Optimize Training Infrastructure Initiative; preferred alternative selection,

[Federal Register: July 16, 1999 (Volume 64, Number 136)]

[Notices]

[Page 38498]

From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

[DOCID:fr16jy99-134]

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Coast Guard

[USCG-1998-4765]

Coast Guard ``Optimize Training Infrastructure'' Initiative

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of selection of preferred alternative.

SUMMARY: The Coast Guard announces the selection of a preferred alternative for the ``Optimize Training Infrastructure'' (OTI) Initiative. The OTI Initiative examines the ability of the Coast Guard's training infrastructure (training methods, personnel, and facilities) to support changing technological and operational conditions in an efficient, cost-effective manner.

DATES: In approximately four weeks, we will publish a notice in the Federal Register that announces the availability of the Programmatic Environmental Assessment (PEA) and proposed Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for public review, announces public meetings to be held in Petaluma, CA, Cape May, NJ, and Yorktown, VA, and requests comments.

ADDRESSES: Copies of the PEA and the proposed FONSI will be available at local libraries in Cape May, NJ, Petaluma, CA, and Yorktown, VA, and through the web site for the Department of Transportation's Docket Management System at http://dms.dot.gov (located at docket USCG-1998- 4765). All documents posted in the docket are available for inspection or copying at the Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, room PL-401, 400 Seventh Street SW., Washington, DC 20590-0001, on the Plaza level of the Nassif Building between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For questions on this notice, the NEPA process, and NEPA documents, contact Ms. Susan Boyle, Commander(se), USCG-MLC Pacific, Coast Guard Island, Building #54D, Alameda, CA 94501, at 510-437-3973 or at e-mail CoastGuard@ttsfo.com. For questions on the OTI Initiative, contact LCDR Keith Curran, Reserve and Training Directorate (G-WT), Coast Guard Headquarters, 2100 Second Street SW., Washington, DC 20593, at 202-267-2429 or at e-mail CoastGuard@ttsfo.com.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

The Preferred Alternative

Under the preferred alternative, we would retain all four training centers and, where cost effective, fill any excess training capacity with non-training and training-related functions.

This preferred alternative is based on the fact that the Coast Guard is currently experiencing a surge of new recruits--significantly increasing the demand on the Coast Guard's training system. Student flow has increased at the recruit and apprentice level training centers as recruiting efforts have increased. Additionally, many of our ships and stations have reduced crews, requiring individuals to be fully trained upon arrival at their new duty station, thereby increasing training demands. Therefore the Coast Guard plans to continue operations of all Training Centers and look into establishing ``Centers of Excellence'' to improve training development and delivery.

Training and non-training units not currently located at one of the training centers will be evaluated for possible relocation to the TRACENs. Once specific units are identified for relocation, we would conduct and prepare any necessary additional environmental analyses and documentation.

Dated: July 7, 1999. J.B. Willis, Captain, U.S. Coast Guard, Acting Director of Training.

[FR Doc. 99-17808Filed7-15-99; 8:45 am]

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