Public Review and Comment on Resolving Adverse Effects from Demolishing the Shark Valley Observation Tower Utility Area

In November 2023, the National Park Service released for public review and comment the Everglades National Park Rehabilitation of Parkwide Water and Wastewater Systems Environmental Assessment (EA), which was prepared in accordance with National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) regulations (40 CFR Part 1507). In accordance with National Historic Preservation Act Section 106 regulations (36 CFR 800.6(a)(4)), you are invited to express your views on resolving adverse effects on the following proposed undertaking through July 5, 2024.

The National Park Service developed the Shark Valley area in the early 1960s as part of the Mission 66 Initiative. Contributing resources to the area's historic significance include Loop Road (also known as the Tram Road), the Shark Valley Tower, Shark Valley Comfort Station, the Shark Valley Tower Pump House (also known as the well house in the EA), the Shark Valley Generator Annex (which is located within the utility area next to the pump house), and the Loop Road to Tower Path. The Shark Valley Developed area was determined eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places due to its association with the Mission 66 project.

The utility area is located directly north of the observation tower tram parking area opposite of the loop road and consists of two small buildings: the original generator building and a pump house (refer to photo on this page). The area is enclosed by a 5-foot 6-inch galvanized steel chain link fence. The fencing in the southwest corner of the utility area sits on a 6-inch wide painted concrete foundation wall. A concrete foundation is evident that supported the concrete unit masonry screen wall, which had been removed in past undertakings. The existing chain link fence is in good condition and is likely of more recent construction than the existing structures.

Access is provided through a 12-foot wide gate centered on the fence along the west side of the utility area. The utility area is largely planted with grass. Trees and shrubs are situated mainly along the south and east side of the area. A 7-foot by 12-foot concrete slab is present in the northwest corner of the utility area, and a pair of concrete tank supports (tank previously removed) is located directly west of the pump house.

Under the preferred alternative, the Shark Valley Observation Tower utility area pump house and generator building would be demolished to make way for the proposed potable water and wastewater improvements. The preferred alternative is anticipated to have an Adverse Effect on historic resources within the Shark Valley Observation Tower area.

The EA appendices provide location maps of each of the project areas, including the Shark Valley Observation Tower project site. The EA can be downloaded by selecting "Document List" on the left side of the page, then select "Rehabilitation of Parkwide Water and Wastewater Systems Environmental Assessment." A 508-compliant pdf of the EA is available at the bottom of the page.

Please provide input on resolving adverse effects on the following proposed undertaking through July 5, 2024. Select the "Comment Now" button to provide your feedback.

The details provided on this page, including the photo, is the extent of the information being distributed for review and comment. No files are attached.

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