural resources and identifies measures to lessen the degree or extent of any impacts from the proposed project. The SOF complies with Executive Orders 11988, 11990, and 13690, which govern the protection of wetlands and management of floodplains.
How to Comment on the draft EA and SOF:
The public is invited to provide input on the draft EA and SOF. Comments received during the public comment period will be used to help evaluate issues and concerns to be further addressed in the environmental review process. Comments will be accepted from August 17, through September 15, 2016.
Comments can be submitted online at http://parkplanning.nps.gov/natr, or mailed to:
Natchez Trace Parkway
2680 Natchez Trace Parkway
Tupelo, MS 38804
Attention: Superintendent
Media Release/Office of the Superintendent, Natchez Trace Parkway
