Date: November 28, 2016
Contact: Karen Thompson, 360-569-6507
The National Park Service has received two right-of-way permit applications from wireless telecommunications providers to install and co-locate wireless communications facilites within Mount Rainier National Park. The proposed location is in the Paradise area, within the National Historic Landmark District, and would not require the construction or use of a tower.
The Telecommunications Act of 1996 mandates that the National Park Service consider all telecommunications permit proposals that it receives for installations located on national park lands. Therefore, Mount Rainier National Park is evaluating permit proposals from Verizon and T-Mobile. The issuance of a permit such as this triggers the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and provides an opportunity for public comment.
Mount Rainier National Park is considering two alternatives: a no action alternative, and an action alternative. Under the no action alternative, a right-of-way permit would not be granted, and wireless cellular service would not be provided by Verizon Wireless/T-Mobile in the park’s Paradise area. Under the action alternative, the telecommunications companies would be granted right-of-way permits, enabling them to provide year-round service to their customers in the most heavily visited area of the park.
The proposed action would allow installation of telecommunications support equipment in the attics of the Jackson Visitor Center at Paradise. Antennas would be mounted on the interior of the east and west gable ends of the non-historic building, behind a special fiberglass panel designed to match the existing exterior wood siding.
Mount Rainier National Park invites you to comment on the proposal using the online National Park Service Planning, Environment and Public Comment (PEPC) website at http://parkplanning.nps.gov/ParadiseCellular or mail comments to:
Superintendent, Mount Rainier National Park
55210 238th Ave East
Ashford, WA 98304
A brochure containing additional information is provided on the PEPC website. The public scoping period will be open for 14 days ending Monday, December 12, 2016. If you have questions about how to comment on this proposal, please contact Karen Thompson, Mount Rainier National Park Environmental Coordinator at 360-569-6507. You may also contact Deputy Superintendent Tracy Swartout at 360-569-6510.
