Natchez Trace Parkway Initiates Public Comment Period for the Stabilization of Old Agency Road Environmental Assessment

Date: August 21, 2015

RIDGELAND, MS: The National Park Service, in cooperation with the City of Ridgeland, seekspublic comment on an environmental assessment (EA) of a project to stabilize Old Agency Road within the boundaries of the Natchez Trace Parkway. Stabilization is needed because a section of Old Agency road west of Whippoorwill Lane is threatened by adjacent land erosion related to a storm water drainage channel. In addition to maintaining the infrastructure of Old Agency road, the proposed improvements would ensure the safety of visitors and the preservation of the Natchez Trace Parkway’s natural and cultural resources.

The EA has been prepared in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act to provide a decision-making framework that analyzes alternatives to meet the project's purpose and need. In addition, the EA evaluates impacts to the parkway's natural and cultural resources and identifies measures to lessen the degree or extent of any impacts from the proposed project.

How to Comment on the EA:

The public is invited to provide input on the EA, available online at https://parkplanning.nps.gov/natr. A copy of the EA can be made available upon request.Comments received during the public comment period will be used to help evaluate issues and concerns to be further addressed in the environmental review process.If you wish to comment, post comments online at the address above, or mail comments to: Superintendent, Natchez Trace Parkway, 2680 Natchez Trace Parkway, Tupelo, MS 38804. Comments will be accepted from August 21-September 21, 2015.

Before including your address, phone 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.