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Date: July 10, 2009
Contact: Amy Vanderbilt, 406-888-5838
Contact: Wade Muehlhof, 406-888-7895

WEST GLACIER, MONT. – Glacier National Park officials announce that the environmental analysis and review process has been completed for proposed improvements at Logan Pass.  The Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) decision document was signed by National Park Service Intermountain Regional Director Mike Snyder on July 7, 2009. The decision to move forward was reached after careful review of potential environmental impacts and after consideration of all public comments on the environmental assessment released in February 2009.

The existing restrooms will be rehabilitated resulting in additional stalls. New waterless vault toilets will be constructed closer to the parking lot. The new toilets will remain open during the shoulder season, and will replace portable toilets.  The Going-to-the-Sun Road shuttle stop will be relocated away from the visitor center to reduce congestion and increase safety. Seating will be provided to accommodate shuttle users waiting for a bus. Either ramps or grading will provide optimal access.  Lastly, new and improved, more energy efficient propane generators will be installed to provide power to the Logan Pass operation, including the radio system and shuttle system.  Most of this work will begin during the fall 2009.  

Public comment was instrumental in park management’s decision to change the preferred alternative to use of solar power as a primary energy source.  Once solar is installed, the propane generators will become a backup power source.  Further design is required before this portion of the project proceeds.

The EA evaluated a no action alternative and three action alternatives.  The FONSI is available through the NPS planning Web site: http://parkplanning.nps.gov .