[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 176 (Tuesday, September 10, 1996)] [Notices] [Page 47771] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 96-22962] [[Page 47771]] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Notice of Intention To Extend an Existing Concession Contract-- North Cascades National Park SUMMARY: Pursuant to the Act of October 9, 1965, (79 Stat. 969; 16 U.S.C. 20 et seq.), notice is hereby given that the National Park Service intends to extend the concession contract of Lake Chelan Recreation, Inc., at North Cascades National Park for a period of three years. The current concessioner has performed its obligation to the satisfaction of the Secretary and retains its right of preference in renewal pursuant to the provisions of Section 5 of the Act of October 9, 1965, (79 Stat. 969; 16 U.S.C. 20 et seq.) and 36 CFR 51.5, under this administrative action to extend the existing contract. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This extension is necessary to allow the continuation of public services and implementation of the General Management Plan for Lake Chelan National Recreation Area. The National Park Service will not renew the contract for an extended period. The park must have sufficient time to prepare necessary planning documents and obtain necessary funding for the required infrastructure (roads, power, water and sewer systems) and for the relocation and construction of new concession facilities. The concession contract at North Cascades National Park will expire on December 31, 1998. The park does not have sufficient time to complete the full design and funding packages in order to implement these General Management Plan requirements. This planning process will have a direct effect on the nature and character of future concession activities, as well as with the Stehekin Landing and visitor access, as it deals with complex issues associated with safety, visitor services, cultural and natural resources. The planning process may take as long as five years to complete. Until the planning process is completed, it will not be in the best interest of North Cascades National Park to enter into a long term concession contract. For these reasons, it is the intention of the National Park Service to extend the current contract for a period of three years. Information regarding this notice can be sought from: Chief, Division of Concession Management, North Cascades National Park, 2105 Highway 20 Sedro, Woolley, Washington 98284, or call: (360) 856-5700 Ext. 354. Attention: Ms. Margie D. Allen. Dated: August 8, 1996. Patricia L. Neubacher, Acting Field Director, Pacific West Area. [FR Doc. 96-22962 Filed 9-9-96; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310-70-P