[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 191 (Friday, October 2, 1998)] [Notices] [Pages 53096-53097] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 98-26403] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Bureau of Land Management [NV-930-1430-01; NV-16095] Notice of Proposed Extension of Withdrawal and Opportunity for Public Meeting; Nevada AGENCY: Bureau of Land Management, Interior. ACTION: Notice. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The Department of the Air Force has filed an application to extend the withdrawal of 3,038,698 acres of public land for the Nellis Air Force Range. The land was originally withdrawn by Public Law 99-606 of November 6, 1986 (2,945,726 acres). There were additions in 1988 (89,000 acres) and 1995 (3,972 acres). The withdrawal will expire on November 5, 2001, unless extended. This withdrawal extension requires legislative action by Congress pursuant to the Act of February 28, 1958, 43 U.S.C. 155-158, commonly known as the Engle Act. The land is currently withdrawn from all forms of appropriation under the public land laws, the mining laws, the mineral leasing laws, and the geothermal leasing laws pursuant to Public Law 99-606. DATES: Comments should be received on or before December 31, 1998. ADDRESSES: Comments should be sent to the Nevada State Director, BLM, 1340 Financial Blvd., P.O. Box 12000, Reno, Nevada 89520. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dennis J. Samuelson, BLM Nevada State Office, 702-861-6532. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On September 21, 1998, the Department of the Air Force filed an application to extend the withdrawal for the Nellis Air Force Range. The Air Force has determined there is a continuing military need for the land and filed the application for extension in accordance with Section 8(a)(1) and (2) of Public Law 99-606. The legal description for the Range is as published in the 52 FR 2772, January 26, 1987, FR Doc. 87-1596; the 53 FR 38099, September 29, 1988, FR Doc. 88-22253; and the 60 FR 18030, April 10, 1995, FR Doc. 95-8756. The area described contains 3,038,698 acres in Clark, Lincoln, and Nye Counties. A copy of the legal description is available by contacting Dennis J. Samuelson at the address or phone number listed above. The Range is used by the Air Force as a national test and training facility for military equipment and personnel. The Range provides for realistic, secure, simulation of a battle area, complete with surface and air defense systems, command/control systems, and targets. These activities need to be performed in a secure area to ensure public safety. This withdrawal extension requires legislative action by Congress pursuant to the Act of February 28, 1958, 43 U.S.C. 155-158. For a period of 90 days from the date of publication of this notice, all persons who wish to submit comments, suggestions, or objections in connection with the proposed withdrawal extension may present their views in writing to the Nevada State Director of the Bureau of Land Management. There will be seven public meetings. The purpose of these meetings is for interested persons to comment on the proposed extension of the withdrawal and the associated draft legislative environmental impact statement. Each meeting will begin with an open house at 6:30 p.m. The purpose of the open house is for people to gather information on the proposed land withdrawal extension and ask questions. A formal public hearing will begin at 7:30 p.m. for each meeting and will continue until 10:00 p.m. People interested in the proposed extension of the land withdrawal and the associated draft legislative environmental impact statement will have the opportunity to make formal remarks. The seven meetings will be conducted at the following locations on the dates indicated: [[Page 53097]] November 9, 1998, Indian Springs Community Center, Indian Springs, NV. November 10, 1998, Eldorado High School, Las Vegas, NV. November 11, 1998, Caliente Youth Center, Caliente, NV. November 12, Pahrump Valley High School, Pahrump, NV. November 13, Beatty High School, Beatty, NV. November 16, Tonopah Convention Center, Tonopah, NV. November 17, Airport Plaza Hotel, Reno, NV. Dated: September 28, 1998. Michael R. Ford, Deputy State Director, Natural Resources, Lands and Planning. [FR Doc. 98-26403 Filed 10-1-98; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310-HC-P