For Immediate Release: September 21, 2000
Contact: Sheri Bell  303.239.3670

Bureau of Land Management Seeks Comments on Fiber Optic Project

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the United States Forest Service (USFC), have released the I-70 Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) Fiber Optic Project Environmental Assessment (EA) for public review and comment.  The EA describes the potential environmental affects of constructing and installing fiber optic cable within the I-70 corridor where it crosses BLM and USFS public lands between Denver and Grand Junction.

Approximately 41 miles of Forest Service and 24 miles of BLM land will be affected within the CDOT right-of-way. In addition, six regeneration sites, spaced 40 to 50 miles apart, beginning at the junction of I-70 and U.S. Highway 40, will be constructed adjacent to the right-of-way. Construction and installation of the fiber optic cables will involve trenching, underground boring, or attaching fiber optics on bridges or elevated highways where necessary. Some recreational facilities will be temporarily affected as a result of construction.

Comments are invited on the EA. To ensure consideration in the BLM State Director's decision, comments must be postmarked or received by October 17, 2000, and should include:

1. Name, address, telephone number, and organization represented, if any;
2. Title of the document about which comments are being submitted;
3. Specific facts and information for the State Director to consider.

A copy of the EA will be available for review at the following offices:

1. Bureau of Land Management, 2850 Youngfield St., Lakewood, CO  80215
2. US Forest Service, 740 Simms St., Lakewood, CO  80225
3. USFS Aspen Ranger District, 806 West Hallam, Aspen, CO  81611
4. BLM Glenwood Springs Field Office, 5629 Hwy 6 & 24, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601
5. BLM Grand Junction Field Office, 2815 H Rd, Grand Junction, CO 81506
6. USFS Clear Creek Ranger Dist, 101 Chicago Creek Rd, Idaho Springs, CO 80452

Following the 30-day comment period that began on September 18, 2000, with the publishing of a legal notice, BLM will issue a Decision Record and Finding of No Significant Impact.  BLM will mail a copy of the Decision Record to whose who request one.

To submit verbal or written comments, contact Jenny Farenbaugh, Project Leader, 740 Simms St, Lakewood, CO 80225, phone303.275.5376; or John Lancelot, BLM Coordinator, 2850 Younfield St. Lakewood, CO  80215, phone 303.239.3707.

- BLM-