Narrowband/Digital Radio System Conversion

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The National Park Service is proposing to convert all radio communications at Grand Canyon National Park from wideband/analog to narrowband/digital technology to be in compliance with federal regulations and policies.

Below is a letter from the Superintendent requesting comments about the Environmental Assessment for the project released on June 5, 2007:

Dear Interested Party:

Grand Canyon National Park is seeking comments on its Environmental Assessment (EA) for Narrowband/Digital Radio Conversion. The EA evaluates a No Action Alternative and a Preferred Alternative that proposes to convert all radio communications in Grand Canyon National Park from wideband/analog to narrowband/digital technology, including replacing radio repeaters, towers, and antennae at up to six sites within the park and three sites outside the park. The objectives of the project are: (1) to comply with federal regulations that require all federal agencies, including the National Park Service, to convert to narrowband radio communications; (2) provide for improved park radio communications and coverage to increase public and employee safety and the ability of the park to safely and effectively conduct park management activities; and (3) to improve communications interoperability and services with other agencies.

The EA has been prepared in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). To comply with the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), a Memorandum of Agreement will also be developed with the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) that outlines how the National Park Service will consult with the SHPO and associated American Indian groups as the project moves forward. This agreement must be completed before the NEPA decision document can be completed.

A news release and a public scoping letter describing the project proposal were issued on September 20, 2006, and comments were solicited until October 21, 2006, for this project. The six substantive comments received as part of this public scoping period were considered and addressed as described in the EA.

The EA will be on public review for 30 days. The document can be reviewed online at http://parkplanning.nps.gov/grca by clicking on the project name, and then scrolling to "Open for Public Comments." People who cannot or do not wish to obtain the document online may request a paper copy by leaving a telephone message at 928-779-6279 clearly stating their name, address, telephone number and which document they are requesting.

Comments must be posted on line or postmarked no later than July 9, 2007. People are encouraged to post comments online at http://parkplanning.nps.gov/grca. Comments can also be mailed to: Superintendent, Grand Canyon National Park, Attention: Radio Comments, P.O. Box 129 (#1 Village Loop), Grand Canyon, Arizona, 86023.

Before including your address, telephone number, e-mail address, or other personal identifying information in your comment, you should be aware that your entire comment – including your personal identifying information – may be made publicly available at any time. While you can ask us in your comment to withhold your personal identifying information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so.

After the public review period, the comments received will be carefully considered before a decision is made, which is expected to be in Summer or Fall 2007.

We appreciate your input on this project and your interest in Grand Canyon National Park. For additional information, please contact Rick Ernenwein, Project Planning Leader, at (928) 779-6279.

Sincerely,

Steve Martin
Superintendent


Contact Information

Superintendent
Grand Canyon National Park
Attn: Radio Comments
P.O. Box 129 (#1 Village Loop)
Grand Canyon, AZ 86023

Rick Ernenwein, Project Planning Leader
(928) 779-6279